AWW Cute

Putting his cap on his head the seven year old prince is ready for his first day at school. The navy blue tunic worn over the white shirt and navy and green tie are just like those of the hundreds of others that attend the Royal Academy. The only thing marking him out as heir to the throne is a small gold falcon brooch his father had pinned to his uniform earlier. Neither of his parents would be going with him. His grandfather, King Lukas had said the event was too insignificant to spare the Crown Prince and Princess. His Dad apologised, but his mother as usual seemed relieved to be nowhere near him.

'You ready, Your Highness?' The middle aged man kneels in deference to the prince.

'Yes Sir Gilbert, are you taking me? Don't want to go alone.'

'His Highness, Crown Prince Lorenzo asked me to care for you.'

'Thank you Sir Gilbert. Please rise. Can you walk with me please?'

'I can walk behind you. You know the trouble we would both be in if I walked by your side.' The young prince turns and slowly walks out of the oversized luxurious bedroom. It once held twelve princes in comfort now he occupies it alone. The valet dressed in his light blue tunic, worn over a white under-shirt with black trousers, follows the standard three steps behind. Entering the large courtyard the young prince cringes as everyone turns in his direction and kneels. He has never seen so many other children. His life has been lived within the confines of the Royal Palace which adjoins the school.

'Please everyone rise.' His tiny voice shouts. Everyone rises and goes about their business. With rounded shoulders and head down he heads towards his classroom. He had been shown it during the holidays. If his grandfather had seen him the young prince would have been punished for not walking like a prince. Today he didn't feel that way he felt small, and very on display. Towering boys staring at him in curiosity. He tugs at the peak of his cap.

'Your Highness, how nice to meet you. I am Master Rikuto. I will be your teacher for the next eleven years. Let me show you your desk.' Everyone kneeling again causes the prince to clench his teeth.

'Please everyone rise.' He says quickly. Tears hang round the corner of his eyes. Why does everyone keep staring at him? He doesn't look any different. He had thought with his new uniform he would be like everyone else.

He takes a seat at the massive desk next to the scary looking boy with the deep brown eyes. Dressed just like the prince but with a grin on his face, he didn't look scared. 'Your Highness I must return to the Palace.'

'Thank you for accompanying me Sir Gilbert.' The prince says.

As he leaves Master Rikuto calls the class to order. The prince turns to look with curiosity at the boy with the pointy face to his right. He is jiggling in his seat like he has red ants in his pants. The smile grows wider, causing the prince to move back slightly.

The boy whispers, 'Hi I'm Nate. Can I call you Socrates?'

'When no-one else is watching. Otherwise my grandfather says I have to be called Your Highness.'

'Seems like a bit of a waste of a cool name if you can't use it.'

'You like it.'

'Yeah it is interesting.'

'I don't like it. My grandfather chose it.'

'You mean the king?'

'Yes.'

'Here do you want one?' Nate takes some mints out of his pocket. He whispers. 'Just don't crunch, or he will hear you. Kind of stick it under your tongue and hope he doesn't ask you a question.' The Prince and Nate giggle. 'Tell you what when it is just us I can call you Soc. It'll be a name I gave you.'

'Soc, I kind of like that.' The Prince slowly smiles.

'Nathaniel Smith, Your Royal Highness. Please stop talking and face the front.' Rikuto shouts. Glaring at the prince - shocked at being spoken to like that by an inferior he bows his head, averting his gaze from the Master. 'I had been hoping Your Highness would be a calming influence on Scholar Smith.'

Nate winks at The Prince. Looking around to make sure no-one is looking The Prince winks back.