He knew his Highness preferred brains to any other organ, but the knight thought this an amusing twist to the usual gifts exchanged today. Quiet as ever, he offered no explanation when he set the small gift box on Prince Ruben's workbench. He probably should have given the child something from an animal, but it was a special occasion. And no one would miss the heart's original owner, anyway.
Near translucent orbs drift away from the words he’d been scrawling over the pages of his notebook, small splatters of blood decorating the monochromatic canvas and offering a splash of colour to them. Similar stains, in trails, were left along his hands, beginning on his wrists and seemingly drying as they made their way down to his fingertips.
This holiday was disgusting to Ruben. Such unnecessary gestures and false declarations of eternal affections, it was annoying. Not to mention the foreign suitors offering gifts to Laura. Their very existence and their audacity in staking claims to the beautiful princess repulsed her younger sibling. The most Ruben had done was offer a bouquet of sunflowers to his sister, and an assortment of sweets for his mother. The rest of the world barely existed. A perfect opportunity to focus on his research.
But his Keeper presenting him with a decorated box was certainly surprising. The prince looks up to the knight as though expecting an explanation, but his own curiosity gets the better of him and destroys any semblance of patience he may have possessed. The gift box is unwrapped and opened in a matter of seconds, lid lifted and pushed aside as he leans over to gaze into the package.
One hand lowers, fingers curling around the organ gingerly, careful to not do any further damage to it. Ruben lifts the heart, holding it and ignoring the fresh paths of blood beginning to stain his palm. It’s no longer warm, he notes with only slight disappointment, but his fascination remains.
It’s a crude, but oddly appropriate gift. Though his expression is difficult to read, the mask soon cracks, allowing a hint of a snort to break through, followed by quiet snickers. He cannot help but appreciate the irony of the situation.
Perhaps this gift could be kept and preserved as opposed to torn apart for his experiments. The young prince was certain that if he asked, his loyal knight would be able to collect another heart for his studies.
