Short summary:

The Royal Family, knowing that there kingdom would soon be under attack by the kingdom next door wants there name to live on. So, they sent there youngest son, who was not yet fit for war, to the family cottage in the countryside so he would be safe. Knowing that there would be people out there who would wish to kill the young Prince they send him out with his bodyguard. The journy is long and takes a long while. During that time the Prince and Bodyguard soon learn of each other better. The Prince would learn of what it's like to live outside the castle and gain a new respect for his people. This is also the time when he starts to "notice" his bodyguard. Knowing that his family would disapprove of this he keeps it locked away until he can no longer do so. The bodyguard on the other hand was trained to protect the Prince at all costs, therefore he thinks that all emotions would only stop him from doing his job. Soon he too begins to care for the other. He holds his own feelings back since he isn't suppose to be soft if he is to protect the young Prince.

PrinceXBodyguard
MXM

Prince's Profile:

Name: Cassius Warden
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Short bio: Cassius is the youngest out of his siblings, and goes by the policy that war should be fought with pens, not swords. Although he believes this he has been taught the way of the sword and finds that he can take care of himself perfectly well. He finds that him having a bodyguard is useless. He thinks highly of his family and hates anyone who would use there names in vain.
Picture: Prince

Bodyguard Profile:

Name: Alec Hills
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Short bio: Alec is an only child who grew up in the castle and was trained to become the perfect bodyguard. He was taught to fight till the very end and to protect the Prince Cassius at all costs. He is very strong and enjoys teaching others to fight.
Picture: Bodyguard

INDENT Cassius stood in front of his parents, no his whole family as they relayed him the news "Cassius, we know that you are not fit for war, and we know that this kingdom will soon be under attack" his father boomed before his mother chimed in "And we think it would be best if you went away, we'll send a messenger so you'll know when to come back dear." Cassius just stared at his parents, with a mixed emotions of confusion and hurt. Although he didn't prefer to fight he knew it would be an honour to fight along side his brothers.

INDENTOpening his mouth to reply his father held up his hand "There will be no discussion on the topic son. Alec will be accompanying you on your journey" he said before looking in the direction of the bodyguard. Cassius looked as well. Alec had been in the castle since they were both young, and he knew that Alec had been trained to protect him. They never really talked and in general he felt as if having a bodyguard was a waste of time. Looking back at his family he noticed on how set they were on this and gave up "Very well father, when do we depart?" he said glancing over at Alec before returning his gaze to his family "Immediately, your bag has already been packed, Alec has it."

INDENTWith that Cassius turned around and stormed out of the room, waiting for Alec to follow. "I don't think I'll be needing your help but it seems your coming along anyway" He said holding his hand out to take his bag. This whole thing seemed to be nonsense to him, but then again it was probably incase the rival kingdom managed to storm the castle.

Alec stood in attention in the room as the Royal Family told Cassius the news. He thought the King and Queen were smart for sending the youngest Prince away. And he felt highly honored to be given the chance to show how well he could protect Cassius. He bowed his head to the King and Queen when he watched Cassius walk out of the room. He followed after the young Prince and stopped short when Cassius spoke to him.

He raised one brown eye brow at his sentence and said "Young Prince, you need to be protected at all costs. And I am honored to accompy you on your journey." He bowed his head and then slung the Prince's bag over his shoulder, right next to his own sack, and said "Shall we?" He begin to briskly heading down the hall way. He turned over his shoulder to look at Cassius and said, "I have prepared a carriage for us till we are out of the Kingdom's city limits. You shall be safer that way, Young Prince."

INDENTCassius just grunted; no matter what Alec said he would still regard his presence as "unneeded" "I was trained in the way of the sword, to protect myself, why would I need someone else to do something that I can do myself?" he asked giving an annoyed look as Alec slug his bag over his own shoulder "You know, I would prefer to carry my own bag" he said as they walked down the hall way to the main entrance, Cassius walking a few steps behind his body guard. He wanted to take his time, get a good look at the place before they left. He knew how far away the "cottage" was and knew it would take them a good while. Hearing Alec talk he shifted his gaze to the bodyguard "Yeah, I expected as much. Thank you for making the preparations" he said giving a small bow.

