'Actually, it is you that I most wish to approve,' confessed Danel, 'not my father. Does that surprise you?' - Danel, ofcharmingly, to Thomas.
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It had been some time now since Danel’s near-death experience. While he hadn’t quite verbalized it, almost losing one of the princes to something as bloody awful as attempted murder… to the dear crown prince, no less was an earth-shattering experience for Thomas. Which he metaphorically was still recovering from himself.
And here he was at the future king’s bedside, tending to him as both a steward and a doting father would. After he had finished changing the antiseptic dressing on Danel’s wounds, he sat back in his armchair to return to his book as the younger man rested.
If foretold how much the Viebeault princes would leave such a personal impression upon him simply for being their advisor since their boyhood, he would have thought it madness. He accepted his new role from King Frederik as would an officer designated a new brigade to command. How he was humbled with what was really in store for him.
Domestic life was never quite Thomas’ style. Marriage, let alone fatherhood elusively lied beyond Thomas’ reach for his entire adult life to the point the definition had fallen into obscurity. And unlike his brother Charles’ circumstance, it wasn’t necessarily something he sought after, either. But for the first time in his life was it not only comprehensible but also palpable.
What Danel had confessed had come to an even greater surprise to Thomas. Danel had confided in him in the past of his incessant silent plea for the King’s approval. And while Thomas knew the Crown Prince had more than proved himself, the king hardly seemed to acknowledge it, and perhaps that statement that was even being too generous. To which Thomas would leave Danel with an anecdote of encouragement. And that was all.
But to receive an honor as this?
‘Why me…?’ Thomas first thought in surprise. Why would a mere advisor be elevated to a status higher than the boy’s own father? Then again, he never was a mere advisor. Surrogate would be too pretentious to consider himself, even if it was factual - which left Thomas momentarily at a loss for words.
“I’d be lying if I told you that it didn’t surprise me.” He finally spoke with a huffed chuckle at the end, breaking way to a caring grin to the crown prince. “I know not what I’ve done to deserve such a privilege.” He glanced away humbly, before looking back at him “That said, you need not go about wishing for my approval any longer. I can tell right now, earnestly in this moment in space and time: how you have already gained it. For years, in fact, and I am only growing in respect for you as time passes. It is evident, your noble qualities as both a great ruler and person in character are visible through-and-through and will make way for a new golden age, I’m sure.”
You have done me more than proud, my son. And how terrified I was of losing you…