Summary: Dan is a depressed prince who is being pressured to find himself a wife. Phil is an orphaned servant in the castle who finds joy in the smallest things in life. When the two are thrown together they learn to become friends and help each other through the troubles they face. Itâs not long before Phil realised he may have feelings for the prince, but does he feel the same way? And even if he does, will such a relationship even be allowed?
Broken Silence -Â walruslovechild
Summary - Upper class teenager Dan Howell goes to live with a distant uncle, things change when he meets servant Phil.
Broken Silence -Â phandomesque
Summary:Â Phil is Danâs second chance at life, but little does Phil know, Dan is his second chance as well.
Forgive Me (ao3) - FollowYourDreams
Summary: The year is 2224. Dan Howell is the prince of Pacis, living in the lavish Community, dreading his 21st birthday. Phil Lester is a servant at the Community, and has been for 6 years ever since he was taken from his home. On a fateful day, Dan and Phil lock eyes for the first time, and everything changes, but neither of them know if itâs for better or worse.
If The Crown Fits - crystaiskiess
Summary: The Royalty AU nobody asked for in which Prince Daniel falls head over heels for his best friend and servant boy, Phil.
Imagine Living Like a King Someday - pianodan
Summary: Phil is a boarding school student, and he has pretty much everything. His dad owns the school, heâs pretty popular, has the best room, gets all the best treatment â heâs the King. Dan is a cleaner/philâs personal maid there, and he isnât as lucky. Some students are assholes to Dan, including Phil at first.
Over Board - helloanonymouswriter
Summary: Phil is a merman who gets captured. He falls for the ship's servant boy. (Inspired by Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides)
Regal (ao3) - insert_something_clever_here
Summary: (basically an AU in which Dan is a prince and Phil is his servant.)
Royal Love (wattpad) - PhanOnIce
Summary: Taking place in Medieval Times, Prince Daniel falls in love with his servant Philip and is determined to make their relationship work.
Scones And Cookies -Â jilliancares
Summary:Â Phil, a resident in a manor, keeps requesting for scones to be brought up to his room, which Dan brings. (This is set in the mortal instruments universe [and the infernal devices time] and Danâs a servant and Philâs a shadowhunter.)
The King's Court (ao3) - Unpluggedsocialfilter
Summary: Prince Daniel is born as the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and a half cousin to Queen Elizabeth of England. His birth is celebrated far and wide, a baby to unite the rival Kingdoms of England and Scotland under a peaceful sceptre. But when his mother is charged with regicide and is forced to abdicate, panic and self-interest run rampant. Lords rush to Edinburgh to take charge in Dan's infant name as James VI of Scotland, to change the course of nations, and to reign supreme.
Step into 1580s Europe with Dan when he begins his reign over this religiously terrorised land. Experience the true stories of scandals that plagued 16th century Scotland as the King struggles to manage the pressures of public life.
Which alliances should keep him safe, what advice should he take? Perhaps the biggest question of all: who is the rightful ruler of these fair isles? The Catholic Mary Stuart, the Protestant Elizabeth Tudor, and the secretly gay King Dan are all possibilities in this historical drama. Religious intolerance, political power struggles, scandalous gay romances, et al.
The Mansion -Â trysomecats
Summary: Dan is oddly satisfied with his position as a servant for Phil Lester, until he finds out that Phil had originally bought him for things aside from housework.
The Princeâs Protector (wattpad) - ocean1c
Summary: In which Dan, the prince, falls for his guard, Phil, and they live happily ever after.
Trust Me, I'm Broken Too (ao3) - natigail
Summary: The Lesters â the royal family of his homeland â was nothing like Dan thought they would be. Well, the King was just as horrible as he had heard but the Kingâs brotherâs son, who was third in line for the throne, was nothing like Dan thought heâd be. Dan had been adrift for three years going from one âplace of employmentâ to another, only his life was seen as worthless and he was more property than an employee. He had never imagined heâs end up as the property of Prince Philip.
The Prince had no intention of ever taking on a personal servant, which was a fancy name to disguise the fact a law essentially enslaved people. Phil often had to do things he didnât want to or risk being removed from the succession to the crown. If that happened, who knew who his tyrant of an uncle would pick as a successor? When pressured into the choosing, heâd wanted to go for the most innocent, young girl, but hard brown eyes caught his attention instead.
Unnatural Selection (ao3) - PetalsandPhan
Summary: Prince Phillip has never had a friend in his life. Controlled by his father, Phil is forced into going on a difficult journey to find the hidden princess. But when Phil is accompanied by the servant Dan, will their friendship blossom into something more, something forbidden and unheard of?
Wishing For The Stars (ao3) - thatsthephan
Summary: A Prince!Phil Servant!Dan AU that was a lot of fun to write and has a lot of fluff in it:)
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Summary:Â
âWe would be like Romeo and Juliet if we dated.â Phil said absentmindedly.Â
Dan froze in shock.Â
âHow so?â He asked with a forced casual air.Â
Phil shrugged, and turned the page, âWell forbidden love. Prince and servant arenât exactly ideal.â He continued to read.Â
Dan was conscious of his mouth hanging open.
OrÂ
The Royalty AU nobody asked for in which Prince Daniel falls head over heels for his best friend and servant boy, Phil.
Authorâs Notes:Â
Ok so I started this fic about 5 months ago and WOOP it's been a ride!
From my beta Rachel (@diamond0604) constantly telling me OL OL OL OL OL etc. etc. (that means one line) to endless run throughs I feel as though this fic is my baby.
Actually never mind this fic is MY BABY and I feel as though I'm sending him away and it's breaking my heart but whatever!So this is for the Phandom Big Bang therefore I have an amazing artist! (@alienenthusiast)
And I've already mentioned Rachel who is sitting beside me to stop me from crying because that is likely oh god.
Therefore without further ado I present my baby... If the Crown Fits!
10
Dan giggled as they ran through the courtyard, shoes and socks abandoned.
He turned his head around to face his friend, âYou canât catch me!â he laughed as he swivelled around a tree, only to find himself face to face with Phil.
âOr I can,â Phil grinned mischievously.
He tapped Dan gently on the arm before racing off.
Dan watched and groaned as his friend ran away, black fringe flying in the air behind him. With one more deep breath Dan chased after his friend who was easily faster than him. Dan gained ground on Phil which was a miracle and his hands skimmed Philâs arm before a stick got in his way. He felt his feet fly out from beneath him and he crashed into Phil head first.
They both toppled over with gasps of shock, their limbs were tangled together and Dan started to giggle.
âWhat?â Phil asked with a confused look and brushed his legs off as they stood up.
Dan shot him an evil smirk, âYouâre it!â He laughed before he raced off, only just catching the eye roll Phil aimed at him.
~-~-~
Dan was awful at maths.
All the endless numbers and equations gave him a headache. He ran his fingers along the sum he was attempting to work out but none of it made sense. Phil scribbled away beside him. Dan tried to catch his attention, but he wasnât paying attention to him.
He turned to the question again.
3 + 2 = ?
6 Â Â 6 Â Â ?
Dan groaned and buried his head in his hands. Finally Phil seemed to acknowledge Danâs struggle as he chuckled.
âYou right?â Phil whispered and Dan shook his head into his hands.
Their teacher glared at them over her laptop but said nothing.
âNeed help?â He offered, Dan nodded against the table. âAlright where are you up to?â Phil asked as he scooted his chair beside Dan. Dan pointed to the question and Phil stifled a giggle into his palm.
âHey!â Dan grumbled.
Phil shrugged, âThatâs kinda pathetic Mr Dumb Bear.â
âItâs rude to insult a prince.â Dan attempted to find a way to defend himself but failed miserably.
Phil rolled his eyes, âReally? Thatâs the best you can do?â He smirked.
Whenever Phil smirked it looked like a smile but by now Dan knew the difference between a true smile and a smirk. They had grown up in the castle together after all.
âHelp me please.â Dan begged, his lip stuck out in a pout.
Phil laughed at his false begging face but obliged anyway. Technically he probably wasnât allowed to say no but Dan and Phil had never bothered with the servantâs rules.
As he poked Danâs lip back into his mouth he pointed to the equation, âTo startâŚâ
~-~-~
âYou have a banquet.â Phil mumbled over the top of his book.
Dan groaned, âI almost forgot!â He slammed down his book on the table with a loud clunk that made Phil jump in shock. He knew his mother, the Queen, would kill him if he was late.
Actually she would probably kill Phil, not that it was his fault but she would find a way to make it his fault.
âYou should go get ready.â Phil added putting down his book as well.
Dan nodded, already getting ready to leave before he gasped, âArenât you helping set up?â He asked. Phil smacked his head and jumped to his feet.
âYour mumâs gonna kill me!â He groaned as he pulled on his vest.
Dan shooed him away, âIf you go quick she might not notice!â
They both knew that wasnât true but they could dream.
~-~-~
Dan sat on the rough chair, with a leveled glare at the wall as though it was forcing him to go the banquet. The wall of course had nothing to do with it, however it was the only thing in his line of vision, so it would have to do. His hair was being attended to by a new servant. Or should he say attacked by a new servant. She was spraying it so vigorously he was sure it would be a tough shell when she was finished. It was straightened out which was at least a relief.
âHow about this one sir?â Ellen, his personal maid, asked as she presented a blue button up. Dan went to nod before he remembered that his hair was being attacked with a comb.
âPerfect Ellen thanks.â He mumbled.
She nodded before she marched out of his vision, her greyed hair pinned into her signature bun.
~-~-~
The banquet was just as boring as usual. Maria, the daughter of Duke and Duchess Maidon, was watching his with eyes wide the entire time. Dan avoided looking at her as she made him uncomfortable.
âDan, how were your lessons today?â His father asked with a reassuring smile.
He felt Mariaâs eyes burn into the back of his head as he turned to face him.
Dan shrugged mildly, âA little difficult but Phi-â he halted himself quickly, âI got some help and I understand it now.â
His parents nodded, his motherâs eyebrows slightly furrowed, unnoticeable to anyone who didnât know her well, like Dan did. The servants smiled at him as they placed a plate of food in front of him. His parents and the Duke and Duchess of a nearby town began to discuss things Dan didnât understand.
He swallowed a mouthful of his meal, and tried to avoid a conversation with Maria.
âIn my opinion servants shouldnât be friends with princes.â
Duchess Maidon scowled, her mouth twisted as she placed a piece of duck in her mouth with a pristine poshness.
Dan felt his cheeks burn but he didnât comment. There was a pause before his mother replied,
âMy opinion exactly.â She commented idly before changing the conversation to politics.
Dan didnât stop glaring at his plate for the rest of the meal.
~-~-~
Phil bustled around Danâs room dusting his shelves.
âHow was the banquet?â He asked.
Dan felt his cheeks burn as he remembered the Duchessâ comment. He couldnât tell Phil.
He shrugged, âBoring as ever.â He muttered, as he stared at the roof. Phil seemed to accept that, not that it wasnât true. He grew quiet while he focused on polishing a vase.
âWhat do you want to do when youâre older Phil?â Dan asked.
He tended to ask Phil questions like that, as they made him feel more normal. Normal kids didnât know for certain what they would be when they were only ten.
Phil laughed softly, âKingâs Advisor. What else?â He muttered.
Dan nodded, he should have expected that answer. Philâs father was the Kingâs Advisor and as his mother had died when he was young, it made sense that he would take the role.
âOk⌠but do you have any things you want to do first? In the castle or out.â
Dan waited while Phil thought, as he moved to Danâs TV and wiped it clean.
Eventually he nodded, âI want to wait the parties so I can see you forced to wear your fancy outfits and talk to snobby kids.â Phil poked out his tongue.
Dan rolled his eyes, âUgh donât remind me! Iâve got a party this weekend and Iâm not looking forward to it.â He groaned.
Phil snickered, âI know.â
There was another lapse of silence before Phil sighed lightly.
âI do want to wait parties though. It seems like fun. Getting to be a part of it all.â
Dan nodded.
âItâs not fun, but I understand."
~-~-~
Dan stared at his shoes while his mother scolded him, and waited for it to be over.
âYou are a prince Daniel.â She groans, âI allow you to play games, but not during your piano lesson.â
Dan sighed involuntarily, âI forgot it was my piano lesson Mum.â
She narrowed her eyes, âIt was because of Lester the servant boy wasnât it?â She asked calmly, although he knew she was anything but calm currently.
âNo, it wasnât Phil Mum.â
His mother let out a heavy breath through her nose at the use of Philâs first name.
In her opinion it was correct to call servants by their surname and nothing else.
Dan of course disagreed.
âLester,â she hissed, âHas had a very bad influence on you Daniel.â
Dan resisted the urge to scream, âNo he hasnât.â He growled under his breath, as he attempted and failed to be hostile.
The Queen shook her head in displeasure.
âIf it wasnât for your father, I would ban you from speaking to him.â She said coldly.
Dan met her steel glare with his own, âLucky Dadâs here then."
~-~-~
Dan and Phil were playing an intense round of Mario Kart when his father knocked on the door.
âCan I speak to you Dan?â He asked with a smile, âWho was winning?â He added as Phil had begun to shut off the game.
âSpeedy Bear, as always.â Phil grumbled, the King was very obvious in his liking of Phil, unlike the Queen who clearly wanted nothing to do with the boy. Dan grinned at his father while he laughed softly, âWell run along Philip, Iâll call for you to return when Iâm done with Dan.â He said and shooed Phil out of the room
Phil bowed quickly before he scurried away, despite knowing The King would never get angry at him about the rules. Bowing was customary and Phil was trying to practise.
âI thought we could get lunch?â His father suggested, already indicating for Dan to follow him out of the room. Dan grinned, he knew that by lunch his father meant they would go to the kitchens to have a sandwich and sit in the small dining area. He enjoyed his time with his father anyway.
âSounds awesome!â He exclaimed, and leapt to his feet in excitement.
They walked along the hallways in comfortable silence, Dan with a slight skip in his step.
He loved eating with his parents, especially his father as both of them were very busy. Barely having time for Dan except for dinners and banquets. He understood though, running the country was a difficult thing to do. A lot of their energy was focused on doing the right thing for their people, and that meant they didnât have much time for their son.
It didnât stop him from celebrating the occasional times like these.
âSo what did you want to tell me?â Dan asked as they entered the kitchens.
His father smiled at him affectionately, Dan was known for being curious, âI'll tell you when we sit down.â
Dan sighed heavily but followed his father to the servants dining room. A couple of maids were eating there, and seemed surprised to see the King and the Prince. A few however knew that when they had time Dan loved to frequent the private dining room.
Either with Phil or his father, as it kept him feeling like a reasonably normal boy, unlike the giant church like dining room for the royals. In fact, Dan rarely went into the royal dining room if he could avoid it. It only served to remind him how different he was.
They sat down with a plate of sandwiches and some chocolate milk for Dan, and a coffee on the way for his father.
âSo? What do you want to tell me?â Dan asked impatiently, as he grinned from ear to ear he dug into his sandwich. The King rolled his eyes fondly, while he wiped crumbs from the corners of Danâs mouth, âWell would you like good news or bad news first?â He asked.
Dan furrowed his eyebrows at that question.
After a bit of thought he replied, âBad. Get it over with quickly.â He said, as he took a big gulp of chocolate milk.
His father nodded, âRight, well then.â He paused, to think about how to word the news Dan assumed, âYour mother and I are going on a business trip so Nanny Madison will look after you.â
Dan groaned, and slumped over so his head knocked on the table.
âI should have said good news first.â He grumbled, voice muffled by his arm as he continued to lean on it. His father laughed gently, and pushed his head off the table.
âWe wonât be gone long, besides you havenât heard the good news.â He pointed out.
Dan perked up slightly, but not much. He hated when Nanny Madison looked after him.
She was even stricter than his mother, as she believed Phil would âtaintâ his prince qualities, so they didnât get to spend much time with each other. She even believed Dan should learn boring skills like fencing, like the old prince days.
âNothing like the good old days,â she would say, as she handed Dan a terrifying mask and a sharp thin sword.
âThe party this weekend has been rescheduled, and Philip will take over for Ellen while weâre gone as she is accompanying us.â His father said with a knowing grin. Dan perked up considerably, Nanny Madison wouldnât be able to stop him from seeing Phil after all.
âHeâs not too young?â Dan asked joyfully.
The King shook his head, âIt will be good training for him, Nikki will guide him of course, but mostly it will be Philip.â
Dan squealed with delight, wrapping his arms around his father, nearly knocking over their drinks in the process. His father chuckled into the hug but held Dan in his arms gently.
11
Dan waved to Phil from the window. Phil had been piled up with work recently for the upcoming party, (Dan was trying to forget).
Unfortunately, that meant the two boys hadnât been able to spend as much time as usual.
Dan trudged his way back to the huge grand piano. He stretched his fingers over the cool white keys. Eventually he decided he would play his favourite piece, Fur Elise. The notes tinkled and filled the air in a way that even his piano teacher was impressed.
âYou âave have practised?â She said simply in her french accent, as though this was a new concept. Dan nodded despite the fact that he hadnât practised since their last lesson. Piano came reasonably naturally to him, most of the time, âOf course.â
She smiled, while she adjusted her long brown hair so that it wouldnât get in the way.
âShow me Symphony 40.â She brandished to the piano and he nodded.
Even though he hated Symphony 40.
~-~-~
Parties were in Danâs opinion worse than banquets, as he hated to be looked down upon, and thatâs what happened for the entire party.
Duchesses would smile stiffly at him, as though they couldnât quite remember how to smile, exchange a few words. All the while they looked as though the last thing they wanted to do was talk to a small âchildâ, he was an eleven year old not a baby.
Nevertheless they barely had a conversation before moving on there way.
Dukes were no better.
Besides, just like at banquets, Phil wasnât allowed to attend, which left Dan miserable and alone.
He hated the other rarities of young children who stuck their noses in the air and trod as though on smashed glass, one flat foot and they would be doomed.
God Dan hated them, more than words could express.
One girl, with a bony chin and huge brown eyes would stare over at him, her mouth pressed into a thin line and her dark brown hair curled into an elaborate updo.
Dan had never spoken to her though as she was always by the side of a tall prince who he wanted nothing to do with.
As the clock struck nine Dan began to wonder if he would be able to leave, after three hours of utter boredom he was ready to be out.
Suddenly he saw Phil emerge through a side door, black hair messy from the wrestling he and Dan had done earlier. Dan watched as his best friend went over to a waiter and begun to collect plates and crockery, until it was stacked to nearly the height of Phil himself. All Dan could do was watch in horror as more plates were added to the pile, this left Philâs legs trembling and his mouth screwed up in concentration.
Dan already knew everything would go wrong before it did, it was like watching a movie in slow motion. One moment it was all fine, Phil was about to leave the room with his ridiculously tall pile of plates, the next there was a smash as Philâs legs gave way beneath him.
Plates and crockery of every sort smashed to the ground, which left a maze of shattered glass and pottery around Phil.
Both Dan and his mother ran towards him at the same time, but for different reasons.
Dan could see his mother compose her âwe will talk later faceâ as they raced across the ballroom.
Phil sat amongst the rubble, crying silently, cuts in his hands and knees from the smashed plates that had cut into him, Dan reached him first as his mother tried to appear semi composed.
The entire ballroom watched them but Dan couldnât care less, he was a kid after all, if they wanted to treat him like one he would be one.
âPhil,â he said when he was in earshot, stepping over smashed glass to reach his best friend who sniffled as Dan pulled him into a hug, âItâs gonna be okay.â
~-~-~
Dan was sat on the floor of the servant quarters, piles of spelling words spilt over his legs. He was testing Phil while he folded the royal familyâs clothes.
âRhubarb?â Dan asked being sure to hold the card out of Philâs view.
Phil groaned reaching for a pair of trousers.
âI havenât got a clue.â He muttered. âIâm going to fail.â
Dan shook his head, âThatâs what I say every maths test, and what do you say?â He asked with his eyebrows raised.
Phil sighed, âYou need to believe in your abilities.â
âExactly!â Dan clapped his hands together, âNow, Rhubarb.â
Phil sighed, âR - H - U - B?â He paused and Dan nodded in encouragement. âA - R - B?â He finished.
Dan let out a whoop of excitement, âCorrect!â
âWait really!â Phil dropped the t-shirt he was folding in shock.
Dan nodded happily, before he picked up the next card.
âI knew you could do it.â Â
~-~-~
âIâm bored,â Phil complained, and sprawled himself across Danâs lap so that he couldnât focus on his homework.
Dan groaned, as he tried to shove Phil off him, âGo away! Iâm doing my homework!â Dan said with one final push.
Phil didnât relent, staying on his lap as he continued to pout, âbut Iâm bored!â He repeated as though that would make Dan change his mind. âCome on grumpy bear!â
âPlus itâs hot and I donât have any work to do! We can have a water fight.â Phil said and poked Dan in the side.
Danâs ears pricked up despite himself, âDo we have water balloons?â He said, as he attempted to keep a calm air about him.
He must have failed because Phil smirked, âYes,â he said with a shrug, âBut I thought you wanted to do your homework soâŚâ He trailed off and Dan groaned, before he slammed his laptop shut and turned to stare at his smirking friend.
âI hate you,â Dan grumbled as he stood up.
Phil let out a whoop of excitement, and began to drag Dan along by his arm.
As they entered the kitchen, Dan grinned; Phil had already gotten out a bucket of water balloons.
âSomeone was prepared,â Dan turned to Phil who shrugged in embarrassment.
They walked over to the sink which wasnât being used by anyone, âWell I figured you couldnât turn down a water fight,â Phil explained.
Dan nodded, Phil had always known him better than he knew himself, and he was never one to turn down a water fight.
The King wandered out of the pantry, a cookie stuck out of his mouth. He glanced at the two boys who were stood in front of the sink, âWhat are you two doing?â He asked.
Dan started, he hadnât heard his father walk into the room, âWeâre going to have a water fight!â He replied excitedly.
The King laughed, the sound loud and booming, âDo either of you actually know how to fill up a water balloon?â he asked with a knowing raise of his dark eyebrow.
Dan turned to Phil who stared back at him with wide eyes, well this had created a problem. Phil shook his head sheepishly and the King laughed again, as he moved over to help them.
As he taught them how to correctly fill up a water balloon Dan couldnât stop the smile that bloomed, the grin on his face physically hurt his cheek muscles. The King would laugh loudly whenever Dan or Phil accidentally burst one all over themselves (it was mostly Dan). Even Dan couldnât help but laugh loudly as Phil accidentally slipped on water and ended up splashing a water balloon over Danâs head. Dan retaliated by leaping on him which left both boys soaked.
In the end the water fight never quite made it outside.
12
Dan was well and truly sick of parties. The tape measure was cold against his bare chest and Phil laughed softly as he shivered.
âOi!â Dan grumbled, Phil poked out his tongue but didnât say anything. The seamstress clucked her tongue at him.
âDo not move Your Highness, it makes it far too difficult.â She scolded him gently, in her so-posh-it-must-be-fake British accent. Although Dan could hardly talk, he sounded like Winnie the Pooh. Phil snickered under his breath.
âLester,â she turned her head absentmindedly and Phil jumped into straight posture, âPass me the red silk dear.â
Phil nodded as he retrieved the bright material. She held it against the white material she was fitting Dan with and turned to Phil.
âWhat are your thoughts?â She asked with a tilt of the head.
Dan felt a swell of gratitude, she had gotten so sick of Dan asking for Philâs opinions, she had begun to do so herself. Phil furrowed his eyebrows in thought before grabbing the white material and holding it against Danâs chest.
âIt really brings out his eyes, and the red is a strong comparison to his complexion.â
Dan felt his cheeks flush red.
âI agree.â The seamstress, Betty, nodded.
Betty had left them in private to discuss the material choices for his other garments.
They were sat on the floor of his bedroom (if it could be called a bedroom, it was more like a Danâs wing) surrounded by various fabrics, embroidery and silks.
âThis one would be nice?â Phil held up a blue silk. Dan watched the way the light danced on the blue fabric, perfectly reflecting his friends eyes.
âNah, would be nicer on you.â He muttered, as he looked back down at the materials on his lap.
Phil raised his eyebrows.
âI wonât ever need it. The Kingâs advisor doesnât wear silks.â Phil replied casually.
Dan wondered how strange their conversations would sound to normal twelve year olds.
Twelve year olds who didnât grow up in a castle.
Twelve year olds who didnât wear silks, or jewels.
Dan shrugged, âIâm just saying it would look nicer on you. Plus that type of linen scratches me.â
Phil nodded and put it down gently.
