This is a private roleplay between me and Nevermore. Anyone is free to follow along but please refrain to this post if you are not either of us. Thank you!

An arrogant third prince, who wants nothing to do with the political intrigue of the throne finds himself at odds with the not only the very family he was born into, but the people who are suppose to serve him.

A knight who though born into hardship, was able to rise the ranks into the royal guard. Diligent, and observant, He can be considered a Knight above the rest

So how does a knight and a prince go from from strangers to something possibly more?

A Fantasy Royal Knight X Prince semi-lit roleplay

It was cold that morning, a chill nipped at Arno's cheek as he shut his eyes tight, curled up under the layers of furs and blankets on top of his bed. With one hand, he pulled up the blankets over his head while with his other he fished around in his bed. Contrary to last night, his bed mate was now gone, what time they left was anyone's guess but his own. Arno had no real attachments to any of the lucky people who were allowed to share a bed with him, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness when he realized he wasn't able to leach of their body heat that freezing morning. One of the good few reasons to keep someone over during this time of year.

Light beamed into the room as the shutters to his room opened noisily. Arno curled into himself further at the action, an agitated groan filled the room as he buried deeper in his bed. Last night was... Eventful, to say the least. He had slipped away to less than savory private party at some lower nobleman's estate, who knows where, and returned back who knows when, resulting in what was now the consequences of his actions: a splitting headache. Not that he hadn't dealt with worse in the early morning hours. He just hoped that him and his now long gone companion had gotten at least a reasonable amount of sleep.

" Your highness, It's time for you to wake up, his majesty the king has requested your presence at breakfast this morning."

Arno recognized that voice, his favorite(read: not), maid had come to fetch him. Curt but soft spoken, Ange was bit of a contradiction in that sense. Never afraid to go toe to toe against him, but always polite to the rest of "lovely" family. Though, he really wouldn't want her to be any other way with him. It felt real compared to the fake sounding pleasantries the rest of the royal servants would smother him and his family with. Still didn't mean he was thrilled to be woken up.

" Five more minutes Ange or I swear my family with have to face a spirit instead of their beloved son and brother."

" You highness, you're already late as it is, get up before I have to drag you out myself. I'll help you dress and down to the dining room, then you can fall asleep in your meal if you so choose."

Arno grumbled before he clumsily untangled himself from sheets, begrudgingly presenting himself before the petite girl to dress him. Ange would make quick work of him, chastising him the whole process before leading him to his family. She always did good work of dressing him, picking outfits that would complement him that day, so he could never truly complain. he was particularly fond of the rich navy waist coat with gold embroidery she had chosen. Following her lazily like a dog, Arno wanted nothing more than to get this breakfast over and done with so he could sleep the day away.

The gentle breeze swayed the shutters on the windows, a pale yellow light filtered in and played on the wooden floors. He laid on the stiff bed in his cool sheets. One foot was sticking out and his back had a cold sweat. He hated being hot and yet he just radiated it. His hand groomed through his bright orange hair. He didn't want to get up. It was earlier than most of the palace workers but that was the life of a guard. At least he'd gotten away from the pesky night shift. He had just one thin blanket over his bed, the standard for the guard quarters. Finally, Knox got up. He pulled his shirt over his head, and started to button up the jacket to his uniform. He brushed his hair, and zipped up his dark brown knee-high boots. He gazed down at his scuffed up boots and sighed. Perhaps he should oil those when he got off shift that night.

-

The morning was foggy, cloaking the forest and the town that surrounded him. The sun's rays were cold, and unfriendly. His breath bellowed around him and the only other sound that Knox could hear other than his footsteps as his flat-soled shoes hit the sticks was a mourning dove. The morning star still shone above the man as he walked along the stone wall separating the palace from the dark oak forest. His blue eyes scanned around him for any sort of movement. Frost clung to the trees, masking them in a white frosting. Once he hit the dirt path into the courtyard he turned, and towering before him was the palace. It was breathtaking, truly. The guards quarters were outside of the wall, pushed into the forest a bit, hidden from any stray wanderers. Just like the maids, the guards were all closely knit and knew everyone's business (thanks to the maids running mouths). Knox didn't pay any attention to that, it wasn't useful, nor a good way to spend his time. A mutual nod was established between Knox and a graveyard shift guard as they passed, bumping shoulders gently. He wanted to tell the man to sleep well, but he kept his mouth shut. Discussions weren't permitted during shift changes, and for good reason.

