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“What are you doing in here?” A head poked itself into the door of the stable. Wild strands of brown hair stuck at odd angles, and a face smudged with dirt blinked in the dull light.
“Hiding from my dad,” Gus answered, curling behind a barrel of grain.
“Who’s your dad?” The other boy settled next to him, scrunching against the wall as well.
“The king,” Gus muttered. “He wants me to go on a hunt.” His nose wrinkled at the thought. He just wanted to read books in the library.
“Oh,” the boy sat up straighter. “Well, my dad’s the head guard. He got me a job here. I think it’s dads’ jobs to make us do stuff we don’t wanna do. I’m Shawn, by the way. If you’re the prince then you must be Burton.”
Gus nodded. “It’s Gus actually. Burton sounds stuffy. Only my dad calls me that. Can I stay here?”
“Sure. You want to see what I got? I picked it off a snooty merchant who got mad at me ‘cause I pet his horse.”
“Stealing’s wrong,” Gus chided.
“This guy was a real jerk,” Shawn argued.
Gus decided to let it lie. “Well, what is it?”
Shawn grinned mischievously and fished something out of his pocket. “Cards,” he breathed. “My dad says they’re for gamblers and lowlifes. I haven’t decided which one I want to be yet!”
Gus took the delicate carton. It was brand new. No fading or wear. He slid the cards out of the sleeve and shuffled through them. The colors were vibrant and a little bit of gold on the faces told him this was not a cheap deck. “Shawn, these are nice.” Gus ran his hand over one, not believing that the boy in front of him had stolen them.
“I know! You wanna play? I learned from another stable hand.” Shawn took them, struggling to shuffle the stiff cards. He managed without sending them flying and scooted out from behind the barrel to get more room. Gus followed. “This is War.” Shawn explained the rules as he dealt the cards. They played for a long time, laughing and teasing as they slammed cards down one after another. Each boy celebrated his victories and was anything but humble in his defeats.
Somewhere in the distance, an irked voice shouted.“Gus! Gus!”
Gus looked up from the two of hearts he was about to play. His tutor. He was late for his history lesson.
Shawn glanced up, too, a small frown on his face. “Go, before they catch you. Then we’ll both be in trouble.”
“Sorry,” Gus yelled over his shoulder as he fled the stable in the direction of the irritated voice.
Shawn waved him off and collected the cards. It wasn’t like they would see each other again. Gus was the prince after all. He needed to get back to work.
Gus panted as he trekked up the long staircase that led to his room. At least he’d gotten out of the hunt.
“Now, where did we leave off? Oh yes, now this is interesting because…” his tutor began to drone.
Gus didn’t hear anything. He was distracted by the two of hearts still clutched in his hand. Uh-oh. Well, he’d return it the next time he ran into Shawn. No big deal.
Gus found Shawn a week later in the same stable.
“Your highness.” Shawn bowed a little and scuffed his foot against the floor.
“Shawn, it’s just me.” Gus was confused. This week shouldn’t be any different from last.
“Yeah but you’re the prince. I should’ve-“
“Can you forget that? I want to hang out with you. Playing cards is so much more fun than sitting around with those other kids in the castle.” Gus huffed. Shawn was the first kid he’d met in a long time that hadn’t been instructed to be his friend or been another politician’s child.
The other boy thought for a moment before shrugging. “Okay. I learned another game. It’s called blackjack!” Again, he explained the rules, and again the hours flew by as they played. And Gus learned a bit more about Shawn.
“Henry got hired to help your guards. The king said they weren’t good enough. He reviews them everyday. My dad wants me to join, but the uniform looks itchy.”
Gus had to agree. And if it was anything like his dress uniform, Shawn was right. It’d be awful to wear everyday.
“So why are you in the stable?”
“Dad said if I didn’t want to train with him, he’d give me a job that would make me want to. So far, he’s annoyed that I haven’t quit.” Shawn heaved a long suffering sigh.
“That sucks. Hit me,” Gus said, feeling lucky with his cards.
Shawn nodded and laid down a three of clubs, giving Gus a 13.
“Hit me,” Shawn said back, effectively shutting down any more conversation about his father.
Gus kept better track of the time and stood when he heard the telltale rattle of the tutor’s carriage. “I have to go. See you later?”
Shawn smiled and stood with him. “Yeah. Bye, Gus.”
Gus felt a twinge of guilt as he worried at the two of hearts in his pocket. He’d return it next time for sure.
He didn’t. It was a few weeks before Gus was able to sneak away to the stables again. But when he finally did, Shawn was waiting.
“Gus, I learned the best one yet! 52 Card Pick Up!” Without waiting for Gus’ response, he threw the whole deck up in the air. They watched as the cards fluttered to the barn floor.
“Go!” Shawn scrambled in the hay, collecting cards. Gus stood watching for a moment then joined him.
When all the cards were picked up, Shawn frowned. “That’s weird, there are only 51.”
“What! How can you know that?” Gus panicked as the two of hearts burned a hole in his pocket.
“I counted them as they fell. It was easy, but I thought I missed one. Then I picked up 31. You picked up 20.”
Gus let his jaw fall to the floor. How had Shawn known all that?
Shawn blushed a violent red and crossed his arms protectively. “My dad taught me to look for stuff. He’s paranoid.”
“Shawn it’s not that. I-“ Gus started. He hoped Shawn wouldn’t be mad at him for keeping the card for so long.
“Oh, I know what it was!” Shawn slapped his hand against his forehead. “The guys who taught me this game must have been playing me. Y’know, wanted to make me look for a card that wasn’t there.” He seemed to have forgotten about his father.
Gus was happy to play along. It meant he got to keep his excuse for another week.
And so it went. Shawn kept learning card games and kept teaching them to Gus.
Gus slipped the two of hearts into his pocket every week. And every week he walked back to the castle with it hiding in the same pocket.
Despite that, they became fast friends. Gus learned how far Shawn’s power of observation stretched. It was amazing, but he never pushed Shawn on it. That was Henry’s job. And Gus saw how much Shawn resented him for it.
Shawn learned how much weight sat on Gus’ shoulders, being the crown prince and only blood heir. He had a sister, but she was to be married to some far away prince. Shawn made sure the stable was a place where Gus didn’t have to worry or even think about that. He could just be Shawn’s friend, and Shawn could be his.
The weeks of cards turned into months that turned to years. They grew up and their responsibilities pulled at them. Shawn rebelled against his as Gus begrudgingly embraced his own.
When they were sixteen, Gus’ world flipped.
“Shawn, Joy’s gone!” He burst through the stable door in a panic.
Shawn hopped up from his stool and led Gus to sit down. “Buddy, talk to me. What happened?”
“She ran away with a baker. The one who delivers to the castle,” Gus gasped out as he buried his head in his hands.
“Juliet?” Shawn sank down next to him. He was friends with her. They had bonded over their connections in the castle and how weird they thought the royal rules were. She hated the caste, even though it was her family’s livelihood. Now, he understood why. He mourned the loss of a friend he’d never see again.
