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callofdudes · 4 months ago

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A/N: It has been an extremely busy and stressful couple months for me, plus I am working on several big projects as well as getting dragged back into the marvel fandom with the new D&W movie. And I know I still have a lot that I need to get out for my buddy, and he's been incredibly patient with me. That's his gift to me, and I wanted to give him a little something back as it's his birthday. @itsscromp I hope you enjoy this little royalty AU that I scrapped together. I had a lot of ideas for this and I struggled with figuring out something, and I didn't want it to be a stupid birthday themed post... But as my schedule fucked me sideways on a bed of nails, that's what I've brought you.

3.4K+ words.

The Birthday of a Prince/Princess.

The sun glimmered through the window, its warmth casting over your face, washing you on the new day. The curtains flickered softly, the soft satin pushed out of the way by firm hands and tied back by the delicate fabric's rods. The sun's warmth is welcome on the quiet August morning, your eyelids slowly flickering open.

The sun fills your soft irises, the glow reflecting their warmth. The sun was your body's reminder to rise and you stretched your arms high above your head, knuckles brushing against the wood headrest. An involuntary yawn as your toes wiggled to lose that sluggish feeling that fills you early in the morning.

Your gaze flickered toward the window, a soft smile graced your lips when Simon turned back to you after fixing the curtains. He placed his gloved hand back on the pommel of the sword at his hip, the chainmail across his broad chest clinks and slides, a familiar sound you'd grown to listen for his presence.

"Good morning." You whispered, your voice not ready to conjure up much else.

Simon gave you a respectful nod. "Good morning, Your Highness." He paused briefly, "Did you sleep well? I figured you could use the extra hours." It was your birthday after all. Usually, you'd be up much earlier, your mother talking off your ear at the breakfast table. Or your father would have you out in the crisp autumn air for archery, the air soaking into the layers of your clothing and sinking into your bones. But today you could sleep in. Today is your birthday.

"Mm, thank you, Simon. I did."

He nodded again and stood post by your bedside, allowing you to take your time. As you rubbed your eyes and sat up, a knock came to the door, prompting Simon's hand to tighten briefly on his sword, but it was just morning coffee.

"Your Highness." The maid wandered over, wary of Simon's incredible stature as she set the tray of coffee and tea on the small table inside your room.

"Thank you." You swung your feet over the side of the bed and yawned again to shake yourself free of the night, the claws of sleep releasing from deep within your shoulders and sinking back into the darkness.

"What's on our schedule again?" You prompted Simon while you went for coffee, craving the sweet medieval version of a modern-day coke shot. (Positive.)

Simon adjusted his stance and kept a watchful eye on you, a fond one. He'd mellowed out a lot over the years, you remember when he first became your knight and it was all about the rules and following the higher-ups. Well, he's learned from you that sometimes it can be fun to ignore said rules.

"Well, a certain king is coming over for lunch, his knight and a certain poet might also be there." He said casually, but you perked up, a little smile crossing your face.

"After lunch, I hear they have a few surprises for you, and there may be some archery." He paused for dramatic effect. "But that's all speculation."

You chuckled. "Oh yes, "speculation", get down here and have some tea mister." You beckoned him over, and he wouldn't deny another delicious cup of tea. He took his sword off his belt and laid it down, kneeling across from you at the table and picking up the cup of tea you offered him. "Thank you, Your Highness."

You raised your cup to clink his, knowing it always made his eyes roll, and right on cue, there it was. That long, dramatic flick of his eyes, amber catching the light from the window and lighting up like gold. You always told him they were beautiful, but he was quick to dismiss your antics and go back to his post like you weren't a little pain in his ass.

"I hate tea parties." He said monotonously.

"Mm, not with me." You tilted your head and gave him a cheeky smile.

"You're lucky it's your birthday, kid."

-------

Once you had gotten dressed you slipped on a light coat and wandered out to the garden to breathe in the fresh air and stretch your legs somewhere outside of cobblestone floors and delicate tapestries at every corner. Here you could get some peace, away from the hustle and bustle of every servant and worker wishing to entertain your every will and whim.

