Prince Alexander, a young boy of eight winters, wandered through the palace garden, his steps carrying him farther away from the castle's oppressive walls. He hated being cooped up inside, forced to endure endless lessons and etiquette training. The garden was his sanctuary, where he could escape the expectations of being the future king.

As he explored the winding paths, Alexander stumbled upon a new servant boy, no older than ten, crouched beside a bed of vibrant flowers. The boy's dark hair was mussed, and his green eyes sparkled as he worked the soil.

Alexander approached quietly, observing the boy's focus. For a moment, he forgot about his own restlessness.

"Hello,"Alexander said finally, his voice firm but curious.

The boy startled looking up with a hint of fear in his eyes. "Oh, Your Highness! I didn't see you there."

Alexander waved a hand dismissively. "I'm not here to scold you. What's your name?"

"Nathan, Your Highness," the boy replied, his voice trembling slightly.

Alexander's gaze lingered on Nathan's face, and for the first time that day, his expression softened. "You're new here, aren't you?"

Nathan nodded, his eyes darting back to the flowers. "Yes, Your Highness. I started today."

Alexander took a step closer, intrigued. "What do you think of the palace so far?"

Nathan hesitated, then looked up with a hint of wonder. "It's...it's like a dream, Your Highness. So big and beautiful."

Alexander smiled, a genuine smile that surprised even himself. "I know exactly what you mean."

Nathan grin faltered for a moment, before he said, "I'm glad you think so, Your Highness. I was worried I'd be stuck cleaning up after everyone else forever."

Alexander eyes sparkled with amusement. "I think you'll find that being a servant in the palace has its perks. Like getting to know me, for instance."

Nathan boldness returned, and he said, "I think that's the best perk of all, Your Highness. Getting to know the infamous Prince Alexander."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Nathan forwardness. "Infamous, am I? I hadn't realized my reputation had spread so far."

Nathan shrugged, his smile mischievous. "Let's just say that rumors of your...adventurous spirit have reached even the lowest corridors of the castle."

Alexander laughed, feeling a sense of freedom with Nathan that he'd never experienced before. "I think I like you, Nathan . You're not afraid to speak your mind."

Nathan's eyes sparkled with warmth. "I think I like you too, Your Highness. You're not as scary as everyone says."

Alexander's heart skipped a beat at the genuine affection in Nathan's voice. No one had ever spoken to him like that before. He felt a connection with Nathan that went beyond mere friendship.

Alexander smiled, a genuine smile that surprised even himself. "I know exactly what you mean. I hate being cooped up inside too."

Nathan eyes sparkled with mischief. "I'm glad I'm not the only one, Your Highness. I was starting to think I'd go crazy if I had to polish one more piece of silverware."

Alexander chuckled, taken aback by Nathan's boldness. "I know, right? I swear, if I have to attend one more boring council meeting, I'll..."

Nathan grinned. "You'll what, Your Highness? Run away to the gardens and join me in my flower-rebellion?"

Alexander laughed, feeling a connection with Nathan he hadn't expected. "Maybe I will. But only if you promise to show me the best hiding spots."

Nathan's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Deal, Your Highness! I know all the best secrets in the castle."

As they talked,Alexander found himself opening up to Nathan in ways he never had with anyone before. Nathan's boldness and wit drew him in, making him feel like he could be himself without fear of judgment.

Prince Alexander , now a skilled teenager, rode his horse with precision and grace. His servant, Nathan watched from the sidelines, offering words of encouragement. Alexander focus was on mastering the art of horse riding, but his gaze kept drifting to Nathan.

Nathan, oblivious to Alexander's attention, cheered him on. "You're a natural, Your Highness! You'll outride the entire kingdom!"

Alexander smiled, feeling a sense of pride and joy. As he rode closer to Nathan, he couldn't help but notice the way the sunlight danced in Nathan's hair. He quickly looked away, focusing on the ride.

As Alexander dismounted, Nathan approached him with a smile. "You're getting better every day, Your Highness!"

Alexander heart raced as Nathan patted the horse's neck, their hands touching briefly. "Thanks to you, Nathan. You're an excellent teacher."

Nathan's eyes sparkled with warmth. "You're an eager student, Your Highness. That's all the teaching I need."

Alexander face flushed, but Nathan didn't seem to notice.

As they walked, Alxender couldn't help but steal glances at Nathan. He noticed the way Nathan's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, and the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. Alexander's heart raced with excitement, and he felt a sense of nervousness wash over him.

Nathan, oblivious to Alexander's gaze, continued to chat about the horse's progress. Alexander nodded and responded, trying to keep his focus on the conversation.

But as they approached the stables, Alexander resolve crumbled. He reached out and brushed a strand of hair out of Nathan's face, his fingers grazing Nathan's cheek. Nathan's eyes met Alexander , a look of surprise and confusion flashing across his face.

Alexander quickly pulled his hand back, his face flushing with embarrassment. "Sorry, Nathan. I just...uh...got caught up in the moment."

Nathan's expression softened, and he smiled. "It's okay, Your Highness. I know you're just excited about your riding."

Alexander didn't know why he felt his heart sank

Nathan's smile faltered for a moment, and he looked at Alexander with a hint of curiosity. "Your Highness, is everything all right? You seem a bit...distracted."

Alexander quickly shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "Yes, Nathan, everything's fine. Just a bit tired, that's all."

Nathan nodded, but his eyes lingered on Alexander's face, as if searching for something more. Alexander felt a shiver run down his spine under Nathan's gaze, and he quickly looked away, trying to break the spell.