Phil held up a pale green material against Danâs bare chest. His cold fingers made Dan shiver.
âAre you cold, Bear?â Phil smirked evilly.
He pressed freezing fingers against the bare skin. Dan shuddered and attempted to push the icy hands off him but Phil didnât let up.
He poked his finger into Danâs side, âPhil!â Dan exclaimed.
His mother walked into the room just as the word left his lips, of course.
âLester,â she said curtly, âHow is the material choice?â
Phil swallowed heavily and Dan felt himself sob internally.
âItâs going well Maâam,â Phil was stood in front of Dan with his back as straight as a pole, all emotion drained from his face. Betty walked in and eyed him curiously before she saw Dan's mother.
âYour Majesty,â she curtseyed quickly, âIs everything alright maâam?â
His mother nodded, before she turned to Phil, âShow me,â she waved her hand impatiently. Phil scrambled to hold the material against Dan yet again, this time Dan didnât shudder at the cold. Or laugh at his friend tickling him.
His mother watched them warily, âYes. It will do nicely.â
~-~-~
Dan pulled at his collar which was cutting into the skin beneath his neck. He glanced up at the large clock, three hours to go. He let out a sigh involuntarily just as a prince from a nearby country approached him.The boy was at least four years older than Dan but he had a name Dan couldnât quite put his finger on.
Phil would remember, he was good at names.
âHello Daniel, lovely party,â The prince smiled at him.
Dan nodded, he felt short and inferior compared to the tall teenager.
âYes⌠lovely.â Dan glanced up at the clock again, only to be disappointed by a minute that had passed.
He restrained himself from groaning, and the boy raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Dan couldnât blame him. Dan folded his small gloved hands behind his back, attempting to make himself look innocent.
âYou donât look as though youâre enjoying it,â The prince smirked.
Dan scrambled for a topic change, âI apologise but I believe Iâve forgotten your name,â he smiled politely.
âItâs James.â
Of course itâs James. Such a posh name for a posh person.
âThatâs a very nice name.â Dan replied.
James laughed airily, as though he didnât believe him.
He shook his head, âYouâre a strange child Daniel.â
âThere aren't many ordinary princes.â
Dan was hovering around the table, covered in various punches and wines. All served in glass goblets. People smiled and greeted him as he passed but nobody attempted to start a conversation, which Dan was grateful for. He hated the forced conversations and the polite exchanges. For not the first time that night, he wished Phil was at the party, so he could talk to someone normal.
âYou look sad Daniel.â A duchess greeted him as she picked up a piece of bruschetta.
Dan shook his head politely, âNot at all maâam. Just tired.â He gestured to the clock, which was proudly bearing 10:00 pm in large gold numbers. She nodded knowingly, most twelve year olds would be asleep by now after all, Dan chose not mention that Phil usually crept into his room around this time.
It was a perfectly acceptable lie for a twelve year old.
âYou should see if you can totter off to bed?â She offered before gliding away. He hated the way posh people, like his parents, seemed to glide rather than walk, as though a simple walk was far too ordinary for them.
He glanced at the clock.
The news of him being âtiredâ would spread to his mother in the next ten minutes, who always listened in to conversations. He should be out of here within a quarter of an hour.
Sure enough, his mother approached him as the clock hit quarter past.
âYouâre tired Daniel?â She asked with a kind smile. He loved his mother much more when she was in a good mood, she was so much more approachable.
âYes,â he added a yawn for extra measure.
She glanced at the clock delicately and seemed shocked by the time.
âIâm not surprised either! Goodness!â She waved him away, âYou go off to bed now.â
He nodded and dashed off before she could change her mind.
~-~-~
Phil was waiting in his room as usual.
They were used to the routine by now.
Dan would go to a party which he was unhappy about.
He would get out early by pretending to be tired
Phil would meet him in his room for the run down of Danâs boredom.
Phil glanced at his watch.
âYouâre earlier than usual.â He commented casually.
Dan shrugged, âIt was an easy fake this time. Duchess Lendon was concerned.â
Phil nodded in understanding, Duchess Lendon had always been the most motherly of them all.
âTell me everything.â Phil grinned.
Dan took a deep breath before he began his spiel, starting with Prince James who had talked to him for an hour.
13
âAre you positive?â Dan asked again as he followed Phil around and cleaned cabinets.
âYes.â Phil replied without even a glance up from the glass he was scrubbing.
Dan bit his lip nervously, âBut what if-â
Phil cut him off by finally meeting eyes with Dan irritably, âI want to wait the parties Dan. Itâs never going to happen if I donât ask your mum.â
âYeah but-â
âNo buts. Iâm going to do it now.â Phil said as he completed the cleaning with a final wipe.
Dan huffed nervously but otherwise let him go without complaint.
âGood luck!â He called out.
~-~-~
Phil had been busy since the morning and Dan was dying to speak to him.
What did his mother say? He slammed his hands down on the piano keys. There was no way he could practise with this kind of stress. So he made the decision to give up and go find Phil, with a slam of the lid he got up to exit the room.
Jonathan, a servant, rushed into the room.
âGoodness Sir are you ok?â The thin balding man asked with a gasp.
Dan shuffles awkwardly, âYes Jonathan sorry.â He scratched his head, âIâm just not in the right headspace to play.â
Jonathan nodded in understanding, âI understand Mister Daniel but please,â He gestured to the shiny piano, black gloss glittering in the warm sunlight, âDonât injure the piano because of it.â He winked softly before waving Dan out of the room.
~-~-~
From Dan 3:27 pm 3/06
where are you!?! i need to know how it went
From Dan 3:30 pm 3/06
if you donât reply iâm going to kill you
From Dan 3:32 pm3/06
i know you have your phone on you!!! you always do!!!
From Dan 3:33 pm 3/06
seriously???
From Dan 3:36 pm 3/06
this is getting ridiculous...
From Phil 3:37 pm 3/06
Youâre unbelievable :) Iâm in the east wing, I was washing dishes so I couldnât reply you dork
From Dan 3:37 pm 3/06
coming now!!! (iâm a prince not a dork :P)
From Phil 3:38 pm 3/06
Prince Dork then!
~-~-~
âHow did it go?â Dan pounced on Phil the second he saw him. Phil let out a grunt as they fell over.
âReally?â Phil asked with an eye roll while he stood up, âShe said yes by the way. But I have to go through extensive training first.â
Dan pumped his fist in the air with a whoop of excitement. Phil laughed softly, as he picked up a pile of washing from beside him, âCome on. We can talk while I hang this washing up.â
~-~-~
From Dan 10:02 am 8/10
i havenât seen you in days are you ok???
From Dan 10:20 am 9/10
phil??? You literally havenât been talking to me are you alright???
From Dan 9:30 am 11/10
phil???
From Dan 9:40 am 11/10
whatâs going on???
Seen at 11:40
From Dan 12:40 am 12/10
why did you walk off on me today??? you yelled something out but I couldnât hear you
From Phil 12:42 am 12/10
Hey Dan! Sorry cant talk fr long supwr busy
Your mum has beem loading me witj work
she
From Dan 12:43 am 12/10
she what???
From Dan 12:44 am 12/10
phil
From Dan 12:45 am 12/10
meet me at my room at 6 ok???
From Phil 12:59 am 12/10
k
~-~-~
Dan sat on his bed and waited. It was 6:30 and Phil still hadnât turned up.
He felt his fingers twitch towards his phone, but there was no point. Phil hardly replied to his texts currently anyway. There was the sound of fast footsteps before Phil burst in, hair ruffled and face red from running.
âIâm so sorry,â Phil gasped, as he collapsed onto Danâs bed
Dan shook his head, âItâs okay.â he paused before asking the question that had been plaguing him for days, âWhatâs going on?â
Phil sighed, âIâve had so much work lately. I just donât have time to hang out.â
âOr answer texts,â Dan pointed out. Phil seemed to see something interesting on his shoes.
âYeah, or answer texts.â
Dan rolled his eyes, âI thought you were mad at me or something.â
Phil looked up with so much shock in his eyes that Dan felt bad.
âWhy would I be mad at you?â He asked, forehead creased in worry.
Dan sighed, âI donât know⌠I guess you just hardly were speaking to me and I freaked out. We just...â He could feel Philâs eyes on him, waiting for him to finish. âWe just⌠always talk. Weâve never split up before.â
Phil looked exhausted and sad.
âIâm sorry Dan. I really am.â He watched Dan with hopeful eyes, âIf I could get away from all the work I would.â
Dan smiled, âI know.â
~-~-~
Phil couldnât get away from the work.
He was making an effort to text Dan, that much Dan could tell. However he had no time to actually see Dan, or really do anything fun anymore.
Dan was on his computer, finger tapping the mouse absentmindedly, when suddenly it struck him.
âMum.â He muttered to himself.
Why had it not been obvious before?
She was giving Phil too much work on purpose.
To keep him away from Dan.
He leapt to his feet and slammed the chair into his desk.
Just as he was leaving his room his father came in.
âDan!â He said as they bumped into each other. Dan slowed to a stop and turned to his father.
âSorry Dad, is it important?â He asked as he walked back into his bedroom.
The King nodded while he settled onto one of Danâs plush couches.
âItâs about Ellen.â He said and indicated to Dan to sit down.
âIs she ok?â Dan asked worriedly.
Was she ok? Was she sick?
His father smiled at his concern, âDonât worry. Sheâs fine.â He assured his worried son, âIn fact sheâs pregnant!â The King announced with a joyful smile.
Dan couldnât stop the smile spread over his face, however a small niggle at the back of his mind was saying what now?
âThatâs great! So sheâll be going on maternal leave for a bit orâŚâ Dan trailed off as he saw his father shake his head slowly.
âThat is why I need to talk to you,â he said, âShe wants to be a stay at home mother so-â
Dan finished for him, âSo sheâs resigning.â
The King nodded and waited for Dan to speak again.
âI need a new personal maid.â Dan supplied and his father looked pleased.
âYes, and I thought you were old enough to pick on your own.â
The solution presented itself to Dan so clear and simple he could almost laugh.
âCompletely up to me?â He checked.
His father raised an eyebrow curiously but said, âYes. Your mother has agreed.â
âPhil.â Dan said excitedly.
His father smiled as though that was expected.
âIt will be done.â He said simply with a small shrug and a wink.
Dan couldnât fight the huge smile that spread over his face.
~-~-~
His mother was furious. Except she couldnât do anything about it at all. She had already agreed after all.
âPick someone else Daniel.â She growled, arms crossed over her body like an angry barrier.
Dan stood firm, âNo. I choose Phil. He would be perfect as he already knows me so well.â He smiled sweetly. She narrowed her eyes, knowing that she was beaten.
âGo tell him.â She said sternly.
He grinned while he raced off to tell his friend.
To Phil 3:21 pm 18/10
where are you? i have news!!!
To Dan 3:22 pm 18/10
Washing room? You OK?
~-~-~
Dan ran as fast as he could, his chest begged him to stop but his brain repeated
Phil, Phil, Phil, Phil
He could scream with happiness. After three weeks of barely talking Dan couldnât take it anymore.
âPhil!â He exclaimed as he dashed into the washroom.
Despite being entirely out of breath he was still bouncing with happiness.
âDan!â Phil replied as Dan leapt on him. âWhat on Earth?â
He had to stop himself from squealing at the prospect of Phil being around him all the time.
âGuess whoâs my new personal maid?â
Philâs eyes widened as the words left Danâs lips.
âNo way!â He gasped, understanding straight away.
âYes!â Dan grinned.
Phil dropped the wash basket to wrap his arms around Dan, it clattered to the floor and spilt piles of clothes everywhere. Dan grinned as he hugged his best friend back tightly. Â
14
At midnight Dan woke up drenched in sweat and shaking like a leaf. He only just made it to the bathroom before he vomited up the contents of his stomach.
Where was the button for Phil again? His sick brain only half worked. There was a moment of panic before his stomach lurched again. He sobbed softly, his stomach swirling.
Thatâs when he remembered the button.
There was one on the sink basin.
He raised a shaky hand to the small button and pushed down on it before his stomach lurched again.
It was really hot in the room, despite the fact that he wasn't wearing a shirt.
âDan!â Phil gasped, glasses askew on his face and hair messy from sleep.
Dan whimpered softly in response, there was an aching pain in his stomach that seemed to spread through his body.
âOh Dan, okay where does it hurt?â Phil murmured softly, voice still slightly husky from only just waking up. Dan pointed to his stomach. âAre you hot or cold?â
âHot.â Dan replied, voice soft and shaky from the pain.
Phil nodded, and helped Dan to his feet.
âOk, Iâm taking you to your bed.â Phil explained to him, âIâm going to turn on your air conditioner and get you a bucket.â
Dan nodded.
âYouâre going to take off your pants so that youâre not too hot. Do you want ice?â Phil helped him onto the bed.
Dan nodded shakily.
Phil raced off.
Dan pulled off his pyjama pants so that he was just in his boxers. His stomach lurched again but he didnât throw up, luckily.
Phil returned with ice, a bucket and some medicine.
âHere you go.â He said as he handed Dan the ice pack.
Dan took it gratefully and placed the soothing cold on his head. Phil passed him some medicine.
âYouâre going to be ok,â Philâs voice was soft and comforting.
He stroked Danâs hair softly while Dan clutched his stomach from the stabbing pain.
âThank you.â Dan whispered back.
~-~-~
âAre you alright Dan?â Phil checked in on him later that afternoon. Dan opened his eyes drowsily.
âUck,â He groaned.
Phil chuckled softly, âYour Mum is going to come in a bit, sheâs just wrapping up a meeting.â He told Dan, moving around the room to swap a glass of water and give Dan some new medicine.
âNo, donât leave.â Dan pouted as Phil turned to leave the room.
Phil laughed gently, âDan, you have clothes that need to be washed, and I told you, your Mum is coming.â He shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
âOkayâŚâ Dan dragged out the end of the word and added puppy dog eyes for extra emphasis. Phil merely shrugged with another soft laugh and left the room.
Dan flopped back down, the pillows surrounded his head. His stomach gave an uncomfortable lurch but he had long since emptied his stomach.
âDan?â He heard his mother ask from the doorway.
âCome in Mother,â he smiled through the pain, sitting himself up against the pile of pillows.
She sighed softly when she was his flushed form, âAre you alright? Have you eaten?â She fretted, perching on the couch beside his bed.
âIâm fine and no I tried a while ago and vomited it back up.â He replied, his body shook  from the cold despite the fact that he was sweating like he was in sauna.
She pursed her lips, âDo you have a fever?â
âYeah I think so.â He cuddled the blankets around him.
âDo you want me to get you a doctor to come in?â She said with a tinge of worry threaded through her words. Dan nodded.
âYou should probably sleep. Iâll call a doctor,â she smiled gently at him, before exiting as quickly as Phil had done. Dan repeated the action of collapsing back into the pile of pillows, sleep greeted him much faster than expected.
He dreamt like a photo album.
Small snippets that constantly changed.
Each as random as the last.
He was in charge of four bawling babies.
All that surrounded him was an empty dark abyss.
He was at a ball surrounded by girls but he instantly migrated to a young prince.
Geese pecked at him from every angle.
He was drowning in a sea of cats.
Phil poked him gently and he woke with a start.
âYou right?â He asked and passed him a glass of icy water.
Dan nodded, âYeah just⌠weird dreams I guess?â He chuckled, but the dream about the ball was stuck in his brain like glue. Phil didnât look convinced but shrugged it off, âYou were talking in your sleep a bit.â he snickered, âDonât peck me bad geese no!â Phil flailed his arms mockingly.
Dan rolled his eyes, âShut up!â He scoffed, âIâll have you know they were pecking from every angle.â He stuck out his tongue.
âNice to see your usual sarcastic attitude back,â Phil smiled genuinely.
Dan grinned back, his hair still stuck to his face with sweat.
~-~-~
When Dan finally emerged from his sickness there was a another party in three days. Phil was finally, after a year of training, going to wait a party. Dan for the first time ever was excited about the party, he wouldnât be suffering through it alone. He could also tell that Phil was bubbling with excitement.
Phil bounded around Danâs room, smile glowing on his face.
âCome on!â Phil exclaimed.
Dan groaned as Phil passed him his shirt and pants.
âI donât wanna!â He flopped onto his bed, throwing his hand to his forehead for dramatic effect. Phil rolled his eyes and pulled Dan's foot so that he fell off the bed. âGet up, the partyâs in an hour you donât have time to be fussy.â
Dan stuck out his bottom lip in a pout, Phil smirked and poked the lip back in.
âCome on get up!â He said far to happily for Danâs liking.
~-~-~
Dan smiled politely at the princesses who curtsied to him. He gave them a small bow back. Although he could clearly see the princesses were beautiful, he found himself wishing he could meet more princes.
Like in his dream a few weeks ago.
He shook away the feelings hurriedly.
Now was not the time to question his opinions on princesses, he didnât need a partner yet anyway.
Someone tapped him delicately on the shoulder.
âWould you like a drink sir?â A familiar voice asked, a teasing tone added for extra measure.
Dan rolled his eyes as he turned to face Phil, âDo you have any alcohol?â He asked sarcastically.
Phil tutted at him, âAbsolutely not! Take a non alcoholic drink.â He inclined his head to the tray he was carrying.
Dan smiled gratefully and took a glass.
âHowâre you liking the party scene?â He asked with a smirk.
Phil laughed, âIâm beginning to see why you got so bored, theyâre all just drifting in their fancy way.â
Dan pulled a face in agreement.
âHello Daniel.â A voice said from behind him.
Dan grimaced at Phil before he turned to face James, who had spoken to him at any party possible. Despite the four year age gap and the fact that Dan hated him.
âDrink.â James snapped his fingers at Phil.
Phil looked shocked by the abrupt rudeness of it but maintained a polite manner anyway, âWhat would you like?â He asked.
âWine.â James said just as harshly and held out his hand for the glass.
Phil carefully retrieved a glass from his tray and passed it to the snobby prince.
âHave you met my sister, Cecilia?â James asked with a slight incline of the head.
Dan wanted to punch him for the way he had spoken to Phil but he forced himself to remain calm.
âNo.â He replied through gritted teeth.
James raised his eyebrows at the curt answer but simply finished his drink with a gulp.
âYou should,â He said, âAnother.â He snapped at Phil again.
Phil passed him another drink, sharing a look with Dan.
As the glass came into contact with Jamesâ gloved hands it slipped through his fingers, smashing to the ground and spilling wine all over the princeâs legs.
âLook what you did!â James sneered at Phil.
A few people had turned to stare at them in shock.
âI-Iâm sorry I thought you had it.â Phil replied shakily.
Dan stepped to comfort him, placing a hand on his arm.
âIt wasnât his fault that you didnât hold onto it properly.â Dan said to James with a protective glare.
James scoffed, âSticking up for the servant? What is he your boyfriend?â He asked with a smirk.
âNo. Heâs my friend.â Dan growled. âLeave us alone.â
James spun on his heel and marched off without another word.
Phil smiled at him gratefully before he ducked to his knees to wipe up the spilt wine. Â
15
âDan! You need to get ready for godâs sake!â Phil exclaimed when he walked into the room.
Dan huffed but turned off the video game anyway.
âBut I donât want a gala!â He pouted.
Phil rolled his eyes, âCome on youâve only got three hours and I need to get you ready.â
âI hate this,â he groaned, and screwed up his face in over exaggerated anguish.
Phil laughed, the soft sound filled Danâs veins.
âWe havenât even started!â He exclaimed and pulled Dan to his feet.
Dan sat on the couch as Phil brought out two suits.
âI have to wear a suit!â Dan exclaimed and smashed his head into the pillow beside him.
Phil chuckled, âYes you do.â He held them up, âNow which one?â
Dan turned to look at them, one was a navy blue with a pale blue shirt, the other was black with a crisp white shirt.
âThe black one, like my soul.â He muttered and pointed to the black suit.
Phil laughed, âPerfect choice.â
Dan stuck out his tongue, Phil copied the action. Somehow making it so adorable Dan wanted to kiss him.
Did I really just think that?
Dan walked out of the change room, the suit fitted him perfectly, it shaped all the right places and made Dan look so much more handsome than he was. He could have sworn Philâs cheeks tinted slightly pink when he walked out.
Probably because the room was very warm.
âOn a scale of 1-10 how awful do I look? 1 being you look like a literal trash can, and 10 being I would make out with you in that suit.â He spread his arms awkwardly to show off the outfit. Phil stroked his chin in thought, âIâd say about a 9?â He said eventually.
Dan nodded, and ignored the thumping of his chest as his best friend stepped forward to adjust his collar.
âJewel cufflinks or silver?â Dan asked Phil, as he turned to the boy who was strewn out across the bed. He showed the ruby cufflinks his mother had bought him for his birthday.
Phil screwed up his nose, âDefinitely silver, jewels make you look tacky.â
âReally?â Dan replied and put down the rubies, picking up the silver. Phil nodded as he helped Dan attach them to the sleeves of his shirt.
âThey look like youâre saying,â Phil spoke in an over the top british accent, âWoop-di-doo Iâm a prince! I have money and jewels yay!â
Dan snorted at the awful impression.
âI do not speak like that!â He poked Phil in the side.
Phil smirked, âSure you donât Winnie the Pooh.â He teased.
âOi!â Dan pushed him over onto his bed.
Phil laughed loudly as he grabbed Dan by the tie and pulled him down as well.
âIf I look so tacky why did you let me where jewels so often!â Dan sat up with a start.
Phil shrugged, âI wasnât allowed input into your outfit choices I guess.â
Dan pushed him, âYou know I would have listened to you.â
There was a short pause before Phil chuckled, âYeah I suppose you would have. I just didnât think it was my place.â
âItâs always your place.â Dan said and poked his friend in the cheek.
Phil shrugged, âWell then, donât wear jewels theyâre tacky and I hate them.â
Dan rolled his eyes, unable to keep the grin off his face as he checked the time on his phone, âOh shit!â He exclaimed as he leapt to his feet, âCome on! Mumâs going to kill me if Iâm late!â
Phil groaned, âThatâs what Iâve been saying all afternoon!â
~-~-~
He stood at the front of the room, the large crown heavy on his head. Hundreds of âeligibleâ young girls in beautiful dresses watched him eagerly. It was expected that he would go forward and dance with the girls he was considering.
But he wasnât considering anyone.
After all he was only fifteen!
Why would he need a girlfriend, why would he want one? If he was honest with himself he had a crush on someone else, and it certainly wasnât one of those princesses. He could just imagine how everyone would react if he went up to Phil and danced with him out of everyone in the room. Phil waved gently from the food table where he was waiting for his tray of cakes.
His mother sent him a look that said, âDaniel dance with one of them!â
He swallowed the hatred of the evening he stepped towards a pretty girl with blonde hair. She practically squealed with excitement and stepped away from her group of friends.
âHi,â he bowed.
âH-hello,â she curtsied awkwardly back. With a smile he took her waist and her hand gently. They waltzed around the room, while jealous girls eyed them with looks of malice.
âSo whatâs your name?â He asked politely.
She smiled, âElizabeth.â
Wow how original.
âThatâs a lovely name.â
âThank you.â He bowed again as they finished.
âNo, thank you,â she said with another quick curtsey before she scurried away.
End me.
He scooted his way over to Phil while he had the chance.
âHello.â Phil smiled as he approached.
âHi.â Dan replied with a heavy sigh.
Phil chuckled and handed a princess a cake who was definitely only there because Dan was.
âSave me.â Dan groaned as she walked away.
Phil shook his head gently, âYou know I canât.â He began to walk through the sea of princesses.
âFollow me?â He looked back at Dan who reluctantly followed.
âTheyâre all so desperate it freaks me out.â He complained when they werenât within earshot of any girls.
Phil nodded in understanding, âThey keep asking if Iâve ever gotten to see you get dressed.â
âThatâs⌠Thatâs just creepy.â Dan muttered and Phil laughed in agreement.
âYour mother is looking at us.â He hissed out the side of his mouth, and offered a cake to an overjoyed girl.
Dan sighed heavily, âBye.â
~-~-~
Both Dan and Phil glanced up in shock as The King marched into Danâs bed chambers, his old face worn out and exhausted but plastered with his signature smile.
âI was thinking you boys might want to go out for an ice-cream?â He suggested and Dan grinned as he climbed up from the game of Monopoly he and Phil had been playing.
With a nod Dan turned to Phil and said teasingly, âI can run you bankrupt later, letâs go get ice-cream!â
Phil rolled his eyes but took Danâs hand to be hefted to his feet, âSounds great!â He said to The King but turned to Dan mischievously, âBut I believe you are the one who's bankrupt currently Daniel,â he poked Dan in the side.
