Hidding spot
James poured a cup of milk into the mixing bowl when he heard the door opening. He was expecting the other servant to arrive from the market. Instead, there is a boy with black curls neatly framing his face. He is not wearing a formal robe as James has always seen him. He is dressed in black trousers and a white shirt with a decorative collar tugged under a lace-up vest. Even though it’s simple James can tell it is still very expensive clothes. The one he could never afford in his lifetime.
After a moment he snaps from his trans, remembering his manners. “Your Majesty.” He says clearly and bows. He never spoke to the ruler in person. There is no reason for them to speak with someone unimportant as a young cook. Mr Black just nods and slowly enters the kitchen. James watches him nervously as he walks across the kitchen touching different bowls with herbs in them. He is beautiful James thinks. The way he walks like the earth's gravity didn’t apply to him. Light and soft as a feather but steady in his movements as a rock at the same time.
“Is there anything I can help you with, your Majesty?” James asks because he can’t think of a reason why the prince would be here.
“No, I’m fine.” He answers without looking at James.
“I’m sorry. It’s just your highness never comes to the kitchen. So, forgive me for wondering what the crown of this land is doing here.” James cuts himself. He was never the one careful with his words. Too forward and disrespectful they called him. But it wasn’t disrespect, he just was curious, and always had the need to speak what was on his mind.
The prince turns quickly to him. James reckons they can be the same age. Funny how life is different when you are born in a royal family. Mr Black opens his mouth to probably tell him not to speak again so James quickly shoots him an innocent smile. It seems to work and there is mischief in his eyes.
“I’m hiding from my teachers. They want me to practise archery, which is frankly absolutely boring.” He waves his hand in a wage gesture that means to capture how bothered he is by that. James can’t help but laugh. He looks startled by this reaction.
“My apologies, your Majesty.” James tries to apologise even though he is not sure what for. They have to do this a lot. Servants. Apologies for things that are not in their hands.
“It’s fine. What’s your name?”
“James, sir.”
“Nice to meet you, James. You can call me Regulus if you let me hide here.” James smiles and gestures to the stool so the prince, no Regulus, can sit it on. He continues to mix the dough in the bowl in silence until Regulus speaks again.
“What are you making?” He asks looking over James’ shoulder.
He chuckles. “Your lunch.” Regulus seems interested. It’s probably his first time in the kitchens. James reckons the king and queen wouldn’t be pleased if they found him here. Regulus has a lot of questions. Most of them are so basic that James has to bite his lip not to laugh.
“You can help me if you want,” James suggests because again he was never afraid to speak his mind. Regulus looks at him suspiciously, but James can see the intrigue in his eyes. “I won’t tell anyone…” He assures him and leans closer to half whisper as a secret. “…Regulus.”
James could swear there was a slight blush on the boy's cheeks when he said his name. But he quickly shakes his head to regain his posture. “Okay. Just tell me what to do.”
James gestures to his hands. “So first of all, you have to lose those rings…”