Chapter Text
Tracing the intricacies of his ceiling did nothing to soothe his nerves as Matthew awaited his newest assignment. He of course was familiar with the usual roster of knights and guards, as he had grown up alongside their constant presence. Royalty, and whatnot.
But a personal guard was quite a bit different, in his own opinion. Would he get along with him? Would he be revered as he so deserved? Would this guard like him? Questions swirled in his mind as he scrunched up his face in thought.
Matthew shot upright as he heard distinct heavy footsteps echoing throughout the halls of his wing. He fussed over his hair for a brief moment and sat poised at his writing desk, to establish early dominance, of course.
But the footsteps came and went, and he felt a bit silly for his quick reaction. Why was it that he was so mussed about something as silly as a security detail?
In his fretful wallowing, Matthew neglected to keep up his watch on his chambers entrance. He felt as though his heart had nearly stopped when he heard the soft creaking of the well oiled yet aged hinges on his door.
“Pardon the intrusion, I've brought someone here to meet you.” He heard a familiar voice call, an unmistakable accent drawing him from his startled daze.
A bit miffed Matthew raised his head to greet Sir Larsson, who shot him a short-lived smile before gesturing toward the man accompanying him.
He seemed to puff up as Matthew scrutinized him, eyeing his nervous expression and shifting posture. Was this one truly up to the task? Sure he hadn't faced many threats in his lifetime, but whose to say the word of his beauty won't reach the frenzied masses?
“Edward Gould.” Larsson curtly supplied, turning to leave without another word. Not much for conversation, that guy. No matter, he’d win him over one day. Matthew turned his attention back to ‘Edward,’ was it? Puny for a knight, he noted.
Edward seemingly went to wave before kneeling on one knee before the Prince.
“It's an honor to serve his majesty, my name is Edward, as you um. Know already. Address me as you wish, sir.” He stumbled through his words, brown eyes fixed on the tip of his own boots. Matthew swallowed a scoff at his new charge’s clear blunder in etiquette.
“Stand, won't you?” The prince asked, trying (and likely failing, due to the way Edward shot up so fast his armor squeaked.) to keep the harshness from his voice. Matthew circled him, inspecting the other man.
“I suppose you will have to do, lord knows none of our other thanes have the time to spare.” He concluded, nodding to himself. Edward seemed to deflate a bit, though the Prince didn't pay it much mind. Whyever was he so nervous? especially for this to be the result of all his worrying. Foolish of him, now that he considers it.
“In any case, we've much to do today. Be sure to keep up, Edward.” He stood up straight and brushed off his tunic, making his way toward the hall without sparing another glance at his guard. At least Edward had the sense to rise and follow him at his heels.
He carried out his daily duties, greeting the staff who’d curried his favor, grabbing his latest lesson plan, and grilled Sir Larsson about the current happenings in his kingdom. His usual rounds. Edward, to his credit, was excellent at following orders silently. Though whether it was due to nerves or common sense was unclear to Prince Matthew.
Eventually, he made his way to the palace gardens. His favorite place to enjoy his own company. Though he supposed he should begin getting used to having someone with him at all times. Matthew gazed at the beautiful greenery lining the stretch of land dedicated to decoration. Seems the gardner has been keeping his hands busy, good. Wonder where he's run off to this time? no doubt he's nicked a bit of wine from the kitchen again and started off to enjoy his post-work prize. His drinking habits were the palace’s worst kept secret, though nobody bothered him about it. Matthew made it a point to turn the other cheek when presented with evidence, of course the rest of the residents would follow his example.
A sigh caught Matthew’s ear, and for the first time that day he turned to look at his companion. Edward seemed awestruck looking around the garden, his eyes clearly catching on something. The prince couldn't help but laugh at the other’s reaction. Edward didn't seem to pay it much mind and instead, for the first time since they had left Matthew’s chambers, spoke softly.
“Incredible…” He whispered absently, a smile breaking out on his face. Matthew followed his eyes and found him looking at a patch of cornflowers tucked away next to a tree. Hardly the most impressive plant in the garden but he couldn't blame the man for being mesmerized by something so simple.
“Yes, yes, our gardner does wonderful work.” He stated, gesturing vaguely at the garden before them. Edward seemed startled at being addressed, like he hadn't realized he'd given any indication to his thoughts whatsoever. “Come, I’ll show you something even better.”