âWell, whoever is bankrupt or not can wait. This King needs a break!â Danâs father ushered them out of the room impatiently, clearly eager to get out of the palace and into the normal world.
Dan laughed loudly as his father all but tugged him out of the palace doors, one guard accompanied them as usual, despite Phil being âan escortâ.
âWhere are we going Your Majesty?â Phil asked as they left the huge gates of the palace behind.
The King tutted, âPlease Philip if youâre going to use titles at least go with Sir? Your Majesty seems a bit ridiculous for someone whoâs taking you out for ice-cream!â
Phil flushed a dark shade of red which shouldnât have made Danâs heart ping like it did, âY-yes Sir,â Phil mumbled.
Dan tried to make his face as neutral as possible as his best friend turned to look at him, âCan we go to the little Italian place you took me when I was six?â Dan pleaded, not meeting Philâs gaze for fear he would turn as red as Phil currently was.
His Father seemed surprised Dan remembered the little Italian ice cream shop they had only visited once but beamed anyway, âOf course!â
The guard made herself noticed by leaning her head in slightly, âWould you like a car Your Majesty?â The buff woman asked.
The King waved her away, âNonsense! We can walk! I may be an old royal but I can still use these old things,â he waved his legs around and skipped off as though to prove his point. Dan laughed boisterously, and encouraged Phil to join him in a run as they left behind their duties for the day. Danâs father danced and walked around in a strange walk that reminded Dan of a chicken, successfully pulling loud giggles out of both boys mouths as they continued to run alongside him.
The ice-cream shop was exactly the same as Dan remembered it, small and brightly coloured. With vintage records that lined the walls, each cut into beautiful shapes and hung to decorate the small room.
The walls were a strange shade of yellow, tinged with a bright blue that reminded Dan of Philâs eyes, and the ice cream took up most of the space, kept in huge bucket sized containers.
Flavours were lined one after the other, each more exciting than the last. Bubblegum, chocolate fudge, tiramisu, honeycomb, vanilla bean, just to name a few.
Dan instantly ordered a vanilla bean and honeycomb in a large waffle cone.
Philâs mouth was gaping open, like Dan he rarely left the palace and clearly hadnât been to an ice-cream store this wonderful.
âWhat would you like Philip?â The King asked and turned to the fifteen year old boy who looked like heâd never seen real ice-cream before.
Dan grinned at him as Phil continued to splutter in uncertainty, finally he said, âErm same as Dan.â
Dan nudged him in the side, âGood choice,â He whispered as the worker handed him the ice-cream, too busy to notice he was serving The Prince.
As they sat down in a window booth, the blue sky stretched out like a huge expanse, and licking at their half melted ice-creams they laughed so hard Dan thought he might burst. His father had a way of reminding both him and Phil of the memories that had long since faded away. Like the time Dan had gotten himself stuck in a drying room in a game of âIntense Hide and Seekâ as five year old Dan and Phil had named it. He was unable to get out of the warm room Dan had later emerged with an intensely curly fringe and no clothes.
Dan groaned as Phil laughed his head off at him, having completely forgotten about the very disgruntled young Daniel.
âOi shut up Mr Philip!â Dan poked Phil in the side, âI distinctly remember somebody getting stuck in the top shelf of the pantry with a mouth full of jam biscuits!â
Phil turned a bright shade of red as both Dan and his father burst out laughing at the memory of a very sticky four year old and how on Earth he had gotten up there.
The King shook his head, still booming with laughter, âNo no! Now both of you seem to have forgotten about the timeâŚâ
16
âMum! I donât need another gala! Theyâre not working!â He pleaded with his mother but to no avail.
She shook her head with a heavy sigh, âNo Daniel. You are sixteen without anyone and your father and I are getting old. What happens if something happens to us? I want you to have someone.â
The words stabbed at Dan.
He knew who he wanted.
Who he would never have.
âI know Mum, but maybe we should try something else. Iâm still only sixteen, can we take a break?â He begged.
She sighed heavily.
âOne more Daniel. Then weâll stop okay? Please?â Her eyes pleaded with him.
He nodded.
âOkay.â
After the first gala there had been at least ten more. With no more success than the first had been. Eventually Dan gave up, and just purposefully spent time with Phil.
âI hate this.â Dan muttered.
Phil nodded, âI know.â He passed a drink to a princess with a bright smile that made Danâs heart stutter. âBut your mother is worried.â
âI know,â Dan said with a sigh. He smiled politely to a girl they passed, âItâs just not working.â
Phil shrugged, âSheâs hoping it might.â
A princess tapped Dan on the shoulder.
He spun around in shock, âEr hi?â
âHello,â she curtsied, âMy name is Princess Cecilia? Weâve met before. Iâm Jamesâ sister.â
The name made Philâs eyebrows shoot up and Dan want to growl.
âYeah hi,â Dan smiled politely, and wished she would go away as he saw James approaching them.
âYour mother thinks you two would be a good match,â James said in lieu of hello, âI see heâs still here.â James looked at Phil was a sneer.
Phil went bright as a beetroot but made no move to go anywhere, in fact he did the most sarcastic thing imaginable.
âWould you like a glass of wine?â He asked with an innocent smile.
Jamesâ eyes narrowed but he didnât say anything.
âHow are you Daniel?â He said and turned to Dan.
Dan forced an incredibly fake smile and replied, âFine thanks.â
At that he grabbed Philâs arm and marched away, calling over his shoulder, âNice meeting you Cecilia.â
~-~-~
The tears poured out at three am.
He sobbed into his pillow until his eyes were dry and his throat was hoarse.
Why
Why
Why
He didnât want a girlfriend.
At all.
He wanted the opposite of that.
But aside from anything he didnât want to be a disappointment. He clutched the blankets to his chest. Â
âPhil,â he croaked through the tears.
He didnât want to press the button, but he did at the same time.
Dan held his pillow up to his face and screamed as loudly as possible. It was mostly muffled by the pillow but Phil managed to hear it anyway. He ran into the room with hair that was messy from sleep and eyes that were wide with worry.
âDan⌠whatâs wrong?â He gasped and slipped onto the bed beside Dan. Â
Phil held Dan to his chest and he sobbed heavily as tears cascaded down his face.
âOh Dan,â Phil murmured and rubbed Danâs back gently.
The tears began to slow until Dan was barely crying at all.
âWhatâs wrong Dan?â Phil asked gently, still rubbing Danâs back for comfort.
Dan sobbed softly, âThereâs so much happening and⌠and I donât want a girlfriend but Iâll disappoint my parents⌠I just⌠I⌠donât want to be a disappointment.â
Phil passed him a box of tissues, âYou need a break.â Â He said knowingly.
Dan nodded, âYeah I doâŚâ He dabbed at his eyes, despite the fact that tears were still falling slowly.
âIâll take you out tomorrow. Weâll tell your mum that you need to go out and Iâll take you to a market nearby!â Phil suggested with an excited grin.
Dan smiled through the tears, âThat sounds great.â
Phil nodded and pulled Dan back into a hug, âThen weâll do it.â
~-~-~
Phil bounded along the path ahead, a bright green shirt and jeans fitted to his body.
âYouâre going to love it!â He exclaimed gleefully, before he slowed down to walk next to Dan, âAt least I hope you will or this will be awkward.â He laughed.
Dan chuckled, the fresh morning air nipping at any skin it could find. They had dressed Dan in black skinny jeans and a grey-black jumper so that people would be less likely to recognise him. Although as Phil said, there was a high possibility people would know who he was. It was nearby the palace after all.
The market was bustling to say the least.
It was a simple place, a farmers market Phil told him, but the energy was so different to the castle, and Dan loved it. There were stalls set up in a semi circle, ranging from scones to fresh produce. Children played in a petting zoo on the side and parents flitted between shops to find the best bargain.
Phil turned to him with a bright smile, âWhat do you think?â He asked.
âItâs amazing,â Dan smiled in return.
The weight of his stress momentarily faded away into the hustle bustle of the environment.
âAre you hungry?â Phil asked as they walked along the stores.
Danâs stomach grumbled in response, âThat would be yes.â He laughed.
âThe scones are the best youâll have ever tasted!â Phil exclaimed and pulled Dan along by the arm.
Dan grinned, âEven better than Chef Mari?â He asked with a smirk.
Phil nodded, âYep!â
As they arrived at the stall the large man gave Phil a knowing smile.
âPhil!â He boomed happily, âHow are you my boy?â
Phil grinned, âIâm great Bryan, and you?â He replied.
âIâm splendid! Whoâs this lad? Your boyfriend?â Bryan asked with a smile.
Both Dan and Philâs cheeks flushed red hot at that comment.
âN-no,â Phil stammered, âThis is Dan. My best friend.â
Dan waved timidly, âHi.â
Bryan let out a loud laugh, âIâm just teasing boys! The usual I assume?â He looked at Phil who nodded. When he passed the bag of scones to Phil, Dan could have sworn he heard him whisper, âHe would be cute boyfriend though hm?â
But he was positive he was just imagining it.
âMy hands are freezing.â Dan complained.
Phil rolled his eyes but linked their hands together. His hands were warm and soft.
âBetter?â He asked with a grin.
Dan nodded.
A small three year old boy bumped directly into Danâs leg and fell onto the ground with an oomph.
âSorry!â The boy apologised and jumped to his feet.
The mother rushed forward, an apologetic look on her face and Dan recognised her straight away.
âDan!â She exclaimed.
âEllen!â He replied as she picked up her little boy.
She sighed happily, âYou let your curls out!â She smiled.
He nodded, âPhil convinced me.â He said and inclined his head to his friend beside him.
She beamed at the two of them. Then she noticed their linked hands, âOh! Are you?â She trailed off as they let go hurriedly.
Danâs face heated up once again.
âNo my hands were cold,â Dan explained. Probably too quickly.
He hoped neither of them picked up on it.
She seemed slightly disappointed.
âTell me any news ok boys?â She asked before she called out her goodbyes.
Phil smiled at Dan.
âApparently weâd be a cute couple.â He snickered.
Dan felt his cheeks heat up, little did Phil know that was what he wanted.
âY-yeah,â he laughed, but it was forced.
Donât get your hopes up Dan
That night Dan was the happiest he had been since his 16th birthday. Phil and he had ate and laughed at the farmers market until well into the evening. Everyone there seemed to know who Phil was. Only one person aside from Ellen recognised Dan.
It was perfect.
~-~-~
âYou are awful at dancing,â the King commented with a smirk as Dan danced around the room and pretended to be some sort of rock star.
He dropped to the floor behind the couch with a squeal of shock and embarrassment, âDad!â He yelped as he heard his father began to chuckle.
As Dan peeked his head over the back of the couch he watched his father raise his eyebrows at him, âYou know youâll start to have galas again soon? Where youâll need to danceâŚâ The King trailed off, and allowed Dan to finish the sentence for himself.
Dan stared at him mortified, âBut I canât dance!â He exclaimed as he leapt to his feet, his tired brain finally realising what his father meant.
At that moment Phil walked in with a basket full of Danâs now clean clothes and several of Danâs possessions which found their way around the castle.
The King turned on him and Phil nearly dropped his pile, âY-your Majesty!â He stammered in shock.
The King smirked and Dan recognised the look on his fatherâs face, he had an idea.
âPhilip?â He said, and turned on Danâs best friend who placed the basket down so he wouldnât drop it.
He stood up slightly straighter, âErm yes sir?â
âDo you know how to dance?â The King asked and all of a sudden Dan knew where this was headed, he wanted to curl into a ball and cry.
Phil glanced at Dan in confusion who merely shrugged lightly and tried not to blush too heavily, âNo sir,â Phil replied honestly once he realised Dan wasnât going to help him out at all.
The King nodded as though that was the expected answer, âGood. Iâll book you two a dance lesson, I know Daniel will never be able to learn without a partner and it would be an interesting learning experience for you Philip.â
On that note the King spun on his heel and walked out of the room, leaving behind a very embarassed Dan and a shocked and confused Phil.
~-~-~
He could feel Philâs heart as it thudded against his chest they were pressed so close together, the dance instructor clapped at them to begin moving their feet in time to the music.
Dan took a deep breath, and tried to distract himself from Philâs breath he could feel fanning against his face whenever they stepped.
Iâm so fucked
He thought as Phil giggled lightly, their feet constantly trodding on each other.
The dance instructor tsked at them whenever they stepped out of time or tripped over feet but Dan couldnât find himself to care.
Philâs heart rate picked up as Dan finally looked up from the floor, although that was definitely due to the speed they were moving at, neither of them were exactly what you would call fit.
As Dan made eye contact with Phil and found himself staring into those beautiful blue seas that were Philâs irises he tripped, which sent both boys flying to the floor in a mass of limbs.
Dan landed on top of Phil, and burst into a fit of giggles as the dance teacher sighed in exasperation.
âYou need to focus,â she said simply, although she clearly knew this was a lost case.
Dan nodded in apology and rolled off Phil as his cheeks began to heat up, he hoped Phil would blame it on embarrassment and not the close proximity of their faces.
That was the last thing he needed.
âTry again,â she said calmly.
17
Princess Cecilia curtseyed politely.
âItâs lovely to see you again Dan.â She smiled sweetly.
He smiled back, despite the fact that he was there against his will, âLikewise.â
âIâm very grateful that you chose me to court with.â She sounded genuine.
His intentions were not. In fact it was completely his motherâs idea.
If he had a choice he would be dating Phil.
âNo problem. You seem lovely.â
It wasnât a lie. She did seem lovely, but that didnât mean that Dan wanted to date her.
He definitely didnât want to date her.
âWhen will we have our first outing?â She asked.
The question was understandable but it still made Dan want to cry.
âWhen will suit you?â He asked politely.
She shrugged delicately, âTonight?â
No
âYeah sure,â he heard himself say.
âGreat!â She pecked him on the cheek, âSee you then!â
Dan wanted to scream.
~-~-~
He was pretty sure that the world was taunting him.
Firstly, he had to go on this date in the first place.
But secondly, the person he wanted to be on a date with was waiting it.
Of course.
Phil smiled at him as he placed the dish in front of Cecilia, âHere you go.â He said to her with one of his beautiful smiles.
âWhat is it?â She asked, the resemblance to James there and then gone in a second.
Dan felt a stab as Philâs face dropped, âI donât know Iâm just the waiter.â He placed Danâs plate in front of Dan.
âThatâs alright Phil, thereâs a menu beside your arm Cecilia.â Dan said with a tight smile.
He could see that Phil knew it was a fake smile.
âSo, when did the servant start living here?â She asked with a slight incline of her head.
Phil came back in at the moment to pour them a glass of lemonade. His face made it clear to Dan that he had heard the question.
âPhil and I grew up together. His father is the Kingâs Advisor.â Dan explained, emphasising Philâs name. Cecilia nodded politely, her face unreadable.
âWhoâs your best friend?â He asked to make the conversation move.
She waved her hand dismissively, âHer name is Maria, sheâs the daughter of a Duke.â
âOh okay.â He muttered.
âYours is the servant boy?â She asked.
He nodded, was that not already obvious?
âHis name is Phil.â He told her for the second time that evening.
âSorry.â
He couldnât tell if she was genuine or not.
They had finished their meal and were sat on the windowsill beside the table.
âIâve had a great time tonight,â She smiled at him, they were incredibly close.
He forced himself to stay still, to not move as far away as he could.
âMe too.â He smiled gently. Despite the fact that it was a lie.
Then her lips were on his.
He froze against her, eyes wide open.
She didnât seem to notice, her eyes were closed and her lips were soft.
They pulled apart.
She had slightly tinged red cheeks and he felt awful because he would never feel the same about her.
âGoodnight Daniel.â She kissed his lips once more.
He felt the same way he had the night last year, before Phil took him to the market.
He wanted to scream.
But he didnât.
~-~-~
âYou didnât look like you liked that,â Phil smirked, as he lounged backwards shirtless on Danâs bed,
Dan tried not to focus on how stunning his bare chest was.
âNo I didnât like that at all.â Dan replied as he fell onto his bed with a groan.
Phil raised an eyebrow at him, âIs there a reason?â
âYes, thereâs so many reasons.â Dan pouted.
Phil gave him a look to say tell me .
Dan found himself ranting, âI donât like her brother first of all so I donât want to be related to her family. Also what if sheâs like him? Sheâs already rude to you! Plus why would I want to have a girlfriend for fucks sake! I canât use the excuse of being too young now because Iâm seventeen! What am I meant to tell my mum now because I canât tell her the truth that I want a boyfriend.â He realised what he said and halted to a stop.
Phil looked slightly surprised but then he nodded, âYou should just tell her.â
âYou donât care?â Dan spluttered.
Phil looked slightly offended, âWhy would I care? Iâm bi after all.â
Does that mean we have a chance?
Dan wanted to ask.
But he didnât.
He just smiled and said, âCool.â
~-~-~
There was a wedding he was attending in three days and he didnât want to take Cecilia. Luckily for him it turned out she was sick. Unluckily for him he now needed to bring someone and he had no idea who.
âWhy donât I bring you!â Dan yelled out of nowhere.
Phil nearly dropped the iron he held in his hand at the abrupt noise.
âTo what?â He asked casually, as he resumed ironing Danâs shirt.
âThe wedding!â Dan exclaimed and leapt to his feet.
Phil stared at him as though he had lost his mind, âIâm a servant, itâs not my placeâ
âYouâre going to be the Kingâs Advisor! Itâs like a business thing or something.â
Dan was probably insane but he didnât care.
âYouâre insane.â Phil said but he a grin covered his face, âBut it might work.â
His mother wasnât happy to say the least.
âIt would be a great work opportunity for him Mum.â Dan reminded her and she sighed heavily.
âOk fine, but only because you donât have a plus one.â She went back to the files she had on her desk without another word.
He ran away as quickly as possible, before she could change her mind.
~-~-~
The wedding was extravagant and beautiful. Something even more beautiful was Phil in a suit. Dan couldnât look away from him. The black suit he wore made his eyes pop with bright blue, his navy blue tie complemented him perfectly. Dan wished that he could grab him by it and kiss him on the spot.
But of course he didnât.
âThank you for coming Daniel.â The newly wedded princess greeted him, she turned to Phil, âAnd what is your name?â
Phil smiled awkwardly, âPhilip.â
âItâs a pleasure to meet you.â She smiled before gliding off.
âPosh people always glide.â Dan muttered.
Phil chuckled, âYou donât glide.â
âThank god.â
They both laughed loudly which caused a few couples to stare at them strangely.
Dan shoved Phil in the arm playfully, âIâm glad you came with me.â He admitted.
âIâm glad I could come. Three days without you, wouldâve been unbearable!â Phil joked.
Dan laughed softly.
A princess curtsied as she passed and they both bowed politely in response. Dan tried not to think about how much he loved Phil acting like a prince.They were hovering awkwardly, and their stomachâs grumbled from lack of food. Â Finally a waiter approached them with a tray of sandwich and they both took one gratefully. Dan noticed that Phil gave the waiter a bright smile.
âI know how awkward it is to be that guy. He deserves encouragement,â Phil shrugged.
Dan repressed the want to kiss him right there and then. With his considerate heart and beautiful eyes, it was difficult not too.
âUnderstandable, Iâll keep that in mind.â Dan replied.
Phil smiled at him.
Suddenly the music changed into a well known waltz tune. The newly-weds started the dance, the brideâs large dress swept around the room. Dan enjoyed watching the beautiful display until everyone began to join in. It was then that Dan and Phil realised they were the only pair that werenât a couple.
âDo we just-â Phil mumbled.
âYeah yeah we could⌠I mean,â Dan stammered in response.
Phil shrugged, âShould we join or stand or do we ermâŚâ He scratched his head awkwardly.
âLetâs justâŚâ
âWe shouldâŚâ
âYeah okâŚâ
They stood to the side and watched.
Dan wanted nothing more than to take his best friend by the hand and join in.
For them to be a couple and it to be fine.
But they didnât and they werenât.
Dan sighed gratefully when the music came to an end. The couples split apart with a smile and resumed polite banter.
âThat wasâŚâ Dan trailed off and left the sentence unfinished.
Phil nodded in agreement.
They both stared at each other before bursting into a fit of laughter.
âOnly we could be that awkward.â Dan gasped, doubled over.
A duchess glared at him as though he had personally beheaded her family.
He couldnât care less.
~-~-~
Theyâd had many sleepovers in their life, but they hadnât shared a bed since they were young.
This room had clearly been booked for Dan and Cecilia.
Not Dan and Phil.
Philâs cheeks were slightly tinged red as he mumbled, âSo, which side do you want?â
âLeft I guess?â Dan replied, dropping his bag to the floor.
Phil watched him drop it, âI probably should have carried that for you.â He said.
Dan looked up at him in shock, âWhat? Why?â
âI work for youâŚâ Phil trailed off as Dan shook his head at him.
âNot for this weekend.â Dan told him with a grin, âTechnically youâre my plus one!â
This was so much worse than Dan expected, he was hyperaware of every movement Phil made.
He could hear Philâs light breaths as they puffed out of his lips, he couldnât help but imagine about what would happen if he rolled over and kissed those lips.
âYou need to stop this Dan,â he whispered to himself, and luckily Phil was in too deep of a sleep to hear him.
However he couldnât make himself want to stop, he really liked Phil and maybe that was okay.
~-~-~
When they arrived home they went to Cecilia.
âDan!â She exclaimed, her nose red and her eyes puffy.
âI need water.â She snapped at Phil.
Philâs eyes widened in shock.
âI-Iâm off duty right now but you can call-â
She sighed irritably, âI want water. You are a servant arenât you?â
âY-yesâŚâ Phil stammered.
âWell then,â she shooed him off.
Dan shot her a dirty look, âNo heâs off duty he doesnât have to get you water.â
Phil shook his head, âDonât worry, Iâll be back in a second.â
He shot Dan a comforting smile over his shoulder while he walked away.
âI missed you!â Cecilia exclaimed.
Dan shook his head, âYou canât treat people like that.â
She sighed, as though disappointed in him, âHeâs a servant Dan, itâs his job.â
âHeâs my friend,â Dan walked away as Phil rounded the corner. âDonât give her the water Phil,â Dan said as he stopped Phil from walking into the room.
~-~-~
Dan officially hated Romeo and Juliet. Phil however seemed entranced, which gave Dan the perfect opportunity to watch him without being caught. He looked so beautiful, sat on the couch beside Dan.
âWe would be like Romeo and Juliet if we dated.â Phil said absentmindedly.
Dan froze in shock.
âHow so?â He asked with a forced casual air.
Phil shrugged, and turned the page, âWell forbidden love. Prince and servant arenât exactly ideal.â He continued to read.
Dan was conscious of his mouth hanging open.
How would he usually react?
âSo youâd only date me if we were both princes?â Dan joked.
Phil shook his head, still focused on the book, âNo Iâd date you anyway.â
It was then that he seemed to realise what he said, he froze cheeks so red they could be cherries.
âAre⌠are you serious?â Dan spluttered.
Phil nodded slowly, eyes still glued to the book, but his eyes were no longer moving.
He finally looked up, âI mean if you want me to be?â
Was this happening?
âYeah I do.â
They had moved closer.
Dan was very aware of every movement made by either of the boys.
âPromise youâre not playing some awful joke.â Dan said softly, they were so close that Dan could see the specks of yellow in Philâs eyes.
âI promise. Do you?â Phil whispered, Dan could feel Philâs breath on his face.
âYes. You have no idea how long Iâve wanted to kiss you.â Dan said, eyes locked with Philâs.
Phil laughed gently, it tickled against Danâs face.
âGo for it.â
They closed the small gap that was left.
Philâs lips pressed gently against his and Danâs eyes flickered closed as they touched. It was gentle, as Philâs lips only just touched his. However Dan was hyperaware of every place their lips were pressed together. Every place their bodies touched.
They were both inexperienced at kissing, Dan knew for a fact this was Philâs first kiss, he wished it was his but he had been kissed by Cecilia so unfortunately no. It was amazing anyway, the way their lips ghosted against each other. As they mirrored each other's movements, and their noses brushed together.
Phil pushed him away suddenly, and Dan felt his chest constrict. He was an idiot, of course Phil would never want him.
âYouâre meant to be falling in love with Cecilia.â Phil gasped, eyes wide with worry as he stared at Dan.
The knot in Danâs chest evaporated immediately.
He merely rolled his eyes in exasperation, âThat was never going to happen.â
âGood,â Phil smiled and he slid forward until their lips collided once again.
