Unexpected Mornings

Alec

A eights and ninth and tenth and eleventh day went by just like the first. A whole week as the crown guard. The food was truly amazing but I still did not quite figure out the whole reading thing. I need a pencil and paper. I can make notes and figure It out and then I finally know why the Forrest burned in Rapunzel. With that I set my goal today on finding some coal to write and somewhere some paper. Maybe I could find the crown guard so he would explain to me how to write 'Rapunzel' I did not find anything that started with 'r' and 'o'.

"Are you awake, your highness?" I let my words be followed by a soft knock on the heavy door. No answer.

The morning was just starting to break up the night, the prince would still be sleeping for a bit. This time I even left my sword in the room for the sake of being quiet and fast. I knew the crown guard had paper somewhere in his stuff, he must have. The halls were dark and empty, the clicking of the closing door echoed through the dawn. I knew a few maids would be already up and following their duty I just had to hope I wouldn't see Gretel. The crown guard is with the king. So all the way down this hall, then to the left and then through the big door and then to the other side and avoiding the maids and through the big hall and this Is the hall door and then again to the right and-

I'm lost.

Ok, maybe the crown guard was right when he said I should memorize everything about the castle. But I only ever was in the garden and the service part and everything, no need to know the crown hall. Right, I'm the crown princes guard now I should know these halls.

I sighted when I all walls looked the same. The paintings were different from the ones In the princes rooms and the windows were on the other side. Or did I come from the other direction? This is quite a nice painting. the flowers and trees are so detailed. The colors so bright and warm. I can almost feel the sunlight from this painting.

"Are you one of the queens guards?" I got startled out of my admiration for the painting.

"No, I am the prince's crown guard." I could not quite hide the pride In my voice.

"Of course, I was not aware. Are you looking for the queen then? She is right here in her room, you can go right in."

"Actually, I-" The maid with the prettily braided hair already opened the door for me. "I didn't- here- not- I mean I only wanted to-"

"Who may visit me at this early hour?" That was the queens voice. Her light tone carried through the cold morning.

"The prince's guard Is here for a visit, your highness."

"Let him enter."

Before I knew what exactly was happening I stood in the middle of the queen's open rooms. Her private rooms must have been right behind the big winged doors to my right. The room suddenly filled with a heavy silence as the queen's eyes landed on me. A guard was standing to each side of her and the maid that brought me in stayed on my side. Even tho the maid and hard did not dare to look at me in front of the queen I could almost hear their judging thoughts.

"Speak." The queen's soft voice stood strong in the silence of the room. I slowly lowered my head and sank on one knee, holding my chest.

"Your Highness, I apologize for my interruption and the misunderstanding. My Intention was not to speak to you but to find the King's chambers to speak to the first crown guard."

"What was the matter you wanted to address? Did something happen to the prince? Did we receive another threat?"

Now I was glad about holding my head low as I felt the heat rising to my cheeks.

"No- I actually just wanted to ask something. The prince Is fine and still sleeping. I apologize for causing any worry, your highness."

"As the only personal guard of the prince you should not, at anytime leave his side. Especially not when he Is still asleep. You may address your matter now, here, in front of me. I may decide it has to be told to the first crown guard or not."

Oh god. This won't be ending well.

"Your highness, my matter is not of great importance. I will now return to the prince's chambers. I apologize for my lack of care to my duty."

"Why did you leave the chamber? I request to know now."

"I was sure it would be quick, I didn't mean to leave the prince unguarded or in danger. I just needed some pencil and paper and the first crown guard should have some. So I wanted to ask him and I knew he would be with the king. I apologize, your highness. I realize now what danger my action can lead to."

"You left my only son, alone, in danger, sleeping, for paper? And you are his personal crown guard? For what do you need paper? The prince surly has that in his chambers." Her voice rose In volume, my heartbeat picket up.