Simon followed. The slide of chainmail and the shift of his boots remained faithful to your ear while you walked. His hand rested at his hip, his gaze scanning over you, and then down at the flowers that sprung up from the ground and branched toward the sun. Would it be too forward to think they might be greeting you? Maybe if it were possible he'd make it seem so. He didn't like to get melancholy but wanted to do more for you every day.

The bushes rustled beside you, and Simon was immediately snapped from his thoughts, sword breaking away from the clasp of his sheath, but your hand rested on his forearm to stop him.

"Just the animals." You watched the bush as some birds fluttered away, causing a squirrel to scramble from his hiding spot to a new one.

Simon huffed and slowly returned his sword, and he could feel the grin widening on your face. "Shush."

"Did it scare you?" You snickered, and Simon resisted to get you back for constantly teasing him. Although, he teased you back just as much, so maybe this birthday is just a big prank on him.

"Was just thinking too much." He grumbled but didn't attempt to push your hand off his arm. Instead, you tightened the hold, leaning into him. "Oh, dangerous. I can't have you thinking you have free will. What if you ran off?"

"You're weird." He reached a gloved hand to ruffle your hair into your eyes, forcing you to release him to fix it. "Ah- how dare you!"

He snickered, lightly shaking his head, and returned to his strong stature, looking away from you when you fixed your hair. "Just you wait mister." You stuck your finger near his face, and under that stupid mask, you could feel that cheeky little smirk.

But you loved it. It took you a while to get to this point with him, but you wouldn't take it back for the world. He remained the same man who could effortlessly cut down anyone he thought would test your life while letting you sleep in for your birthday.

-------

It was nearing lunch when Simon got word from the guards that their important guest had arrived on time and safely. Which was good for him, if they hadn't arrived safely then that would have been one sucky birthday present. He turned from the guard who notified him to where you were lounging in your chair, flicking your fingers carelessly.

He cleared his throat, breaking your ritual of connecting your fingers, and bringing your gaze to him.

"His Highness Price is here."

He couldn't help but be slightly jealous when your eyes lit up when you heard his name. John had been a longtime friend of the family, and he would show appreciation with constant visits in between calming whatever flaring war his troublemaker of a partner Nik was stirring.

"Let them in." You stood from your chair and adjusted your clothing, rushing after Simon as you headed to the main hall. Simon made a quick motion with his hand at the guards posted there and they were quick to open the doors to the castle.

Beyond the rows of guards that wandered the outcrop of cobblestone and gated groves was a large carriage manned by two brilliant caramel-colored horses.

The door of the carriage opened and Kyle stepped down from the carriage. His armor clanked, grooves of his kingdom's emblem flickering off his chest in the light. He turned, allowing Price to step out next.

He was always watching his surroundings as the taller man pulled his cloak from the carriage and fixed his hat. His beard was trimmed neatly and his firm blue eyes scanned the familiar grounds before landing on you and your knight.

He wandered over, nodding to you and Simon. "There's our birthday royal." He smiled at you, his expression reminding you of an adorable and fuzzy animal you saw in a book once. You bowed to him as he approached. Simon begrudgingly bowed as well, although of all the people he's met Price is the only one he respects enough.

When you rose, Price gently cupped your cheeks and gave you a brief kiss on the cheek, examining you. Sure it had almost been a year since he'd seen you but he needed to get a look at his kiddo, see if you were A-ok.

"Simon looking after you?" He asked firmly, flicking a teasing gaze over at the knight.

"Yes, he has been. I couldn't ask for someone better." You chuckled, your hands cupping Price's forearms, squeezing gently. "Thank you for coming. It means a lot."

"You know I wouldn't miss this."

The carriage rustled, rocking slightly on its frame as a large bag was tossed out the side, along with a bow, a sword, and some miscellaneous things that didn't fit in the sack.

The horses huffed and the cart jostled once more before Johnny forced himself out, stumbling over the sack on the ground and barely catching himself. "First of all-!" He reached up to grab his hat, huffing loudly, pointing an accusatory finger at Price. "I was not sleeping!"

"Need help with that?" Kyle offered as Johnny bent down to pick up his weapons and bag. "No." Johnny huffed and stomped off.

"Oh brother…" Simon muttered, his hand resting on his pommel. Not afraid Johnny would hurt you, but to guard himself against this man who keeps trying to be his best friend.