As they entered the stables, Alexander's horse, Galen, nickered in greeting. Alexander patted the horse's neck, trying to focus on the familiar comfort of the stables. But his mind kept wandering back to Nathan, and the way his eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

"Nathan, I think I'll take a walk in the gardens," Alexander said suddenly, trying to escape the tension building inside him. "Would you care to join me?"

Nathan's eyes lit up with surprise, but he nodded readily. "Of course, Your Highness. I'd be happy to join you."

As they strolled through the gardens, Alexander couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. He knew he needed to be careful, but he couldn't help the way he felt. And as they walked, he caught Nathan gazing at him, a soft smile on his face.

As they walked, the tension between them grew thicker, like a mist that clung to their skin. Alexander couldn't help but steal glances at Nathan, who seemed lost in thought. The servant's eyes were cast down, his gaze fixed on the path ahead.

Alexander's heart raced with excitement, his mind whirling with possibilities. He longed to reach out and touch Nathan's hand, to see if the spark he felt was real.

But he hesitated, unsure of how Nathan would react. Would he pull away, or would he feel the same?

As they turned a corner, a fountain came into view. Water danced in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing display. Nathan stopped suddenly, his eyes fixed on the fountain.

Alexander followed his gaze, and for a moment, they stood there in silence, the only sound the gentle splash of water

Alexander, the prince, gazed back at Nathan, his heart racing with excitement. He longed to touch Nathan's hand, to feel their connection. But he knew he had to be careful, as Nathan was still oblivious to his feelings.

As they walked, Alexander subtly reached out and brushed his hand against Nathan's. It was a fleeting touch, but it sent shivers down his spine.

Nathan, unaware of Alexander's intentions, continued to chat about the gardens, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Alexander smiled and nodded, trying to play it cool, but his mind was racing with desire.

As they stopped at a fountain, Alexander "accidentally" leaned in close to Nathan, their shoulders almost touching. Nathan didn't seem to notice, but Alexander heart skipped a beat at the proximity.

Alexander knew he needed to cover up his actions, so he quickly pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at his forehead, pretending to wipe away sweat. Nathan didn't suspect a thing, and Alexander breathed a sigh of relief.

But as they continued their stroll, Alexander couldn't help but steal glances at Nathan, his longing growing stronger with each passing moment.

Queen Lirien watched her son, Alexander, and his servant, Nathan, from a window overlooking the gardens. She noticed the way they laughed together, their heads bent in conversation. She saw the way Alexander's eyes sparkled when Nathan spoke, and the way Nathan's face lit up with enthusiasm.

The Queen's curiosity was piqued. She hadn't seen Alexander this happy in years. She decided to investigate further.

Summoning Alexander and Nathan to her chambers, the Queen asked them about their relationship. Alexander hesitated, but Nathan spoke freely about their friendship.

The Queen smiled, a plan forming in her mind. "Nathan, I think it's time we recognized your dedication to Alexander. You are more than just a servant, you are a true companion."

With a wave of her hand, the Queen bestowed upon Nathan a new title: "Royal Attendant". Alexander eyes widened in delight as Nathan bowed, stunned.

As they left the Queen's chambers, Alexander grinned at Nathan. "This is amazing! You deserve it, Nathan!"

Nathan smiled back, his eyes shining with happiness. "Thanks to you, Alexander. I'm honored to serve you."

Alexander's heart skipped a beat at Nathan's words. He knew their bond had grown stronger, and he couldn't wait to see what the future held for them.

Just as Alexander and Nathan were enjoying their picnic, a maid approached with a tray of tea and delicate porcelain cups. As she poured the tea, her hand trembled slightly, and Alexander's heart skipped a beat as he watched in horror.

"Nathan, look out!" Alexander shouted, but it was too late. The maid's hand jerked, and the tea splashed onto Nathan's lap.

Alexander's mood darkened in an instant. "What is wrong with you?! " he thundered at the maid, his face red with anger. "Can't you see you're about to ruin Nathan's uniform?"

The maid trembled, apologizing profusely, but Alexander cut her off. "Get out of my sight before I report you to the Queen!"

Nathan, however, simply laughed and patted Ryker's arm. "It's all right, Alex Accidents happen."

Alexander's scowl deepened. "You're too kind, Nathan. Someone needs to teach that maid a lesson."

But Nathan just smiled and began to dab at the tea stain with a napkin. "Let it go, Alex. It's just a small spill."

Alexander's anger didn't subside, and he stood up, his face still red with indignation. "I'll report you to the Queen!" he shouted at the maid, who trembled and curtsied, apologizing profusely.

Nathan tried to intervene, "Alex, it's okay, really, it's just a small accident..."

But Alexander cut him off, "No, Nathan, this is unacceptable! She needs to learn to be more careful!"

Alexander stormed off towards the Queen's chambers, leaving Nathan and the maid behind. Nathan sighed and patted the maid's shoulder, "Don't worry, it's not your fault. The Prince can be a bit...particular sometimes."

The maid nodded, still looking worried, and Nathan followed Alexander to the Queen's chambers.

When Alexander entered the Queen's chambers, he was still fuming, "Mother, I need to report the maid who almost spilled tea on Nathan. She's careless and shouldn't be serving us!"

The Queen looked up from her throne, a hint of surprise on her face, "Ah, Alexander, what's this about?"

Alexander explained the situation, and the Queen listened attentively, her expression unreadable. When Alexander finished, she nodded thoughtfully, "I'll speak to the maid and make sure she's more careful in the future."

Alexander nodded, still looking upset, but the Queen's next words surprised him, "However, Alexander, perhaps you should also learn to temper your anger. Not everything deserves such a strong reaction."

Alexander looked taken aback, agitated by the Queen's words as it struck a chord within him.

"Just do what I've asker Mother, it's simply not that hard"

With that he walked away.....