Chapter Text
The events that are about to take place all began one seemingly average day in the castle. Nick had just been released from his studies for the opportunity to train alongside Clay. He ran to the training area and quickly made his way to Clay who was standing over an opponent clearly victorious.
"Ah-" Clay began upon seeing his brother "I'm surprised you've been permitted to be released from your princely studies so soon your Royal Highness." Clay offered his hand to his downed opponent and helped them up. "Better luck next time Punz" Dream called to the man as he walked off giving him the bird. Clay laughed and turned to his brother giving him his full attention
"Don't call me that! It sounds ridiculous when you stay it" Nick laughed grabbing a sword from the weapons rack
"It's only your title. Although I'll admit it is rather formal" Clay admitted
"Anyway, I finished early so I could train with you!"
"Well I'm honored to be graced by your presence your Highness." Clay exaggerated with a graceful bow "But with all due respect, I'm going to kick your ass" as soon as Clay finished his childish attempts at humor, he lunged at his brother with his full might swinging his sword giving Nick little time to block his slash. "Ah it looks like the Prince is still asleep in the study? Isn't he Sapnap?" Dream asked cockily calling his brother by his favored nickname
"That was just a cheep trick." Nick responded "It won't happen again."
"hm perhaps not. But I can still beat you." He said raising his sword again, this time having the mercy to give his little brother the chance to prepare himself, as he knows Sapnap is not as well versed as he is with the sword. They fought and practiced for what seemed like forever. Laughing and gaining skill as they did. Most of the rounds they practiced Clay came out victorious, but twice Sapnap came out on top. Eventually though, it was time for Nick to return to his Princely duties.
"Well as much as I'd love to continue to kick your butt, you've got other stuff to do." Dream said standing in a more lax position.
"Come on Dream just one more round please." Sapnap begged
"You said that last round. Listen I know you want to stay but you've got responsibilities to take care of. As father always says-" he began mocking their father in a deep authoritative voice "the kingdom will one day be yours to rule and it's my responsibility to make sure you're not an idiot king the people behead"
Nick scoffed and frowned slightly "Father has never said that"
"Really? I could have sworn I heard him say that this morning" he pretended to think about it "maybe he said moron"
"You're the moron." Sapnap tried but Clay was already turning away, headed to the rest of the people training.
"I'll see you at dinner." He dismissed.
"Yeah." Sapnap hung his head a bit and made his way back to the castle past some guards.
"I wish Dream would let me win against him." One said to the other. Nick stopped in his tracks
"Excuse me? Clay doesn't 'let me' do anything. I beat him."
The guard stiffened at his post. "Erm- w-with all due respect your Highness, Dream hasn't lost to anyone in several months. He lets you win. He's so skilled, the King plans to make him the leader of the guards. His right hand." Sapnap was taken aback. He hadn't heard of this before. He stood in shocked silence before barking out a response. "Back to your post. I need to see my father." He stormed off deeper into the castle.
The castles bright off-white roman inspired interior was nothing but a blur as Nick walked briskly. Not headed to his next royal duty, but to the throne room where his father would be. He burst through the two large and heavy decorative doors "Father!" He yelled "A word please."
His father ordered all other people out of the room to be left in solitude with his son. "Yes, Nicholas"
"I was just informed from one of the guards that you're planning on making DREAM the leader of the royal guard"
The King hardly looked up from what he was doing as he spoke. "Clay is incredibly proficient with all kinds of weaponry and battle strategy as well as the history of warfare around the world. I see no reason why he would make an insufficient leader of the guard."
Sapnap scoffed "Maybe because I'M here? No one knows the history of this country better than I do! I know the strengths and weaknesses of our homeland and I know better than most how to fight."
The King scoffed lightly "It is true you're well informed about this country as per your studies I've enforced."
"Thank you."
"However-"
Sapnap cut him off. "However what? Dad, listen to me I know I'm ready for this you just have to give me the chance-"
"YOU will let me finish." The King commanded, immediately causing Sapnap to shut his mouth closed. "Your behavior is unbecoming of a future king. Coming to me whining when you don't get what you want." His father got up and walked over to the grand window to his left. "Look at your brother"
The throne room's grand window had a view of the training yard. He could see Dream training fighting with more than one man. Two men were attacking him at once, the faint clinking of the metal swords clashing together could be heard.