"I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I did not want to ask the prince because I did not want to bother him. I want to read the prince's favorite books to be able to get closer to him and stay by his side but I need to learn and practice the letters to learn to read. Please forgive me, your highness. I will return immediately." I stood up, afraid of what the queen might say next and what might be the consequences. Afraid to lose my position.

"You left my son alone to be able to learn how to read and read his books?"

"Yes. As I said, your highness, I will now-"

"Thank you. My maid will provide you with everything you need. Hurry to get back to the prince's chambers."

I stopped right before I reached the door. Thank you? Was she not angry anymore?

"Please follow me." The maid already strutted in front of me before I was even able to finish my thought's.

"Thank you!"

I couldn't see the queen anymore as I hurried behind the maid but I hope she still heard me. Why did she so suddenly change her mind? I was so sure I would go back to my usual training schedule. The sun already starts to rise. The prince will soon be up. What can I even tell him? The crown guard called me? But for what?

"Here." I swear no maid seems to like me. We had arrived in a little office storage room. It seemed like a lot of books were copied here or notes taken. Most of the prince's books seemed like print.

"Thank you." I took the small pile of paper from her hands. Next on she was holding a feather and a small glass pot full of ink.

"I don't eh- a small peace of coal would be enough." The maid just kept holding the pot and feather until I took them clumsily with my free hand. Don't drop it!

"Thank you." I bowed my head slightly before returning to the hall. The first rays of sun already tinted the dark sky. Now I really have to hurry.

"This way, guard." The maid from the office was stood now besides me in the hall pointing down the hall In the opposite direction.

"Oh, thank you."

"The queen ordered me to guide you to the prince's chamber. Please follow me."

"Thank you!" Her voice and words were nice but her face did not seem so pleased with this order. Why do all the maids look at me like this.

Arriving at the prince's chambers the maid held open the door with a quiet sight. Careful not to drop the pot of ink and the paper I shuffled into the room and mouth a small 'thank you' to the maid. She nodded and closed the door behind me.

I could see the light leaking underneath the heavy wooden door to the prince's room. With the limited light and my hands occupied by carrying I didn't have an option but to lay down paper, feather and pot right here on the ground. Right in the middle of the room just far enough toward my bed to not be in the doorway. I stayed silent, in the hope the prince was still asleep. The sun must now have risen above the hills behind the castle. The bright rays seemed blinding in the darkness of my room. The light warmly caressed my feet as I closed in to the door. No sound filled the air but my shallow breathing and dull voices in the hall.

Usually the prince would be the one to knock on the door and inform me he was ready. But how could I be sure he didn't already look for me? The brightness of the sun must have surly awaken him.

I broke the silence with a quiet knock. Almost hoping it wouldn't be answered I held my ear to the rough wood. No foot steps, nothing. The prince must still be asleep. A small sight escaped my lips. Letting my hand run along the wall I found my bed and sat down. I needed to wait for the prince to get up.

"Good morning Alec!"

My heart skipped a beat as the prince's voice ringed through the dark room. My eyes had now almost gotten used to the dim light and sped to my right.

There, on the ground in front of the bathroom door sat a figure who I assume was the prince. A quiet giggle following my startled and panicked gasp.

"You weren't here so i thought I should probably wait for you so I won't get murdered." His voice sounded a lot lighter than it would usually do in the morning. My heart was still beating too fast and the shock was blocking my voice.

"Are you feeling ok? I didn't mean to kill you or anything."

The prince got up. I could only barely made up his figure in front of the wall and heard his clothing shuffle. His white socked feet soon entered the narrow light on the ground. The heavy door slowly opened and the room filled with the bright morning sun. His blond wavy hair was clearly not combed as some locks blocked his eyes. His skin almost matched his hair as the sun brought in her yellow light. He smiled at me and slowly my tension was washed away together with the darkness of the room.

"Where were you so early? I missed you." His grin was bright.

I had to blink a few times until I fully adjusted to his bright lit figure.

"I just went to take- I mean- I went- The king. The crown guard had called."

His laugh was light and melodic as it iced with the song of the earliest birds.