INDENT Getting outside Cassius noticed the carriage. Walking over he bowed as the door was opened for him and climbed in waiting for Alec to join him. As soon as he got in he crossed his arms and begain to ask questions "What will we be doing once we reach the end of town?" he asked, curling up into the corner.

Alec nodded his head to Cassius and said "No thanks is need, Young Prince." Yet he bowed back to Cassius and followed him into the carriage, he sat down across from Cassius and noticed how he curled up small in the space. Alec cleared his throat and answered the Young Prince's question, "We will ride horseback for one day and then spend the night in a tavern out of town, we have to release the horse to the tavern owners as payment. This war is going to cost the Royal Family so this was the best solution. Then we walk on foot for about twenty miles till we reach a farm.

Now at the farm there is a very well known horse breeder who will gives us shelter for a night and we will take one of his horses. We will ride for a day and then we will reach another small tavern where we will rest for a night and give up our horse, then continue on foot for another day till we reach another tavern. We will continue walking and staying in taverns for probably a week and then we shall arrive at the country home. Any questions?" He looked at the Young Prince patiently.

INDENT Cassius shook his head "It's polite, as a prince I have to show gratiude" he muttered back getting comfy in his corner before Alec got his attention. Having been too focused on getting comfy he had almost forgotten his own question. Nodding his head he took a moment to absorb the information "So most of the trip will be walking?" he said the slightest frown on his face. It was very little known fact that the young prince had a fear of falling off horses, you could never tell since he was perfectly fine with going near them.


INDENT "Any questions?" he repeated pressing his lip sinto a thin line and crossing his arms, he couldn't decide if he should mention his fear. Would Alec dare laugh at something so silly? Unfolding his body but keeping the same look on his face "Not really, more of a request. Make sure I don't fall of the horses" he said softly before returning to his postion in the corner to wait out the ride.

Alec thought about his question and nodded saying, "Walking and then resting at night. It will be the safest traveling for you, Young Prince. I hope that isn't a problem." He shifted his gaze and noticed the frown but didn't say more. Alec felt that it was impolite to speak up when he was not needed. Then he crossed his legs, to give Cassius more space since he was taking up room in the carriage because of his size.

And he then said to Cassius, "I swear on my life you will not off the horses. I was taught by the Royal Family's personal horse breeder on riding horses. We shall be sharing a horse each time so you will be infront of me, safer that way. Do you know how to handle a bow and arrow?" He asked with eye brows raised. Alec planned to teach the Prince later on how to shoot arrows in self defense while riding.

INDENT Cassius nodded "No, no problems. Thank you for informing me" he replied dully lifting an eyebrow as Alec moved to make more room. He shook his head Cassius was happy with the room he had there was no need to make more, still he wasn't going to mention anything.

INDENT Cassius frowned once more but then nodded "I'll take your word on that" was the first thing he said before once again pressing his lips into a thin line in thought. He vaguely remembered being taught how to shoot a bow and arrow and the end result was not so good. Then again no one would blame him. His family was more well known for close combat. "Yes, I do know how to handle a bow and arrow... But I think I may need to work on my accuracy" he answered before looking away and outside the window. The young prince watched as the buildings soon became smaller, and the place less clean; a face of disgust as he watched his family's beloved city slowly transform into nothing more then a rats nest (at least that's what he would refer it as) looking away from the window he knew that there were people of all social standings, and that he shouldn't think about it. Knowing where they were he knew that it was only moments before they reached the edge of the town. Sitting up he prepared for the carriage to stop.

Alec watched Cassius seem to think about answering about the bow and he nodded to him saying "Then I shall teach you and help you work on the accuracy while shooting." Alec glanced out of the window and smiled when he saw some of the townfolks walking around and working hard for their money. He tapped the top of the carriage and said sternly "Stop." The carriage came to a slow stop and the carriage driver opened the door for Cassius and Alec. He patiently waited while Cassius exited the carriage before getting out himself.