This time it was stronger, more forceful. As though Phil was trying to remind himself that Dan was actually kissing him. Their lips were like fire against each other, soft and forceful. The fire didnât burn him, instead it ignited itself inside of Dan and warmed him from the inside out. He brought his hands to Philâs chest, bunching his shirt between his fingers.
Phil smiled into the kiss, which caused it to end far before Dan wanted it to.
However when Phil cupped Danâs face in his hand while he pulled away, Dan couldnât help but lean into the touch. His hand warm, as it encased Danâs cheek. Phil smiled at him as though he was the most beautiful person in the world, just the look made Dan blush heavily.
âHow long?â Dan asked, in an attempt to take away from the blush on his cheeks.
Somehow Phil seemed to know what he meant, âYou were sick when we were fourteenâŚâ He trailed off into a laugh as Danâs eyes widened. âWhat about you?â
âMy first gala.â Dan admitted.
Phil laughed gently and pressed their lips together softly, âThis has taken far too long in that case.â He mumbled, the words tickled against Danâs lips.
Dan threaded his fingers through Philâs hair, moving his lips against Philâs clumsily. Phil didnât seem to mind, if anything he sighed into the kiss.
Both boys happier than they had ever been.
~-~-~
âI have to work.â Phil mumbled against Danâs lips.
Dan pouted, sticking out his bottom lip. Phil chuckled as he poked the lip back in, the same way he had been doing since they were young.
âI do still work for you Dan.â He laughed while he stood up.
âBut why,â Dan groaned.
Phil rolled his eyes, âCome on you royal pain.â He offered a hand to Dan.
âReally?â Dan narrowed his eyes at him, but took the hand anyway.
âIâll see you in two hours for your fitting.â Phil smiled at him and kissed him once more before he left.
Dan grumbled as he glanced at the clock.
Fuck
He had promised to help Cecilia with her geography, which was currently ranked in last on what he would like to do.
But he had no choice.
With impressive speed he collected his geography books and ran down the corridors, narrowly missing a maid.
âSorry!â He called over his shoulder.
~-~-~
Betty, the seamstress, glanced at her watch, âOk I have an appointment with your father Mister Daniel. I will be back at two pm. Philip, help him pick embroidery.â She instructed, already halfway out of the room.
âYou look really nice.â Phil said with a smirk once she had left.
Dan was stripped down to his boxers. A flush crept up his neck and onto his cheeks.
âTh-thanks.â Dan stammered.
Phil cupped Danâs flaming face in his cool hands.
âYouâre blushing,â He told Dan.
Danâs blush deepened, âI know.â
Phil pressed their lips together gently, light as a feather.
âYouâre cute when youâre awkward.â Phil teased, and poked Dan in the dimple.
Dan pecked Phil on the lips, âIâm never awkward!â He gasped in false shock.
Phil rolled his eyes, but didnât object to the kiss Dan placed on his lips.
Dan smiled against the kiss as Phil pulled him closer. Cold hands trailed along Danâs bareback.
âWe need to pick embroidery.â Phil mumbled.
Dan groaned but pulled away anyway.
They sat too close for best friends, but that was okay because thatâs not all they were anymore. Occasionally Phil would turn and plant a kiss to Danâs cheek, directly on his dimple.
Dan would turn as crimson as the silk beside them. When the light clicked on in the hallway, signalling Bettyâs return they slid away from each other.
Dan could still feel the warmth on his side where Phil had been.
~-~-~
Cecilia grumbled something about how much she hated English.
Dan wanted to sigh heavily, they had nothing in common. Yet whenever Dan tried to find a way to tell her that she dismissed him. She seemed to think they had a chance, despite the fact that Dan had begun to reject any date ideas.
âWould you like to go to the museum on Saturday?â She asked as she looked up from her book.
Dan shook his head, âNo thank you. Phil and I are going to have a sleepover.â
Her face darkened at the mention of Phil, âGosh you should just date Phil instead.â She said sourly.
The words hit Dan a little close to home.
âYou and I arenât dating Cecilia.â He said, staring pointedly at his book.
She seemed slightly shocked, âI knowâŚâ
âYou said I should date Phil instead. â Dan pointed out.
There was a long pause before she replied with a turned up nose.
âI was just pointing out that you seem to love a servant boy more than a princess.â
Dan clenched his fingers around his book.
âWhatever,â he hissed through clenched teeth.
I definitely do.
~-~-~
âCan I watch?â Phil asked.
Dan looked up from the piano, his hands still rested on the keys, ready to play.
He smiled, âYeah sure.â
Phil shuffled across the room and sat beside him.
Dan flexed his fingers before he begun to play, they glided across the piano. A soft melody began to form but he found himself slightly distracted by Phil beside him.
âYouâre really good.â Phil murmured and pressed his lips against Danâs temple.
Dan felt his cheeks heat up.
âThanks,â he replied as the tempo sped up.
Phil rested his head against Danâs shoulder. It made it harder to play but he couldnât find it in himself to care.
They laughed as had to lean across the piano to play the next note and bumped into Phil while doing so.
âOh fuck it!â He exclaimed throwing up his hands, he connected their lips a little too quickly, so their teeth clacked together slightly before it grew soft again. He revelled in the way Phil gasped in shock before he reciprocated. His hands threaded themselves through Dan's hair. Lips heated as they gently pushed and pulled at each otherâs. Danâs hands were cupping Philâs cheeks, after a couple of days practise they had begun to get the hang of how to kiss. Both learnt they were certainly not against a bit of tongue every now and then.
âI promise I was intending to just watch you play piano.â Phil giggled when they pulled apart.
Dan shrugged, âThis is fine by me.â
He slid along the piano bench so that their bodies were pressed up against each other. His body heated up in every place that it touched Philâs but he didnât really mind. Philâs lips were against his again and his head spun. He felt his knees go weak and was relieved they were sitting down. He leaned into Phil anyway, pushing their bodies even closer. Phil licked his lip tentatively and Dan gasped, his lips parted just enough to allow Philâs tongue access. Dan brushed their tongues together which pushed Phil further along the seat.
They both jumped apart as Phil accidentally leaned on the keys. Mouths swollen and panting slightly.
âI blame that on you!â Phil exclaimed, his eyes glowed in the dimly lit room.
Dan stared at him, âMe? You were the one who did it!â He pointed out.
âIf you didnât make me so dizzy I wouldnât have slipped backwards,â Phil smirked, as he moved closer again.
âI am a good kisser.â Dan replied with a slightly lopsided grin.
Phil laughed airily, âCare to demonstrate?â
~-~-~
Saturday couldnât arrive fast enough in Danâs opinion.
With the amount of time his mother was forcing him to spend with Cecilia, he barely got to see Phil.
âIâll see you tomorrow?â Cecilia asked, as she pressed a kiss to his lips.
Dan froze, his fists clenched beside his body as her lips touched his. It felt tense and uncomfortable yet Cecilia smiled as she pulled away.
âEr⌠yeah? Listen Iâm not sure Iâm okay with kis-â
âBye Dan!â She exclaimed as she ran towards her brother, James, who had just arrived. Dan seized the opportunity to leave.
He ran into his room where Phil was waiting. Leaping on his boyfriend, they fell onto the bed in a tangle of limbs. Phil pressed their lips together and Danâs heart soared. His head spun as their lips parted slightly.
âHi,â Phil said with a small smile.
Dan laughed and pressed their lips together gently, âHi.â He mumbled while he cuddled into Philâs chest. The warmth enveloped him as Phil cuddled him closer. He breathed in the scent of cleaning supplies and raspberries.
âIâve missed you.â Dan whispered, his cheek still pressed up against Philâs chest. He never wanted to move again, would be happy to spend his whole life there.
Phil chuckled and pulled Dan up so he could see him, âI missed you too, but itâs only been two days.â
Dan rolled his eyes, and leant slightly closer so their lips were connected. It was a gentle kiss, filled with affection and love. Just kissing to remind each other that they were together. They loved each other.
âIdiot.â he mumbled against Philâs lips.
Phil chuckled, and it made Danâs stomach flip, âRoyal Pain.â
âYou want the left again?â Phil asked later into the night. Dan tucked under his chin, head rested against Philâs chest. They were sharing a bed again, but this time it wasnât weird. This time they were boyfriends. Dan flushed as Phil pressed a gentle kiss to his hair.
He nodded, âCanât guarantee I wonât be mostly on your side though.â He added as he snuggled further into Phil.
Phil smiled, it was so bright Dan thought he might faint, âI can deal with that.â He snickered, and kissed Dan on the nose lightly. Dan felt his cheeks turn a bright red and he buried his face in Philâs neck.
âYouâre an idiot.â He mumbled, unable to help the grin that spread across his face.
âYou can talk.â Phil chuckled.
~-~-~
Dan groaned as his pillow shifted beneath him. Wait what? He opened his eyes to see Phil smiling down at him, even without glasses he seemed to look at Dan as though he was beautiful. This of course made Dan flush an extreme shade of red.
The morning sun made Philâs eyes sparkle as they stared at each other. Dan could hardly believe how lucky he had gotten.
âYouâre the most beautiful person Iâve ever seen,â Phil mumbled, his words slightly slurred since heâd only just woken up.
âI beg to differ,â Dan teased, and tilted his head so he could kiss Phil on the neck, just below his chin. Phil murmured something unintelligible about cute curls, which Dan assumed was in reference to his hair, as it was usually straightened.
Dan liked Phil when he had only just woken up. His hair was messy and his eyes were slightly glazed over.
âI wasnât sure you were ever going to wake up,â He murmured and rubbed his eyes with a grin.
Dan smiled as Phil fumbled for his glasses, âGood morning to you too,â He joked, as he poked Phil in the cheek.
âI donât want to move,â Dan mumbled and clung tighter to Phil.
There was a short pause before Phil replied, âMe neither.â He wrapped his arm around Dan as though it would protect them from the outside world.
If Dan could pause that moment for the rest of his life he would.
But he couldnât.
They had to move.
Just not yet.
~-~-~
âYou look unusually happy.â Cecilia commented as Dan slipped onto the table beside her.
He scoffed, âWow thanks.â
She rolled her eyes in exasperation, âItâs not a bad thing. Just different. What happened?â
âNothing just happy I guessâŚâ Dan muttered, despite the fact that he knew exactly why he was happy.
The memory of Philâs face squished into his pillow made him smile just thinking about it. She furrowed her eyebrows at him in disbelief but didnât say anything.
He took the moment of silence to start to study for his exams coming up. His laptop turned on slowly, droning as it lit up. While he waited, Cecilia leaned onto his shoulder.
âDid you miss me yesterday?â She asked with a bat of her eyes, long lashes fluttering.
Dan felt his breakfast rise in his throat.
âOf course.â He replied half heartedly.
She smiled, seemingly satisfied with that response and moved away.
âHow was your⌠sleepover?â she said sleepover as though it was a rotten word.
Dan took a deep breath for patience, âIt was great. We had a lot of fun.â
âDid the servant sleep on the floor?â She asked innocently. Dan had to physically clench his fingers under the table to not punch her.
Dan glared at her, â Phil shared my bed actually.â
Her mouth formed a small âoâ.
âI⌠okay then.â She smiled icily.
Dan smiled back, but his was genuine.
The sooner she understood the message, the better.
~-~-~
Philâs hand was warm in his. He couldnât help but think about how strange it was that they had been dating for a month.
Phil seemed to be on the same train of thought, they often were.
âItâs been a month.â He smiled.
Dan nodded as he watched the red and yellow leaves rustle in the wind.
âIt has,â he tugged Phil along, running towards the willow tree at the back of the orchard.
When they were concealed beneath the leaves Phil pulled him close.
âHappy one-month-a-versary!â He announced with a short peck to Danâs lips.
Dan smiled back at him, âHappy one-month-a-versary.â
They connected their lips softly, hands rested at each otherâs waists. Every time Phil kissed him Dan felt like flying. The kiss started slow and gentle, before it grew urgent and passionate. Hands threaded through each otherâs hair, lips soft and insistent. Phil pushed Dan against the tree and Dan gasped in shock.
âWow someone is stronger than they think,â he smirked, as he leant forward to connect their lips again.
Phil chuckled against the kiss but didnât break them apart.
When they pulled away for air he grinned, âYears of work tend to do that to a person.â
Dan rolled his eyes, and pulled Phil towards him again. Glad that he was leant against a tree as Phil swiped his tongue along his lip gently. Dan felt his knees wobble so that he was practically clinging to Phil in order to remain upright.
Despite Dan being taller he always ended up lower in the kiss, as Philâs lips made him go weak. He sighed as Phil pushed his head back against the tree, their lips barely broke apart for seconds, which left them both breathless and panting.
âHappy anniversary idiot.â He said as he rested their foreheads together.
âHappy anniversary, you royal pain.â Phil replied, eyes closed as his nose brushed against Danâs.
Dan leaned forward and pressed their lips together, far more gentle than before, the kiss said everything he couldnât put into words.
The boys were too caught up in each otherâs lips to notice Cecilia as she walked along the path.
She turned red with anger as she saw Dan kissing that âservant boyâ.
With a flourish she turned around with a plan ticking in her brain.
If she got rid of him, Dan would be hers.
~-~-~
âWhereâs your jewel brooch Dan?â His mother asked shrilly, marching into the room with a glare at any of the maids in the room. The maids hurried out as though they might die if they remained any longer. His father entered slowly after her, a reasonably placid expression adorned his face.
Dan looked up in shock, âWhat? Itâs missing?â His jewel brooch was an ancient heirloom, worth millions, if not billions of pounds.
âYes! It is missing Daniel!â She shrieked, while she looked around the room as though it might be lying there ready to be found. Dan winced at her loud tone.
His father laid a hand on his back, âJulia,â he looked at the queen sternly, âItâs not Danâs fault. Weâll work it out.â He told her gently, Dan gave his father a small smile of thanks, which was easily returned. However, the jewel itched at the back of Danâs mind. It was worth a lot of money. If someone stole itâŚ
Dan watched his mother take a deep breath of patience, the same way he did when stressed. She pressed her fingers to her temples and inhaled heavily.
âWe need to check the servants.â She said with forced calm and dropped her arms to her side as though they were too heavy to hold up. Dan nodded numbly, still in shock at what had happened.
âWe need to check Phil first. He could get to them easiest,â His father looked at him, as though asking if Dan was okay with it.
Dan wanted to say no automatically. However he knew Phil would be fine, there wouldnât be any danger in it. If he said no he would need a reason, and he wasnât ready to admit they were dating. He wasnât sure how long it would take until he would be ready to tell his parents, or at least his mother.
âOkay.â
~-~-~
Phil looked up at the royal family in shock as they approached. His eyes wide and concerned. Dan offered him a reassuring smile and he could see Phil relax slightly.
âLester, we need to check you for possible stolen property.â Philâs face slipped as the words left the Queenâs lips. He glanced at Dan as though to check if this was true. One little glance told him that Phil was in a state of shock.
Dan didnât say anything but he could see Phil understood the little quirk of his lip.
Dan watched as Phil nodded shakily.
A guard member stepped forward and checked him over.
Dan felt incredibly flustered as he watched the guard pat down Philâs body. He wanted to scream, âThatâs my boyfriend, do you mind?â
Of course he didnât say anything, how could he?
Suddenly both the guard and Phil froze.
With a slow movement a brooch was pulled out of Philâs pocket.
Danâs world collapsed.
Phil looked up at him, eyes full of fear.
All Dan felt was pain.
Tears spilled over his face, and flooded down his cheeks.
âI swear I wouldnât⌠I donât know why thatâs there- DanâŚâ Phil stammered, moving towards Dan.
Dan backed away, and shook his head.
âDonât.â He muttered before he ran off.
Filled with fury, pain and an ache in his chest that wouldnât go away.
~-~-~
The tears soaked his pillow but Dan wasnât sure whether he cared or not.
âDan?â His dad knocked on the door.
He sobbed and let out a croaky, âCome in.â
He could hear his dad walk over to the bed, but he didnât bother to look up.
âDo you want to talk about it?â He asked and Dan shook his head into the pillow.
His father stroked his back gently and Dan felt his body relax slightly.
âWere you dating Phil?â
Dan sat bolt upright in shock.
âY-yes.â He muttered and wiped his eyes, there wasnât any point in lying. His father would never judge him anyway.
He nodded slowly, âYes, I thought as much.â
âYou did?â Dan looked at his fatherâs calm expression in confusion.
He smiled in amusement but it was saddened, âThe way you looked at him Dan. Iâm sorry.â
Dan nodded, aware that he was crying again.
Phil had betrayed him.
Was he only dating him to get to the jewels?
What was the point?
He let out a loud sob.
Danâs father pulled him close and wrapped him into a warm hug.
He shook with pain as he remembered how Phil had done it before.
âIâm so sorry.â
~-~-~
Phil tried to lock eye contact with him. Dan was looking anywhere else in the room but his eyes, those beautiful blue eyes that shone like a crisp morning.
He choked back a sob, he wouldnât cry again.
âDan, please sit down.â His mother instructed with a kind smile.
He knew that his father hadnât told her, but she still knew Phil was his best friend.
Used to be his best friend.
Dan bit his lip to distract himself from the stinging in his eyes.
He also noticed Cecilia was there.
She gave him an apologetic smile, it didnât quite reach her eyes.
But she had never liked Phil, so that didnât surprise him.
His mother started the meeting with a clap of her hands.
âMr Philip Lester, you were found with a jewel of the kingdom. How do you explain yourself.â She asked.
Dan could see Phil visibly swallow heavily, âI would never steal from the kingdom. Iâve been framed I swear.â
His mother furrowed her eyebrows but his father didnât seem shocked by this presumption.
âDaniel when was the last time you were out of your room without Philip?â He asked Dan.
Dan tried to think about what he had been doing last night. First he had gone and met up with Phil, his eyes stung with tears as he remembered the way Phil had kissed him over the piano. Had he done that to distract Dan?
Phil had left and Dan had continued to practise. He actually managed to get stuff done with Phil gone, although he had missed him, it hurt to remember.
âI played piano.â He said, as he stared at Phil. Attempting to keep any traces of sadness out of his eyes.
He must have succeeded as Phil shriveled under his glare.
âWhere were you when Daniel was playing piano Lester?â His mother asked with a glare at Phil.
Dan saw Philâs face blanch and that was all he needed to see.
âI-I was doing the dishesâŚâ he stammered nervously.
Eyes locked with Danâs but they would occasionally flit away. Dan wondered whether Phil was trying to tell him something, if he was Dan didnât want to know.
âElla,â His mother said as she turned to the maid nearby, âGo get Cook please.â
As the words left his motherâs lips Phil turned even paler. Dan didnât think that was physically possible and yet he watched the colour drain from his face.
âDonât bother. He wasnât doing it.â Dan mumbled.
He had learned every expression, memorised every inch of Philâs smile, he knew every spot of colour. Dan knew that Phil was lying. He was broken from the pain, but he wasnât going to protect Phil if he didnât care anymore.
âI wasnât stealing it.â Phil promised, eyes filled with tears.
âStealing is a major act and it must be punished accordingly.â His mother said crisply, as she completely ignored Phil.
Cecilia nodded in agreement.
Dan wanted to punch her. She had no right to even be there. To give her opinion, to even smile at Dan. She had no right and Dan wanted to kill her for being right about Phil.
He decided to clench his hands until his fingernails were dug deep into his flesh instead of punching her.
âI guess it depends on you Dan, he is under your command.â His father turned to him.
Philâs eyes begged with him.
âDanâŚâ He whispered, âPlease. I would neverâŚâ
Danâs eyes stung with tears, âYou did Phil. Itâs too late now.â
He turned to his parents, âIâd say firing him.â
Dan watched as Phil crumbled under Danâs words. He cried silently into his hands.
It broke Danâs heart to watch.
No Dan.
He betrayed you.
~-~-~
Dan woke up on the day exactly two weeks after Phil had stolen Danâs jewel.
The sun was still in the sky.
Birds still twittered and whistled outside his window.
Yet Dan felt empty.
Phil had once lain beside him in this bed. Their limbs tangled together, the warmth radiated between them as they slept.
The bed didnât feel the same, he doubted it ever would.
He had considered buying a new bed, new sheets, new everything. Goodness knows his family could afford it.
It didnât seem right though, the idea of throwing Phil away.
No matter what he had done.
Dan rolled over and buried his head into the pillow beside him with a groan. It still smelled like Phil. Fuck.
He grabbed it and threw it across the room, it hit the wall with a thump and nearly knocked a painting off as it did so.
He automatically regretted it, and leapt to his feet to run and retrieve the pillow that smelled like the boy he missed so much. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he clutched it to his chest and breathed in the scent that he missed so badly. That he hated himself for missing at all.
He got to his feet, placed the pillow on the bed and tried to ignore the way his whole body shook as he let go of one of the many reminders all around him of Phil.
âWhy did you do this?â He sobbed, as he clutched his chest to attempt to hold it in place. Phil would never hear him, would never know, but it helped to ask.
Every day since well⌠Phil well⌠Dan had gone straight to the bathroom to scrub away the tears, which left his skin red raw as he remembered the way Phil had comforted him when he was sick. All those years ago. Even back then, Phil had always been there.
Dan didnât know how to function without him.
He had never had to do so before.
Memories of kisses with freshly brushed teeth danced around Danâs brain until he was back to not being able to breathe.
Fuck he hated this.
~-~-~
He couldnât go to the orchard, or the pond, or the dining room, or the courtyard. Everywhere Phil stood in the centre of his mind. Dan couldnât shake him.
The last place he hadnât tried was the library, so he decided he would go there now.
âWhere are you off to Mister Daniel?â Alexis, his personal servant, asked. Dan had told her not to call him that, but to no avail.
He shrugged, âThe library.â He said simply.
She smiled at him, âDoing a little tour of the castle arenât you?â She laughed softly.
Alexis was new to the palace, she had worked in a restaurant nearby for most of her life.
She had soft brown hair which didnât quite reach her shoulders, as though it wasnât sure whether to be long or short. Her skin was slightly tanned and she was a reasonably large woman, overall she had a similar look to a giant teddy bear. Dan had discovered very early on that she wasnât sure how to deal with Danâs breakdowns, since she barely knew why he was so upset, as Dan hadnât told her. He assumed no one else had either, although he could never be sure.
She had never met Phil, unlike all the other servants who had practically raised him. Dan wasnât sure how to tell her what had happened without making the pain worse, he already cried himself to sleep every night. He didnât need more than that. He had opted to letting the other servants comfort him instead.
Cook had let him sit in the kitchens when it had all gotten to be too much. Most of the servants had known about their relationship due to walking in on a kiss or just guessing so he felt more comfortable with them now that⌠well now anyway.
âEr... yeah... I guess so. Ok bye.â He hurried off before the situation could grow to be more awkward.
The library it turned out was even worse. Although Dan hadnât thought that was possible.
Every time he looked at a book he remembered something about Phil.
He had loved horror, Dan thought as he saw a horror book.
As his finger traced over the spine of a blue book Dan felt tears spring to his eyes, they were the exact shade of blue as Philâs eyes.
He slumped to the floor, and clutched the blue book to his chest.
Maybe if he held it hard enough it would bring Phil back.
He could hold him in his arms again instead.
âHelp me,â Dan whispered fingers gripped around the book so tightly he would probably leave dents in the hardback.
âOh!â He heard a female voice exclaim. A female he did not want to speak to right now, Cecilia. âDan. Are you alright?â She asked as she slipped down beside him.
Did he look fucking alright?
âMâfine,â he mumbled into his arms, the book still held firmly in his fingers.
âDo you want me to read to you? Take your mind off it?â She asked.
Dan went to say no, but he realised it actually would help.
He shrugged, âActually yes please.â
She opened her book and begun to read, âIf I profane with my unworthiest hand. This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims- Dan?â
At the familiar words Dan had begun to sob.
Romeo and Juliet.
Oh fuck.
If nothing else would make Dan crumble to pieces it was this book.
âStop reading⌠please,â he gasped between tears.
âHeâs not worth this Dan.â She muttered, as she stroked his arm gently.
He stood up and walked away without another word.
Because he was.
He loved him, and he never told him.
~-~-~
âDaniel it has been two weeks. He was nothing more than an awful friend. You will practise piano and that is the end of it.â His mother scolded, her hands on her hips as Dan protested.
With a sigh he nodded, âYes mother.â
He didnât give her a chance to reply before he walked away, towards the piano room.
As he sat down on the familiar seat of the piano he felt four different emotions.
First was relief, he had missed the familiar keys beneath his fingers.