"You sure are a busy guard. So come in, breakfast is ready!"

His hair jumped around his eyes as he swiftly left through the tall door. The sun now tinting the wooden floor in a warm orange left the rest of the room dimmed. And only when the prince left and my eyes had nothing to look at anymore they wondered through the room. The almost black wood was so much more welcoming being warmed by the morning sun. And only then I remembered the feather, the ink , the book, right there in the middle of the room. The ink pot reflecting the warm light, the feather having a magical shimmer to it. He must have seen it!

The calm vanished from my body as I realized my mistake. The prince could not just miss those things right at his feet!

The sudden shock made me sprint to the items and hastily hiding them under my night covers. Maybe he did not notice. He would surly have said something. Just don't panic now. He doesn't know anything.

My breathing was heavier than it should.

"Alec? Are you coming? The bread is cooling down!"

Warm bread? For breakfast? I will never get used to this.

"Yes! Coming! Your highness."

Drowning in a sea of warming sunshine the prince was enjoying his morning tea. His grin growing wider when he looked at me.

"Alec! Finally!"

Never had I seen the sun as something beautiful or artistic. But here it was different. The high windows, the reflections, the dancing sparks in the prince's eyes.

Every morning a new fascination for this scene grew in me.

Every morning the light seemed more welcoming.

Every morning the tea smelled a bit more welcoming.

Every morning the prince's hair seemed a bit more messy.

Every morning I would guess what bread we would get.

Every morning the sun made our smiles a bit brighter.

"Look! I already set the table and everything! I had to do all of it alone. Maybe I should go complain to the first crown guard for distracting my guard like that."

"No!" My answer might have been a bit too fast.

"I mean, I should have been faster to come back. I got lost. It is my fault. I will carry the responsibility, your highness." I bowed my head, looking at the colored carped. Technically that was not a lie. Oh no. I did lie to the prince. I'm the worst crown guard.

"Alec. Don't worry about it too much. And I told you to not bow at me all the time. And I got lost in the castle all the time as well. So come on! Enjoy the morning sun a bit with me. Drown your worry in some tea and start eating before the bread is completely cold."

Now only a small, soft smile layer on his lips. Slowly I went to sit across from the prince, my eyes still glued to the floor. I don't deserve to be the crown guard. How could I lie to him like this?

"Hey. Alec."

I looked up, worry colored his tone.

"Are you not feeling well? Did the crown guard say something mean? He always seems a bit grumpy."

The last part he mumbled Into his cup of the.

"You think he is mean?" I couldn't hold back a grin looking at the princes shocked eyes.

"You don't think he is mean? Just look at him and is over polities!But never a smile and never even a hint of his personality!"

"Over politeness? Isn't he the most perfect mannered guard? We are all taught to be like him."

"Alec. He called me "your highness" when I was still too young to even understand it."

"But, I mean, you are the crown prince after all, your highness." I again couldn't hide my grin as I reached for the bread. I could almost feel his eye rolling at my last sentence.

"It's just useless! I know I'm the prince even without everybody pointing it out In every sentence."

"Do your friends y'all you 'your highness' too?" I finally took the first bite of my breakfast. I didn't even notice how hungry I was until I tasted the still warm bread In my mouth.

"My friends? Well, I'm not sure. But even Gretel! I grew up in her care and she still bows ever-time she talks to me."

A small laughter escaped between the bites of bread. Seeing the prince so frustrated, almost ripping the slice of bread in his hand, who wouldn't laugh?

"Are you mocking me?" If his smile wouldn't be there I would feel bad. But his eyes mimicked the sun with their bright welcoming glim.

"Since when were you in my room, your highness?" Somewhere in me the hope that he just might not have seen the paper and ink still lived on.

"Not that long I think. When I woke up the sun just started to rise. It was really pretty, almost like the sun painted flowers Into the clouds. I wanted to show you but you weren't in your room. So I went out to look for you but only met the baker. Then I got breakfast, and set the table. Soon I heard more maids wondering the hall so I thought I could just sit in your room listening to what news the maids shared."