"I've been conditioning him since he was a teenager much younger than you. He will never be an heir to the throne so he took each opportunity he could. He trains tirelessly. By day he's out there training with my men learning what he can, strengthening their bond and gaining their respect. And by night he studies the history of this country and the art of war. Without having to be instructed. He's worked for this." The King turned to his son "You on the other hand, seem displeased with even the slightest hint of your royal duties. Your manners are sloppy, the only reason you know anything is because of the studies I've forced upon you."
Sapnap new better than to interject. He hung his head in shame.
"Son." The King began again seemingly less angry and more put together.
"You will be king one day. One day soon. You will be the ruler of this kingdom. I expect nothing but the best from you. I force studies upon you to create a well informed king but it's hard to do that when you've grown such a distaste for your education." He sighed "It's hard to rule alone. I would know. My desire, is for you to rule, and your older brother to serve as your right hand to help you throughout your tribulations as the King."
Clay was older than Nick only by a few years but the entitlement to the throne belonged to Nick due to the fact that the King conceived Clay with his mistress and not his wife, the Queen.
"Oh- I see."
"Now please," his father stressed rubbing his eyes tiredly. "return to your studies so I can die without fear of leaving behind a brainless protege."
"Yes father." he bowed politely and turned on his heel to leave the room.
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Dinner came the same as it did every evening, and the royal family was called to the dining room to eat. Sapnap and his father were already seated ready to be served and it only took a few minutes for Dream to enter the room as well. Clay's hair was wet from a shower. Sapnap was just now noticing how worn out his older brother looked. Did he look like that every evening? His eyes were dark and his shoulders seemed tense from a hard day's work.
Dream leaned over to Nick "How was the rest of your studies?" He whispered
So enlightening." Sapnap grumbled as he fiddled with his napkin the table.
Dream laughed a bit "You can't tell me it was all that bad."
"I just can't sit still. And for eight hours a day? It's exhausting."
Dream pat his brothers back a little. The grand doors leading to the kitchen opened and a wonderful dinner was brought out to the family by many servants. One of them Dream stopped with a gentle tug of the sleeve. "Tell Quackity thank you." He whispered. The server smiled and nodded before briskly walking off back into the kitchen.
"Who's Quackity?" Sapnap asked dream quietly.
"The head chef. He's a stupendous cook and absolutely hilarious. You should meet him, I think you'd like him"
Sapnap looked almost solemnly over to his father who was eating "If I have some free time soon I will."
The conversation at the table continued throughout the evening meal until it was harshly interrupted by the doors opening and the messenger walking in briskly bowing his head and presenting a single neatly addressed wax sealed letter to the King before bowing once more and briskly exiting the room. "What is that? Letters don't usually come in on dinner unless they're urgent" Sapnap asked curiously.
"Not exactly urgent. But incredibly important." The King said, carefully opening the folded paper and reading it diligently.
"Clay." He said looking to his oldest "They've accepted. And they're coming."
Clay nodded in acknowledgment
"Who's accepted what?" Sapnap tried to chime in.
"I'll have to start preparations immediately- why, we've never had an occasion like this" the King rambled
"Am I missing something here?" Nick turned to Clay who just smiled clearly knowing what has happening sipping his drink innocently "Dad!" he cried out
"What's happening?"
"Son-" he began "You have a potential suitor who's agreed to come to visit us"
"...a WHAT!?" Sapnap shrieked "I think i'm gonna pass out-" Sapnap tried to wrap his head around the situation. "A- a wife? I can't I don't- father, i'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier but I-"
"It's a prince son."
"...a WHAT?!" Sapnap shrieked again. He heard a snicker from behind him he turned to find Clay attempting to drink out of his cup without laughing "I'll kill you." he whispered to his traitorous brother.
"Nick-" his father began "I know. And I don't mind."
"T-thank you."
"As long as you adopt me grand babies."
Sapnap jerked up a bit "DAD- too soon!"
He only laughed at his sons response. "Anyway. You're both done eating, so you're excused for the evening."
Sapnap stormed off with a bright red face. Clay stood up with a polite bow of his head and followed him out. As soon as he was out of the door with it closed Sapnap grabbed onto Dream and dragged him to his room.
