Robin sat at his desk reading over his fourth report of the day. It was yet another failed mission to acquire a trade deal another town. This past winter had been a particularly harsh one, and with the upcoming one promising to be worse, the court and the people feared the kingdom would have a hard time staying on its feet. Don’t get them wrong, Requetalem was one of the most powerful kingdoms on this side of the continent, but what it had abundance of in shear power and influence, it lacked in production and crops.

He sighed as he dropped the scroll, letting it roll up on his desk. He buried his face in his hands and let out a mournful sigh.

“Are you alright, Robin?”

“Hmm.” He hummed as a reply. Oliver had been his personal servant and close friend for about six years now. While they were in public he always addressed him with his proper titles as heir to the throne, but here, in the privacy of his quarters, he’d asked him not to, a few years back. It felt more like they were good friends and made it easier to share everything with him, even with knowing that at the end of the day, Oliver always reported to his father.

Not that they weren’t friends, he thought as he looked up and watched as Oliver picked up his disregarded unfinished breakfast and set it aside to take away later. In fact, one could say no one knew him better.

Well, except maybe Ashley. And his father. Speaking of Ashley, today was the sixteenth. And on the seventeenth of every month, he would spend the day out in the town.

In the mornings, he’d take a walk, undercover, with Oliver of course, and by midday, he’d make his way to Ashley’s home, where he would proceed to spend the rest of the evening with his son, Elliot.

As the twenty three year old, (assumed) sole surviving, heir to the throne of a kingdom that outlawed witchcraft and sorcery in the royal bloodline, he had two secrets he needed to guard with his life. One of them was the fact that he had a son, out of marriage- that scandal was enough to ruin any plans of expanding the kingdom through treaties and/or arrangements. Robin shuddered thinking back on the last time his father had invited a friend of his over for some celebration. His daughter had been a little too fond of him, having mistaken the situation as an attempt to get them to court each other. Needless to say, they did not end up courting. But when he had brought it up to his father and complained about her, the conversation that they’d held afterwards had been eye opening and mind shattering.

The second secret was the fact that he had been born with an ability. Not exactly out of the ordinary, as every one in ten people had abilities, however he had been gifted with a rather powerful one. Specifically for one of royal blood. The more abilities in the family tree, the stronger the ability was in the person. Since it was a practiced custom of Requetalem that the royalty must not wield abilities, Robin didn’t have many ancestors who did, much less who developed them.

The more an ability was used, the stronger it became and the more likely it was to be passed down to the next generation. His ability which he had definitely developed, was fire based. It was also Phoenix themed. Each ability was a certain mixture of or a single element combined with a specific animal. Some magical others regular. Ashley didn’t have an ability, but she was born with compatibility.

Now, compatibility was a different thing entirely-

“Robin?”

He looked up from his journal that he’d been writing in and glanced at Oliver briefly before looking out the opened window. The sun had risen significantly and Oliver had already returned from having taken his dishes to the kitchens, two floors down.

He looked back towards Oliver when he spoke.

“The king has asked to speak with you. In his chambers.” He looked a little nervous when sharing that information. Which was odd, because other than when he spoke to April, Robin hadn’t known Oliver to get nervous easily. He must know what it’s about. And it must not be something good.

“Oh, ok.” He responded.

He wanted to know more but figured it’s be easier to just go and find out, besides, he didn’t want to put Oliver in an uncomfortable situation, he might decide to get back at him for it. If Oliver had wanted to share what it was about, he would have done so already.

He stood from his desk and followed Oliver out of the room after he waited for him to shut the door behind him. They walked down the spacious hallway littered with tapestries that told the history of this kingdom.

The left wall, was not so much a wall as a balcony in a way; each section of the wall held a tapestry and in between each tapestry was a large window. Robin walked closer to the window and looked outside to see knights trading out in the field. They were practicing without their abilities, which was… odd. Oliver cleared his throat, prompting Robin to refocus.

He turned around and saw he had missed the turn to the inner hallway that led deeper into castle.

He walked back up to Oliver smiling sheepishly and wrung his hands when Oliver only smiled thinly and nodded as he gestured for Robin to walk ahead of him instead.

He didn’t know why Oliver was seemingly upset. Maybe this had to do with what happened during their last outing to see the town and Elliot. He had been so careful to pick his undercover outfit/costume. Apparently not careful enough.

He’d had the feeling that they were being watched and followed for quite a while that morning, around three hours or so.

So he’d decided to walk down a dark alley in a not so busy section of the town. He and Oliver were followed by four unsavory characters who were apparently wanted to cash in on a bounty someone had placed on his head. He didn’t bother trying to get any information as to who wanted him dead, after one of them had rushed towards Oliver with a blade and he’d acted on instinct. Using his ability had the same side effect as everyone else. The animalistic traits made themselves known. When he used his ability, his fiery wings sprouted out and his eyes changed from white with green to black with red.