"You went out all alone?" Now I truly felt guilty. What if something would have happened to him?

"Yes, but no worries. I didn't go far, the baker didn't even let me enter the kitchen. Apparently all workers were told to be aware of any suspicious behavior. Also the baker told me that he heard that the crown guard forbidden the King to visit me. For safety. You see how mean he is?"

"I think it makes sense to keep you safe, your highness. I won't leave you alone anymore."

"Yeah. I like my room the most anyways."

Suddenly the princes tone grew cold. The warmth of the sun left his eyes as he avoided my look. This shouldn't be a topic to start the day off with.

"Ehm, prince? What other fairy tails do you like besides Rapunzel?" He was just as surprised as I was over my own question. I rarely asked him anything. Was it rude to ask the prince so directly without context?

"Rapunzel is my favorite for sure! And I almost all fairy tails. Did you read Aschenputtel?"

I looked at him. His face had brightened a bit. The dancing light was back in his eyes.

Did all fairy tails have such weird names?

"Not sure. Sometimes I don't remember the names. What is it about?" Suddenly the prince's face was glowing again.

"You maybe only know it with the name 'Cinderella'! Cause cinder comes from burned coal they decided to translate the title this way in many printed versions. But the German original version is a more fitting I think.

You see 'Asche' does mean 'Ash' so burned coal and cinder does make sense but why call her Ella? In German it feels more natural. It means 'The girl that digs in ash' since she works In the dirk in the kitchen all the time. But actually the fairy tail was first written In china and…"

It was almost hard for me to follow his words. The sun in his eyes suddenly seemed so distracting. Where his eyes always this light brown?

"…so why glass? The fur shoe made sense for the original version. And the gold show made a lot of sense for the German version. I always really like the German version. Her 3rd dress must have been so pretty with the golden shoes.

But the Glas shoe? How would Glas not break when she was running off. Also the whole 12am story just doesn't make sense.

So if you want to read it I can give you one that has a really accurate and nice translation. Just the rhymes will never sound as nice as the German ones. Also did you know…"

I put a slice of bread on his plate along with some of his favorite cheese. How could he forget to eat so easily when talking? He took the bread and took small bites between his words. Does he even notice that I put the bread on his plate?

"…concerned by the blood. Is the blood in the stories a problem for you? I mean I really don't like much brutality but you do have to train fighting, right?"

"Are fairy tails that brutal? When we practice sword fight we mostly just end with some bruises and sometimes a few scratches."

"Fairy tails can be so brutal! Like the 'Menschenfresser'! It's really disturbing actually. You know there is this girl in a small village and when…"

The morning went by. I swore myself to one day read all those fairy tails the prince described to me now. I wanted to understand his fascination for them. Wanted to see the same wonders as he could. Soon our breakfast was gone and the sun was dimmed by light clouds. The prince's smile remained bright as he jumped to talk about one fairy tail after another. I got used to the sparkle in his eyes, his soft tone of voice was now easy to follow. Now having a whole list of fairy tails I needed to read I should really start to practice the letters. I already figured out 'A', I remembered it from my own name.

The prince still shared his knowledge and smiles with me and I listened In attentive silence as we both got startled by a loud knock.

"Your highness. The King is requesting your presence at the conference table."

"Of course, thank you."

The first crown guard, standing tall in the wooden door frame, bowed one more time before leaving the room. I had left the heavy door to the prince's room opened but the doors to my for-room were closed. We really were too deep In the conversation to notice the guard entering.

"Alec? Can I ask you to clean up our breakfast and bring it to the kitchen? I will be back in a few hours."

"Yes, of course, your highness."

The prince had already gotten up. I stood to bow at him, almost knocking my plate off the table in the process.

"Oh and Alec?"

I looked up to him, he had already reached the door.

"You, ehm, you can take whatever book you like if you get bored. Just be careful with them." A soft smile accompanied him as he left. A soft smile was what he left behind for me.