But Gus would never see his sister again, either. Both women were likely to be arrested if they ever showed their faces in the kingdom. “Gus, I'm sorry. That’s awful.” Shawn wrapped a gentle hand around his friend and held him close.
“It’s all up to me now, Shawn, all of it. I don’t know how I’m going to do it,” Gus muttered, tears obvious in his voice.
“You’ll be great. No matter what. This sucks, so bad, but you’ll be okay. And I’ll be here for you.”
Gus sniffled, not looking up, but his heart felt a little less broken with Shawn beside him.
The scandal got out a few days later with the king assuring everyone that his son was strong and dedicated to the kingdom. Gus stood silently by his side as he made this decree, trying to believe it. He scanned the crowd for Shawn, but to no avail. It was a large crowd, he told himself. Shawn had to be there somewhere.
Shawn, in fact, was not. He was having another shouting match with his father.
“When are you going to get out of that stable and get serious about your life!”
“You mean your life!” Shawn hissed. “I am not some soldier!”
“Oh, I know you’re not a soldier! You can’t take orders to save your life!” Henry seethed. “I don’t want you to waste away shoveling-“
“You’re the one who put me there, Dad! You put me there and hated that I didn’t realize the mistake I made. Well if it got me away from you, it wasn’t a mistake!” Shawn dashed out the door, seeing red. It wasn’t until he stormed past the bell tower that he realized he’d missed Gus’ declaration. Anger and guilt clashed in his heart. He decided to run from them both.
He didn’t go far, but it felt good. The forest caught him in leaves and silence, letting him be himself without expectations.
Gus had planned a small dinner in the stable. Shawn refused to miss it, hurrying back before dark. He walked in just as the prince was setting up the food he had smuggled out. The only thing he’d been able to grab were some slices of pineapple, a delicacy Shawn adored but only got when the castle hosted parties. Shawn grinned as he sat down. Gus was always cute when he concentrated.
He let Gus rant about the day and pretended he’d been in the back of the crowd the whole time. Gus seemed to believe it. That was all that mattered. Shawn didn’t say anything about Henry. Or the woods.
After that, Shawn started to pull back. He disappeared for longer and longer stretches of time. Often, he’d come back with leaves in his hair and stories of places Gus was scared to ask about. Not that Gus had time to play cards anyway. His father had him running more than his fair share of council meetings and other business around the castle. They saw each other less and less as the next couple years passed.
Henry put on more pressure, and Shawn withdrew further. His back was against the metaphorical wall more often than not. Gus knew something was wrong, but Shawn refused to say more than what he always had.
“I fought with his dad. That’s that. What else is new?”
Gus never pushed. There was no use. Instead, he stayed by his friend’s side, playing cards with a deck that was still missing its two of hearts. Somehow, neither of them ever missed it.
Then the fragile balance they had relied on for so long cracked. Shawn and Henry had their biggest fight yet. Hours of shouting over each other, not hearing a word, until Shawn snapped. He left and never looked back. In amongst all the yelling, he’d missed the sound of the thunderstorm that had started. His feet carried him to the stable one last time. Gus was already there, soaking wet and miserable.
“Gus?”
“My coronation is in a week. I’ll be crown prince. By my father’s side everyday. This is my last day as a man. From now on, I’m just another king. Another starched collar who doesn’t know a thing about his people. Who has time for the people when you’re trying to run their country!” He swore softly.
An idea hit Shawn through the heart. “Run away with me, Gus.”
“What?” Gus turned on him, as if he’d been slapped. “Like my sister? You saw what it did to my family, my kingdom, and you expect me to agree?”
Shawn gaped, realizing what he’d said and all that it meant. “No, I mean-“
“If you want to leave, leave. Run from your dad like always, but don’t drag me down, too. I can’t afford it.” Gus stepped toward him, skin reflecting the moonlight. Beautiful and so much more than Shawn could ever be.
“I have to,” his voice came incredibly small.
Gus’ face fell. “Fine. Go.” He turned on his heel, ready to forget his best friend, ready to become a king.
Shawn couldn’t let Gus go without one small gesture. He caught Gus’ hand and brought it to his lips, barely brushing the skin before letting his best friend fall from his grip. The prince stared between Shawn and the floor, at a loss for words.
“Take a horse. I’ll cover for you,” Gus choked out. He trudged from the stable and back into the downpour without looking at Shawn. The stable hand waited until Gus was gone from his view. He took his favorite horse, a gray mare, and rode. And rode, and rode, and rode. There was no telling how far, how long, or what was tear and what rain. Not that any of that mattered.
Back at the castle, Gus climbed quietly to his room. In a daze, he opened an almost forgotten drawer. Only one thing sat on the polished wood, a tattered two of hearts, from so long ago. He flipped it over in his hands a few times before placing his fingers on either side. For a second, his thumbs pressed in opposite directions, straining at the worn paper. But he couldn’t do it. It was the only thing he had. The only monument to his most treasured possessions, the memories he and Shawn shared. If he tore the card, he truly would become his father. That was one thing he and Shawn had always had in common. The one thing they refused to do. He slipped the card back in the drawer and collapsed in bed, clothes still dripping and heart pounding on the stable floor. As he drifted off to sleep, he imagined his hand burned where Shawn had touched him for the last time.
Years wore on, and eventually the king announced he would pass the kingdom onto his son. All Gus had to do was find a queen, according to a kingdom tradition.
Gus dreaded the parade of women in the castle. None caught his eye. They were beautiful and intelligent, but they all had an angle. He had to wonder about each of them. Were they there for him or his kingdom and title? He didn’t mind if it was the latter, but he wanted to know. No one would tell him, though. They all acted enamored. It was exhausting. His heart grew more wary everyday.
“Burton, you’re falling behind,” his father flung his arm around him as they walked the palace grounds. “Something in your life needs a change. Follow me.”
“Dad-“
“No, I don’t want to hear it. You’re not acting like a king because I’m not treating you like one. I’ve let you be too independent. You’ve got to start letting others do some of the work,” the king lectured as they made their way to Gus’ room.
Gus didn’t like where this was going.
“So the first step is to get a manservant. Your mother wanted you to be self reliant, so I held off. But enough is enough.” He opened the door, and Gus nearly ran from the room. “Meet Shawn Spencer. He comes highly recommended by our head guard. I’m sure you’ll be in good hands.”
Shawn shifted and gave a shallow bow. “Your Highness.” It sounded as awkward as it had all those years ago.
“I’ll let you two get acquainted. Show him around, Burton. Let him see what he’s working with.”
“Dad-“
The king was gone before Gus formed a single word.
Gus turned to the man in front of him. The years had been kind. Shawn looked older, Gus might have said more mature, if he hadn’t known him better. He had muscle that indicated work, but relative safety and a light tan that spoke travel and long days on the road.
“Shawn, what…” Gus couldn’t finish a thought.