Once in Nick's room he started to yell "HOW COULD YOU- you lying- evilmalicious, backstabbing- traitorous-maniacal-" Nick yelled while whacking Dream with throw pillows "I trusted you with SENSITIVE information and you told him!?"
"MERCY MERCY" Dream cried out his wheezing laughter stealing his breath. "let me EXPLAIN-" Nick stopped his assault and allowed Clay to catch his breath. "Nick- Sapnap- brother-" he panted out regaining his breath
"I only told dad when he told me he was searching for suitors for you. I wasn't about to let him bring you home a princess who'll probably just fall in love with me cause I'm clearly better looking... and I like women."
Sapnap gave him one more whack as if for good measure before flopping face first on the grand bed. Dream got up and sat on the edge with him. Patting his back sympathetically.
"If it makes you feel any better-" he started nonchalantly "I also don't mind male lovers." Sapnap shot up to face his brother astonished. He laughed at this "Don't get me wrong I adore women. But I also adore men the same way"
Sapnap groaned and flopped back onto his pillow. "I can't believe I might get married soon" he muffled out
"Yeah I'm also having trouble wrapping my head around it. My little brother getting married before I do? It's astonishing"
Sapnap started to spiral. "What if he doesn't like me? What if I make a fool of myself in front of him? What-"
"Are you joking?" Dream interrupted "He'll love you. You're smart and good looking and you've got the most handsome brother in the kingdom" Nick raised an eyebrow causing his brother to sigh "If it actually doesn't work out, we can find you another husband. But it's hardly likely he won't adore you." His brother reassured.
"Ok. Yeah it'll be fine."
"You have about until the end of the week. The letter said they're on their way now."
It dawned on him that he would be meeting a stranger whom he was meant to potentially marry. "Where are they even from? I have to learn about their country! I have to make it seem like I'm not a complete imbecile!"
"They're from Kinoko Kingdom. It's far. And they're rich... well- in resources."
Sapnap ran his hands anxiously through his hair and began to hyperventilate.
"God that's not enough- I have to study! And the end of the week is in three days!"
"I think you'll be fine. I don't think they'll expect you to know much. Now I'm going to bed." Dream left his brother to his own devices.
Sapnap sat up for hours worrying about meeting his potential suitor. He didn't even know the prince's name. He felt completely incompetent. He's never tried to court another man. Hell, he's never even flirted with a man. He rubbed his hands over his face and with a groan, he got out of bed to change into his sleeping clothes and brush his teeth.
Meanwhile, Dream went not to his room like he said he would but to the castle's private library. He grabbed three history books, and as he was passing a certain section he figured "why not" and tried to find some information on Kinoko Kingdom. He found one and with his four books he spent many hours into the night filling his head with knowledge on historical warfare and a far away kingdom
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The next few days were frantic and stressful in the kingdom and especially in the castle. Sapnap's father stomped about the castle, tossing commands around like a mad man attempting to make everything absolutely perfect for the arrival of their guests. New drapes, new clothing for the royal family, new flower arrangements in almost every room. Clay tried to stay out of the castle as to not get in the way, but eventually he was called upon by the King.
So he headed to the throne room.
"Your Majesty, you sent for me?" Clay asked with a bow.
"Yes. As you know, our guests will be here in one day."
"Yes Sire"
"As the most elite soldier this kingdom's royal guard has, I'm bestowing a vital job on you"
"Anything, Sire"
"The prince of Kinoko Kingdom. You will stay by his side when he is alone throughout his visit. When he is with Nick you're permitted to leave them alone, but otherwise it's your responsibility to keep him safe, as you know, royals are always in some manner of danger, there are rumors of people who would give anything to see Kinoko Kingdom fall."
Clay stiffened "If this is what you wish of me your Majesty, I will give my life for him."
"Yes. Very good Clay. You're excused."
With another polite bow, Clay turned and left. As soon as he was out of sight from the King he ran an anxious hand though his hair. This was a big responsibility, the Prince of Kinoko Kingdom in his care. He released a shaky breath and tried to compose himself. He was ready for this. He would make sure nothing happens to the prince.
He could do this
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Clay walked through the castle on the day of the arrival of the Prince and Queen of Kinoko Kingdom and he hardly recognized it. The castle, in the three days since the arrival of the letter, had been relatively remastered. The King had heard of the prince's fondness of the color blue and attempted to incorporate it into everything he could. Beautiful, and most likely expensive royal blue drapes and curtains hung gracefully from almost every window.