Seeing as how he didn’t really have a choice to leave any witnesses, he’d killed them all then and there. Also, the first guy started screaming pretty loudly at being burned, and he kind of panicked at the attention that it could have drawn, so he silenced them all for good. It was pretty stupid of them to not have any one with abilities in their group, but he supposed they weren’t expecting a royal to have an ability or at the very least, know how to wield it.

He looked up from the floor he’d been staring at, and slowed his pace a bit so he could walk aided by side with Oliver. Only two more turns until they reached the king’s chambers.

Oliver was one of the many servants in the castle that wasn’t mythical, compatible, or wielded and ability. He had seemed pretty upset after what happened, and upon being asked about it, he’d replied that he felt useless just sitting on the floor as he watched Robin reveal a secret that kill him and also commit murder, in self defense, might he add. He’d assured that he wasn’t useless and that it’d been his fault for not just returning to the castle that day and writing Ashley a letter or going to her office in the castle on a day she was there to tell her why he hadn’t gone to see Elliot. Oliver stayed quiet the rest of the day, but he’d been fine after that.

He was reminding him of his behavior right now, though. Robin glanced up at him just as they stepped in front of the door. Man, did they live far from each other.

He probably stayed closer to Ashley’s office room than he did to the king. And the dungeons. He didn’t like having to walk past that dark staircase every night after dinner, but at least he never walked alone; Oliver always walked him back before returning to the servant’s quarters on the bottom floor, by the kitchens.

Oliver leaned down to speak to him, his hands folded behind his back.

“I’ll be back in your dorms when you’re finished, my lord.” And with that he turned and walked down the short hallway before disappearing out of sight.

That was… odd.

Now he felt nervous. There was nothing the king didn’t trust Oliver with, he was always there. What did his father wish to speak with him about? Why did Oliver leave him?

He steeled his nerves and raised his fist to knock before the door was opened and he came face to face with a stranger. He’d felt that he’d seen him before but hadn’t officially met him. Maybe he was one of the many knights in the palace. There were a few he was good friends with, but most of them kept to themselves and were sent out on scouting missions to secure the borders.

Who was this guy? Why was he in the king’s dorm? Did he have something to do with this?

“Oh.” He said simply, his icy blue eyes staring down into Robin’s emerald ones.

He seemed to come to his senses when Robin lowered his fisted hand and didn’t say anything, only stared back.

“Uh, your majesty,” he bowed and opened the door wider for him to walk inside. Robin nodded in thanks and walked inside. He looked at his father when he greeted him.

“My son!” He exclaimed and spread out his arms for an inviting hug. He stepped forward and hugged him tightly before pulling back and smiling brightly at him.

His father clasped his hands onto his shoulders and squeezed before patting them twice and pulling him in for another hug.

Robin slowly hugged him back, a little concerned at his weird behavior and heard the door shut behind them.

He went to let go of his father to turn and check if the knight had left.

“Uhmm, father?”

Robin asked when he didn’t let go. Why’d it feel like he was trying to comfort him before giving him bad news?

The king pulled away and gestured for Robin to follow him to his desk.

As he sat down he gestured to both of the two chairs on the other side. Robin sat in the one on the left, at the king’s right. He turned when he watched the knight who had still been there apparently, sit down next to him.

He looked at his father with a questioning expression. "Father, what's going on?”

The king sighed. “I know about what happened that last time you went on your little escapade to see the town.”

Robin’s eyes widened and he glanced quickly at the blond before looking back at his father. He wasn’t going to mention his power was he? Only a handful of people knew about it, and why was it that Oliver couldn’t be here for this conversation but some random knight could. Who was this person?

The king continued. “It has come to my attention that certain… crafts are being… crafted to dampen one’s ability or their connection with magic.”

Woah. That’s not what Robin thought he was going to say. “What? How? When- where?”

The king lifted a regal hand in a placating manner. “I don’t know, my son. But I do know that it has become that much more dangerous for you to go out.”

“But-“

“Patience. Let me explain. The majority of the people are not mythical nor do they have ability or compatibility. Some that do, however, wish to take advantage of this gift granted to them. They wish to do evil and bring everyone around them, beneath them, to ruin and slavery. They have a taste of power over others, and disregard the responsibility that comes with it, for the promise of control. One of the first things to go in their plan to overtake every kingdom is the monarchy, and while we ourselves, or at least most of us, do not wield abilities and are not capable of defending ourselves, we have people to protect us. We will not be their first target, the others will be. Our knights have received the rule today that they will train every other day without their magics or powers. Because they need to learn how to defend themselves should this device of theirs works.”

“What device? Wait. Who’s they?”

“Bad people, my son.”

“I’m not a child. Don’t I need to know-?”

“No, you don’t. Not yet anyway. What you do need however, is to learn how to defend yourself and you need someone who can defend you without powers by your side.”

Robin’s questioning gaze followed his dad’s to the knight he’d almost forgotten was there.

“Wait. You can’t replace Oliver.”