“Your father spoke to mine. Said he was looking for someone. My dad recommended me because I was trustworthy, despite what he says to my face,” Shawn hurried.
“Why did you say yes?”
“Because I know I’m trustworthy. If someone was going to be around you constantly, I thought you’d want them to not be a stranger.”
“You’re talking to your dad again?” Gus figured it was better to get all his questions out at once. He’d pick apart each answer later.
“We’ve come to an agreement,” Shawn hesitated. He’d received a mysterious letter telling him what was happening at the castle. The H in the corner had been the only clue as to who sent it.
“Where have you been?” Gus' voice came out thin.
Shawn glanced at the floor. “All over the kingdoms. I picked up odd jobs. Never settled. You know me.”
Gus nodded, then shook his head. “No, no this is too much. You need to leave. I have to pick a woman to spend the rest of my life with. You’ll only pull me into some hairbrained hijinks. Get out. Please.” He tried to put on a royal tone, one he’d practiced in his mirror so he could at least pretend he sounded like the king he was supposed to be.
“Gus…”
“Out, Shawn.”
Shawn stepped back, hands raised in surrender. Gus watched him go and sank onto the bed, knees slowly turning to jelly. His hand grew hot on the same spot where, years ago, Shawn’s lips had brushed the skin.
He waited until he thought Shawn was gone then slipped out of his room and into the gardens. The hedges hid him from the world and the world from him. Gus wandered blindly through them until he feared losing his way completely. The stars blinked as he trudged back up to his chambers. Upon entering, a familiar head poked its way out from behind his dressing screen.
“Gus- uh, Your Highness?”
“Gah, Shawn!” Gus clutched his heart. “What are you still doing here?”
“Your dad wouldn’t let me go. I explained that I may not be the guy for the job, but he said Henry insisted. I couldn’t get out of it. I’m sorry.”
Gus sighed. “Fine, but you’re not actually going to be my manservant. That’s weird. You’ll pretend I’m giving you jobs until this is all over. Then you can move on.” He ignored the twinge of sadness at the thought of Shawn leaving. Having him in the same room again felt like butterflies swarming his head.
“That’s what I’m best at,” Shawn's smile forgot to reach his eyes.
They stood in awkward silence. “You can go, I guess. We’ve been in here long enough that no one will be suspicious.”
“Oh. Okay. I’ll be in the next room if you need me.” Shawn headed for the door.
“You’ll what?” Gus couldn’t believe this.
“The king said I should be close in case you needed anything,” Shawn explained like he couldn’t quite grasp it either. He strolled out of the room, leaving Gus pinching the bridge of his nose.
Gus made sure to wake up early the next day to avoid any questions about dressing. He refused to have help with something he’d been doing since he was six.
He met Shawn in the Great Hall on the way to breakfast. “Your dad has informed me that I’m to prepare you for a hunt with Princess Mira today.”
Gus groaned. So he’d been around the horn of eligible women. Mira was the first his parents had introduced him to. He had to admit she was the most adventurous of the lot, and something about her drew him in, but his heart wasn’t in it. She was one of the few he spent any length of time with without feeling hopeless, though.
“I hate hunts,” he muttered as he grabbed a cup of tea and some toast. Shawn followed on his heels. “Prep the horses, I guess, and meet me at the front gate in an hour.
Shawn grinned. “Sure thing, Highness,” he teased.
“Shawn,” Gus said, exasperated already. His old friend was having too much fun with this. “It’s just Gus.”
Shawn inclined his head in understanding and headed to the familiar stables.
Gus busied himself with getting ready. He studied the sky as he made a list of everything he had to do. Clouds gathered in the distance. He grabbed a cloak and set out to find Mira.
He may have underdressed. As they rode through the forest, the temperature dropped. Mira shivered after she challenged him to a race through one of the few clearings. Gus wasn’t heartless, so of course he wrapped his cloak around her.
“Should we head back, Princess? I felt rain a moment ago,” Gus called as Mira rode ahead. Any hope of finding an animal was long gone. Now he was cold and shivering on a horse who was more interested in every leaf it saw than moving.
“No, silly. Rain is the fun part!” She spurred her horse ahead.
Gus didn’t want to anger her, so he followed. The rain came faster now, hitting in small, stinging bullets of ice and sleet.
“Princess Mira, we need to turn back. It’s dangerous for the horses to be on the slick leaves.” At least it was the truth. Dying leaves littered the forest floor, making a dangerous carpet of red and brown.
“Alright. I suppose you’re right,” Mira relented as she cast a disappointed glance down the path.
The temperature continued to drop as they rode back towards the castle. Gus was glad his hands were holding the reins because his fingers were frozen stiff. Unfortunately, they’d gone farther than Gus thought. Pale shadows showed it was well past noon as they delivered their horses to the stable. Shawn was there to meet them, holding steaming cups of mead.
“Princess Mira, how wonderful to see you again,” Shawn put on a sweet tone, but his words sounded bitter.
“Shawn, is that you?” She squealed as she took one of the cups of mead. “It’s been too long. Did that eventually scar?” She gestured to his calf.
“Oh, you bet,” Shawn grinned painfully. “Your Highness,” he turned to Gus, noting the king looming in the doorway.
Gus shivered and tried to reach for the cup, but the hot ceramic on his hands made him yelp.
Shawn studied him worriedly then announced. “This is no outfit for dinner. I have your evening attire laid out. Should we all retire to freshen up?” He gave Gus a meaningful look as everyone agreed to reconvene on the hour.
“H-how di-did you-you get s-so good at th-this-s?” Gus’ teeth chattered as they hiked to his room. He was amazed by how well Shawn navigated palace life.
Shawn avoided his eyes as he grabbed the warmest thing from Gus’ wardrobe. “I was gone for a long time. Had to get work somewhere. Besides, I grew up around these people. I know how they think.”
Gus raised his eyebrow, but considering he still couldn’t feel his face, wasn’t sure how effective it was. “How do you know Mira?”
Shawn faced him again with a grimace. “I worked for her for a while. Hired muscle, if you can believe it. But she was too extreme even for me. I saved her from a buck gone wild and got speared for my efforts.” He lifted his pant leg to reveal a pale pink scar running down his calf. It was healed. And not recently.
“Happened a while ago,” Gus noted.
Shawn nodded. “A while after I…left”
“Ah,” Gus breathed, suddenly uncomfortable. He turned his attention to getting out of his freezing clothes. The buttons were small and icy as his cold fingers fumbled with them.
“Here,” Shawn stepped close and caught Gus’ hands, holding them for a time before bringing them down to his sides. “Let me do my job.” He made quick work of the buttons and slipped the jacket off Gus’ shoulders.
Gus flushed at the closeness but hoped Shawn didn’t notice. “Thanks.” He slipped out of the rest of his clothes behind his dressing screen and emerged much warmer. Shawn had given him a dark green dress outfit that fit perfectly with the gray day. Gus flexed his hands a few times, finally feeling warmth come back to his fingertips. The sensation spread throughout his body as Shawn studied him.
