'Go in and do you best. If you cure him, great, if not, that's too bad, then return to your village with your head still attached to your shoulders,' was the plan Arthur formulated during his carriage ride to the castle. The plush seats were perhaps the softest think he ever had the luxury to sit on, which made him wonder what kind of conditions he would be exposed to while in the Royal Castle itself. Maybe they would give him a servant's room where he would sleep on a plank of wood and be served a slice of bread. Or maybe he'd receive a room reserved for visiting dukes and barons with canopy beds and queen sized mattresses.
It was also now more than ever that Arthur wished he had his mother here to provide advice on what to do and give him tips on suppressing his magical tendencies. At least he wasn't as bad as when he was a child. Back then a fork would just suddenly fly up from the dinner table and launch itself at his brother's head. But still, when he was feeling angry or overwhelmed, maybe a window would crack or a fairy stop by and try to comfort him. He appreciated the fairies, but tried to avoid them as much as possible as talking to them made him look very suspicious as well as straight up crazy.
While lost in his thoughts, Arthur hadn't even noticed the horses had stopped their constant patter when sunlight suddenly streamed in through the open door and he was escorted to the front gates.
To say the castle was magnificent was an understatement. He had never seen anything like it apart from in books. Long windows stretched up and down between smooth white stone. Banners of blue stood out from the monochrome bricks and accented the dark wood doors that marked the entrance.
Prince Alfred himself was waiting for him through the entrance gates. He dismissed the staff with a wave of his hand before beaming at Arthur with his sunshine smile. His long blue garments, decorated with spades, fit perfectly in with the surrounding castle.
"I hope you had a smooth ride over? The trip is quite lengthy, it was very kind of you to agree to come over." Prince Alfred explained as he began touring the castle.
Arthur gave him a tight smile. "Of course, my Prince. It would have been almost equivalent to treason to decline," he said somewhat jokingly, but partly serious.
Alfred wrinkled his nose. "'My prince' is way too stuffy and formal. Everyone just calls me Alfred."
"Ah, ok... Alfred," Arthur replied somewhat awkwardly.
Alfred grinned, hooking his arm through Arthur's and taking his bags, "That's more like it! Now, let me show you around."
/
After what seemed like hours of traveling through long hallways, decorated with expensive carpets and doors upon doors leading to yet another ballroom or parlor, they finally made it to Arthur's room.
On their way they had run into Alfred's twin brother, Prince Mathew. Admittedly, Arthur hadn't even noticed him passing in the hallway until Alfred pulled him over and introduced them. When Alfred said his brother was sickly, he wasn't lying. The prince's voice was feeble at best and his skin was unhealthily pale. He didn't stick around long and hurried down the hall after a quiet goodbye.
Arthur's room was average sized and very well kept. He mentally berated himself for thinking it would be anything different. There was no lush canopy bed or huge vanity of course, but there was a well kept bed and a small dresser to go with it.
Alfred pushed into the room and set Arthur's bags on the wardrobe, "I know it isn't much, but this is one of the the normal rooms we use for visiting doctors and such, so hopefully it will be ok. If you need anything, just let me know!"
"Nonsense Alfred, I'm sure you're busy, and you have already been kind enough. There is lots of staff around that I'm sure can assist me,* Arthur replied.
Running a hand through his hair, the prince sighed, "That reminds me, I have some stuff to get done. But I'm serious, don't hesitate to give me a shout for anything, yeah? I'll see you later."
Once Alfred had left, Arthur set out to unpack his clothing and place it in the wardrobe, as well as find out where the king was to hopefully start his work right away. But after stepping out of his room with a bag full of colourful liquids and plants, he realized he had no idea where to go.
Deciding to head right, opposite the way he came from, Arthur journeyed through the old castle halls like a man on a mission, determined not to ask anyone for help lest his pride be hurt. But the ornate decorations and stone walls blurred together very fast, and soon Arthur realized he was hopelessly lost.
/
The man was just about ready to swallow his pride and ask a passing servant when a "Pssst! Over here!" was heard from around a corner.
"Huh? Who's there?" Arthur wondered aloud, turning the corner but stopping dead in his tracks once he found the speaker.
Flying mint bunny flew up and circled Arthur excitedly before resting on his shoulder and nuzzling his face. "It's so good to see you Arthur! I missed you!" She exclaimed.
"Bunny!" Arthur hissed, pushing her away, 'You can't be here!"
"But why? Your lost and I know my way around!"
Looking around to see if anyone was watching, Arthur said, very quietly, "Take me to the king."
The magical rabbit flew happily in a loop before soaring up ahead. "I know these halls better than anyone, I'll get you there in no time Arthur!"
"God help me…" Arthur muttered as a reply.
True to her word, Flying Mint Bunny led Arthur straight to the king's bedroom. She tried to stick around, but he was quick to subtly shoo her away. He felt bad for being so cruel to a long time friend, but now was really not a good time.
/
A huge dark oak door that looked purposefully out of place served as the entrance to the king's chambers. People were constantly entering and exiting the room, some carrying trays of expensive, barely eaten meals while others came bringing fresh sheets and blankets. Arthur was just about to enter when a hand roughly grabbed his shoulder and stopped him.
"I'm sorry, but do you have the authorization to enter the king's private chambers? Not just anyone is allowed to stroll right in."
Arthur turned around to see an older man with a long, dark ponytail and expensive Spades attire staring at him with a calculating gaze.
Arthur stared right back at the man, moving out of his grasp. "I am here with medicine for the king's illness. I was invited by Prince Alfred to stay and would appreciate it if you allowed me to get on with my job."
The man's gaze grew knowing instead. "Ah, I see. You are the pharmacist from the east the young prince spoke about. Well, I am Yao Wang, the Ace of this kingdom, so if you have any questions or concerns feel free to speak with me. I wish you the best of luck," Yao replied with new warmth in his tone, reaching out his hand to shake.
Realizing he had just openly disrespected one of the most important members of the kingdom, Arthur quickly shook the Ace's hand and apologized. "I'm very sorry for my attitude, I did not realize," The elder man simply nodded and wandered away.
Turning back to the door, Arthur made his way across the threshold and entered the bedroom with a bad feeling.
/
woo this chapters done. It is pretty much filler for the next chapter, so sorry if it was very boring. The plot should pick up form here and start getting interesting I hope. Thank you for reading. Hope you have a good day / night :)