Despite being somewhat clumsy and often mistaken for an intelligent sot, John MacTavish had served in the king's court as one of his few trusted strategists, astrologists, and scientists, and a poet on the side.

"Hey Johnny." You chuckled softly, watching him and Kyle walk over. "And Kyle."

"Your Highness." Kyle put his palms to his hips and bowed respectfully. "It's good to be here with you." He took your hand and pressed a gentle kiss against the ring there. Hell, he was a charmer, but he was respectful, it's just who he was.

"I am hungry." Johnny patted his stomach, letting it to the introduction for him.

Price shook his head in dismay and took his two companions with you inside to find some food. You led them down to the dining hall where the large table awaited. It was meant for a larger group of people. You were glad it was just for the few of you, and your parents weren't home.

"Have a seat, they'll bring food out soon." You smiled as you sat in your usual spot, the chair stretching much taller than your actual stature so the decorative part of the wood gave off a crown-like look.

"So, how have you been? Another turn around the sun, how does it feel?" Price asked, adjusting his robe to lay across the arm of the chair, Kyle sitting next to him and respectfully putting his sword aside.

"Oh, it's been… it's been a lot. I have more responsibilities each year and sometimes I wish I could sleep every day." You chuckled softly. "I even started to think Royals just couldn't have good birthdays."

"Well, you're more than worth celebrating." Price said, and the others made various noises of agreement.

And Johnny's favorite part of these visits… The food.

"Oho hohoh, yes! Price, we have got to get this stuff back home." He could smell the meat from a mile away. When the various carts of food came out and the platters were put on the table, it was much more than you'd originally expected.

But you weren't disappointed whatsoever. Johnny stacked his plate high, Price considered reprimanding him, but upon seeing your amused smile he figured it could slide this time.

"So, don't you have some big fancy party or something?" Kyle piped up from where he also served himself.

You shrugged. "Yes, my parents have always been… that way. But I convinced them to let me have another year with a day just for my friends. Because come on, I don't my birthday to also become diplomatic."

"And I don't get paid enough to supervise them." Simon piped up, before getting an elbow in the side, which hurt you more than it hurt him. "You like me so much."

"Debatable," Simon replied, a coy smile spreading across his lips when he pulled his mask down from his nose around his throat so he could eat. For a bit the clinking of utensils was all that filled the silence as you dug into the meal, getting settled.

"Did you guys get me anything?" You perked up.

"A ho-"

Price shot Johnny a firm look, and Johnny quickly bit his tongue, "Oooar-nnothing. Nothing. No presents this year, sorry. We ran out of- m-money…"

Price gently flicked him, to which Johnny shrugged. "I'm excited! I get nervous when I'm excited." He whisper-yelled. Imagine having ADHD in medieval times… We feel ya Johnny, RIP.

You chuckled, and Price shook his head again.

"Sorry, I've been told I usually have good table manners." Johnny shoved another bite of food into his mouth to ensure he didn't spoil anything else. "Unlike our Johnny here would lead you to believe, I did bring gifts. And I'm sure you will like them."

"Coming from you guys I'm sure I will."

Simon huffed quietly. Watch his present be the best… How dare they steal his friend's attention. Impossible. He doesn't have unhealthy coping mechanisms for love at all. Ignore him.

-------

Toward the end of the lunch Price called for one of his servants and had the man bring in several presents from their carriage. The two presents on the table before you ranged from a small scroll to a larger box. And Price's gift apparently could not fit inside the castle…

"Open mine first." Johnny piped up. He'd worked on that gift all night and enthusiastically nudged it toward you. Simon gave him a little glare, but Johnny was too excited to care about getting suddenly beheaded. You looked like you were having fun!

"Ok, ok, I will." You took the scroll and slowly untied it, pressing the paper down to read the scratchy handwriting that was unmistakably Johnny's.

You're a star.

Today is the birthday Of a very special star.

And the older stars shine best

Especially from afar

This star has shone brightly

All the year through

And in case you are wondering

That star is you.

(Plays sad violin in unoriginal.)

You smiled softly, looking up at Johnny. "Johnny… Thank you, this means a lot." You smiled softly, and his smile grew twice as wide.