They made their way to the dining hall, arriving in tandem with Mira. Everyone sat down to a small supper then moved to the library ‘for polite conversation’, as the king put it.
Mira’s father joined them there. Shawn saw this for what it really was: the final nails in Gus’ coffin. This princess was too much for him. She was too much for most. She’d crush him or get him killed. His heart clenched as he thought of Gus’ face when they’d arrived back at the castle this afternoon. Mira had been alive, but he’d looked half dead and more than half terrified.
Shawn didn’t even know if Gus knew how bad of an idea this was. He seemed almost taken with her as they poured over old volumes of poetry.
Shawn shrunk behind a bookcase. He was a fool. This job was temporary until he patched things up with his father, left forever, and saw the rest of the world. It was not to fall back in love with the one person who had always… No, the prince and soon to be king. Nearly betrothed to another. He shook himself and peeked around the books. Gus was calmer now, back at home, surrounded by his beloved library.
Shawn couldn’t count the number of times Gus had snuck his most current book to the stables. That was the reason Shawn learned to read at all. Gus taught him. His dad had tried, but when Gus did it, it made so much more sense.
Shawn glanced between the two royals. Maybe they would be happy. Gus had made it clear where his heart lay. The kingdom. As long as it was safe, he was happy. Mira provided that safety, in a political sense.
For all his keen observation skills, Shawn hadn’t noticed until now how much jewelry Mira wore. Her neck sparkled with gems of every color, and her hand bore a diamond ring. It wasn’t even an engagement ring. Just a beautiful stone that cost more than Shawn and most people he knew had made in all their lives combined.
Yes, Gus was better off with her. He was sure of it. Even if the realization left his heart splintered.
Conversation became less and yawning became more. The two kings parted and everyone else returned to their rooms.
“What a day,” Gus sighed, trying to be cheery. Shawn scowled from the corner. Gus recognized the look. His friend had decided something was unfair and wanted to change it. Usually it came with a new rule set by Henry, but it was different this time.
“Yeah,” Shawn rubbed his neck.
Gus tapped his foot, looking for an in. When had it become so unnatural to talk to his best friend? “Hey, you still have those cards?”
Shawn lit up. “I thought you’d never ask.” He pulled a battered card box out of his pocket and threw the cards into his hand, shuffling without a table.
“You’ve been practicing.” Gus sat opposite Shawn at his desk.
“You haven’t?” Shawn grinned devilishly and dealt a hand. Poker had grown to be their favorite over the years. It was intense and fast, but had a rhythm that was easy to pick up, especially when you knew the other person. They played a few quick hands, each winning and losing in equal measure.
Out of the blue, Shawn called, “Show me,” with a defeated sigh. It was a trick they’d developed. When one thought they were losing so badly it was embarrassing, they declared a Show Me. The other could reveal their hand. If the one who’d called liked what he saw, he could play on, but more often than not…
“You win, O Great Poker Player. I am but a Joker who cannot count cards,” Shawn drawled as he revealed a seven of hearts, three of diamonds, and queen of clubs. There was nothing he could do. And this was more fun anyway.
Gus smiled as he held his king, queen, and jack of diamonds, stood and bowed. “O Humble Loser, you are bad at cards and lose the game. Give me something of yours to remember this victory.”
This was where it got interesting. When they were nothing more than carefree kids, they’d find the worst thing and give it to the other person. Usually it was a stalk of hay since they were in a barn, but a boring rock or a twig did in a pinch. Anything that was worthless, really.
Shawn glanced around the room, but nothing caught his eye. Everything was either nice or needed. There weren’t sticks or stones lying around in the prince’s chamber. A few knick knacks glittered on the mantle, but those weren’t his. For the first time in his life, he had nothing to give to Gus. The silence grew uncomfortable. So of course, Shawn laid an almost reverent kiss on the back of Gus’ hand.
Just like all those years ago. Except he only realized that after he had done it.
Gus pulled his hand back slowly and glared at him. The firelight burned in his eyes, searing Shawn with a glance.
Shawn’s heart broke a bit more. He hadn’t meant that. “Gus, I’m…”
“I have a council meeting tomorrow. I have to get to sleep,” Gus said coolly.
The room spun as Shawn left without argument. He really was a joker.
Gus pretended to forget Shawn’s indiscretion by morning, opting for casual conversation as they walked the garden to meet Mira for breakfast. The storm had left ice patches in the grass and both men kept slipping into each other. Gus frowned the first few times, thinking it was Shawn’s form of a lame icebreaker, but when he did it himself, he laughed. Shawn snorted at his trip. Gus pushed him for the insult. They were covered in mud and grass by the time they found Mira, but they were laughing so hard their sides hurt.
“You two look like you climbed out of a bog,” Mira wrinkled her nose. She may be adventurous but she was still a princess. There was a certain level of decorum she was used to.
“I’m- I’m sorry, Princess. I fell due to the ice, and Shawn tripped over me,” Gus said through dying giggles, only half lying. That had happened. He simply left out the part where Shawn pulled him back down when he tried to get up. And the part where he stuck his foot in front of Shawn’s as they walked. In truth, he didn’t know what had gotten into him. Having Shawn back, no matter how big an idiot he was, made Gus feel like a kid again. Like the weight of the world was something he could finally shoulder. And it had only been a few days.
Gus schooled his expression and started a conversation about horses with Mira. He only knew what he was talking about because of his days spent in the stable with Shawn. Shawn may not have enjoyed learning, but he remembered everything, and he passed his knowledge onto Gus. Which was lucky because Mira adored her horses. She overtook the conversation quickly, and Gus was happy to sit back and listen. Except, her voice soon faded to white noise as he looked around him. It had been too long since he’d admired the garden. The shrubs were mostly dead, but a few stubborn yellow leaves clung to one. Shawn stood right in front of it, looking like sunshine on another gray day. The wind picked up suddenly and rain began to fall. Not ice this time but still unpleasant in the chill.
“Let’s go to the library. We can play chess?” Gus suggested as he helped Shawn collect the blanket and food.
“Oh, I’m no good at chess. Do you know any card games?” Mira asked, slightly ahead of them.
Gus shot Shawn a look, but his friend acted like he hadn’t heard. “I do,” Gus answered plainly. He wasn’t sure if Mira had heard him either.
They found a deck in the kitchens and sat by the fire to play.
“Go Fish is my favorite,” Mira said, shuffling slowly.
“Go Fish it is then,” Gus agreed. He almost heard Shawn rolling his eyes. Gus had to admit, Go Fish wasn’t his favorite either, but he would play it. Mira was the only girl left, literally, and he’d be damned if he was going to mess this up.
They played a few rounds with Gus fishing every time. Shawn edged around the room, seemingingly distracted by a book. But as he turned his back to look at it, he held up five fingers. Gus recognized the move. They’d used it on the merchants at the dock.
Shawn peered over his shoulders and wiggled his eyebrows. Gus hissed at him.
“What?” Mira looked up from her hand. “Did you say a number, Gus?”
