#james is v committed to his knightly duties ok

[static-radio-ao3]

@jegulus-microfic // june 7 // prompt: welcome // words: 600 // part 2 + part 3

“You’re welcome!” James calls out, sword sliding into the sheath at his hip again.

He wipes the back of his hand across his brow, the afternoon heat catching up to him. Dappled sunlight dances on the forest floor, but James knows they only have a few short hours until dark.

“I did not say thank you,” Regulus tosses over his shoulder and stalks on as if he did not just need to be hacked out of a writhing mess of roots by James.

“Well, maybe you should have,” James huffs. He hurries to catch up, always only a few paces behind Regulus. Regulus, with his dark curls and upturned nose. Regulus, with his pale skin and fine-boned fingers. Regulus, with his impractical shoes and his billowing sleeves.

It’s the reason he hurried to climb over the palace wall when he saw Regulus disappear over the edge. He never did know Regulus was so nimble. Then again, it’s not like he had the chance to display any talents beyond sitting in a chair and pretending not to look bored, crown sitting crooked on his head.

“I am a prince. I do not say thank you.” And really, James is quite impressed with the fact that Regulus manages to sound haughty while walking through a forest in a less-than-princely manner. An elegant stomp, perhaps. “And I did not ask for you to be here,” he tacks on.

“Prince Regulus,” James says, exasperated. “I am a knight. I am bound by honor—”

“—and by law—” Regulus interjects. James ignores him. He also ignores the way Regulus pulls back a twig just so it might hit James.

“—to be here.”

James thinks back to his knighting ceremony, the way the stiff armor made it difficult to kneel. His father, proud as ever, tapping the sword’s blade against his shoulders. It was the best day of his life.

“I will not tell if you do not,” Regulus offers. “We can simply part ways here. I release you from your knightly duties. How does that sound?”

“With all due respect, Prince Regulus, you wouldn’t last a day without me.”

Regulus halts in his tracks and turns on his heels to face James. “You forget yourself, Potter.”

It is a miracle how Regulus manages to look down on him despite the fact that James is a fair few inches taller. Or maybe just the slightest bit. Either way, he thinks that Regulus’ glare could level kingdoms. The look in his eyes is cold, almost as cold as that peculiar shade they have; the shade of almost winter.

“And you forget that we are in the middle of an enchanted forest,” James reminds him. “Or did you not notice that you were nearly consumed by sentient plants just now? With all due respect, of course.”

“No such thing happened.”

James sighs a mighty sigh and barely restrains a roll of his eyes. “Prince Regulus, I have vowed to keep you safe. I will not let you dissuade me.” Regulus seems startled at his soberness, lips parting on a silent breath. James lets his mouth quirk up in a smirk with his next words. “Besides, I am quite interested in these knightly duties you speak of. Please do tell me more.”

A blush crawls up Regulus’ face, the loveliest shade of red James has ever seen. It sits high on his cheekbones, regal and sure.

“I will revoke your speaking privileges, Potter. Do not test me.” And with that, he turns again, walking deeper into the forest, James only a few paces behind as always.

This might be fun after all.