Second was sadness, Phil had sat on this seat beside him, he had kissed his cheek and distracted him from what he should be doing.
Third was anger, Phil had taken away everything he loved when he left, piano, reading and mostly himself.
Fourth was happiness as he begun to play, the familiar rhythms on the sheet music floated through the air and calmed him.
Tears streamed down his cheeks endlessly. They dried out his eyes and wet his cheeks.
However for the first time in two weeks, Dan felt close to happy.
~-~-~
It had been four months since Phil had left and Dan didnât feel better.
If anything he felt slightly worse.
âDaniel! Itâs been a while,â A duchess greeted him with a smile. She turned to Cecilia who was on his arm, âAnd who is this young lady?â
Dan smiled, âToo long!â He faked, âThis is my⌠partner,â He still choked on the word partner.
âIâm Cecilia.â She said with an elegant smile and a small curtsey.
Dan nodded along.
âWell itâs lovely to meet you Cecilia, and to see you Daniel.â The duchess bid them farewell.
He absentmindedly looked around the room for Phil. Before he remembered with a stab that he wasnât there.
This is why he had avoided parties.
âDan!â Jamesâ voice greeted from behind.
Cecilia turned around to greet her brother with a hug, Dan was relieved to have her off his arm.
âWhereâs your boyfriend?â James asked with a sneer.
The word made Dan want to collapse to the floor in sobs.
Cecilia looked at him worriedly, like she knew something she shouldnât. Dan didnât think much of it.
âHeâs not around any more.â Dan said with tight lips.
James raised an eyebrow at him but otherwise made no remark.
âWhat a shame, I was hoping for a wine.â He smirked.
Dan clenched his hands into fists, in an attempt to calm himself down.
He forced a casual shrug, âYouâll have to ask someone else. I need some air.â Cecilia looked like she wanted to follow him but he walked away without another word.
~-~-~
The air was crisp and the wind stung his eyes.
Or maybe they were tears.
He was vaguely aware of someone coming out onto the balcony.
âDan?â His father asked gently.
Dan nodded and he came and stood beside him.
âItâs been four months. I know itâs hard, but sometimes it doesnât work out.â The king sighed heavily, and turned to face Dan, who avoided his eye contact.
âIt can take longer than four months to get over love.â Dan mumbled.
18
âYou told me to take you to my happiest memory,â Dan growled, âSo here we are.â He brandished his arm to the small marketplace.
Cecilia sniffed primly, âI didnât think it would be so⌠grotty.â She complained.
Dan felt the familiar stab of longing for Phil as she moved to kiss his cheek gently.
âCould we go back?â She asked pleadingly.
He shrugged, âYou can if you want. Iâm going to stay for a bit.â
She rolled her eyes before striding off towards the castle.
He buried his hands deep into his pockets and tried not to think about how much he missed Phil. The marketplace was a constant reminder of him, yet Dan couldnât bring himself to leave so quickly.
âDan!â The scone man, whose name had slipped Danâs memory exclaimed.
Dan couldnât tell if he looked happy or nervous.
âHi! Could I get a fruit scone?â Dan asked as he tried to be casual, and prayed he wouldnât ask about Phil.
âOf course my boy of course!â The man exclaimed as he handed him a warm scone.
Dan took it gratefully, the warmth wonderful on his icy fingers. He muttered a thank you before he wandered off.
Despite the market being his happy place, he couldnât think happy thoughts. Cecilia wanted to marry him.
He missed Phil.
Phil.
Fuck that was Phil.
Phil was stood in front of him and Dan felt his stomach constrict.
Everything seemed to slow to a stop as those beautiful blue eyes locked with Danâs.
âPhil,â he whispered unknowingly.
Dan wanted to run up to him and kiss him.
But he also wanted to scream at him.
Why did you ruin it?
Everything was perfect!
He did neither of those two things.
They merely stood there, and stared at each other for who knows how long. Dan wasnât sure he would ever be able to move again.
Finally Phil broke the serene trance they had found himself in by mouthing, âJewels make you look tacky.â His black fringe flew around his face in the wind.
Dan furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. Phil didnât say anything, he just turned and walked away. Dan could have sworn he had seen tears in his beautiful blue eyes.
Suddenly he remembered
âJewel cufflinks or silver?â Dan had asked Phil, as he turned to his friend who might have been strewn out across the bed.
He had held up his ruby cufflinks.
Phil had screwed up his nose, âDefinitely silver, jewels make you look tacky.â
âReally?â Dan had replied putting down the rubies and picking up the silver.
Phil nodded as he helped Dan attach them to his shirt.
âThey look like youâre saying,â Phil had spoken in an over the top british accent that had made Dan laugh, âWoop di doo Iâm a prince! I have money and jewels yay!â
Phil had shrugged, âWell then, donât wear jewels theyâre tacky and I hate them.â
âJewels make you look tacky.â
âJewels make you look tacky.â
âJewels make you look tacky.â
Why would he steal a jewel when he hated them?
Had someone framed him?
Why would anyone frame Phil? He would never do anything to hurt anyone.
There was no pointâŚ
Names and faces ran through his mind.
His Mother?
Another servant?
James?
Cecilia.
Jesus Christ.
It was the only option that even made sense.
But why?
Dan paced back and forth and chewed on his lip in concentration.
Unless she knew about their relationship it wouldnât make sense to do anything, there was no reason.
She had always hated Phil but framing him?
What would be the point?
He groaned in frustration and ran a hand through his already messy hair.
Maybe she had found out about them?
Oh fuck.
Dan ran home as fast as he could, his feet pounded on the gravel as he dashed towards the palace.
~-~-~
âYOU FRAMED HIM!â He screamed.
Cecilia jumped so high she nearly fell off the couch she was stretched out on.
âWha-what are you talking about Dan?â She gasped, and placed a hand over her heart in shock.
His mother glanced up from her book in surprise.
âHow could you?â He hissed, âI was so happy. You ruined it all.â
Cecilia turned as white as a sheet.
âI d-donât know what you mean.â She stammered.
Dan shook his head angrily, âI didnât even think about it.â He growled, âI should have realised.â
âDaniel?â His mother said gently, âWhatâs wrong? What do you mean?â
Cecilia was sat on the couch, her shoulders tense and her eyes the size of saucers.
âShe framed Phil,â he pointed to her, âand I was so stupid to not see it.â
His mother stood up and approached him cautiously.
âWhere has this come from?â She asked.
Dan took a deep breath to calm himself.
âI met Phil in the marketplace.â He started, Cecilia made a move to cut in but Dan held up his hand, âThatâs when I remembered. Phil hates jewels.â
Ceciliaâs face turned even paler if that was possible, which confirmed Danâs guesses.
âWhy would he steal a jewel when he hated them?â He asked rhetorically. âIt doesnât add up. Why? I was so fucking happy CeciliaâŚâ he trailed off as a sob caught in his throat.
His mother was stood next to him now, a hand rested on his back. The same way his dad did when he needed comfort.
âDid you frame Philip?â She asked Cecilia, a small frown creased into her forehead.
Cecilia nodded as she burst into tears.
âWhy?â Dan asked, because how had she known?
She blubbered for a bit before she replied, âI wanted to be your partner Dan,â she sobbed, âI wanted you to love me like you loved him.â
His mother started slightly at that comment but Dan ignored her.
He shook his head in disbelief, âYou would ruin my life and happiness, just so I would date you? Because yes youâre right, I loved him.â
I love him he thought to himself.
âI wanted you Dan.â She attempted to redeem herself.
âI was so happy.â
He ran off without another word, anger pulsed through his body like a fire.
~-~-~
With a scream he threw himself onto his bed.
Alexis, his personal servant, darted in with a start.
âAre you alright sir?â She asked nervously.
He sat up so he wouldnât make her too uncomfortable, she wasnât the best with emotions, âIâm fine Alexis. Iâve just been an idiot thatâs all.â
She nodded slowly, clearly thinking hard about something, âWhat happened?â She asked and slipped onto a chair beside his bed. It was such an out of the ordinary act, he couldnât help but be shocked.
âOh, I didnât realise something huge and I might have lost my best friend forever.â He explained.
She nodded again, as she wriggled into a more comfortable position, âTell me everything.â Â
Suddenly Dan found himself telling the whole story, starting from when they were ten.
~-~-~
How he had ended up back in the marketplace Dan had no idea.
He just needed to walk, to get out of the palace. Away from his motherâs worried and confused gaze, Ceciliaâs false apologies. He needed to get away from it all. So he had ended up in the marketplace, without any purpose to be here. Although he supposed his subconscious would want to see Phil.
âBack again Dan?â The scone man asked, Dan was once again too awkward to ask his name so he just nodded.
âIs Phil here?â He asked before he could stop himself.
He instantly regretted it, because the scone man smiled knowingly. As though he knew Dan would ask that.
âI donât know, but he works in the store across there.â He said as he pointed to a music store across the marketplace. Dan thanked him before he walked over to the store.
It was a cramped tight space, but cozy and warm. Due to it being a market stall there were no proper walls or anything of the sort. Instead sheet music and small instruments lined the outer walls. Dan felt himself drawn to the piano music as soon as he walked into the area. There was a boy behind the counter who looked around Danâs age, he started as he clearly recognised Dan.
âYour Majesty,â He said before he bowed lowly, Dan nodded at him politely before he continued towards the sheet music table.
âC-can I help you with anything sir?â The boy asked nervously. He glanced around the shop as though it was going to jump out and murder Dan. Which of course made Dan uncomfortable. He looked around for what might be making the boy nervous, but there was nothing.
âEr no Iâm alright,â Dan replied with a kind smile. The boy nodded and just as Dan turned back to the music he was looking at he heard someone else speak, a very familiar voice.
âOkay Max you can go on your break⌠now,â Phil trailed off as Dan looked up at him. He felt his heart stop as he stared into those beautiful blue eyes. He hadnât gotten to see him properly for so long and doing so now felt like being stabbed. His hair was messy and hurriedly swept into his familiar fringe, his eyes were more blank than Dan had ever seen them.
âI-Iâve been on break for too long anyway.â Phil finished as he turned back to the boy behind the counter.
âAre you sure? I donât mind if you go for a bit longer.â He said in response, Dan felt awkward as he watched this whole exchange, yet he couldnât rip his eyes away from Phil. He didnât have his usual glow, but he seemed to harness all the light from the open market stall anyway.
âNo no, go on your break.â Phil shooed the other boy out, before he took his place behind the counter, and stared at the laptop screen intensely, completely ignoring Dan.
âPhil IâŚâ Dan muttered, Phil didnât look up.
Phil continued to jab at the cashier keys, each time he did it Dan winced at how hard he was pressing.
âIâm sorry.â He finished, Phil continued to ignore him. He may as well have shot him for how much it hurt.
âIâll leave.â He mumbled and walked out of the store without a second glance.
He didnât see Phil look up, tears welled up in his eyes. Dan had to physically run to get out of the marketplace before he broke down crying. He collapsed to the floor, each sob burned in his chest.
Knees pressed hard into the gravel path although he could barely feel them past the throbbing in his chest. He was crying so much that he felt like he might cough up a lung, but he couldnât stop. Every time it began to slow he would remember Philâs face when he saw Dan. The way his eyes had widened in fear. The way he didnât look the same as Dan remembered because he was as broken as Dan was.
He wasnât sure how long he sat there crying, knees hugged to his chest as sobs wracked through his body. However it must have been a reasonably long time because the boy from the shop, who he thought was named Max came back.
âYour Majesty?â Max asked, as he crouched down beside Dan. âAre you alright?â
Dan shook his head, âIâm fine, please leave.â He croaked, the tears almost slowed to a stop from embarrassment.
âPrince Daniel can I just say-â Max started again but Dan cut him off with a glare to the side.
âI said please leave.â He repeated angrily, sobs threatened to escape again, he turned his head back to his knees and buried them.
âFucking hell your Majesty listen to me.â Dan looked up in shock as the profanity left Maxâs lips. The boy was staring at him so intensely, with possibly more anger than Dan himself.
âI could have you locked up for that.â He mumbled, as he wiped his eyes hurriedly.
Max shrugged, âBut you wonât.â Â
Dan had to fight back a snort of laughter, because of course it was true. He would never lock someone up for swearing in front of him.
âLook, I donât know much about Philâs life before he came here. All I know is, he lived in the palace, he fell madly in love with someone, it didnât work out.â Max looked at him pointedly as Danâs resolve slipped.
âToday, was the first time I saw any real emotion in his eyes.â He shrugged, âWhen he said he fell in love with someone I thought it would be a maid or something. Apparently it was the prince.â Max looked at him, and waited for a denial.
He wasnât going to get one from Dan.
âHe hates me.â Dan said, and cringed at the way his voice cracked pathetically.
Max shook his head with a sigh, âHe loves you.â
At that he walked away before he seemed to remember something and turned back around, âKeep trying by the way. He deserves it, and I think you do too,â and with those words in the air he left.
Then Dan was alone again, as a few more tears leaked from his eyes, trailing down his face.
Now however, he had hope.
~-~-~
He wasnât sure why he constantly ended up at the marketplace. Although he assumed it was Phil, as he drew him in like a magnet to metal. Somehow he found himself purchasing a coffee for both him and Phil, despite knowing he didnât have the bravery to go up to him. He couldnât be ignored again, it destroyed him in a way he never knew anything could, as it ripped through his soul like the claws of a large animal and scratched and destroyed every ounce of happiness he might have had left.
Yet he had bought a coffee for Phil, with no way to give it to him.
Luckily, or unluckily, Dan still wasnât sure, Phil was on his break, which meant Dan only had to deal with seeing Max, who admittedly shot him a weird look as he held up the coffee.
âFor Phil,â Dan explained, as he passed the cup to Max over the counter.
The boy stayed silent for a long time, just staring at Dan as though he had gone insane, before he shrugged.
âLeave a note on the cup, something so heâll know itâs from you.â He said with a sly smile, before he left the cup of coffee with a pen and gave Dan a bit of privacy to write the note. Dan nodded uselessly, the longer he took hanging around the stall, the more likely Phil would come back. Then Dan would have to go home and cry again after being ignored. Instead he uncapped the pen, and ignored the way his hand shook slightly as he scribbled a note.
As he ran away he bumped into Phil, who stared after him in shock. Dan felt pins and needles explode where they touched, and he wished he could kiss Phil again. Wished Phil was his and he was Philâs.
For now, a note would have to do.
Dear Romeo,
Iâm so sorry
I was wrong
From your Juliet
~-~-~
He scribbled notes like a madman, Phil had distracted him from the upcoming talks he had to do. As his coronation became a foreseeable future, much of Danâs time was taken up learning the things he hadnât yet been taught. A hand laid itself on his back, warm and comforting.
Dan looked up at his father and smiled, âCramming for the speech?â The King asked as he slipped into the chair beside Dan.
He nodded, âYeah.â He mumbled, too busy scribbling down on cue cards to properly talk.
âDan?â His father mumbled, and Dan looked up from his laptop he was currently reading off. âYour mother told me about⌠Cecilia.â He said calmly.
Dan felt his lunch rise in his throat at her name. However he managed a tight lipped smile. âWhat about her? The fact that she stabbed me in the back or something else?â He asked sarcastically.
His father looked at him worriedly, âDanâŚâ
âIâm fine.â Dan cut him off.
He watched his father debate whether or not he should roll his eyes at Dan, before he seemed to decide that it would be fine. He gave Dan a heavy eye roll before he responded, âIâm the King, my servants tell me when my son is crying his eyes out and screaming until his voice is hoarse.â
Dan swallowed heavily at that remark, after he saw Phil in the marketplace he had cried until he didnât think he had any more liquid left in his body and screamed until it hurt to breathe, as though it would bring Phil back, as though he could fix everything. Alexis had just let him be as she didnât to be the person to disturb him.
For that Dan was very grateful.
âOkay so not completely fine.â He admitted, and avoided his fatherâs kind gaze.
However there was only so much silence he could take before he was forced to look up. The King was simply watching him, as he waited for an explanation.
âI saw Phil in the marketplace, understandably he was pissed and wouldnât talk to me. He ignored me and I-I feel awful.â Dan muttered at an incredibly fast pace.
He had barely finished the sentence before soft arms were being wrapped around him. Dan sunk into the embrace.
âYouâre going to be ok,â His father whispered.
Dan wasnât sure whether to believe him or not.
~-~-~
He stood in the safety of a stall, hidden from sight where Phil wouldnât be able to notice him. This wasnât the first time this week that Dan had snuck into the marketplace to watch Phil, occasionally he would try to work up the courage to talk to him.
He never did though.
âDo you want anything sir?â The lady in the stall asked and he shook his head hurriedly, before he moved into the next stall instead. Â
From behind a stack of books Dan peered over to Phil. He was talking to a customer enthusiastically, his beautiful smile not as wide as usual. Yet it was still there. Just seeing it made Danâs tense shoulders relax and his stomach flip. He needed to stop watching Phil, while being here made him feel happy, tonight he would be left to sob into his pillow. As he wished he hadnât been an idiot, hadnât practically thrown away the only person he loved.
For now though, he couldnât force himself to leave.
Couldnât look away from those beautiful blue eyes, the closest Dan had seen to happy since⌠since they were together. He could see what Max meant, Philâs emotions werenât as strong as they used to be. His smile was only half there, his eyes didnât sparkle with happiness the way they used to. He just didnât look as alive.
That was Danâs fault.
Another stall owner looked about ready to approach him, he took that as the cue to leave.
As he left the store and as Phil saw him his eyes that Dan loved so much widened in shock.
Dan ran away, as fast as he could.
~-~-~
He was scrolling through Tumblr, as he took a much needed break from the endless responsibilities when Cecilia tapped his shoulder. He didnât even bother to hide the growl that came from his throat at the contact. She backed away slightly under his murderous gaze, but mostly stood her ground.
âI came to apologise but you canât really blame me?â She said with a heavy sigh, Dan stared at her in shock. She couldnât be serious?
Yet she stood there, face genuinely serious. Â
He stood up, unable to keep the anger out of his eyes.
Body quaking with anger, âI canât really blame you?â He hissed. She shrunk away as he loomed over her, his tall height a perfect angle to terrify her.
âThen who do I blame Cecilia?â He said her name as though it tasted foul in his mouth, which wasnât entirely false.
âIt w-wouldnât have w-w-worked out. Servants canât d-d-d-date princes.â She stammered, trembling in front of him.
Dan attempted to reassemble his face so it was less furious, however he couldnât do it.
âIt would have worked out. We loved each other, anything else could have been sorted out. You ruined it Cecilia, not us.â He leveled his glare with hers, and was met with frightened green eyes that flickered in shock as he added, âLeave me alone, I donât want to speak to you. Not now, not ever.â
She stammered out some unintelligible answer before dashing away. Dan watched her go with a satisfied smile. He knew that there was no way he could focus on Tumblr now that his mind was on Phil, so he decided to head to the marketplace. When he checked the time on his computer he grinned, Phil would be working now. He had been so many times now, that he had memorised Philâs schedule. He wasnât sure whether what he was doing was stalkerish, but it hadnât been intentional. Besides Max had told him most of it anyway. He slammed his laptop closed, deciding that the servants could put it away, he left straight for the marketplace.
~-~-~
As he ducked straight into a fresh produce stall as he saw Phil, Dan couldnât help but grin. His hair was slightly messy, he had clearly been having a rough day. Dan must have gotten the timetable wrong as Phil was clearly about to take a break. He watched as he headed over to the scone stall, running a hand absentmindedly through his already messy fringe. Dan would have been lying if he said his heart didnât jump at that small movement.
Everything Phil did made his heart jump, apparently it did the same for a skinny girl with blonde hair who Dan could never compete with. He felt his heart thump for an entirely different reason as she approached Phil with a plastered smile.
Phil seemed shocked to see her, but not altogether upset. He probably knew her, she was probably his girlfriend for all Dan knew. Phil was bisexual after all, he had told Dan that all along. However it stung like a wasp, when she took him by the bicep, and led him away from a very surprised scone man. Dan would have to learn his name again, he felt awful. They chatted seemingly happily, although Dan was slightly too far away to hear exactly what they were saying. He considered moving closer, but since he was currently toeing the line of stalker he decided against it.
Instead he opted to listen to Phil laugh from afar. It wasnât the same beautiful laugh Dan had grown to love. It wasnât the one where he stuck his tongue out and giggled loudly, but a lot had changed. He wouldnât have been shocked to hear that Philâs laugh had as well.
He swallowed his jealousy as she laid a hand on Philâs heart, the world seemed to rock. She smiled up at him, and whispered something in Philâs ear which he couldnât hear.
He shouldnât care, should have known Phil would have moved on.
They werenât together any more.
Still, he was being stabbed repetitively in the chest every time the girl smiled at Phil.
The same Phil, Dan was desperately head over heels for.
He actually choked on a bit of vomit when she kissed him on the cheek gently.
Dan had hoped however that he would push her away, not lay his hand over hers. Phil smiled gently at the girl and said something to her.
Tears dislodged themselves from his eyes.
He tried to scream at himself in his mind, What were you expecting to happen? Of course heâs moved on! Why would you get your hopes up?â
It wouldnât work though, it didnât stop the tears. Or the feeling of his hopes being ripped to shreds.
Dan ran as fast as he could, his blood pumped in his ears, and tears streamed down his face.
He could have sworn he heard his name being called after him.
However it was just his mind, as it tortured him some more. Pretending Phil would ever want him after what Dan put him through.
A cruel kind of torture.
~-~-~
Phil wiped his sweaty fringe out of his eyes, aware that it was probably a mess. He caught himself looking around for Dan and kicked himself.
âNo Phil. He hurt you.â He tried to tell himself, even though he knew it was useless.
He was still madly in love with Dan, and it would be a lie if he told himself otherwise.
Max smiled at him gently as he returned from his break, âIâll take over. Go get a scone or something.â He said and nudged Phil out of the store.
Usually Phil would have argued, but they had been so busy today. He took the break with open arms. He ducked out of the music stand he worked in and crossed the marketplace.
His hair was falling in his eyes so he ran a hand through it without thought. That would have made it even more knotted and messy than before, but he couldnât find it in himself to care.
Not truly at least.
He smiled widely at Bryan as he approached, he knew it didnât quite reach his eyes. He didnât think Max had noticed how fake his smiles were as they had only met when Phil was broken. Bryan however, knew it all, and always gave Phil a worried smile.
Hence why Phil usually avoided this particular stall, despite the fact that he loved the scones and Bryan to pieces, âEr⌠the usual please.â He stammered.
Bryan didnât say anything, for once his loud voice quiet as he surveyed Phil worriedly. He wasnât sure what he would prefer, endless âAre you okay?â or silence.
However this thought was interrupted by a tap on his shoulder as he took his scones. He thanked Bryan before he turned around, to be faced with a girl who smiled at him in a way that made Phil feel uncomfortable.
Her blonde hair was tied into a ponytail and her eyes bored into his soul. He felt strangely defensive, had to physically bite his tongue to stop himself from saying âI have a boyfriend.â
Which he didnât.
She took his arm by the bicep and dragged him away from the stand, and introduced herself while they walked.
âIâm Olivia,â she said in a surprisingly deep voice, âBut you can call me Liv!â She added with a giggle.
Phil forced a laugh, he was polite after all. No harm could be done in being nice to her. So he smiled.
âPhil.â He replied. She was much shorter than him so he had to look down to lock eye contact. Her eyes were a striking brown, although as he looked into them all he could think was Dan Dan Dan .
They werenât as beautiful as Danâs eyes, his were a warm chestnut, hers a deep muddy shade.
She leaned close to whisper in his ear, he struggled not to grimace as her breath tickled his neck, âYouâre very handsome, Phil.â She purred his name.
He felt bile rise in his throat, sure he liked girls but this wasnât something he wanted.
Not when he couldnât seem to get over Dan.
Especially not after Dan had turned up at the market eight months after their breakup.
No, he wasnât enjoying this at all.
âTh-thanks,â he muttered, and laid a hand on her arm to dislodge her.
Apparently she got the wrong message as she smiled and kissed him on the cheek. Phil froze in shock, she had kissed him.
Her hand was still on his chest, although he wasnât totally sure when it had been put there. He laid his hand over hers and begun to take it off, noticing that she had bunched his t-shirt in her grasp.
As if the situation wasnât bad enough, he heard a choked sob from not to far away.
His head whipped around to be met with Dan, tears streaming down his face. He ran away at a speed Phil didnât even know Dan could achieve.
He shoved the girl away and started to run after him, âDan!â He screamed after him.
The other boy however either didnât hear, or didnât care.