“Uh, five!” He forgot every other number.
Mira dropped her jaw playfully. “There you go. Finally,” She teased, handing him a five of clubs and spades. Gus added it to his five of diamonds
Gus made a point not to look at Shawn again, but in his peripheral vision, he saw his friend’s fingers move every time.
Mira and Gus played for a long time. The day wore on, and Shawn drifted back to his quarters. He counted the stones, memorized their details, dusted, rearranged, dusted, rearranged, ran up and down the stairs, and finally heard Gus’ footsteps coming up to his room. He hurried to meet him and was disappointed to see he looked happy.
“Shawn, what are you doing?” Gus raised an eyebrow at Shawn’s room. It would have been reasonable to assume a tornado had blown through the space.
“Rearranging.”
“Ah.”
“How did it go with Mira?” Shawn kept his voice nonchalant.
Gus shrugged. “Fine. Want to play a real game of cards?”
And so the days went. Gus spent most of his time convincing himself he wanted to be with Mira and the rest of his time with Shawn. One of those two people made him happier than he had been in ages. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the one he was supposed to be marrying.
Shawn could tell. It had been months since he’d arrived back and everyday he watched Gus’ smile dim bit by bit.
He was helping Gus decide on a banquet outfit when he blurted, “Do you love her?”
Gus stared at him with a dangerous look in his eye. “That’s not important.”
“Gus, yes it is. I see how you look at her. She’s not the one,” Shawn argued, forgetting the clothes in his hand. He stepped close to his friend, closer than he’d allowed himself to get in weeks.
Gus didn’t pull back. “So who is Shawn? The others made me feel worse. At least with Mira, I know my life won’t be boring.”
“You love boring, Gus. You used to make me name the moss that grew on the stable wall!”
“So what, I should marry moss?” Gus spun around. This was an argument he’d had with himself too many times to count.
“No, you should… wait. Or something,” Shawn finished lamely as his heart sang something to the tune of, ‘Me, you should at least think about me.’
“My parents waited for my sister. Look what happened there. Did you know she wrote me? She and Juliet are safe a few kingdoms over. They took in a baby whose parents died in a carriage accident. Named him Burchard. Family tradition, I guess.” Gus tried to hide his jealousy. “They’re happy. But my parents will never know that baby, and my kingdom lost powerful allies when she left. I refuse to do the same. So no, love is not in my cards right now.”
Shawn cleared his throat. “You heard from Joy? When?”
Gus paused. “A week ago.”
“You didn’t tell me,” It was Shawn’s turn to pretend that didn’t hurt.
“Shawn, you are the most unpredictable thing in my life right now. You waltzed in here to be my ‘manservant’ after you disappeared for almost ten years. And you kissed me within two days of seeing me again. Why would I trust you with this?” Gus meant for his words to sting. They were his only shield against the bubbling fondness that grew every time Shawn entered a room. If Gus could push Shawn away, maybe he could focus on falling for Mira.
Shawn balked. “Right! Fine. You’re right. I have no right to know that my best friend’s sister and other best friend are safe and not dead or kidnapped!” He dropped the jacket he held and stormed out.
Gus huffed and collected himself before finishing getting dressed. He picked up the jacket Shawn had discarded only to find it was his favorite. Deep purple and soft, better than most of his other ones, but he rarely wore it for fear of ruining it. Shawn had never seen him wear it. He had no way of knowing it was Gus’ favorite.
Gus took a deep breath, pulled it on, tugged at it to make sure it was even, and pushed their fight out of his mind. It was time to focus on Mira, like he should have been doing from the beginning.
Shawn kept his distance from then on. The winter felt colder without Gus by his side. But that was what they both needed. That is, until Mira returned to her kingdom for an annual festival. She left for two weeks. Gus felt only guilt at the excitement that built while watching her carriage pull away.
As twilight turned to dark, he knocked on Shawn’s door.
“Highness?” came an indifferent tone when Shawn answered.
“Cards?” Gus asked shyly. He held a flagon of mead as an olive branch.
Shawn grabbed his deck and let a small smile onto his lips. “Don’t think I’m going easy on you because you’re royalty.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it. Besides, I could beat you with my eyes closed.” Gus filled two cups and dealt the first hand. They played round after round of every game they knew. At some point they moved to the bed, more comfortable after a long day. They clutched their cards close to their chests until it was funnier to make fun of each other’s hands.
“I’d win if my cards would stop spinning,” Shawn blinked at his cards, finally relaxing on a pillow.
“No, I definitely got you,” Gus slurred as he laid out a four of spades and eight of clubs before mirroring Shawn’s reclined pose.
“That’s worthless,” Shawn giggled. Then he sobered. “Y’know what’s not worthless?”
“What?” Gus leaned in, tickling Shawn with his breath.
Shawn cleared his throat. “That kiss I gave you when I got here.”
They may have been tipsy, but they hadn’t had nearly enough alcohol for Shawn to not know what he was saying. Gus didn’t stop him, though.
“It was the only thing I had to give. In the moment.”
“I know,” Gus moved closer, his hand brushing Shawn’s cheek without permission.
Shawn leaned into the touch. “Gus…”
“Don’t leave tonight. Please,” Gus breathed as he studied Shawn’s eyes. The green absorbed the firelight, glowing almost gold.
“I won’t,” Shawn promised as his eyes drifted shut.
Gus slept better than he had in years.
Sunlight filtered through the window, waking Shawn. The bed was warm but a cold nose told him the rest of the room was not so inviting. He rolled over only to come face to face with a sleeping Gus. A moment of panic melted into an overwhelming sense of calm. It felt right to wake up next to his friend. But Shawn wasn’t sure Gus felt the same way. Their conversation last night had turned personal. Shawn thought it was better to leave now than have Gus panic at this. He made a show of flipping the blankets down so Gus was sure to know he’d only just left.
Shawn padded out of the room and slipped into the kitchens to grab breakfast. Gus had meetings this morning, so they wouldn’t see each other until after lunch. That was probably for the best.
Shawn busied himself as he always did. Gus never gave him much to do. He snuck down to court and wooed ladies into telling him about their husbands. Later, he found their husbands and placed small bets that he knew things they’d only shared with their wives. It made him some good money and passed the time. The winnings he handed out to beggars and kids he met on the way to the stables.
The stables were home for him. More than anywhere else, especially his dad’s house. The countless hours he’d spent learning about and taking care of horses held a special place in his heart. And of course the even more countless hours he’d spent with Gus. Before both of them realized there was real life to live and responsibilities to worry over.
Shawn sighed and pulled his old deck of cards out of his pocket. He hadn’t played on the road. No one could ever stack up to Gus. The prince was the only one who saw his every move, the only one Shawn wouldn’t feel guilty winning against. Anyone else was too easy or flat out cheating. Gus balanced him out perfectly.
