Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

The Grand Welcome II

Prince Dan lifted his eyes to see the great stone structure that was the residential section of the Royal Academy. He was to spend the entirety of the next year or two here, with solely Reid, his gentleman, for his close company.

The two men walked up the stairway leading to the place assigned for their stay, following the porter that carried their belongings.

"Right this way, sirs", the man said, taking them over. "You will be sharing the dormitory with another prince. The chambers will be separated for Princes and their gentlemen, but such butlers will also be provided another place for their personal stay. For reasons of serving the princes and princesses, their servers are given this additional space in the royal dorms itself", the porter informed as he took two steps at a time, climbing large stairway.

"Yes, that is quite convenient", Prince Dan nodded, following the man. He could feel his butler, Reid, follow close to him and he turned to say, "You may leave your belongings with me at the dorm for close service, but we shall also check if such would suit the convenience of the Prince that shall be boarding with us".

"Of course, Sire", Reid nodded to the dark skinned prince.

The two shared a peaceable relationship where only few and necessary words passed, but there was a great deal of understanding. They were both silent and indulged in minimal conversation, sharing the same thoughts and morals despite the fact that they did not need to make mention of them.

Ever since Prince Dan had been a young child, Reid had been serving at the Palace of their Kingdom and the two lads had begun playing together at the courtyards.

Reid's mother was a chef at the Royal Kitchen and the lady would share an extra dose of genuine affection towards the young prince as well, for he had no mother.

The King had always been off on wars and the strategizing, leaving Prince Dan all by himself. In the process, he had to be kept highly secured with his own line of defense, for their kingdom had become one that was ever known for a reputation of engaging in battles and conquering other nations.

War was primary and his combat skills were highly trained from a very young age, in order to enforce it in his legacy as well. Reid, his gentleman, had received like training along with all the other man servants in their castle.

Thus, Prince Dan had spent most of his days confined to training and safety, while his nights were dedicated to escaping the castle walls in secret and tending to the dangers of night, with Reid by his side. The two lads had always run around the cities, disguised in cloaks and played vigilantism to their heart's content.

The dark skinned Prince had always sustained a vision that as much as there was a great deal of war and conquest beyond the borders of their Kingdom to extend the frontiers of their walls, there was far more business of saving and service to be rendered within.

Thus, in all his past years, Reid had been a man of faithful company, who not only saved him many a time during their nightly adventures, but also has kept the truest and darkest secrets of Dan's heart.

Thus, the Prince had elected him to be his gentleman and stay by his side in reigning or in flight.

The young royal further preferred for Reid to hopefully find a good wife and settle alongside, before his coronation, which was likely expected to follow his time spent there at the Academy.

Just as these thoughts were passing his mind, Prince Dan perked up to see their porter lead them to the door that was their dorm. He tapped a gentle knock and the two tanned men understood that their roommate had already settled in.

Soon, the door was opened by a butler of fair complexion and caramel coloured hair, with a deep bow. "Your Grace, we seem to have guests", the gentleman informed to a young man who seemed to be lying on the bed leisurely.

There was a groan in response, and Reid extended his hand to the man at the door, introducing himself, "I am Reid, gentleman of Prince Dan I. We hail from Kingdom Antaria, and I presume we will be sharing this dorm with you."

In response to such, the young prince of dark blond hair rose from the bed with a start and made his way over to the door, seeming most delighted.

"Prince Dan! What a pleasure to have your acquaintance; I am Prince Syncher of Kingdom Fall", he said, taking the dark skinned prince's hand and giving it a firm shake. "I believe we will find it greatly wonderful to spend these days ahead of us together, there is much friendship to be made."

Prince Dan smiled in response, before withdrawing his hand and said "Indeed, it would be a pleasure."

The men settled in peaceably, with Prince Syncher making most of the conversation, despite seeming like a man that would not usually indulge in so much chat.

The need for talk was rather forced and Dan knew exactly what the implication seemed to be. The Kingdom of Antaria was known for its powerful war forces and commanded fear from all its neighbouring nations. Thus, the Kingdom of Fall, with Prince Syn as its new heir to be, was likely to be one that did not wish to earn its wrath.

Dan had not realized that the reputation that his Kingdom held would play a great deal in an Academy where he would make friends of all those that would be ruling during his tenure.

Just then, Prince Syn began speaking highly of his well-bred sister, some Princess Eldora. "I believe you will be delighted to make her company, she is most talented and wonderful and greatly intelligent. In fact, you may even meet her today, for she is attending here at the Academy", said he.

"Ah, how interesting. I will look forward to seeing her", Prince Dan nodded, understanding that a marital alliance with their kingdom will cancel all chances of war between their kingdoms and that was exactly what Prince Syn was seeking with him.

Dan, of course, had no opposition towards such notion, for all he wished was a sweet and loving wife upon whose lap he could lay his head and speak of all his heart's thoughts; not a lady that was fierce in battle or one that was decked with beauty, just enough love to sustain him a lifetime.

Princess Eldora, he thought, nodding to himself.

He needed to meet her, upon his roommate's earnest recommendation.

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