Clay couldn't say he disliked it, but he preferred green.
The royal family were all dressed in the finest new clothing that filled their closets. The King even graciously ordered for Cay to have a few new outfits as well. He told him he needed to look his best and he was in no position to argue. He walked into the throne room where three elegant thrones sat one by the other which sat His father, the throne of the Queen and then Sapnap. Clay stood to the right of Sapnap's chair as he did on so many other occasions.
Trumpets blew in the courtyard that lead to the grand entrance in the castle
"They've arrived." The King said. "Let's go greet them."
The two grand doors opened and the royal family and left the throne room. They walked out into the yard and watched as elegant horse drawn carriages arrived. They stopped in front of the royals and the servants. Four people playing different instruments that belted out a beautiful melody, and two people to their sides dancing with twirling ribbons filtered out of one of the
carriages. Dancing out of the second carriage, there were at least seven women all holding different items that seemed to be gifts, like two stacks of bright and elegant fabrics, bowls of various fruit like oranges. mangos, spices and mushrooms.
A woman draped in the most elaborate heavy looking fabrics wearing a crown walked out of the last most grand carriage. Sapnap gulped. He had been stressing about this day. Out of the carriage the Queen was followed by a small palanquin that was carried by two men. The palanquin was draped in white tool so seeing who was inside was difficult.
"There's the prince." Dream whispered stealthily to his younger brother who nodded slightly.
The prepossessing melodic music came to a gentle end and the Queen of Kinoko Kingdom ever so slightly bowed her head. "Allow me to thank you for having us. It's customary for us to bear gifts for our gracious hosts." The Queen of Kinoko spoke gesturing gracefully to the women holding the various items.
"You are very welcome here. And thank you for all of your incredible gifts. We are grateful" The King responded.
The Queen turned to the palanquin and lifted an arm and began to speak "This is my son. Rightful heir to my throne. Prince George of Kinoko Kingdom."
Sapnap's eyes widened and he unconsciously straightened his back.
With almost lazy half lidded eyes, George turned his head to look at the royal family. They couldn't see much through the thin mesh fabric, but he looked bored and displeased with what he saw. Dressed in light blue fabric nonchalantly casting his gaze upon the royals.
"Good luck with that." Dream whispered quietly so only Nick could hear his voice full of mirth.
All he saw was a pretentious stuck up Prince who got whatever he pleased whenever he pleased. He could tell Prince George was going to be a handful for his brother.
"And what a proper looking Prince he seems to be. No doubt due to your teachings" Their father spoke. "He has been well versed in Kinoko tradition, yes. He is competent on many subject matters. Such as the lyre and embroidery among many other things."
"While he stays with us he will be under the care of my firstborn, Clay, he will keep him safe and cater to any need he may have"
Clay tilted his chin up slightly and saw Prince George's figure turn ever so slightly to him with the same bored look. However, Kinoko's Queen seemed taken aback.
"Your- your bastard is meant to keep my son safe?"
Sapnap nearly jolted out of his skin. He knew how much Clay hated it when other people referred to him as nothing but the King's bastard. He looked to Clay who kept a completely straight face, showing no signs of irritation.
"Your Highness, my firstborn is the most highly trained soldier in my military. I'm willing to place this responsibility on him. He'll be sufficient for the job of the protection of your son."
"Very well." The Queen seemed satisfied. "May we settle into where we will be staying? My son and I are worn from our travels."
"Of course."
All of the people who came bearing the gifts were shown to the servants courters, and the Queen and Prince were shown to their best guest rooms.
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"It's not fair! I can't do this" George yelled as he slammed his trunk full of his clothes shut and stormed over to sit on the bed of his guest room angrily.
Karl, George's right hand servant and closest friend, opened the trunk of Georges belongings and folded the clothes that George had just thrown in
"Karl I can't do this" He cried.
"Your mother has made it clear you don't necessarily have a choice in the matter." Karl responded carefully, not wanting to upset him further.
"But I don't want this! I don't want to be here! I don't want to be sold off like some prize mule at a fare!"
"You're not a mule George"
"No I'm just a-."