He shuffled the deck angrily, trying to flip away that thought. It was no use dwelling on something impossible. Yet he couldn’t stop. Every minute he didn’t spend in Gus’ company, his mind wandered to the prince. Shawn had been in love with Gus since the night he left. The night he finally realized it wasn’t Gus’ status that made him nervous as they got older. It was Gus himself. Confidant, kind, focused, everything Shawn wished he could be. It made his stomach turn over thinking about it. But he’d blown it then, and he feared the pattern would continue. No matter what he did, Gus would never go for him. Shawn wasn’t a king. He had nothing to offer except friendship. That wasn’t enough.
Shawn stopped shuffling and pulled the king of hearts. Ironic. He studied the art, faded, but beautiful. The merchant he’d picked them off had scammed the dock master after yelling about Shawn touching his horse. Shawn decided to get back at him. Being all of ten, getting these cards had felt like a victory. If he was honest, it still did. They meant something. Meant he was a guard, in some way, for the people who didn’t know they needed protecting. If only Henry understood that.
But maybe he did. Maybe that was why he had insisted the king give Shawn this job.
Shawn shook his head. “If I have to thank my dad…” he almost laughed as he finished flipping through the deck. Still 51. The bell tower chimed clear. Shawn shot up and headed for the castle. Gus would be suspicious if he wasn’t there for lunch.
Shawn barely made it in time, earning a glance from the king as he skidded into the dining hall.
“How is it going with my son?” he asked as Gus choked on his drink.
Shawn swiveled between them but found the words before Gus. “Fine. We’re getting along, your Majesty. Your son is one of the best royals I’ve worked for. And that is saying something because, believe me, I have worked for a lot of-”
Gus cleared his throat, giving Shawn a look that said, ‘Do not tell my dad this is the longest you’ve ever stayed in one place.’
“I meant your kingdom and its rulers are leaps and bounds above some of your counterparts,” Shawn corrected.
The king guffawed. “You can say that again, boy!”
Shawn opened his mouth with a smile, but stopped when Gus shook his head. He decided on a small bow instead.
Shawn edged behind Gus once the king was distracted. “Busy?” he whispered, knowing full well the answer, but wanting to hear Gus say it.
“No,” Gus answered shortly.
“Good. We’re going out to the gardens.” He tugged Gus’ hand, pulling him out of the castle and into the fresh air.
“Shawn!”
“Trust me.” Shawn led him through the hedges. The noise of the castle died away, leaving only the crunching of leaves and a few bird calls.
“Shawn, where are we going?” Gus stumbled as Shawn stopped dead in his tracks.
“Look,” he whispered and pointed to a nest.
“Luscinia Megarhynchos,” Gus whispered back excitedly.
“No, a nightingale,” Shawn corrected.
“That’s what I said,” Gus gave him a look.
“I’ve heard it both ways.”
“Of course you have. I’m the one who showed you that book.”
“Oh yeah.” Shawn pretended to remember for the first time.
“They were my favorites,” Gus sighed dreamily. “The males sing at night and they’re so rare. How did you know this nest was here?”
“You don’t give me a lot to do. I tend to wander.” Shawn gazed at Gus as his friend stared at the bird. A small smile graced Gus' face. It stirred the deep space in Shawn’s heart that he tried to ignore.
Gus watched the nest for a long time. The parent swooped around feeding the babies and hiding them from danger. Gus’ eyes grew glassy as he stared. When the adult finally settled, he turned back to Shawn. “Thank you. For showing me this. I don’t-” Without knowing what he was doing, he reached up and cupped Shawn’s jaw, leaning close.
Shawn stiffened but didn’t pull back. “Gus, this is a mistake,” he warned, not believing his own voice. He’d only brought Gus out to show him the nest. It wasn’t a ploy. Gus’ hand burned on Shawn’s cheek, so close and just out of reach.
Gus pondered his gesture, then seemed to come back into himself. “Oh, yeah, sorry. I, um, I have to get back. Alone. Sorry,” he stammered as he backed away.
Shawn released a breath and sank down to the damp grass. Frost seeped into his pants, but he didn’t mind. The feeling grounded him as his world spun. Gus had almost kissed him, he was sure of it. And he had to go ruin it by deciding to be the reasonable one for once. In his heart, he knew it was right. Gus would have hated Shawn and himself if he’d gone through with it, but it felt like an arrow to the chest nonetheless.
The next few days passed uneventfully. Too soon, Mira was on her way back. Gus declared the timeline to be three days. Three days and it was back to watching Gus grow more miserable. Shawn couldn’t do it. But he knew he would. Now that he’d found a place by Gus’ side, he’d never let it go.
They spent the night before Mira returned playing cards again. And again they moved to the bed. Shawn yawned and settled on the pillow. “You’d tell me if you changed your mind about Mira, right?” he stared at the ceiling, focusing on the elegant wooden beams.
“I’m not going to change my mind, Shawn,” Gus brooded.
“I know, but I’ve met as many, if not more, royals than you. I know what they want.”
“I’m not having this discussion again.”
Shawn propped himself up on one elbow. “Have we actually had this conversation? Because everytime I bring it up, you brush me off.”
“Shawn! Mira is the woman I am going to marry. Our kingdoms will unite and everyone will be happy.” Gus sounded like he was convincing himself as much as Shawn.
“Will you, Gus? Honestly, will you? If you can say yes right now, I’ll leave it alone.” He fixed Gus with a piercing stare.
“Yes,” Gus said with more certainty than Shawn had heard from him since he came back to the castle.
Shawn blinked. “Okay.” He rolled over heart bleeding on Gus’ sheets.
“Okay,” Gus whispered.
There was silence for a long time. Gus couldn’t relax. He had successfully lied to Shawn. For the first time. Ever. His friend had always been able to tell. But not this time.
Of course Gus wouldn’t be happy. That wasn’t what this marriage was for. Maybe he could find happiness outside the marriage, though. If Shawn was by his side, at least he’d have one person who understood him. He would be a good husband to Mira and a good friend to Shawn. Gus had to believe that. Except, as he lay next to his friend, he knew he’d never been more content than he was in this moment.
Gus sighed in the dark. Without taking time to think, he leaned over and placed a delicate kiss on Shawn’s cheek. He didn’t stir. Gus shook his head and ignored the spark that spread through his body at the touch.
Shawn cracked his eyes open in the dark. Gus was a good liar, but not good enough.
In the morning, they shared some stilted words as Gus left for breakfast. Both refused to show any cards.
“Mira comes in at three. I’ll meet you here an hour before and we can go over any last minute plans that come up.”
“Of course, Highness.”
Gus whipped his head up at the formal address. Better not to push it right now, though. “I’m meeting with my father now. See you at two.”
Shawn nodded.
Gus walked the long hall feeling like a man on a death march.
“Ah, Burton. On time as always. Son, we have something to discuss with you.”
“We?” Gus asked.
Mira’s father stepped out from behind the king. “I want you to marry my daughter tonight. She’s been celebrating with her people. It’s the perfect end to her time as princess of my kingdom and beginning to her life as queen here.”
