Arthur watched the two boys his age curiously.

The first boy is of medium height and serious-looking. He has large black eyes and dark curls that fall on his pale neck, his nose is prominent in relation to his face. It is terribly illegible for a child. In terms of hiding his true feelings and staying calm, he is better than half the court. That's worrying him a bit. The other boy is a little short for his age. His hair is shaggy brown and his eyes are blue. His demeanor, although noble, was nowhere near the first. Those two are William Paulet and Henry Stanley, his new companions in studies.

He and Henry clicked together at the same second. The boy quickly dropped his manners and started babbling. Henry apparently found it interesting that Arthur's mother was Spanish, so he officially got the nickname "Arturo". In return, Arthur started calling him Enzo, Enrico somehow doesn't suit him.

The first days of study were quite fun, especially now that he has company. William is a natural genius and scholar, it's outstanding how fast that kid absorbs knowledge. I think it goes without saying that he became a Cheke and Pole favorite in record time. In addition to great talent, he is also gifted at writing. No doubt, one day he will be a magnet for women like Lancelot. Enzo, on the other hand, although good at studying, boldly declares that he hates both teachers and that More is the only good one. Arthur can agree that the first Thomas is the best, but the two are not bad either.

It's nice to have the company of "your age", but it feels more like a duo than a trio. Due to Enzo's openness and mischievousness, he and Arthur easily found a common language. They were practically constantly dragging each other around and joking. The small problem was William. Henry didn't like him, he found him boring and arrogant. Apparently, Enzo was convinced that the black-haired boy was looking down on them and was constantly bothering them.

While Arthur was just trying to break through his wall. At first, he thought the kid just needed time. It's not like he expects honesty and trust from a person he just met, so he let things take their course. But the weeks passed and William remained a blank slate. Then Arthur tried to get him involved in as many activities as he could. During the attempt, he noticed a disturbing thing, the boy agrees with everything the prince says. Whatever Arthur asks of him, he does unquestionably. Always takes his side in arguments, even though the other side might be right. Arthur even had an honest conversation with the boy. In which he tried to explain to him that he doesn't want a parrot that just repeats everything he says. It didn't work.

This child has definitely been raised to do whatever the royal family asks of him. Arturo has to put an end to it! The only question is how? How can he show someone so stubborn and serious about his duties that he wants to be his friend and not his master? Normal methods have already declined. And the former and future king could go crazy if he is trapped with a person who always agrees with him. Well, he has no choice, desperate situations require desperate measures!

"Hey, Enzo!" He calls the shaggy boy and whispers the plan in his ear, hoping for agreement. Henry laughs like a fox. Arturo doesn't need an answer, Enzo's eyes speak for themselves. William is so done!

.

.

.

William Paulet is about to explode! He has been the prince's study companion for some time now, and it is unbearable.

His wise grandfather arranged for him this desired place. Everyone was familiar with Charles Brandon and his rise, so it's an understatement to say how much it was in demand. William always admired the older man, with whom he was closer than with his own parents. Lord Paulet, although a busy man, always found time for his favorite grandson. He made sure William knew his duty and destiny. His grandfather went from being an ordinary lawyer to one of the most influential people at court. He is practically a legend, everyone in England knows his grandfather name. Lord Paulet is not one to play court games, his loyalty lies solely with the crown.

His grandfather fought to make William the same. And he was willing to follow in his footsteps.

Initially, everything was fine. Admittedly, he doesn't like Henry Stanley or Enzo, as the prince calls him. He could not understand how his highness could keep such a rude brat with him. Stanley's tongue is quick and sharp, and the lack of respect he shows is maddening. Not only does he disrespect their teachers, the great scholars, but he treats the prince like a toy that he can drag around wherever he wants. William came close to putting Stanley in his place several times. But he stopped every time, realizing that he could not treat the son of a high noble like that. Especially since the Stanley family is ancient and is even related to the Tudors.

So William was forced to put up with him. He had no particular opinion about the prince. He had an obligation to serve him, who is William to question Arthur? Tudor can say that grapes grow on a willow tree, and he wouldn't dare believe otherwise.

Everything was going well until a certain point. Call William Paulet judgmental, but he's pretty sure Arthur and Henry are doing everything to piss him off. At first, it was little things like breaking into his words and making annoying noises while he read.

He did not react at all to minor provocations, which was surprisingly a mistake because they were getting worse. Arthur began to demand absurd things from William. The kind that leads to nothing. And Stanley was extremely nice to him. He acted like they were best friends, and he could get him into any trouble he wanted.

And that's how he found himself in the current situation. Arthur apparently "accidentally" hid his belongings in the stable. Well, the three of them have to find them, by the three of them he means himself. Because the other two obviously know where things are.

They have been here for FOUR hours, and he hasn't found a single thing. His face is so red, and sweat from fatigue and heat has practically bathed him. The straw has stuck to his body, and he can only think how he will remove the smell of horse manure. Arthur and Henry look perfectly fine, and their so obvious acting disgusts him more and more by the second. Stanley made a remark about his scent. Oh, no, he's not!

William's eyes practically pierced him like swords. His hands are clenched into fists and all the anger about the unnecessary treatment of him has accumulated.

"YOU! STANLEY ARE THE MOST SPOILED, RUDEST THING I'VE EVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET!! YOUR SHAMELESSNESS KNOWS NO END! AND YOU, YOUR HIGHNESS, MAY BE A PRINCE, BUT I GUARANTEE YOU THIS, YOU ARE THOUGHTLESS--"

His outburst of anger stopped at an unexpected sight and sound. Arthur was in front of him, rolling in the hays, as he squealed with laughter. Even his tears, from laughing too much, started to fall. The look on his face was relieved and happy. Waiting for the blond boy to calm down, William stood and stared at him in shock, completely unaware of what was going on here. Even Enzo was a little surprised by Arturo's sudden fit of laughter.

"Sorry" Arthur said with a laugh, finally regaining his composure. "Do you know how hard it is to get a reaction out of you? I'm starting to think it's futile."

Enzo chimed in, "I agree, we did practically everything to annoy you. To be honest, I'm a little jealous of how composed you can be."

William had a ton of questions, but the only one he could say was, "Why?"

"I'm trully sorry we were unfair to you, Will. I just didn't know what else to do. You know, my father's court is full of people who tell him what he wants to hear. These people blindly agree with his every decision because they believe it will bring them wealth. I doubt he has a single honest person on his side. One day, I will be the king, the lives of thousands of people will depend on my decisions. I intend to surround myself with people who will tell me like it is. Who won't play games with me. Who can tell me the most horrible truth. People who actually care about this country and want to improve it. SO IF I'M THE BIGGEST RUDE BRAT, I WANT THAT SOMEBODY TELL ME, WILL!"

William blinked once, twice, then he burst out laughing too. He no longer cared about the dirt or the stench, he just laughed at the situation. Couldn't Arthur have told him that from the start? No, actually he already tried, but William didn't listen to him. He let it go in one ear and out the other. It's better this way.

He officially became Will, and the duo became a trio.