NNN - prince!matt - painting
Being outside was always something you had enjoyed, especially hanging out with the horses at the stables when you had the free time — or just wandering around the garden smelling the roses that bloomed beautifully.
Right now the quiet hum of the garden filled the air, the soothing melody of rustling leaves and distant murmurs of others voices filled the air. You stood near the rose bushes, carefully trimming the stems to ensure the flowers bloomed perfectly for an upcoming banquet. The gentle scrape of shears against thorny branches was the only sound until footsteps approached from behind you.
“Darling?” Matt’s voice called, soft but commanding. Your head shot up, straightening yourself immediately. Turning, you found him standing there, his royal attire slightly loosened as if he’d escaped a formal meeting just to find you. His dark eyes, warm and inviting, sparkled in the sunlight.
“Matt,” you greeted, bowing your head slightly, though a small, knowing smile tugged at your lips. “Shouldn’t you be inside preparing for the council meeting?” He chuckled, stepping closer to your frame. “I’d rather be here with you.” His hand grazed the edge of a rose bush, plucking a single bloom and holding it out to you.
Your face flushed, your hand coming out to accept the bright red rose, fingers brushing his for the briefest moment before you tucked it into the apron tied around your waist. “If someone sees us—”
“Shh don’t worry about that — no one ever comes to the gardens at this time. Besides, i don’t think they’ll find it weird if the prince is talking to his maid while she’s doing a task.” He interrupted, a small smile tugging at his lips.
There was a glint of mischief in his expression, but, he seemed nervous, almost hesitant—an unusual look for the ever-composed prince. “What is it?” you asked softly, tilting your head.
His brows furrowed, like he was deep in his thoughts. But the silence didn’t last too long. “I… need a favor,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve been working on a painting for weeks now, but it’s missing something. Or rather… someone.”
You blinked, confused. “Someone?” you asked, setting the clippers down on the small bench that was next to you, wiping your hands on your apron before tucking them into the pockets.
His gaze softened, and he stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You. I want you to be my muse.”
Your eyes widened, breath caught in your throat. Did you hear him right? — he want you to be his muse for a painting? you’d never done such a thing before for anyone. “Me?” you said, disbelief laced into your voice.
“Yes, you,” he said with a fond smile. “No one else could possibly inspire me the way you do.”
Your cheeks burned, and you glanced away, both flustered and wary. “Why would you ever want me as your muse? i mean — what, why?-“ you rambled. “-wouldn’t they find it weird if they found it?…a painting of your maid.” you finished.
“They won’t,” he assured, reaching out to take your hand gently. “I’ll make sure of it. But I need this, Y/N. I want to capture the way you look when the light hits your face. The way your smile makes my world stand still.” His voice dropped even lower, a tender whisper. “Let me paint you, my love.”
You hesitated, your heart warring with your head. Every rule you’d ever known told you this was too dangerous, too risky…that someone could find it and they’d start asking you both questions. But the way he looked at you — made you falter.
You took a deep breath, your mouth opening and closing a few times as your tried to find your words. “I’ll do it,” you finally said, voice trembling but certain. “But only if you promise to be careful.”
His smile was wide, his body practically thrumming with excitement as you accepted his proposal. His grip on your hand tightened slightly. “Of course i’ll be careful darling — no one ever goes into my studio without asking, or i’d have their head for it.” he joked softly. You rolled your eyes, giggling as you looked to the side.
“I should get back to my job, your highness-“ you mocked, watching as his face turned into a frown — causing a laugh to bubble in your chest. “-just uhm…come get me when it’s time okay?” you said, and he nodded — quickly blowing you a kiss before pivoting on his feet and walking away.
The next day, you found yourself in his private studio, hidden deep within the palace walls. The room smelling faintly of paint and wood, sunlight pouring in through high windows. Matt directed you to sit near the window, positioning you carefully in a chair.
“Jus’ sit here and try not to move a lot okay darling? this’ll be a long process, but if you need a break at any point — just tell me okay?” he said softly, pressing a kiss to your lips before pulling away and walking over to his stool on the other side of the canvas.
As he began to sketch, his eyes flicked between you and the canvas every so often, his expression one of intense concentration. Though you’d notice how his eyes would linger on you for too long instead of his canvas. “You’re staring,” you teased, though your cheeks flushed under his gaze.
He grinned, his charm peaking through. “Can you blame me? My muse is breathtaking.” he said, though he was undoubtedly flirting with you — this man was going to be the death of you one day. You laughed softly, shaking your head. Though he quickly turned his focus back to his paints and brush.
The Hours passed like minutes. The sun creeping lower in the sky, casting a golden hue through the windows, illuminating your features as Matt worked diligently. He paused only to adjust his position or step back and examine his progress, his gaze lingering on you longer and longer each time he looked at you.
“You’re too quiet,” you said after a while, shifting slightly in your seat. “What are you thinking about?” His brush froze mid-stroke, and a soft smile curved his lips. “You.”
You rolled your eyes playfully. “You’re supposed to be thinking about your painting your highness.” you teased, chuckling.
His own eyes rolled in return. “I am,” he replied, setting the brush down and wiping his hands on a rag. He crossed the room to you, crouching slightly so he was at your level. “But when I look at you, it’s hard to focus on anything else.” he admitted, his hand coming up to cup your face.
His touch sent a shiver down your spine, and you leaned into it. His gaze dropped to your lips, and for a moment, you thought he might kiss you. Instead, he pulled back slightly, his hand dropping to your shoulder.
“Can I show you something?” he asked, his voice softer now, almost hesitant. Your head tilted. “Of course,” you said, curious.
He stood, offering you his hand, which you took without hesitation. He led you to the canvas, stepping aside so you could see it clearly for the first time. Your breath caught in your throat as you took in the painting — a stunning likeness of yourself, bathed in soft, golden light. It wasn’t just a portrait; it was a masterpiece. Every detail, from the curve of your lips to the way your hair fell around your face, was rendered with such love and care that it almost felt like you were looking in a mirror.
“Matt…” you gasped, reaching out but stopping just short of touching the wet paint. “It’s… it’s beautiful.” your eyes were transfixed on the large canvas — how could someone be so talented at such a thing?
“It’s not finished yet,” he said, stepping closer. “But I had to show you. This is how I see you, Y/N. Not as a maid or a servant, but as someone who deserves to be admired, cherished. Loved.” he whispered, his arms encircling your waist as he held you against him.
Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes, and you quickly looked away, embarrassed. “You shouldn’t say things like that.”
Matt frowned. “And why not?” he asked, his tone almost defiant. “It’s the truth. I love you, darling. I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you, and I don’t care what my parents think or what the kingdom expects of me. I choose you.” he muttered into your ear, pressing a soft kiss just below it.
“Matt,” you said softly, placing your hands over his that rested on your stomach. “I love you too...” you whispered and before you could think better of it, you turned yourself in his hold, leaning in, and pressing your lips to his.
Matt grinned into the kiss, a hand coming up to cup your face as his other moved to rest on your hip — squeezing it. When you pulled away, you both were smiling. “You’ll always be the one i love.” He said, his breath fanning over your face.
And right now in Matt’s eyes — you were his queen.
a/n : PAINTING DATE WITH PRINCE MATT ANYONE??