Words failed the prince. He gulped, trying to come up with something. “It’s my honor, Your Majesty.”
“Good. Go change then. We want you looking your best when you propose to my daughter. All other arrangements will be ready by this evening.”
The king nodded and waved Mira’s father out of the room. As soon as the door closed behind him, Gus dropped his palms on the table to keep himself upright. “You planned this. Both of you.” His tone held more venom than he’d meant it to.
“Gus, you’re young. Someday, you’ll be glad I gave you the push. You’d drag your feet till you were ancient if I left you to your own devices. Can I trust I won’t lose you like I did your sister?” Now the king took a dangerous tone.
“Yes, father.” Gus straightened and marched out without looking back.
He made it to his room in a haze. When he finally got up the steps, he leaned against the doorway, dizzy from the news.
“Gus? You’re not supposed to be… Gus, what’s wrong?” Shawn rushed to support his friend. He grabbed his elbows and helped him stand straight again.
“I have to marry Mira tonight,” Gus murmured. He gripped Shawn’s forearm like a lifeline.
“No,” Shawn held him tighter. “You’re not going to go through with it, are you?”
Gus looked up. “Of course I am.”
Shawn glowered. “What, so you lie to me, tell my you’ll be fine, kiss me, then throw it all away because of some stupid tradition?” He backed away, scoffing.
“You knew?” Gus demanded.
“Of course I knew Gus! I love-” Shawn snapped his mouth shut.
Gus shook his head, startled. “I’m not throwing you out, Shawn! That’s the one thing I could never do,, no matter how hard I tried,” he insisted. Crossing the room in a single stride, he pulled open a drawer in his desk. He reached in and held up a single faded playing card. The edges were worn, and it was so crumpled the suit was barely visible. But Shawn knew what it was.
“You kept it?” His throat caught.
“You knew I had it.” Gus held the card like it was the only thing keeping him here. “It kept me coming back to you. I wanted to return it. But if I gave it to you, I wouldn’t have had a reason to come back. That’s what I told myself, at least. But now I have to. For both our sakes.” A tear slipped down his cheek as he extended the card towards Shawn. The two hearts shone dimly through all the folds. “You have a full deck again. Nothing is keeping you here. I’ll be fine, Shawn.”
Shawn reached for the card hesitantly. Instead of taking it, though, he wrapped his hand around Gus’ and pulled the prince to him. “I’ve gotten along just fine without that card, but if I leave you, I will never find my way back,” he choked. “Neither of you will be happy, Gus. Can’t you see that?”
“I’m… my hands are tied,” Gus sighed, defeated.
“Talk to her! I can read people. You know that. She feels the same. I’m sure of it!” Shawn pleaded as he searched Gus’ face. Throwing caution to the wind, he kissed Gus. It was hurried and salty, but sweeter than anything he had ever tasted. Gus sucked in a breath and grasped Shawn’s shirt, closing any space left between them.
“Are you sure?” He whispered, terrified at the step he was about to take.
“Trust me,” Shawn mumbled against his lips.
“I do.”
As soon as they received word that Mira had arrived, they rushed to her room, avoiding anyone who might interrupt them.
“Mira?” Gus knocked once on the door.
“Gus,” her voice was breathy as she opened the door, and her eyes were just puffy enough to be noticeable.
“Mira, what’s wrong?” Gus ushered them all further into the room. Shawn stayed close to the door to listen for company.
Mira worried at her lip. “Gus, you are a sweet man and a dedicated ruler, but I spent two weeks riding wild broncos, jumping off a plank into the sea, and generally living again,” she huffed. “I wasn’t bored.”
“Mira, are you saying you don’t want to go through with this marriage?” Gus shot a glance at Shawn. His friend lifted his eyebrows in encouragement.
“That is exactly what I’m saying, Gus. I tried, I really did, but we will never find any common ground. I know it.”
“I know it too, Mira. I… found someone while we were apart. Someone who reminded me who I a-”
“It’s Shawn,” Mira said like it was obvious.
“How-”
“Gus, you spent more time giving him googly eyes than you did even looking at me. Not that I blame you, just don’t act like I’m blind. Or stupid.”
“Okay,” Gus took a deep breath and continued, relief flooding his system. “If we’re going to pull this off we need a plan.”
An hour later, everyone was gathered in the dining hall. Gus shifted nervously as he recalled his part. He was the one who was going to break during the engagement. Mira would act surprised, but not dramatic. Shawn would be there to step in as go-between if need be. They all agreed it was better to keep any relationships quiet until things settled.
Gus received the sign from his father, a tap of his goblet, and got down on one knee.
“Mira, I have to ask you…” He stumbled through, letting Mira give her look of boredom as planned. “Will you… be… will you be my… I can’t.”
Gus dropped his head, waiting for the crowd’s shock to fade. “Princess, you are wonderful. But I know I will not be happy in this marriage. If you look into your heart, I know you feel the same.” He recited the words they’d rehearsed.
Mira put on a good show of misty eyed confusion. “Gus, I cannot say my own heart hasn’t been warring against me. I love my country and want to see it thrive. I fear I may lose that part of myself if I am the ruler of a different kingdom.” It was a better excuse than her love of heartstopping escapades. Or the fact that she found Gus so boring.
Both kings glared across the table. “Gus, stop this nonsense. Mira is a perfect match. Neither of you know what you’re saying. Neither of you know anything about the politics of marriage or a kingdom!” The king hissed as he reached his breaking point. He needed his son married. He needed one heir who wouldn’t fail him!
“That’s not true, your majesty,” Shawn appeared from the crowd, scowling.
“What,” the king turned to him.
“That’s not true. Both these people know more about diplomacy than anyone I’ve met.”
“And you’re an expert, I suppose,” the king sneered.
“I’ve been in every court in the ten kingdoms. I have seen the inner workings of most of them and talked to the citizens in all of them. This is the first one where I haven’t heard whisperings of fear every time the people talk about their heir.”
“Yes because they know Gus will make a strong match-“
“No, because they know Gus is already strong. They don’t fear him. They see him among his people and are comforted knowing he will fight for their good,” Shawn argued.
The king acted as if he’d been slapped. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, boy. Who are you anyway, to talk of my son like this?” He demanded.
“I am the man you put in charge of ‘taking care of’ your son. Even though he is more than capable. And I am the man in love with your son.” Shawn refused to let the king claim Gus didn’t know what he was talking about. The declaration of love came without warning.
Gus snapped his head toward him, eyes wide in panic.
“You are the reason my son feels it is fine to cast off a match,” the king seethed.
“And proud of it,” Shawn spat.
“Guards, take him away,” the king growled. A strong hand wrapped around Shawn’s arm.
“Really, kid,” Henry whispered as he dragged him away.”
“Shawn!” Gus tried to grab his friend but Shawn was whisked away before he had the chance. Lassiter, second in command, fought to hold Gus back. “Let us do our job, your Highness.”
“Shawn,” Gus sagged against the guard, feeling weak.