The carriage driver walked over to a tree where a large brown mare was roped to a tree and he undid the rope, then guided it over to Alec. The driver handed over the rope to Alec who grasped it in his hands. He thought the horse was a beautiful creature and it made him realize how short he was compared other powerful things. He stretched out his long arms and brushed the mare's face before he smile at Cassius saying, "Your ride, sire."

INDENT Cassius nodded "Very well then, you're... Able to use a bow and arrow right? I know the guards are usually specialty trained in a certain weapon" he said, almost mumbling since he was more or less talking to himself in thought. Having the door opened Cassius stepped out and gave a bow to the driver as he went to gather the horse. Looking at the horse he shrugged, it wasn't like the ones at the castle, but from what he could tell it was taken care of well.

INDENT Staring at the horse he walked over and patted it, only getting a snort form the horse in return. For the gesture the prince glared back at it for a moment. Shaking his head he looked to Alec giving a small bow "Thank you" he replied, but didn't move, just stared at the space would he should be sitting.

Alec bowed back to the Prince and turned his attention to the carriage driver. He gave instructions to return back to the kingdom to tell the King and Queen of their arrival. The carriage driver nodded his head and bowed before returning to the carriage and taking off, the horses making sounds of protests as only clouds of dirt were any evidence of the carriage being there.

He touched the soft hair of the mare and held out a small apple that he kept in his sack for the horses. The mare ate the apple right out of his hand and chewed it, making soft noises of pleasure afterwards. He was assured that nothing would happen even though they are now alone. Alec patted the top of the horses back and said, "Young Prince, would you allow me to help you up?" He leaned down and laced his fingers together to ready himself to cup Cassius' foot. "Just place your hands my shoulders to help your balance, sire."

INDENT Cassius had already decided, he didn't like the horse, but it seemed Alec as just cheeky with the beast. "I'm glad you two get along, I'm sure it wont throw both of us" he said sarcastically a slight grin on his face. He knew that they couldn't hang around all to long sine they were supposed to be well on there way. Hearing Alec's gesture the prince sighed. He was a prince, he should be able to do this himself... Then again the horse was probably much too tall for him. "Yes" he replied walking over and placing his foot in Alec's hands. Placing his hand on the others shoulder as he was instructed he was lifted up and he swung his leg over the horse getting on. Almost as soon as he got on he wrapped his arms around the horses neck ,patting it softly and whispering "be nice" to the mare. Looking back at Alec he held out a hand to help him. He wasn't going to let such a silly fear get to him! Or at least as long as the horse didn't suddenly do something.

Alec bit the inside of cheek to hold back a slight chuckle at Cassius sarcasim. Alec straightened up and glanced at the sky, making sure the clouds stayed clear to not ruin their ride. He turned his attention back to the prince and watched his small conversation with the horse. He thought that it was pretty endearing of Cassius to act like the horse would respond. He grabbed onto Cassius offered hand and said, "Thank you, Young Prince." He lifted himself up by swinging his leg over the side of the horse.

He got adjusted by wiggling his hips a bit, trying to get use to riding bare back on a horse once more. He slid his arms through Cassius' and grabbed hold on the mare's reigns. He tightly gripped and clicked his tongue at the horse. The brown mare raised up his head and obeyed slowly going at a slight trot. He didn't want the horse to get tired out so quickly. He said to Cassius, "I may end up having to hug you to me when we pick up speed so don't be alarmed, I will make sure that you don't move around too much."

INDENT Cassius noticed the held back laughter and raised an eyebrow "You know, if you find something funny you really should laugh." he said as Alec checked out the skye. Looking up himself he silently wished for the weather to stay well, they would reach there destination fast if it did. "Not doing so will just make you boring." he noted as Alec took his hand and got on the horse as well. "No problem" he replied from instincts. Cassius just let Alec take the lead, since he only knew the basics to horse riding. All he knew was taught from word of mouth, not experince. Feeling the stead start to go at a steady pace Cassius' whole body tightened up, this wa new to him, but he wasn't oging to let it get to him... was he? No Alec promised to make sure he wouldn't fall off "Y-yeah it's fine" he replied attempting to calm down.