Karl cut him off "Maybe if you just gave this a chance, it'll work out? What if the prince is incredibly nice and intelligent? He is very pretty"
"I doubt it. I'm closer to his bastard brother's age than his" George also sighed. Karl just continued to put away Georges clothes into the empty closet. "Karl." George started seriously causing Karl to turn to him "If all of my mother's plans come to light, I'll be dead the night before my wedding"
"Oh George, please don't say that" Karl stressed.
"All I have here that's genuinely mine are all of these clothes and the king's bastard." He muttered harshly.
"Well- from what I saw he was rather handsome. I heard he's quite the flirt."
He was interrupted by a knock at the room's door. Karl walked over and opened it to find the tall roguishly handsome bastard who stood behind the Prince upon their introductions in the court yard
"May I help you?" Karl asked politely trying to keep his cool.
"Yes I'm here for his Highness, I'd like to have a word." Dream informed carefully.
"And you are?" Karl asked knowing full well who he was.
"Clay. The Kings first born. I've been assigned to watch over Prince George during his stay."
"Well I-" Karl looked to George to find him frantically shaking his head silently ordering Karl not to let him in. "Uh- w-well you see, Clay- his Highness is weary from the long travels he's endured. Are you perhaps willing to begin your assignment tomorrow?"
Clay stood a little confused for a moment before regaining his composure, clearly not expecting that response. "Of course. Before I go may I have your name?"
Karl couldn't help but slightly blush at the question from the incredibly handsome man "Karl" was all he could manage
"Well Karl" Dream said with a bow "It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope to see you again soon."
"Y-yes" He responded.
And with that, Clay walked down the hall. Karl quickly shut the door turning to George
"Oh my god." He breathed "he IS very handsome"
"Psh yeah right" George muttered with disregard.
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"Prick" Clay muttered to himself referring to the Prince as he walked down the hall.
Pretentious ass. Refuses to even meet me. Probably cause I'm just 'the kings bastard' he thought to himself bitterly.
Clay made his way to the servants quarters, as he was "politely" told not to join the royal family and their guests for dinner. In reality, the King thought it improper to have his bastard sit at the table with them in front of guests, but the way it was phrased to him, he was told the guests from Kinoko Kingdom are big on tradition. Clay sighed and walked into the kitchen to find all of the organized chaos conducted by a boisterous shouting man.
"MAS RAPIDO! Faster! You think they want to wait for you?" Quackity yelled as he helped everyone in the kitchen quickly get his food out. "The King has guests tonight! mas rapido! Yo necesito cocineros competentes NOW" And that's when he noticed Clay "Dream! Amigo! What're you doing here? I made a damn plate for you. It's about to be sent out!" Quackity laughed. Dream laughed with him
"You need any help?" He asked hopefully.
"Not me no. But Niki's making bread and dessert. Go over and ask her." He waved in some random direction directing Dream away. Clay walked across the bustling kitchen over to the ovens made for bread
"Need any help Niki?" He asked again with the same amount of hope as before
"Oh my gosh. Dream. Yes please. Wash your hands." Niki, the head baker, was very talented but she was small and sometimes had trouble lifting the massive flour and sugar bags around her workspace. She was quickly moving around her station grabbing ingredients while instructing Dream "Flour and sugar bags on the table" she lightly hit the counter for punctuation "I'll add ingredients and then you're gonna knead one dough ball while I knead the other ok?"
"Yes ma'am" Dream stiffened and saluted before grabbing the massive bag of flour like it weighed nothing to him while Niki grabbed eggs vanilla salt and other ingredients. She measured everything by heart and expertly dumped two dough balls in front of both of them
"Ok push, fold, push, fold, until it springs back when you poke it."
They worked tirelessly until the dough was perfect, Niki's was a little prettier then Dream's of course but that was to be expected. They put the bread loafs in the oven and Niki wiped the sweat off her forehead with a satisfied sigh
"Ok now dessert." She said with determination. Dream's aching forearms wanted to disagree but he nodded and they continued cooking through dinner.
And when they finished the dessert, Dream collapsed to the floor in exhaustion. Niki giggled
"I thought you were the 'strongest, highest ranking man in the military' whathappened Dream?"
"My- my arms" Clay wheezed out "so much kneading- so much mixing. so much regret"
Niki laughed "You're ridiculous"