~-~-~
Dan felt like he was rotating in a fucking loop.
He felt happier.
He got hurt.
Sobbing until he couldnât breathe.
Phil fixed him again.
He felt happier.
Neverending, constant.
Somehow he always ended up in his lounge room or on his bed, sobbing until he couldnât breathe.
In these times, Alexis was amazing at comforting him.
She wouldnât force him to talk, instead she sat beside him and let him cry. If he wanted to talk, scream, throw things. She would listen, give him a pillow to scream into and pick up broken vases or whatever else he had thrown.
Right now, he was just crying. Leant heavily on her shoulder, he let the tears wrack through his body, they spilt over his cheeks and onto her cardigan. Alexis didnât seem to mind, which was a relief to Dan.
âDo you want to talk about it?â She asked gently, while she patted his knee in consolation. He nodded and sat up a bit straighter to look into her eyes.
âAm I bugging you yet?â He asked with a slightly watery smirk.
She just rolled her eyes, âWhat happened to make you a blubbering mess again?â
âA g-girl,â As he begun to tell her he choked on his words. She nodded, seeming to have all she needed to know.
âOh Mister Daniel.â She murmured, and pulled him against her chest again. He sobbed quietly and remembered how Phil had placed his hand on the girlâs. How she had kissed him lightly on the cheek.
He was shaking from the pain the memories brought.
The way Phil had smiled down at the girl.
Stab to the chest.
He had grabbed her arm gently.
Stab to the stomach.
She had kissed him on the cheek.
Stab straight to the heart.
Sobs erupted from him as he clung to Alexis desperately.
If she minded she never told him so.
~-~-~
Dan was sobbing into his pillow until it was practically soaked through when Alexis returned.
She opened the blinds with a snap, causing bright light to flood the room.
âUp you get Prince Daniel.â She said while she bustled around his room.
He almost felt embarrassed about the state, before he remembered it was her job to clean up his mess. She had also listened to him cry for a good hour a couple of days ago. Still, the empty crisp packets and tissues were rather embarrassing no matter who was seeing it.
He didnât say anything, but chose instead to groan into the pillow.
âYou canât stay here forever,â she scolded him.
He shook his head into the pillow, âYou mistake my skills.â
Tears still flowed steadily down his face, as they had been for the last couple of days.
âPhilip isnât dating anyone.â
At this news Dan started and emerged from his pillow.
âWh-what?â He mumbled and swiped away the tears as quickly as possible, although he was sure Alexis saw them.
She rolled her eyes at him in a motherly way, âMy daughter is best friends with Max.â she explained, âhe says that Mr Philip is completely and utterly single.â
She continued scooping his mess into a rubbish bag, âThis news didnât surprise Cook Martha at all, in her words you were both head over heels for each other .â
A blush crept up Danâs neck and onto his face as she said that.
âSo up! Youâre going to the market and you are going to apologise to Mr Philip in person.â She shoved him off the bed.
He grumbled slightly but other than that didnât argue, his brain was more focused on the fact that Phil didnât have a girlfriend.
He was still single.
Not that Dan had any right to be happy about that, but he couldnât deny the way his heart beat a little bit faster.
~-~-~
Dan felt his legs slow involuntarily as Phil came into view, he was working on the stand as usual. A piece of black hair fell in front of his eyes, his hands sorted through sheet music gently.
He looked so peaceful that Dan didnât want to disturb him.
Didnât want to see those beautiful blue eyes harden as Dan came into view, the eyes that used to soften when they kissed. However Phil decided that for him by looking up, their eyes met and Dan watched as they didnât harden, but instead widened.
âDan?â He asked gently and Dan did all he could not to run over to him.
âPhilâŚâ he mumbled as he entered the stall, every thought he had ever had leaving him as he stared over at the boy he loved with all his heart, âIâm so sorryâŚâ
Phil shifted uncomfortably, his eyes pooled with tears, âIt was my home Dan⌠do you know how hard it is to be kicked out of your own home by the person you love most?â
Dan winced at the words, his own tears springing to his eyes. He felt himself nod, Phil stared at him, confused. Eyebrows furrowed behind his glasses, God, Dan loved his glasses.
âYes, I do, because to me you were home and I thought you had kicked me out. I thought you didnât care. I was so terrified and sad that I didnât even thinkâŚâ
He trailed off as Philâs lips tugged into a small hesitant smile, âIâve missed you.â He mumbled.
Dan found himself moving forward, he wrapped his arms around a tense Phil, âIâve missed you too.â He whispered into Philâs shoulder, who slowly relaxed in his arms.
A tear etched itâs way down Danâs cheek as Philâs arms wrapped around him, unsure but still there.
~-~-~
Dan wasnât sure how he had ended up in the servantâs quarters in his pajamas. It was nearing three am but an idea had forced Dan out of bed. He shivered in the early morning iciness, voices could be heard from the night staff as they bustled around, making food and cleaning dishes. The Head of Staffâs office loomed at the end of the corridor, he shouldnât feel scared of a door, he was the prince for crying out loud.
However he couldnât deny the way his stomach twisted at the prospect of the awkward questions, of why he could think this was a good idea. He wrung his hands tightly, and drew his dressing gown tight around his body as he shook from the cold. This was for Phil, after all Dan had done, Phil deserved it.
He raised his hand and rapped on the door without another thought. There was a pause of silence where Dan held his breath then.
âWhoâs knocking at this time of night?â Muttered the old man Dan only knew as Head of Staff.
The door creaked open and the man started at the sight of Dan.
âYour Highness!â He bowed, his nose nearly brushed the floor in his haste to be polite. âWhat brings you here at this hour sir?â He asked and Dan took a deep breath. This was what he had been worried about.
âWell, I actually have someone I want you to hire. Or rehire per say. Can I come in?â He mumbled quickly, he knew his words were a strange string in his sleep deprived state but he didnât care.
The Head of Staff furrowed his eyebrows in confusion but nodded anyway, âCome on in,â he opened the door wide for Dan. Dan hurried in, the heater warmed his toes as he stepped onto the carpet.
âThank you.â He said as the Head of Staff offered the plush armchair across from his desk.
The office was large, nearly the size of Danâs bedroom. A huge filing cabinet towered on the left wall, timetables were plastered all over the remaining wall space, it reminded Dan of a criminal investigator in a tv show. Although these timetables were far less exciting than that he supposed. The sky was dark outside the small window above the desk and Dan yawned which reminded him of how late it was.
âHow can I help you Your Majesty?â The man asked, and glanced nervously at Dan.
After yawning again Dan replied, âI would like you to rehire Phil Lester please.â
There was a long silence, where the Head of Staff stared at him as though he had gone mad. Dan stared back, despite exhaustion starting to hit him he was determined to fix this for Phil.
âSirâŚâ The head of staff began once he realised Dan was completely serious, âHe stole from the royal family. Which is a huge crime, I cannotâŚâ He trailed off at Danâs steely gaze.
He was glad he could still look intimidating in his half asleep state, âPhil didnât steal the jewel, he was framed. Please rehire him immediately.â Dan ordered.
Once again silence followed his words before the head of staff opened his laptop with a quiet sigh, âI will not be able to make him your personal assistant once again. He will be an ordinary cleaner,â he looked at Dan over his glasses to see if this was approved of.
Dan nodded, âThatâs fine.â
The Head of Staff paused for a moment, looking at Dan worriedly, âSir. I donât mean to pry but are you sure this isnât because of you knowâŚâ At Danâs embarrassed denial he nodded and continued.
When Dan left, his feet dragged along the carpet from exhaustion but he felt a tingle of pride in himself. Finally, for the first time in eight months he had done something right.
~-~-~
Phil was working the shop again, Dan felt awful as he begun to realise how much Phil had to work in order to maintain himself. He seemed to constantly be in the shop. Dan stood there and watched for a bit, debating how to go up and approach him. It stabbed at him to see how broken Phil still looked. While strangers may see him as peaceful, Dan could see the tiny crease between his eyebrows, the way his shoulders never quite seemed relaxed, how his fingers gripped the sheet music slightly too tightly. It seemed that he was worried it would blow away despite the distinct lack of wind. Even a breeze was absent from the air, it seemed spring had finally decided to arrive.
âDan?â He heard his name being called out and his head snapped upwards to Philâs face, who was staring at him in confusion. It didnât slip Danâs notice the way Philâs voice cracked slightly when he said Danâs name.
âPrince Daniel,â Max nodded, barely glancing up at Dan from his work. He did however glance at Phil somewhat nervously. Dan smiled at him as genuinely as he could, a wave of nervousness had suddenly overtook him. When he planned to come and tell Phil he hadnât felt this scared. Now however he was beginning to question whether this was a good idea or not.
Maybe Phil liked his new job better? Maybe he never wanted to see Dan again. Dan wouldnât blame him if that was the case.
Phil stood there and watched as Dan smiled half-heartedly, he shoved away the little burst of concern he felt at Danâs nervous expression. He shouldnât be able to tell from a tiny flicker of Danâs smile that the prince was concerned. However, he could, and there was nothing he could do about it.
âIs there a reason youâre here D-Prince Daniel?â he followed Maxâs example in calling Dan by his true title but he didnât miss the small flinch Dan gave in response.
âEr... yes actually, I have news,â Dan mumbled.
Philâs stomach dropped.
He should have known this would happen, Dan was bound to move on at some point. Phil himself was meant to have moved on. It didnât feel like he had, at this point, when he realised Dan had finally found someone. He should feel grateful that Dan had even thought to come to him, but his world was crumbling anyway.
âOkay,â he managed to blurt out without a crack in his voice, which made him feel very proud.
Danâs eyes narrowed slightly in confusion, it was such a small change that Phil knew Max probably wouldnât even notice it.
âSo I⌠well itâs just⌠ugh,â Dan burrowed his head in his hands, âThis is so much harder than I thought it would be,â Phil heard him mumble into them. Max looked at him in confusion, Phil shrugged. Although he hated to admit it Danâs awkwardness had always been Philâs favourite part of him. Just seeing him as he bumbled and stammered over words the same as usual, made him want to cuddle him into his arms and press a kiss to his forehead. He mentally slapped himself, Dan had found someone else. He was meant to be past this.
âItâs fine, I get it.â Phil said softly, Danâs head snapped up in confusion.
âPhil that makes zero sense,â he replied, and stared at Phil as though he had gone insane. He turned to Max, who wore a similar expression of confusion. Dan continued to stare at him, and seemed to wait for an explanation, Phil resisted the urge to look into Danâs eyes. He knew no matter how much he didnât want to, he would end up mesmerised by the rich deep brown of them.
Dan stood there waiting for Phil to explain himself, he could see Philâs eyes dart around, as they looked anywhere but Danâs own eyes. What Phil had said made no sense, so clearly he had misunderstood Dan, but Dan wanted to know what he meant.
So he waited.
Eventually Phil clearly broke under the silence muttering, âI thought you were telling me you were engag-â he broke off but had said enough for Dan to understand. He shook his head hurriedly, careful not to admit anything as he wasnât sure how comfortable Phil would be with his true feelings. That he couldnât imagine himself with anyone but Phil. The boy who would probably never trust him again, and rightfully so.
âNo, itâs nothing like that. Much happier at least I hope it will be happier, you might hate it actually but that would be understandable,â he knew he was rambling again but couldnât help it.
He stopped however when Phil held up his hands to stop him, the smallest smile tugged at the corners of his lips, âWhat is it?â He asked.
Dan felt his heart surge with want, he wanted to be able to kiss that smile like he used to. To wrap his arms around Phil because he just could. He pushed those thoughts to the farthest corner of his mind he bit his lip, âI got your job back at the castle. Or at least a job, not my p-personal assistant anymore.â
He watched as Philâs mouth dropped open, forming the smallest oval possible. His bright blue eyes locked with Danâs as he checked to see if Dan was serious.
âPlease donât mess with me,â Phil whispered, voice barely even loud enough to distinguish but Dan heard it anyway.
He shook his head softly, a small smile crept onto his face, âIâm not fucking with you. I went and spoke to the Head of Staff, youâve been rehired.â
There was a pause, where Dan watched Philâs eyes blink rapidly.
âTh-thank you so much,â he choked.
Dan grinned, but it felt slightly forced, he knew Phil was holding back his emotions. Probably trying not to be too vulnerable in front of Dan. Dan could understand that, it hurt, but he understood.
Max stared at them, mouth wide in shock. Dan turned to him, âIâm sorry if this is annoying for you orâŚâ but he trailed off as Max shook his head harshly.
âYouâve got to be fucking kidding me! Sorry your Highness but Phil please tell me youâre doing this!â He rounded on Phil who was gaping at him, tears glistened in his eyes.
Dan felt his heart hammer as he saw the wide grin on Philâs face, every time Dan had come and watched Phil he hadnât seen him this happy.
It was the old Phil, the Phil he loved and sorely missed.
âOf course Iâm doing it Max I⌠thank you Dan,â he turned to Dan and his arms jumped outwards slightly before they closed again.
It was clear his first intention was to hug Dan before he remembered that he didnât want to. Dan barely cared, his heart leapt at the fact that Phil had returned to his first name.
âYouâre welcome,â he grinned as Phil leapt around eagerly.
~-~-~
Dan hated how awkward it was when they saw each other, he hated the way he felt a stab of pain every time Phil avoided eye contact.
That didnât stop him from trying though.
He âsomehowâ found himself in the servants quarters when he knew Phil would be there, in the hopes of teasing some conversation out of him. He invited him to fittings, classes anything possible. Phil declined them all, but Alexis wouldnât get off his back about continuing to try. She wouldnât tell him why but he heard servants whisper about the boy crying in the toilets. He wasnât dumb enough not to know who it was.
So when he made his way down to the servant quarters and found Phil washing up he took the opportunity.
âHi,â he greeted Phil as he marched over and sat on the bench beside the clean up station. Servants jumped out of his way.
Phil glanced up at him, eyes wide in shock, âDan? What are you doing down here?â He asked and continued to scrub at a plate. Dan shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant and not at all like heâd come down to see Phil, âThought Iâd see what you were up to since I was bored.â He swung his legs back and forth on the counter.
He enjoyed the way Philâs mouth quirked into a smirk despite himself, âYouâre unbelievable,â he shook his head, and turned back to the washing up. Dan laughed softly, he loved the way Philâs eyes were sharpened with focus. He could see that they still werenât as comfortable as they used to be but it was a step forward that Phil hadnât closed off from Dan yet and he would take it.
âRemember when we came in here and filled up water balloons?â He prompted, feeling his muscles tingle as Phil started to giggle.
âAnd you burst one all over yourself?â He laughed, Dan watched with an amused grin on his face. Unable to stop himself from laughing too, Philâs laugh was contagious.
âHey! I remember you accidentally threw one at my head!â He retorted.
Phil snorted, âAccidentally?â He waggled his eyebrows and Dan gasped in mock horror, throwing his hand to his chest as though mortally betrayed.
âHow could you!â He gasped and splashed Phil lightly with the soapy water.
Phil snickered before he did the same.
Dan sighed in contentment, Philâs guard wasnât all the way down, but he was laughing and mostly relaxed with Dan. Just the idea of Phil being able to talk to him without any walls built up again made Dan bubble with happiness.
~-~-~
The horse felt extremely uncomfortable beneath him, he knew it didnât trust him and he doubted it ever would. Horse riding was Danâs least favourite activity. He hated having to get up on a giant animal that definitely didnât like him and trot around for an hour. However his mother insisted, and it was the one thing his father fully agreed on.
âYou ready to ride?â The stable boy asked and glanced up at Dan nervously before he remembered who Dan was, âYour Highness?â He added, his voice shook nervously.
Sam, his name was and Dan was pretty sure he was only eight years old, the poor boy was terrified of Dan for some unknown reason but Dan liked him.
âYep,â he replied stiffly, still terrified from being so high up on an animal who he didnât trust, plus he doubted the horse trusted him. âOpen the doors Sam,â he added politely.
Sam nodded, his blond hair bobbed on his head as he opened the huge oak doors.
âThank you!â Dan called out as he began to trot out the doors, arms clung around the large horse, Mabel, for dear life.
Why horse riding was a princely skill he couldnât understand, but he hated it. Had done since he and Phil were only young boys.
âOk,â he muttered to himself, and clicked his tongue to urge the horse forward. She obeyed his order but far too quickly for his liking.
âFuck!â He screamed as they raced forwards, he felt himself slip out of the saddle and he realised he hadnât tucked his feet into the stirrups too late.
In that moment Dan was certain he was going to die as he flew over the front of Mabel. He shielded his face as she leapt over him.
âHoly fuck!â He shrieked while she raced away, âFuck you, fuck you you fucking fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.â He shook from adrenaline, lying on the ground.
His arms and legs ached all over from the fall, but as he flexed them he couldnât seem to find anything that was broken or too badly injured. Sam raced out of the stable like a flurry of nervous energy.
âOh my goodness! Your Highness! Prince Daniel! Are you alright?â He squeaked in terror as he bounded over to where Dan was lying on the ground, still quivering with fear.
At Samâs fear though he sat up and attempted to ignore his sore arms, âIâm fine Sam,â he mumbled but the small boy shook his head nervously.
âNo sir! Donât get up! Iâm going to go and get help okay sir? You might be badly hurt!â He explained, and jumped around in fear, at Danâs nod he rushed off, small limbs flailing as he sped across the racing track.
Dan groaned and flopped back onto the hard track with a wince, everywhere ached.
Luckily he had seemed to miss all of the danger spots on his body, his pelvis, spine, ribs, head and even legs were still fine. That reassured him slightly, but the constant pain in his arms and legs made him want to cry. There was a small amount of blood resting on the surface, from where he had scraped along the ground. Mixed with dried mud and dirt he looked an utter wreck.
âHeâs right over here!â He heard Samâs nervous voice echo through the air as he ran towards Dan. âPrince Daniel!â He exclaimed once they were in talking distance of Dan, âI got help.â
He sat up his eyes squeezed shut to deal with the pain from his sore arms, the huge scrape along his right would sting that was for sure, âThanks Sam,â he replied and opened his eyes.
There crouched right in front of his face was Phil, all the remaining breath whooshed out of his body.
âPh-phil,â he mumbled, and winced as Phil hoisted him to his feet.
âJust as bad at riding as ever huh Dan?â Phil teased as he poked him in the side, Dan felt a tingle of joy as Phil teased him as comfortably as they used to.
Sam however looked beside himself with fear and confusion, âYou called the Prince by his first name,â he stumbled over his words.
Phil turned to Sam in shock, as he accidentally pressed down on Danâs arm Dan let out a gasp of pain. That was definitely going to bruise later.
Everywhere was probably going to bruise later.
âSorry,â Phil mumbled to Dan before he looked back at Sam who was glancing between them in confusion, âErm yes I did.â He shrugged simply, and wound an arm around Dan to help him on his feet.
Something appeared to dawn on Sam because his mouth dropped open, âYouâre⌠youâŚâ he muttered.
Dan shook his head gently, âYes,â he whispered and Sad clamped his mouth shut.
Phil didnât seem to notice tiny Samâs revelation though as he helped Dan across the path.
âIâve got him now thank youâŚâ Phil turned to Dan for Samâs name.
Sam, Dan mouthed and Phil nodded.
âThank you Sam.â
Sam nodded hurriedly before he rushed off as quickly as his tiny legs could carry him.
Once Sam was out of earshot Phil turned to him smirking, Dan blushed as he realised how close they were.
âSo you fell over the front of a horse?â Phil teased and Dan grumbled.
âShut up,â he pouted, and banged his hip into Philâs gently. He couldnât deny the way his body buzzed in every place they were touching, as much as he was trying to get over his feelings for Phil. He couldnât help it, not when he saw him every day. As they walked along the path, Phil continued to tease him and Dan felt his muscles relax slightly. Fuck, heâd missed this.
Out of nowhere he felt Phil tense, his arm that was around Danâs waist clenched so tightly that Dan actually let out a little squeak of pain.
âWhatâs wrong?â He asked and turned to see the tree they were walking past. He felt a stab of pain as he realised what Phil was remembering.
Their one month anniversary had been under that tree, the long leaves had protected them from the world.
âIâm sorry,â he mumbled, burying his face into Philâs shoulder.
He could feel Phil relax slightly, although sadly the walls had been built back up when they passed the tree. Phil didnât say anything but he did tighten his grip on Dan slightly, pulling him closer and that was enough for Dan.
~-~-~
He let out a hiss of pain through his teeth and the nurse gave him an apologetic look.
Dan tried to convey to him that he didnât care that much, not while Philâs hand was clasped in his.
âYou alright D-Prince Daniel?â Phil asked, Dan tried to hide the wince he gave when Phil used his full title. It felt like something was ripping at his chest. Even though he knew that it was probably only because of the nurse who was there, it still hurt.
âYes Iâm fine,â he mumbled through gritted teeth.
Every time the nurse dabbed at his scrapes it stung badly. He tried to remind himself that it could have been much worse.
He chose instead to focus on Philâs warm hand in his own.
That only served to bring tears to his eyes as he begun to remember when this was normal.
When he could hold Philâs hand in his own without the worry about how Phil was feeling.
Phil was watching him worriedly so he forced a bright smile, however that only made Phil more worried as his frown deepened. The nurse stopped dabbing at a particularly large gash on his arm and looked up at Dan over his glasses. âIâm going to go and log this in Prince Daniel. Then Iâll find you some medicine to help with the pain,â he stated, before he got to his feet and walked out of the room without another word.
As he left the room Phil turned to him, face screwed up in mock anguish.
âGod forbid you ever break a bone!â He joked while he poked Dan in the ribs and cackled as he squirmed away.
Dan stuck his tongue out as Phil finally relented, âIt was a traumatic experience!â
That caused Phil to giggle which had to be Danâs favourite sound in the world, he missed the sight of Philâs tongue as it poked through his teeth. His eyes bright with pure happiness.
âTraumatic,â Phil echoed, and rolled his eyes when he finally stopped giggling.
Dan nodded, unable to prevent the grin that spread across his face as Phil beamed at him.
âRemember when you tried to saddle a pony yourself?â Phil reminisced, Dan flushed at the memory, he remembered how the small butterscotch pony had ran away from him before he could get on, which left him on the ground in the splits as heâd just let go of the barrier.
âUgh donât remind me!â He groaned and buried his face in his hands.
That only made Phil laugh harder as he continued to remind Dan of all of his mishaps with horses, âNo no Phil I can totally jump over that barrier,â Phil mocked, putting on an incredibly posh accent that sounded nothing like Dan.
âHey! Itâs not my fault youâre a natural,â Dan grumbled, Phil had always been a better horse rider than he, he had a secret knack with animals that Dan could only dream of. Although according to Phil the huge animals scared him, despite the fact his name literally meant lover of horses.
âOh why thank you!â Phil grinned, and pretended to flip his hair in mock superiority.
Dan groaned and shoved him in the side which only made Phil burst into laughter once again.
~-~-~
Dan couldnât deal with the pain of it any more, he felt like he was going to explode. Every time Phil looked at him his heart spluttered, he missed him so badly. No matter how much he tried to suppress the feelings they kept bubbling back up. Like a volcano inside himself. He couldnât do anything though, he wouldnât do that to Phil. He could see it just in the way Phil tried not to look at him that he didnât fully trust Dan anymore.
Too scared to be vulnerable or hurt, and understandably so. While Dan didnât directly want to hurt Phil, he was the one who kicked him out of his home, who didnât trust him.
Theyâd loved each other, Dan could understand how that was a kick in the guts.
That didnât seem to be able to stop him from actively searching for Phil at every opportunity possible.
After he had wandered aimlessly for a bit he found him in a small room, cleaning portraits and dusting.
âHi,â he greeted as he entered the room, Phil looked up in shock a small smile etched across his face.
âDonât you have anything better to do than follow me around?â He teased, Dan felt his heart burst as Phil shot him a cheeky grin.
He rolled his eyes, âI just wanted to talk,â he shrugged with over exaggeration, âBut if you want me to leave.â
He began to leave the room but Philâs arms seized him from behind.
Suddenly he found his back against the wall, Philâs hands gripped his shoulders so tightly they felt as though they were being compressed.
He gasped as Phil pressed their lips together and Danâs heart all but leapt out of his chest.
It was passionate and fiery, their lips burnt against each other, it was so much more intense and terrifying than anything Dan had ever felt but he loved every second. He loved the way Philâs hands were had his shoulders pinned in place as they kissed. The way Dan could feel his heart beat against his ribcage, in complete denial that this could actually be happening.