Alec smiled slightly saying, "Well I did not want to Young Prince to believe that I was poking fun at him." He cleared his throat "Which was not my intention," he quickly said. He chuckled then saying "I am not trying to be boring." Alec switched both reigns to one hand and pulled his arm back to tuck a stray hair behind his own ear. He brushed his bangs out of the way and slid his arm back through Cassius to circle around his waist and grab the reigns.

The mare slowly picked up speed and the environment around them was slowly changing to more trees and arces. They followed the dirt road path and when he tighted the reigns to make the mare go a little faster, he transfered both reigns to one hand and wrapped his other around Cassius waist since Alec noticed the speed was starting to jostle him a bit. He then said "We will make good time, sire. Have you ever riden horseback previously?"

Cassius rolled his eyes "I was making fun of myself, if in the instant you have all right to poke fun. As long as it's not about family matters" he warned the last part of his sentence coming out like venom. He loved his family, and would harm anyone who used there names in vain. "No, I don't think you would try and do something like that" he said before feeling a bit of panic as the arm that was there before soon disappeared, but felt relieved when the arm was back. Cassius frowned at himself. He was now happy that his parents had sent Alec along or else he would have just walked. He knew it was safer with speed... The young prince closed his eyes as the mare started to pick up speed, if he was going to hit the ground he didn't want to see it coming. Feeling the arm go around him he opened his eyes and quickly clung on not wanting it to move. Cassius also leaned back onto Alec. Having another bdy close kept him calmer. Hearing his words Cassius gulped some air, his voice coming out a little shaky, but still strong "Good, and no... This is something new" he admitted closing his eyes again.

Alec bowed his head even though Cassius couldn't see him and he said sincerely "I would never speak ill will of the Royal Family. I was raised in their kindgom and they trained me to be the great man I will be in the future. They are a very kind and compassionate rulers and I am honored to be in their great grounds." Alec shifted his gaze to the sky and to their surroundings as they get further and further into the forest. He felt Cassius relax against him and he smiled softly.

He thought Cassius was acting calmer and that also put Alec less on edge but he was not dropping his guard for a second. His gaze would glance over every tree and flicker through bushes looking for potential threats. Alec was surprised that Cassius never rode a horse and he said "Sire, horses are a great tool for any rider to use. They are very kind and gentle beasts. I was actually taught at young age and as could tell with the mare & I earlier," he smiled wryly. "I always keep apples in my sack just for that occasion to occur. The horses have to trust and respect you for them to behave properly."

Cassius sighed, right he should have known that... but he still heard of the people, even in there own kingdom who thought lowly of the Royal family. It was only expected that he should judge everyone until they proved themselves. "In the future?" he blurted "Most would say "The man I am today." Why do you say in the future?" he asked giving a smile at the kind words for his family. Grunting the young prince half shrugged, he didn't want to move too much incase it brought his demise "I'm aware of all that" he explained mummbling a bit to himself before deciding to inform him "I'm not sure if you know this already, but I had a bad experince when I was younger. I've been on a horse, but I got kicked off" he said waiting for some kind of laughter from Alec, he wouldn't be too mad, since his brothers had laughed at him for it as well. And really it was a silly fear...

Alec blinked and said to Cassius, "I just turned twenty years old last month. I am still not yet an adult until I can join the high guard at age twenty-two. And I still have much to learn which is why today I am not the true man I will be when I am older and in the guard. And maybe then I can find my true love and be the man that my family believed I would be." He bit his lip afraid that he said too much and listened to Cassius' story.

He noticed that Cassius steamed to be expecting something a lot harsher than what reply Alec would give. "I am sorry, sire. Many people have suffered from falling off one of these beautiful beasts. I am sure that must have been a scary thing. I too fell off a horse and I actually have a scar." He thought for a second and said "Young Prince, notice the arm wrapped around you, tug up the sleeve until you see a large scar. I got it when I fell off the horse because it didn't trust me and I was misbehaving around it."