-

His footsteps echoed around the empty foyer of the palace as he walked through the entryway. The smell of the royals breakfast cooking drifted through the walls like a ghost teasing him. He wouldn't eat until noon, and even that was a half hour break that he'd get to eat. It was a hard life, but at least he had a job, a roof over his head and didn't need to plow a field every morning. He didn't need to be in his spot guarding a side entrance for another hour or so, so he and a group of other guards stood in the corridor, making small talk. Well, the others were. Knox instead listened to them clucking like a bunch of hens to the maids that had come to join them. He stood on the outskirts of the circle, listening while gazing up at the painting on the ceiling. The one maid that Knox knew the name too passed by, stopping to shoo the gaggle of people in the middle of the way. “Go to your positions. The prince is about to get up. I'm on my way now.” Knox tore his eyes from the painting, and looked at Ange. He nodded and he followed his assigned partner to their positions. They overlooked the garden, which was a lovely view, but it was ever so boring. He leaned against the cool stone of the palace, and crossed his muscular arms over his chest. “Maybe today will be the day something exciting will happen.” He mumbled, his eyes scanning the grounds in front of him.

Knox

____________

The birds that fluttered around overhead were colorless, implying that these were songless females. Knox watched the interactions between the birds and the way that they communicated. The small chirps and small body movement, it was fascinating to him. An orange male landed on a branch, seemingly watching the hens as they went about their business. “Ugh.” His partner out of nowhere. Alerted by this, Knox turned to look at the shorter man. “Is everything alright?” He asked, scanning the man for any signs of injury. He seemed to be fine. “I'm just so bored.” The brown haired man muttered, kicking a rock. “Don't do that.” Knox scolded, “Don't be childish. You knew what you were getting into when you signed on.” He scowled at him. “Be grateful for the job.” Wistful gaze returned to the birds dancing overhead in a silent waltz.

-

Maids came and went through the garden, carrying baskets to do washing, fetching water to mop the halls, and whatever else they did. One was walking a royal looking dog. “The mutt dresses better than I.” He mumbled, watching it strut away. It walked like it paid the bills. It was almost as snotty as the Queen's offspring above him. He had his doubts about where her Majesty's loyalty lay but once again, none of his business. If he wanted it to be, he'd be a politician, perhaps run a newspaper. Alas, he stood in a doorway bird watching instead. It clearly was the superior job. Suddenly, the birds took flight, something startling them. A disappointed sigh escaped the man as he watched his entertainment fly away into the horizon. Perhaps he ought to buy feed for them to attract more to watch while on duty. The rush of maids coming back towards the palace was a fun sight. One tripped over her own apron she'd failed to tie right, and another lost her shoe. She turned back to fetch it before continuing on with it in her hand. “That's a sight to see.” He chuckled, crossing his arms over his wide chest, smirking in amusement. “I wonder if the prince gave the King a stroke.” He mused, putting full weight on the soles of his boots from where he'd been leaning. “Stay here.” He asserted, strolling forwards in a calm, confident manner.

-

Knox sauntered down a foyer, not too far from the gardens. The wafting smells of the royals breakfast was cruel. It smelt simply divine. He lazily weaved about the hall, whistling a tune to himself. He paused, standing in an arch overseeing the Queens rose collection. Hands behind his back, standing in a General's stance as he rested his gaze upon the now dead bushes. The thorns still stung just as bad when during hibernation periods. Thorns were the one bad thing about roses, one wrong move and you'll be bleeding. It was far too similar to any sort of relationship. Sweet one moment, stabbed the next. He turned upon hearing descending footsteps. Something was happening, and this was good. The guard was now alert, looking around for any sort of danger. Hands still behind his back, he continued on with his stroll.

-

His breath floated away from him, encased by the brisk air. Shouts from down the foyer caught Knox's attention, and he stood up straighter, trying to get a gaze at what was happening. He wasn't nosy, it was simply just his job to be prepared. A herd of people came barreling at him from around a corner. His blue eyes got wide as he tried to step out of the way. The maids' shouts were all getting tangled and echoing in an odd fashion. Get him? Get who? That ‘who’ barreled into him, nearly knocking him back. A sweet, almost woody smell radiated from this man. He was blown away just from how good he smelled. His hands firmly planted on the others shoulders, holding him there. “Now calm down.” He told the flustered, out of breath maids. “One at a time, what is going on?” His blue eyes scanned the seemingly angry scowl on, who he believed was the third in line Prince. “Your Majesty.” He said, giving him a quick nod of respect. “Do you care to enlighten me?” Knox's voice was monotone. He had no sides to this fight, nor would he pick a side, and he wanted his bored tone to reflect that. More people approached, each of them looked just as angry as the Prince. The guard didn't dare let go of the man, knowing he'd simply just sprint off again. Knox had no doubts that he'd easily be able to overcome him, but his intention was not to be a threat to the prince, and chasing him would cause flight or fight to kick in. “Where shall I escort him?” Knox asked, scanning the man's face. He was clearly distressed about something, and that rang a bell deep in the back of his mind. He knew that look, and he knew it well. “Well?” He demanded to the maids, “Speak up. No one can understand your mumbling.” The maids parted ways, allowing the head maid to step forwards. Knox fell silent, allowing her to give him orders.