God, he had missed this, Philâs tongue swiped across his bottom lip and his legs wobbled beneath him, if it werenât for Philâs hands holding him up he would have collapsed. It wasnât as soft and loving as any of their other kisses had been but Dan had missed Philâs lips against his too much to care.
He felt like he was soaring and falling all at the same time.
Time had paused in this moment and Dan wanted it to stay that way forever, just the two of them with their lips, tongues, hearts and souls intertwined.
Philâs lips said everything, they reminded Dan of the pain in the last eight months, of how much theyâd missed each other. In the way they pushed and pulled against Danâs he could feel the fear of losing Dan, even though they hadnât regained each other.
Just as quickly as it had started Phil was jumping away from him as though he had been burnt.
âYou canât do that!â He exclaimed, was he tugged at his hair so harshly that Dan wanted to run forward and take Philâs hands in his own, just so he would stop hurting himself.
He breathed out shakily, âPhil you kissed meâŚâ he mumbled.
âI know!â Phil screamed back, shaking harshly from shock, âI know and it was stupid I shouldnât- I canâtâŚâ he broke of with a sob that crumbled Danâs world.
He crumpled to the floor with his head in his hands and Dan could only stand there and watch as Phil sobbed.
âIâm so stupidâŚâ He heard Phil whisper to himself between gasps and he felt himself move forward on reflex.
âNo,â he shook his head, before he dropped to his knees beside Phil, âYouâre not stupid.â
Dan laid a hand on Philâs shoulder and sighed as he leaned into the touch, moving them closer together until Phil was in Danâs arms.
âYouâre the opposite of stupid Phil,â he reassured him, burying his face in Philâs hair.
It broke his heart to hear his Phil crying, to feel his shirt dampening with his tears.
âIâve missed you so fucking much Dan,â Phil sobbed, hands clutched onto Danâs shirt as though he would disappear if he didnât hold on tight enough.
âFuck, Iâve missed you too.â Dan replied, as tears of his own spilt over his cheeks.
They sat there for God knows how long, just sat in each otherâs arms.
When Dan finally heard Philâs sobs slow to a sob he pulled him up in his arms so they were face to face. It broke his heart to see how red and tear stained Philâs face was but he needed to say this.
âI know I fucked up, but I miss you more than you can imagine. I will never hurt you again I promise.â He said softly, Philâs eyes were soft and vulnerable. Any walls he had built were gone and Dan had never felt so grateful for that.
Phil leaned forward and connected their lips again, softly this time.
It was filled with missed memories and sadness, Dan could taste the salt from their tears but it was okay.
They were okay.
He smiled into the kiss, and pressed their foreheads together.
âIâve missed you so much.â He whispered and a smile spread across Philâs face.
Dan grinned as he watched a blush creep over Philâs pale skin, âMissed you more.â
~-~-~
Words couldnât describe the way Danâs heart was soaring right now.
Philâs limbs tangled amongst his own in his bed, their faces so close together that their breaths mingled.
He clutched Philâs hand tightly in his own, loving the way their fingers twined together.
âItâs two in the morning Dan you need to sleep,â Phil grumbled, as he attempted a pout but just made Dan want to kiss him again, he looked so adorable and sleepy.
âI fucked up my sleeping pattern okay?â Dan replied with a devilish smirk.
Phil giggled, âYou royally fucked up your sleeping pattern,â he snickered apparently proud of his awful pun.
Dan groaned loudly, âThat is truly awful,â he complained not quite succeeding in forming a frown. Who could blame him?
After eight months without this he couldnât help but smile.
âYouâre awful,â Phil stuck out his tongue and laughed as Dan reached forward and kissed him on the nose. âSap,â he teased as he poked Dan gently in the side.
Dan nodded, not willing to argue if it meant he could continue to kiss Phil on the nose, as he liked the way it made Philâs face squidge up.
âAlexis seems nice,â Phil yawned, and wriggled closer so that his head was tucked under Danâs.
Dan nodded in agreement, âSheâs lovely, but she didnât quite erm understand at the startâŚâ he trailed off and hoped Phil wouldnât make him explain.
He could feel Phil frown into his neck but thankfully he didnât say anything.
âDid she start crying when I came in here?â Phil giggled lightly, Dan smiled as he remembered the way Alexis had started to sniffle before excusing herself from the room.
âYeah she did,â he responded, and cuddled Phil closer so he could bury his face in his hair.
He heard Phil sigh into the touch, which made a smile blossom on Danâs face as he pressed it into Philâs hair.
There was a comfortable silence where Dan savoured in the warmth Philâs body let off when he heard Phil whisper something that made his eyes snap open.
âPardon?â he mumbled, knowing his heart was beating ridiculously fast against Philâs back but there was nothing he could do to stop it.
He groaned as Phil shifted in his grip, flipping over so they were eye to eye, âI love you.â Phil whispered again.
This time Dan was certain he heard the words correctly. His mouth dropped open and his heart fluttered impossibly fast as he heard Phil, his Phil, say those words.
Those three words that felt like a universe to Dan.
âI love you too,â the words slipped out of Danâs mouth so easily it felt like breathing, because it was true. He had loved Phil for so long now it barely felt like a revelation, but still to admit it out loud, to Phil, was exhilarating.
Danâs heart thundered against his chest, and he knew Phil could feel it from the little smile that tugged at his lips.
âI love you Dan,â he whispered again, the words wrapped around Dan, warm and soft.
Dan leaned forward slightly and pressed their lips together, and sighed into the warmth of Philâs mouth.
The kiss felt different, sweeter almost, like the words they had just spoken were now sewn into their kisses. The words filled Dan with the beautiful feeling of flying, soaring above clouds and beyond. As cheesy as it was, he would fly anywhere if it was with Phil.
Phil sighed happily as they pulled away, âIâve missed that,â he grinned at Dan.
Dan felt his cheeks flush up and he buried his face in Philâs neck.
âYou look cute when you blush,â Phil teased, as he wrapped his arm around Dan which ruined any attempt of making Dan annoyed.
âShut up,â he grumbled anyway and smiled as Phil giggled above his head.
âI love you,â Dan tested again, and loved the way the words felt on his lips.
He felt Phil smile, as he pulled Dan to his chest just a little bit tighter, âI love you too.â
~-~-~
Dan knew heâd missed Phil badly, but every time he saw Phil and remembered I can kiss him again. It made his heart jump and his fingers tingle. Phil seemed to feel the same way because Dan would constantly find himself being tugged into storage cupboards, bathrooms, empty hallways, just for their lips to be pressed together gently. He grinned when he heard Philâs voice in his bed chambers, excited he would get to see him again but stumbled to a halt when he heard Alexisâ harsh tone.
âYouâre being utterly ridiculous Mr Philip and I wonât stand here and listen,â she scolded him. Dan could practically hear her stern frown and crossed arms.
âB-but,â he heard Phil stammer, âTechnically we havenât-â
Dan was itching to hear the end of the sentence but unfortunately Alexis cut Phil off.
âNo buts about it.â She tutted, Dan could hear her move around the room and Phil was probably helping her clean up, âYou werenât here Mr Philip,â she continued, her voice suddenly sad.
âWhat do you mean?â Dan heard Phil ask.
Dan pressed his back against the door to hear better, but also to stabilise himself. He wasnât sure what they were talking about but his heart thudded uncomfortably loudly.
Was Phil having second doubts?
He could only just hear Alexis sigh heavily, âYou didnât see every day, Prince Daniel crying over you. If he doesnât mean I love you when he says it I donât know who does.â
Dan felt a smile beam across his face as he heard Phil mutter, âMe.â
So he wasnât having second thoughts, he hadnât changed his mind.
Just that thought alone relaxed Dan.
He decided heâd done enough eavesdropping so he knocked on the door.
âAlexis can I come in?â He asked, pretending he didnât know Phil was in there, as someone who hadnât listened to their conversation probably wouldnât know that.
âYes Your Highness!â She replied, her voice had regained its usual enthusiasm.
Dan entered the door without another word, and smiled involuntarily as he saw Phil. Whether he knew Phil was in there or not he would have smiled.
There was nothing he could do about it, Phil was like a living ray of sunshine.
âIâll give you two some privacy,â Alexis smirked as she the room.
The second the door shut behind her Dan leapt on Phil, and knocked him onto the bed.
Phil let out a yelp of surprise as they fell backwards but tightened his grip on Dan.
He regained his smile as they hit the soft mattress.
âHello,â He grinned and Dan remembered when theyâd done this last year. Towards the start of their relationship.
He beamed back, âHi.â His smile slipped away as Philâs face morphed into something more nervous. âWhatâs wrong?â Dan asked, as he placed a gentle kiss to Philâs nose.
He laughed as Philâs face squidged up the way he loved it to, âNothing Iâm fine,â Phil replied, but his eyes betrayed his true thoughts.
Dan rolled his eyes, âIt may have been eight months but I still know you and youâre not fine,â he deadpanned and barely leaving a blink he added, âSo whatâs wrong?â
Phil sighed, an amused grin tugged at the corner of his lips, âDo you want to be my boyfriend?â He asked.
Danâs eyebrows furrowed at the question, âDo you really need to ask?â He replied with a soft laugh.
However as he looked into Philâs eyes he could see that he did, he still didnât think that Dan loved him.
âFuck, Phil. I swear I love you, more than you could imagine. Of course Iâll be your boyfriend. Fuck I want to be more than that one day.â He brushed the tears that had built in Philâs eyes away with the pad of his thumb, âSo donât worry about that.â
Phil grabbed Dan by the shoulders and pulled him into a rough kiss, his lips smashing into Danâs.
âThank you,â he mumbled as they pulled away and Dan smiled in return, before he kissed him sweetly, because that said everything Dan couldnât.
~-~-~
âBut how would we tell your parents?â Phil asked, Dan risked a quick glance to look at him before he let his eyes flick back to the screen.
He was completely smashing Phil at Mario Kart, and didnât want to lose his lead. âThatâs a bit of an intense conversation to resume during Mario Kart donât you think?â he mumbled, eyes still glued the screen.
He could see Phil shrug out of the corner of his eye, âItâs just on my mind,â Phil replied.
Dan smirked and paused the game so he could turn to face his boyfriend, âThis is because youâre losing isnât it?â He teased, and kissed Phil on the cheek.
Phil rolled his eyes, before he took Danâs controller so he couldnât go back to the game, âNot everythingâs about Mario Kart Dan,â he smirked, reciting Danâs motherâs favourite sentence from when they were twelve.
Dan grumbled but nodded at Phil to continue,
âI just want to tell them.â Phil began, âThe secret thing didnât work so well last timeâŚâ he trailed off and left the sentence to finish itself.
Dan couldnât help but nod in agreement, he didnât want to hide them again either.
âSoâŚâ Dan prompted, Mario Kart completely forgotten now.
Phil sighed lightly, âSo I donât think they would exactly welcome me as your boyfriend with open arms. Not after what Alexis told- I meanâŚâ Phil stumbled, before he flushed bright red after he realised what he had admitted.
Dan just nodded, he had already known after all, however he did allow a small smirk to tug at the corner of his lips, âProbably not. We need mum to like you before she knows itâs you,â he racked his brains as to how would be best to do that.
Suddenly Philâs eyes widened and he gripped Danâs arm, âA masquerade ball,â he mumbled under his breath.
âWhat?â Dan asked, he watched as Phil started to smile and rubbed his hands together in excitement.
âYou should host a masquerade ball. Introduce me while Iâm wearing a mask!â Phil bounced with excitement, beaming at Dan about his idea.
It was beginning to dawn on him how brilliant of an idea it actually was. Re-introduce Phil as a mystery perfect suitor who Dan loved.
His mother would love Phil, and maybe wouldnât freak out when she found out who he actually was.
âThat is actually fucking genius!â He exclaimed, and laughed loudly gripping Philâs arms and shaking him slightly so he burst out laughing, âPhil Lester! Youâre a genius!â Dan pulled him into a warm kiss, both boys expressing their excitement through their lips.
~-~-~
Phil giggled and the sound warmed Danâs heart until he felt like he was sat next to a warm hearth.
âYou canât sneak out at night Your Highness,â Phil bowed mockingly and Dan tugged him to his feet with an eyeroll. He pulled Phil into a gentle kiss, before  cuddled into his boyfriendâs arm happily. Phil tried to take the opportunity to lead Dan back to his bedroom, which Dan hoped would soon be their bedroom. Currently Phil spent most nights with Dan, aside from the occasional time they separated when necessary, to avoid suspicions. Tonight was one of the nights when he was technically in the servants quarters, but Dan couldnât sleep without him.
âI can do what I want,â Dan smirked as Phil groaned, but followed Dan to the kitchenâs nevertheless.
They tiptoed in, hoping the late night staff would have finished up by now. They were in luck as the kitchen was eerily quiet. Dan grinned as he flicked on a lamp, it let a dim light flood the room but not too bright that they couldnât handle it.
He quite liked when he was alone with Phil, and it was completely calm.
âIâm hungry,â Dan hurried over to the pantry as Phil chuckled.
âI would assume so, you did drag me to the kitchens at one am,â he pointed out and Dan pulled a face at him over his shoulder.
He pulled out a packet of cookies with a flourish and grinned, âLetâs feast!â
They slid onto the marble bench, Dan was too tired to care that it probably wasnât hygienic to sit where people prepared food. He shoved a cookie into Philâs mouth who laughed in response, crumbs falling onto the floor and across his face.
âTheyâre⌠really mmhm... good,â Phil swallowed before he pecked Dan on the lips gently, âAlmost sweeter than you!â
Dan groaned at the awful cheesiness, but couldnât deny the way his stomach bubbled every time Phil complemented him. No matter how cheesy it was.
âApparently late night Phil is a cheesy boyfriend,â he teased as he pulled Phil in for a longer kiss, and enjoyed the way he could taste the chocolate of the cookies on his lips.
He began to find it almost difficult to steady himself as Phil cupped his face in his hand, their lips danced together lazily as they were both half asleep.
âYou taste like cookies,â Dan giggled drowsily, and grinned as Phil stuffed a cookie into his mouth in response.
âI want you to taste like cookie,â Phil giggled and Dan snickered as he enjoyed the small pout on Philâs face.
He kissed it away gently, smiling into the kiss as Phil hummed appreciatively. Their lips moved against each other in a way that made Danâs stomach flip and swirl, and filled his body with a tingle that flooded down to his toes. He grinned as Phil pulled him closer so that Dan was sat on his lap, their lips didnât break apart aside from a quick gasp of breath.
Suddenly there was a click and a bright light flooded over them.
They both froze, Phil pulled away from Danâs lips as quick as lightning, eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights and they heard an amused chuckle.
Dan grimaced slightly as he turned to be met with Philâs father who was stood there, hands on his hips in amusement, âI really hope you two werenât going to go further than that because this is a kitchen and that is my son,â he turned to Dan with a smirk.
Dan felt ready to sink through the floor and die, it seemed Phil was on the same thought path as he buried his face in his hands.
When Dan glanced over at him he could see the flush of his cheeks even past his fingers.
âDad,â Phil started but the Kingâs Advisor cut him off with a wave of his hand.
âNo no! I told you I would do this and I intend to keep my word,â He exclaimed and Dan turned to Phil in hope for an explanation.
He got nothing but an apologetic glance and embarrassed flushed cheeks. Phil looked cute when he was so embarrassed.
âDaniel, whether prince or not. I believe that my son deserves someone who will love him endlessly. Will you do this?â Philâs father asked with a false posh accent.
Dan nodded, he had begun to see where this was headed and understood Philâs overwhelming embarrassment.
âYes,â he replied and smirked at Phil who looked like he wanted to die.
âI am very glad. Now, if you two have sex in a kitchen I will personally disown you Philip!â He announced before he marched off to the pantry where Dan assumed he was originally headed.
Phil turned to him, cheeks so dark a shade of red that Dan wanted to cuddle him closer and comfort him.
However this was far too good of an opportunity to tease Phil and he planned to seize it.
âYouâre blushing,â he said in a sing song voice, and snickered as he nudged Philâs arm gently, Phil groaned and shoved him in the side before he buried his face into Danâs neck.
Dan wanted to continue to tease him but Phil snuggled into him made his heart warm and he couldnât find it in himself.
He blushed slightly as Philâs father smiled warmly when he walked out, an apple rested in his hand.
âIâm surprised I didnât guess to be honest,â the Kingâs advisor admitted before he left them, and called over his shoulder, âTry to go to sleep soon boys!â
Phil mumbled something unintelligible into Danâs shoulder which Dan took to mean he wanted to go to bed.
âWanna stay in my room?â Dan asked gently, as he pressed a soft kiss to Philâs forehead.
Phil nodded sleepily, and Dan tugged him to his feet, wrapping an arm around his sleepy boyfriend. They tiptoed their way back to Danâs bedroom, and took admittedly longer than they should have because they kept stopping to press gentle kisses to the otherâs lips.
They had time to make up for after all.
~-~-~
âI am not getting back on a horse,â Dan grumbled as Phil pulled him along towards the stables. He knew Phil liked horses, but forcing him to take part after what happened last time was a step too far, Phil shook his head, and smiled back at Dan in a way that made Danâs heart melt and his stomach flip.
âYes you are and we are going riding,â Phil replied easily, he skipped along as they walked towards the stables. At Danâs groan Phil rolled his eyes, âItâll be romantic.â
Dan pouted but didnât argue anymore as Phil continued to walk them towards where Sam was waiting.
He instinctively dropped Philâs hand, as much as it felt wrong. His hand now swung beside him, almost too empty.
As they approached Sam smiled at them, which displayed one missing tooth right at the front of his mouth, âWhy did you let go?â He asked curiously, eyes wide in interest.
Phil turned to Dan, his mouth hung open in shock, âOf what?â Phil asked, Dan could hear the underlying tones of nervousness, which meant Phil knew just as much as he did what Sam was talking about.
âYour hands, you let go! You donât have to you know. I wonât tell anyone,â Sam said the last part in almost a whisper, as though telling them a secret. Dan couldnât help the small smile that bloomed on his face, as Phil took his hand again. Sam grinned back at him and Dan almost wanted to reach forward and hug him.
However he knew the small boy would freak out if the prince did anything of the sort, so he restrained himself.
âYou lost a tooth!â Dan pointed out and couldnât stop the smile that covered his face when Sam beamed.
He nodded eagerly, âLast night!â He exclaimed, and bounced on the balls of his feet happily.
âDid the tooth fairy come?â Phil asked and Dan wanted to kiss his boyfriend right there because the look on Samâs face was worth a million pounds.
âYes!â He squealed, and pulled a shiny two pound coin out of his pocket and waving it around excitedly, âShe gave me this!â
âThatâs amazing!â Phil exclaimed and it took all of Danâs willpower not to kiss him, why did he have to be so perfect?
Sam continued to bounce around before he settled down and asked in a very polite tone, âWhat would you like Your Highness?â
âCan we have one horse please Sam?â Dan asked and he nodded.
âWould you like Mabel or Fern sir?â Sam asked, he straightened his back as he turned to work mode. Dan couldnât help but smile as he watched the tiny boy attempt to be professional.
The idea of riding Mabel made him shudder though, âFern please.â He replied, Phil sent him a knowing look and he flushed while avoiding eye contact.
As Sam went to turn away he stopped, and turned back to face the two older boys, âThereâs a small corner where you canât see anything over there,â he point to a corner where indeed they would be out of the view of any prying eyes, âIt might take me a while to saddle her up.â He explained. Dan grinned as Phil went a bright shade of red, and mumbled a quiet, âthank you,â as Sam turned to run away.
They slipped into the corner, hidden behind the red bricks of the stable and the trunk of a Sycamore tree they were truly out of eyesight, unless someone actually walked around the tree they couldnât be seen.
âFor an eight year old that boy is clever,â Phil smirked, as he pressed Dan against the brick wall behind them.
âWe were nowhere close to as smart as that at eight,â Dan replied with a laugh, just before Phil kissed him, and caused him to lose his breath as quickly as he gained it.
He blushed as Phil pinned his shoulders up, as he knew fully well by now that Dan lost his balance when Phil kissed him.
âMaybe you werenât,â Phil teased and Dan just rolled his eyes, pulling him in for another kiss.
Their lips danced together and Dan lost track of time, he forget everything except the way it felt to have Philâs lips against his.
They broke apart, gasping for air before they moved back together like magnets. He never wanted to leave Phil, to not have Phil by his side.
âPrince Daniel!â Samâs young voice called out from beside the tree.
Phil pulled away from him, he appeared to be as reluctant as Dan felt.
âComing Sam!â Dan called back, and pecked Phil once more on the lips, enjoying the way it made Philâs face beam with happiness.
His lips were swollen and red but twisted into a bright smile that turned Danâs insides to goo.
They slipped out from out of the tree to find Sam looking very proud of himself, stood before them with the reins of a tall, light brown horse held in his hand.
âHere you are sir!â He held out the reins to Phil who thanked him gently. âAre you alright to mount her sir?â Sam asked and Dan nodded shakily, his fear of horses returned now that the giant creature stared at him. âI-Iâll be fine Sam. Thank you.â
Sam nodded, before turning to run away, his tiny body disappearing as he entered the stable.
âYouâll be fine,â Phil reassured him, guessing correctly as to why Dan was faltering.
As Dan continued to stare at the giant creature he was putting his faith in Phil sighed, âIâm jumping on after we get started remember?â
Dan took a deep breath, and tried to remind himself that Phil was a much better horse rider than him.
âOkay,â he slipped his foot into the stirrup, and used it to boost himself over the huge animal. Fern was much calmer than Mabel, but taller and as Dan sat on him he remembered why he usually rode Mabel.
âHeâs really tall Phil,â Dan stammered, his muscles tight with fear as he held onto the reins until they were pressed harshly into the soft skin of his palms.
Phil nodded, âYouâll be fine Dan, Iâm going to be there with you okay?â His voice soothed Dan and he felt his muscles relax slightly.
âOkay, letâs go.â
They began at a walk before they started to bounce into a trot, as the trot gained speed Phil began to run beside Dan, he tucked his foot into the stirrup and pulled himself up easily. Dan would be lying if he said his heart didnât pound a little at the strength of his boyfriend. Even more so, when Phil wrapped his arms around Danâs waist, âThere see, weâre fine,â Phil grinned into his ear and Dan felt a happy shiver travel from the base of his spine to his shoulder blades.
âI love you,â he leaned back into Phil, their heads rested closely together and he sighed into the feeling.
He could just see a smile in Philâs cheeks, âI love you too.â
~-~-~
Dan lay sprawled out on the bed, a stern expression on his face, âNope. We can find another way.â
Phil flopped on top of him, the close proximity of their faces made it very difficult for Dan to concentrate, âThis is the only way.â Phil insisted and Dan groaned, before he buried his face into Philâs neck.
âSheâll never agree! To not tell my parents⌠thatâs I donât know... against servant code,â Dan muttered, his breath fanned into Philâs neck. He smiled as Phil tried to hide a shiver.
âFirstly, I hid our relationship and you were fine with that. There is no servant code. Secondly she so knows about our relationship.â Phil pointed out and Dan pressed a gentle kiss to Philâs neck, reveling in the way it made Phil gasp in shock and happiness.
âTrue,â Dan mumbled, his lips still ghosted against Philâs neck.
âThat is,â Phil gasped again as Dan kissed the sensitive skin, âVery distracting.â
Phil tugged him to his feet and led him to Bettyâs chambers, which made Dan very grateful he had Phil because he wouldnât have had a clue where to begin.
âBetty?â Dan called, as he knocked on the door gently.
The door flung open so quickly Phil nearly fell in, since heâd been leant against it.
There stood Betty, her brown hair pinned into the same bun as usual, a pen stuck through it. Her tall figure nearly matched the ridiculous height of both Dan and Phil but not quite, her strong grey eyes bore into Dan but he could see the same kindness he was used to in her round face.
âYour Highness? What brings you here?â She asked, shock evident on her face as her eyes flitted between him and Phil.
Something seemed to click in her brain as she stepped aside from the door to allow them in.
The first thing Dan noticed was her room was very small, he hadnât ever been into the servantâs rooms as Phil had always come to Danâs chambers instead.
There had never been any reason before now to enter one, but it was certainly small. Around the size of Danâs bathroom, with only just enough space to walk around the bed, with a reasonable sized area at the foot of the bed. Bettyâs bed was a dark purple, definitely not black but also not bright enough to be considered violet either.
âWe need suits, and we need my parents not to know.â Dan cut straight to the chase, strangely this didnât seem to faze Betty in the slightest.
âMatching or contrast?â She asked.