Cassius looked surprised "You're only twenty? You look a little older then that" he said, nodding as he continued to think over what Alec had said "Well I admire the abilities you have now, and I must say that I'm sorry for my comments back at the castle" he said chuckling at the love part "Do you really have to wait until your twenty-two to find love? My parents paired off my oldest brother when he was eighteen" he said remembering the girl who is his brother's wife. She liked to scream it seemed. Cassius grunted once more "It wasn't that I had fallen off, I was very literally kicked off by the horse" he said before hearing about the scar. Opening his eyes he looked at Alec with curiosity, and genuin worry. He knew how much it hurt. Looking down at the arm that was around him he slowly lifted up the sleeve to reveil the scar, it looked bad. Cassius did have one himself but it was from hitting the food bin. He had to wonder where his had come from "And yet you still trust them, even tho' they harmed you?" he asked pulling the sleeve back down.

Alec smirked with a brow half up saying, "I am not too old looking I hope. I still want a few years before I look like my own father." He chuckled and then said "Thank you, sire, and it is no problem at all." He bit lip and thought to what Cassius said about his brother. "I don't have to be twenty-two but I will not be a great man fitting for my true love until I am acknowledged into the high guard. It is a great honor, I believe. Thought I am not generally talking about marriage but just being able to take care of a loved one."

He nodded his head about the horses and he saw the Young Prince look up at him, and then felt Cassius lift up his sleeve and look at the scar. Once his sleeve was adjusted he said "I still trust them because it was my own fault. I was a mere boy of age ten and I was on the horse and making a fool of myself. I didn't treat the horse will respect and so it didn't respect me." He thought about Cassius falling and said soothingly "You were kicked off the horse probably not because you did anything wrong, but horses are powerful but skittish creatures. The horse could have seen a snake or a number of things to scare it."

INDENT Cassius snorted a laugh "I assure if you looked like an old man I'd inform you, no offense to your father of course" he said, having not met the man he couldn't really say much. Cassius thought for a moment "I remember getting a visitor to the castle once, I heard him say something about you can't find your true love until your feel as if you ready to be searched for." He scratched his head "Or something like that, I don't really know since it wasn't directed at me, the only problem I had with that is how do you know? If you have a goal, like you, then it's simple but if you don't have a goal then it becomes harder does it not?" he pondered out loud before chuckling lightly "You are an odd one Alec, most would think of getting married to be the second thing on there list. after finding there love." he said before silently ponder on what the second thing on his list was.

INDENT Cassius pressed his lips into a thin line, shaking his head lightly "So, you learned from your mistake?" he said leaning slightly away from Alec. His eyes went over the trees as they went by "Maybe... I don't remember anything being there." he said but smiled at his effort.

Alec chuckled to saying "My father is not the best looking elder man. Age was not too favorable on him." He listened to what Cassius said he thought back to when his father did visit him in the castle. He nodded his head to himself saying "Well, sire, I would take care of the one I love. And who knows what follows after as long as I can love them with all my heart. We do not need anything else."

His eyes flickered to the sky and back down to the trees before he said "I learned and grew from my mistakes." He tightened the horses reigns so it slowed down to an even steady pace by also squeezing his thighs together on the mare's back. He thought for a second and he said "Well maybe it was something not you or I will notice, sire." He slowed the horse down even more and he said softly "Do you want to learn to aim and arrow accurately?"

INDENT Cassius shrugged "I've never met the man, but the best you can hope for is that time favors you more" he said before giving him a quick chuckle "You sound like a hopeless romantic, but then again I'm sure that's what everyone wishes for?" he asked, looking up at the sky. He was feeling better about riding horses, maybe before they left the Tavern they would be staying at he would be able to get the chance to learn to ride one by himself? Thinking back to his studies he nodded "That's how people grow, is from there mistakes" he said almost to him self since he was still thinking about other things on the same topic. Watching as the horse slowed down and hearing what Alec said made him frown a little "I believe I already agree to that, but how am do i am while I'm moving? I can barely hit something when I'm standing still" he said looking up at the sky. They had left during the morning and it was now noon "Shall we stop for a rest?" he suggested feeling like he needed to touch solid ground for himself.