"Don't thank me, it's true."

You tucked the poem away so you could keep it safe with all the other ones you had from him and moved on to the larger present. "Now what could this be." You eyed Kyle who sat rigid in his chair, watching as you opened it up.

Inside lay a masterfully crafted bow. Intricate detail went down the body, gold linings in the weapon and the metal had been refined and polished to mesmerize. "Woah."

You slowly pulled the heavy bow out, feeling it in your hands and resting it against your forearm. "This is beautiful. You made this?"

Kyle nodded softly. "My own two hands." He gave you a smile when he saw your awe over the work. Kyle was known for these sorts of things, and man, he never disappointed. This might be up there with the giant map Johnny drew you once for your 18th. It was currently hung on your bedroom wall.

"Thank you so much." You gently placed the weapon back down, nodding to him. And he nodded back softly.

"Alright Price…" You turned and looked at him. Price chuckled warmly and stood, nodding to you. "Come, I'll show you."

You grabbed your coat and quickly followed after him, Gaz, Johnny, and Simon following in line behind. Price walked out to the carriage, which had been put away and the horses grazing, and turned back toward you.

He gently placed his hand on one of the caramel-colored horses. "This beauty-"

Johnny bit his lip and exhaled a sharp breath of air. "Hoooorse." He whispered. Whew, he got it out.

"Oh, wow." You nodded, but then the ethics came into question. What the hell were you going to do with another horse? He knew you well enough that you liked horses as much as the next person, but you already have a horse!

"And before you say it." John puts a hand up. "They can be friends. Horses love friends."

"You got my horse a horse-friend?" You whispered, looking at the pretty horse. It was a beautiful animal, yes, you could agree.

"Yes, seems fairly reasonable to me. No?"

You chuckled softly and walked over, hugging him warmly. "I'll take the horse, thank you." You snickered.

"You're welcome." He patted your back softly.

You had a funny little assortment of friends. And you spent the majority of the day with them. You tested your new bow on the range, getting Kyle's assistance with the weight, and shooting through his makeshift targets.

You even did some sparring with them, enjoying watching everyone go at it and have a fun time. You chuckled when Simon nearly ran away when Price challenged him to fight. But he powered through, your little fighter.

And when Simon was drenched in sweat and panting, he returned to your side, ready to finally talk to you.

"Hey…" He dropped his sword into the grass and removed the metal helmet for the fight.

"I have to talk to you now." It was a statement, you'd come to know that tone well. It was when he felt strong enough to come to you with something.

You smiled softly. "Go on."

Simon kneeled slowly before you, reaching for something. "I don't have much for you…" He lifted a crown that he must have pulled from mid-air, smiling softly at you. "Would you like to be King/Queen?" He smiled at you proudly, and you blinked.

"Is… is that my dad's?"

"What? No, It's - It's not his. Shit." He tossed it behind him and smiled again, showing you his bare hands. "I figured since you always want to do things yourself. You always talk about wanting to rule-"

"You killed my parents!??"

"I thought you wanted to be ruler. So yea… That's why they weren't here for your birthday! Someone will find them I'm sure."

You were horrified. Simon killed your parents!?

-------

Ok, We have to pause this for a moment. Yeah, He does this all the time. You know, Simon isn't a great creative writing partner, He's a little crazy. I always have to go back and rewrite and edit the shit he does to fics, so I'm calling him out. I have to talk to him about putting him in these things. We can't be doing this Simon! God, sorry, sorry…

-------

Simon kneeled before you, taking a deep breath and looking up at you. "So… maybe I wasn't able to get you a present. I have to keep an eye on you 24/7 and I couldn't find the time with all the rushing around we did-" He snatched up a lily from the garden of the training area, placing it gently into your hand.

"But I want to promise you, that as I have every year, I'll do everything for you. And I'm glad you aren't a power-hungry maniac who makes me kiss your toes every day. You've given me a lot of room. So, thank you."

You smiled softly, gently bringing him back to his feet. "I don't need gifts, but I'm glad to have you. You opened up to me and you've become one of my best friends. And I get to see you every day. Is that not a present in and of itself?"

He huffed softly. "I guess so."

He gently ruffled your hair. "Happy Birthday, Your Highness."

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