Even Phil seemed taken aback by the calm air she had about the whole thing, âYou donât want to know why?â He asked, his voice sounded completely in awe of her folded hands and pleasant smile.
âI figure Iâll find out at some point,â she waved her hands in dismissal.
Dan nodded slowly, barely able to understand the logic there, but for some reason it seemed to be fine with Betty.
âSo, matching or contrast?â She asked once again, and stared at them over her rectangular spectacles.
Dan turned to Phil who shrugged, which was incredibly helpful.
âWell we donât want to be too obvious, so contrast?â He suggested and Betty nodded, which made Dan smile.
He knew there was a reason he had always loved Betty.
âNow strip down both of you, I need to measure you.â She went into her closet to retrieve a measuring tape.
Dan turned to Phil, his cheeks flushed as they begun to take off their layers of clothing.
Despite the fact that they were dating, Dan felt embarrassed with only his boxers on in front of Phil, especially when Phil looked at him the way he was now, as though he was the most beautiful thing in the world. His eyes soft and warm, a smile smile adorned his face.
Dan barely thought that was fair, not when Phil was stood there with his pale chest clearly on display.
Every tiny giggle that left his lips made Dan fall further and further in love.
Subconsciously he had moved forward and suddenly their lips were touching gently, ghosting against each other. As they heard Betty begin to re-enter the room they pulled apart, much to Danâs disappointment.
Betty raised one eyebrow slightly at the close proximity but it wasnât a surprised look, more like a smirk, which Dan wasnât sure Betty was able to produce.
âMister Daniel,â Betty clicked her fingers for him to come over, âIâm thinking a dark blue, but not too dark. Between navy and cobalt, thoughts Mr Lester?â She asked, all in one breath, to the point as usual.
âErm yeah sounds good,â Phil replied, his eyes never strayed from Dan.
His soft gaze made Danâs knees wobble and his heart thunder against his chest.
âYouâve lost weight,â Betty commented idly, as she wrapped the tape measure around his hips and legs.
She then moved on to Phil, it shocked both of them as she grabbed his face and stared straight into his eyes.
âEggplant purple,â she declared after about thirty seconds, âIt would complement your eyes perfectly.â
Dan nodded, every colour would go perfectly with Philâs eyes in his opinion so he wasnât going to deny an expertâs opinion.
He tried not to allow the spark of jealousy that flared in his shoulders to truly erupt as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
Firstly, it was her job and he knew that this was necessary. Secondly, she was nearing on her fifties and he knew that she had a husband so he really needed to keep his jealousy under control.
He noticed Phil smirk at him and realised he wasnât hiding the jealousy very well.
âShut up,â he mouthed, with a pout.
Phil shrugged, but didnât stop smiling, eyes bright and so fucking beautiful Dan wanted to die, âI didnât say anything,â Phil mouthed back, before he blew Dan a kiss.
~-~-~
Alexis had insisted they get changed separately as it was more romantic. Which Dan had to admit, it was true, but it didn't help with the fear of Philâs possible reactions to Dan in his outfit. What if he hated it?
As he looked in the mirror, Alexis straightened out his suit and helped to fasten the mask, he could see that Betty was right in her choices.
He wore a dark blue suit, just lighter than navy with a crisp white shirt, it sat tightly on his form, and made his shoulders more pronounced and his body more shaped.
His mask was fully gold, tendrils of embossing circled his eyes and twirled their way up to the centre of his forehead where they shaped a small crown.
He could see his brown eyes glowed from behind the mask, the flecks of gold that Phil assured him he had were for once visible.
âYou look very nice Your Highness,â Alexis beamed at him, a motherly look in her eyes.
Dan let his instinct take control as he turned around and hugged her.
She squeezed him back tightly but pulled away happily when a hesitant knock sounded at the door.
âAlexis?â Maxâs voice called from behind the door, âNeither of us can tie his erm⌠tie,â he explained.
Alexis rolled her eyes at Dan, but she grinned anyway. Dan knew she loved to help all of them, especially Max, as apparently he had barely ever openly told her he needed help despite being the best friend of her daughter.
âIâm going to get some fresh air,â Dan mumbled as Alexis hurried out, he grinned and stepped out onto the balcony and relished in the wave of cold air that washed over him.
As he stared out at the sun beginning to set Dan thought about tonight.
His mother had, as predicted, been beyond happy when Dan told her that heâd found a suitor who he really loved.
The fact that this suitor was a boy didnât seem to bother her at all, which meant Dan felt slightly less terrified.
Although if he was honest he was more scared of Phil changing his mind, not actually wanting to tell his parents about them, not wanting them anymore. It was irrational and stupid, but he couldnât help it.
Warm arms wrapped around him from behind which caused Dan to squeal in shock but any scared thought also flew from his mind as Phil pressed his lips to the back of Danâs neck.
âYou scared me Phil,â Dan grumbled, but he found it difficult to keep the smile off his face as Phil continued to press tickling kisses to the sensitive skin at the top of his spine.
âHi Bear,â Phil whispered softly, The use of Danâs childhood nickname made his heart flutter. However Dan could hear the nerves in his voice.
He turned around to face Phil and his heart stopped, a deep purple mask shaded Philâs eyes and matched perfectly with his purple suit.
There were music notes painted onto the mask that framed the underneath of his eyes, edged with gold embossing that shone in the dusk light.
He looked so stunning that for a moment Dan forget everything that was scaring him, because he had this boy to call his own.
âYou are so beautiful,â Phil said softly and that alone left Dan speechless.
He was beautiful?
The last thing he had expected was to be called beautiful before he got the chance to tell Phil the exact same thing. Rather than replying he leaned forward and pressed their lips together, trying to tell Phil how much he loved him while his voice was forgotten. It didnât matter because as Phil kissed back it was like they were having a conversation.
âI love you. I love you. I love you.â His lips repeated as they brushed against Philâs.
His hands reached up to cup Philâs face and they moved closer as Philâs hands rested on his hips.
âWe have to go to the party now,â Dan whispered, he wished he didnât have to break the beautiful, silent moment.
However he could see Alexis stood near the door, nervously fluttering but not wanting to come and break them up, which Dan could understand. So he had to be the one to break the serene moment they had, much as he hated it.
Phil smiled gently and pressed a kiss to the nose just visible out of Danâs mask.
He moved so close that their eyes were perfectly in line and Dan felt his heart skip a beat as he stared at the beautiful seas that he loved so much.
They were so close he could see the flecks of yellow that reminded Dan of paint splatters in the blue green canvas that was his boyfriendâs eyes.
âI love you,â Phil mumbled and it made Dan tingle all over.
âI love you too,â he replied, as Philâs eyes bore into him in the most beautiful way, as though he was trying to memorise every fleck of gold in Danâs eyes.
âLetâs do this,â Phil took his hand.
~-~-~
His mother had set up the whole works; trumpets, an announcement, hundreds of eyes turned in him and he had to swallow back the fear in his throat.
With one last glance back at Phil who offered a shaky thumbs up as he stepped into the ballroom.
He was pretty sure no prince had been introduced to a ball with trumpets since the medieval times but there was nothing he could do as they burst into a little introduction.
âPrince Daniel!â A man with a deep voice presented.
Dan smiled, his mask thankfully hid most of his fear.
He could see his mother beam at him happily from behind an elegant gold and white mask lined with soft blue, her huge ball gown matched it perfectly. As he stumbled his way down the stairs, and tried not to seem like too big of a flop he smiled back at his mother, relieved that she actually did seem excited about meeting Phil.
âIâm so proud of you Daniel,â she kissed him on both cheeks and the act of affection made him grin.
âThank you mother,â he replied softly.
He saw Phil sneak in through the servant doors, his hand tugged along by a tiny Sam in a white suit. Samâs usually messy blonde hair combed neatly to the side and a small bow tie sat beneath his chin. Phil looked up at him and grinned, his face only partly visible beneath his mask but Dan could still see the fond enjoyment in his eyes.
Samâs white mask was simple, and obvious that it belonged to a servant, but cute all the same, Dan wanted to run up and pull him into a hug, but that wouldnât be appropriate, in this setting especially.
âSo when will I meet this suitor of yours. Is he here?â His mother asked as she looked around, Dan was careful not to look at Phil despite how much his head wanted to turn there.
âHe is here, and you will meet him soon,â Dan replied, and tried to keep a semi mysterious air. The more he got his mother excited to meet his suitor and then how much she liked him was very important.
His mother nodded and walked away to his father, he had to admit the small bounce in her step made him extremely happy. Many people approached him with well wishes and congratulations, in the past other suitors may have attempted to still become his partner despite him having found someone.
However in modern times that wasn't considered appropriate, thank god.
âCongratulations,â James sneered at him, Dan couldnât help but wonder why he had been invited in the first place. Dan smiled back brightly, and ignored the malice in Jamesâ eyes choosing to focus on the fact that he wouldnât have to hide his relationship with Phil any longer.
âThank you,â he replied before he marched off to Phil, he decided that there had been enough mystery as to who his suitor was.
Phil seemed slightly surprised as he saw Dan walk towards him and he giggled softly as Dan came into earshot.
âImpatient?â He teased.
Dan groaned with a small pout, he wished he could just pull Phil into a kiss there, but he knew they needed to take it slowly, âJust a little,â he replied with a shrug.
Sam grinned at him widely, his tooth just beginning to grow back, âHello Prince Daniel!â He replied cheerily, before he lowered his voice to a hushed whisper and after he beckoned Dan closer he added, âI havenât told anyone that itâs Mr Philip,â he promised.
Dan grinned, and gave the small boy a wink, âThanks Sam. You wonât have to keep it a secret too much longer,â he said with a smile.
The idea was almost too good to humour, that Dan would be able to pull Phil into a kiss no matter where they were. That they could hold hands, cuddle in the library, walk through the orchard and plant kisses to lips without the worry of being spotted.
He felt Phil place a hand on the small of his back, which sent shivers up his spine.
âLetâs go talk to your parents yeah?â Phil whispered in Danâs ear, his mask brushed the side of Danâs face slightly. Dan nodded, and shifted so that Philâs arm was wrapped tightly around him before he kissed him softly on the cheek. Both boys snickered softly as Jamesâ wine glass dropped to the floor with a quiet smash, due to Cecilia gripping his arm too tightly. Her soft pink dress was large and flowery, like she was trying too hard to stand out.
Dan smiled at her, unable to keep dislike from his eyes.
She glared back, her blatant anger harsh in her eyes. In all honesty he was surprised she hadnât told everyone it was Phil, since she had to have guessed already.
That much he could be grateful to her, it wasnât much, but he supposed it would have to do.
His mother beamed with excitement, and clutched onto his fatherâs arm.
The King was wearing a pale blue suit to match his wife and a knowing expression, his mask hid some of it but Dan could see his father knew exactly who the mystery suitor was.
He swallowed heavily and allowed Philâs arm to calm him.
âMother, Father,â he nodded to both of his parents, âThis is my suitor,â he stepped to the side as Phil kissed his motherâs hand.
âIt is a pleasure to meet you my queen,â Phil bowed.
Dan could have sworn he saw his mother blush happily as Phil stood back up.
âAnd what is your name?â She asked with a polite nod of her head, clearly already taken with Phil.
Dan watched as Phil took a moment to consider before he replied calmly, â Isn't a charade part of a masquerade ball Your Majesty? Why, I think under a mask we show who we truly are, our real faces are the masks, the masks we put on to survive the real world. The masks that we hide behind and hope to shield us from jealousy, anger and hatred. Tonight, however, we can be however we want .â
The queen nodded her eyes lit up in interest for this mysterious stranger and Dan grinned as Phil squeezed his hand.
Neither the King nor Queen appeared to notice this though as they smiled at each other.
Dan could still see the knowing twinkle in his fatherâs eyes as he ushered them away, âGo dance! Enjoy the night!â
Phil turned to him with a smile, taking his arm in a similar fashion to how you would escort a princess, âShall we dance Your Highness?â He asked, a bright smile lit up his face.
âYes we shall,â Dan replied, his cheeks ached from the smile that wouldnât go away.
He beamed, and happiness radiated from his chest as Phil took his hip, and took Danâs other hand in his so that they were in a typical waltz position. They began to twirl around the dance floor with the music, laughter bubbled in Danâs chest as he was reminded of what an awful dancer Phil was. Their feet trod on each otherâs whenever they turned which just served to make Dan laugh harder.
âYouâre so bad,â he giggled as Phil spun him around clumsily.
He loved the way his body felt pressed up against Philâs regardless of whether thier dance was elegant or not. They had stopped being in a traditional royal relationship the moment they started after all.
Phil poked his tongue out, âShut up,â he grumbled, and attempted to pout but was smiling too widely to properly achieve it. Dan grinned and pulled Phil in closer against him, and let their hips press together as they twirled around, he swapped their hands so that Dan was in the lead.
âMaybe you should let me lead us?â Dan suggested with a raise of his eyebrow.
Phil opened his mouth to object before he snapped it shut and nodded in a resigned way.
Dan winked with an over exaggerated flourish, and ravished in the way it made Phil giggle, his tongue poked through his teeth. With Danâs lead they begun to glide across the floor, Philâs feet being tugged away from Danâs until they were danced around the room so elegantly that he saw Ceciliaâs jaw drop open.
He remembered when she had danced with him the first time.
She had practically dragged Dan onto the dance floor. She had held herself against him but Dan had attempted to hold her at armâs length. This made it a not at all enjoyable dance and he was quite unable to properly lead them with the space between them. It was awkward and clumsy as Cecilia was an awful dancer for a princess and without Danâs help was unable to actually waltz with him.
Dan couldnât help but grin as he thought about how different this was.
Phil was pliant and warm against him, he allowed himself to be lead across the dance floor with a smile constantly on his face.
They felt like one person together, one unit that could do whatever they wanted.
âOkay yeah you leading was a good idea,â Phil murmured as Dan spun him around,before he pulled him back against his chest easily.
Dan laughed softly as he opened them up only to draw them back together again.
âI know,â he whispered when he drew Phil close enough.
They continued to dance all through the night, eventually too exhausted to continue to waltz around the room, instead they simply swayed in each otherâs arms, heads rested on each otherâs shoulders.
Dan could sense Phil look at something over Danâs shoulder. He looked as though he wanted to go and do something, Dan followed his line of view and saw tiny Sam carrying a huge pile of plates and other dirty crockery, his tiny knees shook from the heavy weight he was carrying. They walked over to him without another word, hands slipped into each otherâs as they walked as though on instinct.
âHey Sam,â Phil bent down to the small boyâs height who attempted to look at who was them to him over the pile of plates he was carrying.
âHello Prince Daniel! Hello MrâŚâ he trailed off as he remembered he wasnât allowed to say Philâs name. Dan took some of the crockery at the top of the pile out of Samâs hold and heard the boyâs sigh of relief as the weight was semi relieved.
âHi Sam,â Dan offered him a gentle smile, âDo you want us to help you?â He asked and Sam nodded hurriedly.
Phil took a similar pile to Danâs off of the huge pile of plate the small eight year old was carrying. Dan remembered when Phil used to be this kid, the one who was piled with plates and crockery and anything else that needed to be lugged to the kitchen.
He wished that someone could have helped like he and Phil were now.
âAre we taking them to the kitchen?â Phil asked, and smiled at a noble as they passed.
Sam nodded again, he had to walk twice as fast in order to keep up with both Dan and Phil.
However he beamed with excitement as they walked to the kitchen, âI was given the special job of helping get the dishes but then people piled them a bit too much,â Sam explained. Phil gave Dan a look that said that was what Phil was told as well, they both smiled sympathetically.
âWeâre very proud of you for trying so hard,â Phil encouraged him with a bright smile although Dan could see the pain behind his eyes, as he remembered the way he had crashed to the floor when he and Dan were only eleven smashing at least twenty plates that were held in his arms.
As they placed the plates down and re-entered with Sam in tow, a musician announced that this was the last song before the prince and suitorâs final dance.
âWould you like to dance with us Sam?â Phil asked and Dan beamed at him.
Samâs eyes widened until they were the size of saucers, a huge smile covered his face as he nodded excitedly.
âA-am I allowed?â He asked, as he nervously glanced between Dan and Phil, when they nodded he bounced on the balls of his feet excitedly, âYes please!â He exclaimed.
Dan took his hand and led him to the middle of the dance floor, Phil took his other hand and filled Danâs body with tingles.
Sam took Philâs hand so that they were stood in a small circle and swaying on the spot.
âYouâre like the bestest prince ever Prince Daniel,â Sam said happily as Dan twirled him in a little circle. Dan felt his heart warm happily as the words left Samâs lips, âThank you,â he grinned.
Phil smiled at him, his eyes warm and soft, âI agree Sam. Heâs like the bestest in the world.â
Dan felt his cheeks flush as Phil squeezed his hand.
The song trickled to an end, Sam jumped backwards and bowed awkwardly before he hurried off. Dan took Phil in his arms and assembled them so that they were ready to dance, as it was the last dance of the night, everyone would watch them.
âDo you want me to lead?â He teased Phil, who merely rolled his eyes and allowed Dan to take his arms.
They begun to glide across the floor, and their feet stepped in perfect time. Although Philâs steps were a little more clumsy. Dan could feel Philâs heart as it thundered against his chest, they were pressed so closely together.
âI love you,â Phil whispered in his ear as they begun to slow to a stop.
Dan grinned, âI love you too,â he replied easily.
He cradled the back of Philâs head in his hand and pulled their lips together.
Their masks brushed against each otherâs as their mouths pressed together gently, as usual they fitted perfectly and comfortably so that they seemed connected.
Every part of them, connected and together.
Hands in hair, lips softly pushed and pulled against each other.
It canât have gone for more than thirty seconds but it was Danâs favourite kiss they ever had, the way their lips appeared to pour out their love for each other. Every time they touched sweet and comfortable, a reminder that this was the last time they would be a secret. In a couple of minutes everyone would know about them.
Dan couldnât tell whether his heart was thumping because of the kiss or because of nerves.
As they pulled away he smiled gently at Phil, âAre you ready?â He asked softly, so quietly that only Phil would be able to hear.
Phil nodded, his eyes never looked away from Danâs.
âOk,â Dan whispered, âI have an idea, do you trust me?â he asked nervously.
Philâs eyes were an electric blue today, the purple and gold of the mask brought out the bright green and yellow flecks in his irises.
âI will always trust you,â Phil replied without even a thought.
Dan blushed lightly, and pulled away out of Philâs arms just enough so he could reach Philâs mask easily.
âTake mine off first,â Dan whispered, this felt like a special moment that should remain between the two of them, they didnât need other people to eavesdrop.
Phil nodded, his warm fingers brushed against Danâs face as he undid the golden clasps, âI love you,â Phil mumbled as he revealed Danâs face, Dan felt his heart leap at the way Phil looked at him.
âI love you too,â Dan said back as he removed the purple mask from Philâs eyes and revealed the person that Dan loved so dearly, the eyes that sparkled like the ocean in the morning.
He heard a few people who could see Phil gasp, his parents however were on the other side. Unable to see the newly revealed person beneath the mask, the mystery suitor who Dan had finally fallen for. His father seemed to be a bit nonchalant, Dan had no doubts that his father already knew who the mysterious person behind the mask was.
âI love you,â Dan whispered one more time, as he took Philâs hands.
âI love you too.â
As Phil drew him into the last kiss they would ever share before his parents knew about their relationship Dan couldnât help but smile.
This was all he wanted in life, to be able to kiss Phil like this whenever he wanted.
In front of whoever he wanted.
Philâs nose nudged against his gently as their lips melded together. It was soft and warm, like being cuddled in a fluffy blanket, Philâs lips tasted and felt like home.
As they drew away Dan couldnât stop the smile that covered his face, and it seemed Phil felt the same.
He could feel his motherâs eyes burn into them from over Philâs shoulder, so with a sigh he gave Phil a look that said âare you ready?â
Phil nodded, and took his hand and Dan took a deep inhale of air to calm the nerves that were returning to his system.
Together they turned to face Danâs parents.
His motherâs mouth dropped open, so that she vaguely reminded Dan of a painting he studied at one point called The Scream .
âPhilip?â She gasped, and clutched Danâs fatherâs hand so tightly Dan actually saw the King wince.
Phil shrugged sheepishly, his skin an adorable shade of pink as Danâs parents âmetâ him as Danâs boyfriend.
He bowed politely as he had been taught to his whole life, as he let go of Danâs hand for a moment to do so.
âYour Majesties,â Phil murmured so lowly that the royal family could only just hear him.
Dan glanced at his parents worriedly, or more specifically his mother, his father seemed to be rather proud of himself as he must have already guessed.
His mother appeared to have mildly recovered, as her mouth had closed and her grip on Danâs father has loosened. As his mother inhaled through her nose Dan felt his heart drop and tears sting his eyes, he could already sense disapproval on the horizon.
âTreat him well,â The queen said, her voice slightly strained but genuinely happy, âMy son deserves someone like you, someone kind. Iâm sorry for how Iâve t-treated you,â She apologised.
Dan could tell how hard it was for her to say, she never apologised to anyone.
Never admitted she was wrong, or that she had done something bad, but she was now and that was all that mattered.
It was both Dan and Philâs turn to let their mouths hang open now, Philâs hand gripped Danâs as though he believed if he didnât hold on tight enough it would all be a dream.
Dan felt exactly same way, this couldnât be real.
Couldnât be real.
âI love you Daniel,â his mother turned to him, âI want you to be happy. Understand I will need some time but I will definitely support you.â She faced both of them and added, âBoth of you.â
Even the King was staring proudly at his wife, this was possibly the best moment of Danâs life.
He dropped Philâs hand and raced forward. He pulled his mother into a hug, she let out a small gasp of surprise before he wrapped her arms around him.
It was tense and strange, he hadnât properly hugged his mother since he was very tiny, but her petite frame was warm and he was just so grateful.
~-~-~
They trudged their way up to Danâs bedroom.
No.
Their bedroom, at a time that nobody should be awake.
In fact he was almost positive that the sun had begun to rise through the window in his lounge room but he didnât bother to check.
He flopped into the bed, and was automatically drawn to the warmth that was Phil. He wrapped his arms around Philâs waist and drew them together, pulling Philâs lips against his like a reflex.
Phil tasted of expensive wine and grapes as Danâs weirdo of a boyfriend âdoesnât like cheeseâ.
They were soft and lazy kisses as both boys were too tired to make out but more just enjoyed being able to kiss each other. Dan loved the way that even in their exhausted state, Phil could still make his stomach flip and his heart race. Even though he was sure he would kiss these lips hundreds of times to come, it still felt like a treasure that he needed to protect and that was alright with him.
Their bubble had been popped, Danâs family knew about them, their secret was out in the world. However they were still just Dan and Phil, a special secret that still felt like it only belonged to them.
Dan wouldnât have it any other way.
He pulled away and tucked his head under Philâs chin against the warm chest that he would use as a pillow.
âI love you idiot,â Dan pressed a kiss to the skin beneath Philâs chin, and enjoyed the way it made a little gasp escape Philâs lips.
He could hear the smirk in Philâs voice as he replied,
do you know of only phanfics in which dan or phil is a prince and one of them is a servant? or just fics in particular in which one of them is a prince? thanks!
A Whole New World (wattpad) -Â Author_C_
Summary:Â Dan is a depressed prince who is being pressured to find himself a wife. Phil is an orphaned servant in the castle who finds joy in the smallest things in life. When the two are thrown together they learn to become friends and help each other through the troubles they face. Itâs not long before Phil realised he may have feelings for the prince, but does he feel the same way? And even if he does, will such a relationship even be allowed?
Forgive Me (ao3) - FollowYourDreams
Summary: The year is 2224. Dan Howell is the prince of Pacis, living in the lavish Community, dreading his 21st birthday. Phil Lester is a servant at the Community, and has been for 6 years ever since he was taken from his home. On a fateful day, Dan and Phil lock eyes for the first time, and everything changes, but neither of them know if itâs for better or worse.
If The Crown Fits -Â crystaiskiess
Summary:Â The Royalty AU nobody asked for in which Prince Daniel falls head over heels for his best friend and servant boy, Phil.
Regal (ao3) - insert_something_clever_here
Summary:Â (basically an AU in which Dan is a prince and Phil is his servant.)
The Princeâs Protector (wattpad) -Â ocean1c
Summary:Â In which Dan, the prince, falls for his guard, Phil, and they live happily ever after.
Wishing For The Stars (ao3) - thatsthephan
Summary: A Prince!Phil Servant!Dan AU that was a lot of fun to write and has a lot of fluff in it:)