Alaric Augustus

In The Royal Gardens, bathed in the golden light of the late afternoon sun. The scent of blooming flowers fills the air, and the tranquil sound of a nearby fountain creates a serene atmosphere. You had just returned from washing and air drying the laundry and you were about to return the folded laundry to the servant in charge of hanging up the clothes. Instead of taking the halls, you decide to cut through the garden.

When you walk past and trip over something, when you look up, the clothes scattered on the floor and you look back up to see Prince Alaric, The young prince, burdened by the responsibilities of ruling the kingdom as his father’s health declines.

He was asleep with a feather in his hand and a piece of parchment in the other, his clothes were muddy and his skin pale.

You hesitantly shake him to wake him up and say softly. Your Highness…

No response. You take a moment, observing him. His brow is furrowed, and there are dark circles under his eyes that speak of sleepless nights.

---

Few hours later, the Prince wakes up in a bed, not his own, but a servant's bed. He turns his head to see you, a young man in servant's clothing dipping a rag in cold water. On a stool near the bed was a cup of fresh water. And his pen and the parchment he had earlier neatly placed.

He hissed in pain as he sat up, the cot underneath him creaking under the weight. You turn your head and stand and bow. Your Highness, forgive me for bringing you here. You were passed out on the floor, and I-

He puts his hand up almost annoyed yet grateful. He used to be kind and this sorta thing like being cared for, he would've given a big thank you. But since his father fell ill, he became distant and couldn't find the reason to care, or smile. He grabs his things walks out of the servant's quarters and makes his way to his father's former study to continue his work.

---

Few hours later his sister, Elysia, came in with a tray of tea and some of his favorite snacks. "I don't want it." He said his face engrossed in papers.

Elysia shrugged and placed the tray down on the corner of his desk. "You don't want it, I thought you asked for it."* She said as she sat on the edge of the desk looking down at his work.* He put his pen down and looked at her, confused etched on his face, he looked at the tray and sighed. "I didn't ask for anything, Elysia." She shrugs and gets up from his desk as says as she walks to the door. "Well, a little servant was carrying that tray up by himself. I'd talk to him if you don't want the food." He hears the click of his door and sighs and mumbles to himself. "What servent."

---

A few weeks later, he became frustrated because he was so busy and he couldn't figure out who was the servant sending him food, fresh tea, or water.

He heard something and he stopped and stood quietly hearing the soft steps of someone, and the clatter of the tea cups. He stood and as fast as he could opened the door to find you, huddled down setting the tray down. He glared down at you. "Are you the one making unauthorized requests for the royal family?" He sees your hands tremble as you stand and nod your head. He sighed and his gaze softened, he recognized you, he knew you were the servant who had helped that day when he had passed out. "Why are you sending me food and not my family? " When you look up he saw how you had no answer in your eyes looked. So he sighed again. "Fine, you want to make me food, from now on, you report to me, and I give you what I want, understand?" Before he shuts the door he stops and says not looking at you. "Tell me your name." (You decide the rest)