Mash together knight/squire and knight/prince to get squire/knight/prince.
Maxim is a dedicated and professional squire, older and more senior than the others (though for some reason never taking the rank of knight himself) and previously responsible for the training of knights. That is until he gets assigned to a new knight, he will do his duty (of course) but it feels like a significant downgrade in station.
VR-LA is a harried and exhausting Mage Knight, constantly trying to prove himself, often pushing himself past where he should. Close with much of the castle staff including the cook (Finbar) and with a long-standing rivalry with the librarian (Cassamir).
MR-SN is a seemingly well put together prince. Charming, beautiful, intelligent. He loves showmanship and adventure, is constantly begging the king and queen to give him leave to travel the world. Unfortunately he’s too much of an asset to be risked.
Maxim, despite his initial annoyance, grows to admire this clever knight. He appreciates how VR-LA treats him as an equal even though Maxim’s job is to serve him. Despite his best efforts, he finds himself growing attached. There is real feeling behind how he tends to his knight, especially with VR-LA so frequently burnt out and exhausted. He worries about him terribly.
MR-SN enjoys how genuine VR-LA is compared to the other brash yes-men knights, especially his wit and obvious intelligence. He trusts VR-LA to guard him while he sleeps, even when he so often wakes up screaming and panicked from his frequent nightmares. VR-LA’s utter devotion is a tad unnerving and MR-SN has the slight urge to test it.
VR-LA, poor poor VR-LA, is attacked on two fronts. His sweet squire (a dear friend even if Maxim would never admit it) is always there for him, especially when he is vulnerable. He finds himself falling for the man, with all their late night conversations and the care (however much may be duty not love) Maxim shows him.
What’s just as bad is the pretty prince who keeps inviting him to share his meals, laughing at his jokes, sponsoring and bolstering his position. VR-LA can’t help but be in awe of him. As well as fascinated by MR-SN’s imagination and how stories seem both to delight and plague his prince.
And hey, maybe the prince also spares as glance at the squire so patiently following his knight around.
