Medieval au where carlos is the prince and max is his loyal, devoted knight.
where at the end of each day, carlos look at him with a soft gaze, hurriedly handing him a fruit from the gardens. ones he knows max looks at in passing, but never allowed to have
its a sickly kind of metaphor he thinks. he the fruit, never allowed for max to have. but if it were up to him, he would drop the crown and all to see him happy
but this is not the life they live. carlos must marry a nice princess, a noble at worst, and be crowned king. he is the only son, there is no room for these thoughts
he feels wicked almost, cursed to dream of lying with another man as yet another woman is presented to him by his father. he is growing very impatient with his antics. sure as a young boy it was expected, but now a man. he must do what his duty demands of him
"this one is from the seaside." his father gives a smile. as if its what carlos needs. someone from the sea
he needs max. not this woman.
he looks at her, trying not to give up to much of what he really feels. unable to bear more then a curt smile. it doesn't do well for his image he knows. the picky crown prince, almost to his 30s with no bride
but he doesnt have it in him to care.
his father drones on, and the girls parents watch with smiles. happy as can be to even be in the presence of their king
carlos sr is a kind man, and they are lucky to have them. they look to him, for guidance, wisdom. hope. but carlos is not his father and he needs the hope more then anyone now a days.
he retires to his chambers when the visits comes to a close, thanks the family for coming, and gives the woman whose name eludes him a kiss on her hand. his father knows the outcome, his mind has not changed as he is even less inclined to marry
when max comes for his nightly watch duty, he speaks to him through the door, sitting on the floor, ear pressed against the wood waiting his answers
"do you remember when we were just boys? and you tried to take one of the horses from the stable. said you could ride only to fall off?" carlos whispers
a gruff hum comes as a reply and he smiles
"you tore your tunic. and i had the maid fix it so your master wouldnt see."
another hum, softer this time.
"i wish we could still be boys." carlos whispers. and a small sigh comes from the other side of the door.
"me too." barely loud enough for an ant to hear. but carlos hears, for he is always listening for him.
he gets up, kisses the door gently, and bids max a good night
what a miserable man he is. he knows if it isnt max, he will never marry at all and his kingdom will be queen less. and this is the fate he has been served, a fate he can not outrun
