Your duty is to ensure my safety

Darius

As if I didn't already have enough on my plate. I just fucking stood naked in front of an 18-year-old. Well, 18 isn't bad, right? At least she knows that there is something called a dick, even though the first one she saw was the one owned by the next in line to be king of Avalon. Great! Fucking Great! It’s high time I start thinking with my brain than my cock!

I hurriedly took my steaming shower, scrubbing off the remnants of the night. Flinging on my formal attire in record time, my pulse raced as I prepared to meet His Royal Highness and the queen, my beloved mother.

I strolled out of my chambers and found my right-hand man waiting for me, standing to attention in the hallway as I exited my room. He snapped his heels together, gave a quick nod, and offered a short bow from the waist.

"I don't know if I should say this, but I can't help but notice that the prince of Avalon has been deceiving his parents." I stopped and stared at him and asked,

"What do you mean?"

"If I can see it, my prince, it's just a matter of time before others start noticing it." I have no fucking idea what he's on about.

I stopped and glared at my second in command. My nostrils flared as I let out a long, angry breath, silently conveying my fury at his lack of urgency. I narrowed my eyes and arched my eyebrows in an unspoken threat. He knows I hate it when people don't get straight to the point.

"Well, the new girl..." I could feel the air filling with tension as he opened his mouth to start speaking. I wanted to hear what he had to say, yet part of me was scared of the accusations that were coming my way. I didn't want him to start accusing me, so I quickly interrupted him before he could continue.

"The new girl, what?" I barked like a dog in heat, and the man began to sweat profusely. His eyes shifted to the sides, barely able to look at my face. His mouth moved, but the words wouldn't come out. He trembled like I was going to attack him. But the bastard spoke his mind anyway.

"She left your chambers early, my prince. You can't possibly tell me she bathed you. I have been noticing this for some years now. But today, it was worse because the girl left the room, and after she did, I came into your chambers and heard the sound of running water. You are bathing yourself instead of the helpers." I released a deep, shuddering breath that seemed to echo throughout the room. The thought of being accused of such a heinous act made my stomach turn and sent a chill down my spine. I could feel the sweat dripping from my forehead, probably from the thought of imagining what he was about to accuse me of. Initially, I thought the bastard was going to accuse me of fucking the new girl.

"Your duty is to ensure my safety wherever I go; it is not to verify that I have showered or not, correct?" He took a step back and bowed a little, showing respect.

"Of course, your Highness." He answered.

"Now lead the way." He rushed forward, almost dragging me behind him as he strode purposefully towards the sitting room. The moment I crossed the threshold, I beheld my father, King of Avalon, and my magnificent mother, Queen of Avalon, seated side by side. An abundance of food and fruit was fitted upon the table, a sight that stirred within me memories of when I first returned to this kingdom two years ago and how ever since then our family has shared meals together.

I remember when I came back home two years ago. My parents welcomed me with open arms as I entered the sitting room for the first time. My father gestured for me to join them at the table, and I gladly obliged. We then began to talk about my time away and all the experiences I had gained during my travels. I saw a flicker of pride in my parent’s eyes when they heard that I was well-versed in the way of Avalon. They were pleased that, despite being raised so far away from home, I was able to understand and appreciate their culture and traditions.

We continued talking until finally, my father made sure to say a few words of blessing before we began eating, something that he does every time we have a meal together. It is a reminder for us to never take for granted what we have been given in our lives.

My childhood was spent far away from the legendary kingdom of Avalon. According to the ancient laws, I was to be hidden and kept away from the castle until it was time for me to ascend the throne. According to our tradition, I am not allowed to stay in the same house as the current king, because if, say, the castle is attacked, both kings can die. So with one gone, there will be a king to take over. I grew up in the United States. But destiny called me back two years ago, and even in a strange land, I was trained in the secret arts of my homeland. Now, with my feet firmly planted on Avalon's cobblestone paths, I am not sure I am ready to reclaim what is rightfully mine when my father is still alive.

I was bewildered when I was forced to return to the royal house while my father still drew breath. According to ancient customs, I should only have been summoned back to the kingdom upon my father's death. Yet here I was, feeling confused and betrayed by those who should be upholding tradition.

I had been in the dark for months, if not years, unaware of my place in this twisted kingdom. But upon learning the truth, I realized that the king's illness was so severe that he could no longer lead, so it was now up to me. A surge of responsibility and dread filled my entire being as I accepted my new fate. I would be forced to bear the heavy burden of ruling over this kingdom. I put the heavy burden aside and greeted my parents.

"Father, Mother. Good morning, your majesties." They both smiled and then Mother responded.

"Good morning, Prince Darius of Avalon." I hate how she addresses me. She's always formal with me.

"So has the prince seen a flower amongst the princesses since he came back from the state?" He just had to ruin my breakfast this morning!

"I am well, thanks, and you, Father, the great king of Avalon?" The clang of the spoon hitting the table reverberated in my ears, and Father's gaze burned into me like a laser. I struggled to meet his piercing stare, and the air seemed to thicken around us, as if every second I waited for an answer was another drop of water in this ever-growing pool of tension.

"I asked a question and expect an answer, Prince Darius Alexander of Avalon!" His gaze was not leaving room for excuses. My mother stretched out her hand to reach out to my father. She started brushing his hand, and I almost rolled my eyes. His sickly state made it painfully clear that marriage was inevitable, and I had no choice but to obey. My blood boiled as my stomach churned, and the thought of being forced into a loveless union nearly pushed me over the edge. Just because he's sick doesn't mean I have to take a wife right away!