#nathanielxmarc

“Woah, woah,” Nathaniel started, holding his hands up to stop the panic attack before it started. “Wait a minute! Relax. I’m sure my father can go without his wine for a moment longer. I’ll ask another servant. It’s okay.” The servant froze, struck by the kindness of the Prince.

“Your Highness! I am so sorry! I should go. Oh! But your clothes! Let me just. Oh, I’m so sorry!” The boy approached him with a handkerchief and began dabbing at his chest worriedly, touching him as if he were uncertain as to whether or not he was permitted. Up close, his fluffy dark hair ticked Nathaniel’s chin. The servant’s frame was rather small and delicate, and he although he was slouching, Nathaniel could tell he was about the same height as him.

“It was an accident,” Nathaniel cooed softly, very distracted by the proximity of the boy. He smelled nice.

“But your shirt!” he cried.

“Can be washed.”

“And the wine!” he went on.

“Can be replaced.”

“But!”

“Are you hurt?” The boy froze, once again mortified that he was being a burden. He stepped away, much to Nathaniel’s disappointment.

“I’m… I’m fine,” he mumbled, biting his lip, worry still etched into his brow. “And you?”

“I’m perfectly alright,” he replied honestly, spreading his arms to display the lack of harm dealt upon his person. The servant visibly relaxed, his shoulders drooping. “May I ask your name?” Tense once more, the boy answered curtly.

“I am Marc Ancel.”

“Marc, you’re rather young to be working at the castle, aren’t you?”

“I… I’m new. My parents have been working here all their lives and…”

“I see.” Marc bowed again, keeping his head lowered as he spoke.

“I’m so sorry. I can see now I wasn’t ready…”

“No!” Nathaniel exclaimed, startling Marc. “I mean. You’re doing just fine! I was only wondering. Because, you see, there aren’t many younger servants. Especially not my age. I’ve never seen you before.” Nathaniel rubbed nervously at the back of his neck. He was being ridiculous. It was only a cute boy! It was not as if he had never seen a cute boy before.

“Oh. Well.” Marc stood straight once more. “Yes, I will do my best to help around the castle regularly.”

“I hope to see you more often,” Nathaniel confessed. Marc blushed furiously. It was pleasant to know that he looked overjoyed, rather than abashed.

“As do I, Your Highness.”

“Please, call me Nath.” Marc’s eyes widened. His blush now was most definitely an act of chagrin.

“Your Highness! I could never!” Nathaniel waved the point aside.

“We’ll work on it. I’ll relieve you of the conversation. Please do go about what you were doing.” Nathaniel turned to walk away after a short nod of his head.

“Your shirt!” Marc reminded him.

“I’ll go change,” he shrugged. “It’s not a problem at all. Like I said, it was an accident.” Marc bowed deeply once more before Nathaniel turned the corner. He would not admit this for a very long time, but the Prince was happy to have gone and ruined a shirt. The wine stain may never come out, but it was quite worth it to meet such an adorable, sweet boy.