“Yes I can.”

“What? Hold on. What makes this guy any better?” He stood and turned quickly to the guy who was watching with amusement, “no offense,” Robin turned to see his dad had stood too, walking over to another table and pouring some wine into a goblet.

“But Oliver’s been my companion for years, and he-“ He walked closer to his father and lowered his voice. “He already knows everything.”

“Oh, so does Ben.”

…huh? He didn’t know how to feel about that. The fact that his father who trusted so few, had so easily told Ben about his powers and possibly also his son? It should make him feel reassured that this Ben was a trustworthy person. Instead he felt angry.

“Why? I don’t understand.”

“Ben’s ability is enough to protect from any threat you might face out in the town and further. Your twenty third birthday is coming up and you have to start introducing yourself into the royal world. Which means, more socializing, more deals and more visiting other kingdoms. Also, addressing your people and getting to know them as yourself and not some peasant on the street. Earning their loyalty and respect which is already yours, but trust me” He shrugged and took a long drink from his cup, “You’ll feel better about it if you at least try. You need someone to train you how to fight without powers. Ben’s been trained since birth.”

At that, Robin turned to Ben who had stood from the chair and was standing with his arms behind his back, facing them both. He nodded in confirmation at his father’s statement and smirked at him confidently. Or cockily more like.

He irritated him.

The prince was shorter than Ben thought he’d be. Specially with how tall the king was.

He also didn’t seem to like change much, judging by how he continued to argue with his father about Oliver being enough for him. Really, he was making it sound like the king was arranging for their marriage.

He was being dramatic.

Ben cleared his throat and took a step forward. “If I may,” he paused when the prince shifted his angered gaze to him, but continued when the king nodded in his direction, taking another drink from his now second cup.

“Perhaps a demonstration is in order to show the young prince the importance of having a powerful companion,”

He looked towards the prince, using the same term he had used when referring to Oliver.

Robin scoffed quietly at the use of the word ‘young,’ he was pretty sure he was older than this kid. However short he may be.

The king, who had become disinterested in his son’s ranting, seemed to light up at the idea. "Excellent suggestion, Benjamin," the king said, setting down his cup.

He turned towards the prince and gestured to Ben. “This would be a wonderful time for you two to get to know each other. You should take him back to your dorm and use the spacious training room to spar. No powers, and try not burn the castle down on your way.” He added the last part seeing how angered Robin had become. He understood that he didn’t want change but it wasn’t the need of the world.

He looked to Robin and lifted his chin gently to make him meet his gaze. His glared softened and the king reassured him; “You will still see Oliver every day. But instead of taking him everywhere, you will take Ben everywhere. And you must let Benjamin know where you will be at all times if for some odd reason you can’t take him with you.”

“So he’s less of a personal servant and more of a bodyguard.” It wasn’t a question. He was just stating it to see if hearing it would make the king change his mind as Robin was one of the most powerful people in the kingdom. With his power that is. Maybe this wouldn’t be all that bad.

He had just lost too many people in his life already and the fear of losing yet another person clouded his judgement.

He turned towards Ben and offered a small, reluctant nod. "Alright, let's go then.”

He walked out of the door and turned down the hallway before pausing and turning around to see if Ben had followed.

He had. Rather closely.

He almost bumped into him when he turned. He was quiet.

Robin looked up at him and turned around as quickly as he had turned back. He walked a little fast and then slowed down, realizing he was being quite rude.

Ben looked down to the short prince as he seemed to make an effort to slow his pace and walk side by side with him. He seemed to be struggling with what to say; so he decided to start the conversation.

"Do you have any preferences or routines I should be aware of?”

Robin startled out of being lost in thought and looked down the hallway as they turned to the outer hallways of the third floor. “I… don’t like being woken up early if possibly avoided. I usually go to bed late. I don’t walk back to my rooms alone.”

Ben paused at the last one for a split second and then kept walking. “You mean… you mean you-“

“I mean you walk with me and then you walk back.”

Robin spoke quickly, seeing the misunderstanding starting to form in Ben’s mind and trying to stop it before it solidified.

“Oh.” They walked in silence for a moment before Ben spoke up.

“Walk back?”

At that Robin looked up at him in question. “Yes?”

“I’m going to be staying in the training room. The king has already had my things moved there-“

“No.”

Ben looked to his side to see the prince was gone and turned to see him practically running back to the king’s chambers, possibly to demand a change in sleeping arrangements. He chuckled quietly and decided to keep heading towards the prince’s chambers.

There was an empty guest room at the end of the hall across from his rooms anyways. He had suggested that as an alternative but the king had refused. Perhaps his son would have an easier time convincing him.

He seemed to be stubborn and strong willed. It would be hard to keep up, specially with his seemingly instant distrust of him. But he’d change that with time. And soon enough they’ll become an unstoppable pair. Ben smiled to himself, thinking about the determination and the fire burning inside the prince's eyes.

This was gonna be fun.