Another voice rose from the crowd. “Are you really going to do this again? Push your child so far that they lose everything. Are you so blind that you think history won’t repeat itself?”
Gus and the king turned to the hooded figure that stepped forward.
“Joy!” Gus breathed as he raced to hug her.
“Hi, Gus,” she put gentle hands on his shoulders, checking to make sure he was alright.
“How dare you come back after what you did,” the king growled.
“What? Found happiness in a sea of malcontent. You would have seen me married off to the highest bidder. It is you who pushed me away. Do you want to lose Gus, too?”
“That man is the one distracting Gus from his place in this kingdom. Gus has no feeling toward him,” the king claimed with a scoff.
“Dad, I love him, too,” Gus finally found his voice.
“This is an outrage!” Mira’s father proclaimed, feeling the need to say something amidst the turmoil.
“Father, please. You know I don’t want this either,” Mira argued softly.
Her father looked at her with tired understanding. His daughter was too strong willed.
The king turned back to his own children, both so very adamant.
“What can a commoner offer you, Gus? What can he offer the kingdom?”
“Love, for myself,” Gus said with hesitation. “Understanding and commitment. And for the kingdom, well, you heard him, he’s been around the world and back. Shawn knows more about the court and the people than most lords. He’d be a strong leader.”
Joy smiled at him before turning to stare down their father.
The queen stepped forward for the first time. “I won’t let you push away another one of my children. Let them be,” she placed a sturdy hand on the king’s heart, reminding him of the love he’d felt for her since the moment they met.
“Go find him, Burton,” he sighed.
“Thanks, Dad,” Gus nodded and ran off to the dungeon.
The hall was silent.
“Well, I’m going home to hopefully ride a whale,” Mira declared, smiling ear to ear.
Meanwhile, Henry dragged his son down the cold stone stairs to the cells.
“Shawn what were you thinking?” He asked, exasperated, as he slammed the iron bars shut.
“I wasn’t,” Shawn ground out. One more thing for his dad to rub in his face.
“Is it true?” Henry changed his tone as he settled on the bench opposite the cell.
Shawn scoffed, “What do you care?”
“I got you that job, didn’t I?” Henry asked, suddenly looking smug.
Shawn raised his eyes to meet his father’s gaze. “Why did you?”
“I never saw you happier than when you were with Gus in that stable,” Henry said plainly.
“You knew?”
“I’m not blind. Or stupid, Shawn.”
“No, apparently no one is,” Shawn mumbled.
“You were gone too long, kid. I heard the rumors about you. People were talking, and it wasn’t good.”
“I wasn’t doing anything illegal,” Shawn defended.
“No. But you were stopping people who were. They were after you. That’s why I wanted you here. To keep an eye out.”
“Dad, I didn’t know you cared,” Shawn snarked.
“And I knew Gus would keep you in check. He always understood you better than I did,” Henry actually sounded like he regretted the past.
“Well, doesn’t matter now. I screwed it up like always,” Shawn let out a derisive huff.
“Yeah, but I’m proud of you, kid. You finally found something to be passionate about. Can’t help that it was the king’s son,” Henry sighed. He stepped back towards the cell. “Listen, take this.” A key slipped into Shawn’s hand with ease. “Go tonight. I won’t-“
“Shawn!” Gus bounded down the stairs, the two kings, the queen, Mira, and somehow Joy, in tow.
“Gus?” The key was back in Henry’s hand in an instant. “What’s going on? Why is your sister here?”
“She heard there was a wedding. I’ll explain later. Dad, tell him.”
The king took a deep breath and an elbow to the ribs from the queen. “You are released. If you so choose, you may pursue a relationship with my son. Under the condition you are prepared to rule by his side when that time comes. Henry, release him.”
Henry nodded and opened the door. Gus pushed past him and rushed to Shawn.
Shawn caught him and spun him into a crushing hug. “You good, buddy?” He whispered as he clutched Gus close.
“Yeah, you?”
“In love and the dungeon. I call this a Tuesday.”
“It’s Friday, Shawn.”
“I’ve heard it both ways.”
Gus responded by kissing him. It was a bit difficult as they both smiled through the whole thing, but they didn’t mind.
More time passed and the kingdom changed. Joy and Juliet were welcomed back with open arms and many apologies. The king grew tired, preferring to sit with his wife over his advisors. At the turn of two years, he made the announcement that the crown would pass to his son. Preparations began for the coronation the same day.
“Can’t I talk to him for five minutes?” Shawn worried as Juliet tugged at his ascot.
“No, Joy is in there with him now. He’s fine and you’ll see him soon.”
“I am his royal partner. I should be there.”
“This is a time for the family,” Juliet explained, now fixing her own dress.
“He’s going to be king, Juliet. I can’t see him for five minutes?” Shawn emphasized again.
“We have to go.”
“Fine,” Shawn pouted. They made the trek to the great hall from Gus’ (and Shawn’s) quarters, and found their seats at the front of the crowd.
Mira sat in the opposite aisle, holding the only hand of a man with an eye patch. Shawn thought they made a pretty good couple.
A hush fell as the doors opened and trumpets announced the royals’ arrival. The king and queen led with Gus behind them and Joy bringing up the rear.
“We are here to see the passing of the crown from the king to his son…” the officiate began.
Thankfully, he kept it short. The final step was for the king to take off the crown and place it on Gus’ head. The noon sun caught the shining metal and sent beams of gold across Gus’ face. Shawn welled with pride and a few tears at the sight. He made his decision there.
As the room emptied, following the new king to the banquet, Shawn checked his breast pocket. An old playing card and gold band rested safely inside.
Once everyone was settled and had eaten, Shawn stood and clinked his glass. All eyes turned to him. Gus gave him a curious look.
“Gus, um, I still can’t believe I’m here. My road was long, maybe too long, but I’m here now. And everyday I count my lucky stars that I am. I lost something when we were kids. A two of hearts from my one deck of cards. I never thought I needed it. What was one card? So now having it feels weird.” He cleared his throat as emotion took over. “I know we don’t need an excuse to come back to each other anymore but I thought,” Shawn pulled the tattered card from his pocket and reached it out towards Gus. The new king took it and stood when Shawn took his hand. “We should still have one.”
He revealed the ring. “Gus, you are the king now. Would you let me stay by your side for that?”
“Shawn…” Gus swallowed hard and gazed at the love of his life. “Of course.”
Shawn grinned and bent over, pressing an ardent kiss to Gus hand. He slipped the ring on as he stood straight again.
Gus glanced between his hand and Shawn. With one swift movement he pulled his fiance to him and kissed him, deep and longing. “I love you, Shawn.”
“I love you, Gus. And I swear, I will stay by your side.”
“You’re a damn good gamester, Shawn Spencer.”
“Only because I have my king,” Shawn smirked.
Gus rolled his eyes and kissed him again. At the end of the night Gus wrapped his hand around Shawn’s, reveling in the way they fit together. The hall cleared until they stood alone. Then they left together.