Chapter Text
Summer
“Your Highness.”
Finn was sitting at his usual spot in the palace library, maps and books of history were strewn about on the table, open before him in organized chaos.
He looked up from his work, cataloging the changes that had been made to boundary lines when the war with the Natari Overlords had ended.
One of his guards, Hale, stood before him.
“A message from your mother, the Queen,” he said, the specificity unnecessary, but Finn appreciated the adherence to protocol.
He smiled.
He and Hale had been friends for many years. He was one of Finn’s most trusted men and one of the first that Finn had chosen to be part of his personal guard when he had turned eighteen.
“What's the message?” he asked.
“She has summoned you to speak with you about a new project she wishes you to attend to this summer.”
Finn furrowed his brows. While it wasn’t rare for his mother, Queen Yvonne of the Lunare, to give Finn tasks to complete as part of his duty as Crown Prince, he hadn’t heard any mention of projects she wished for him to work on.
He had been given more responsibility, certainly, but he hadn't known about anything else his mother might have on her agenda that required speaking with him directly like this.
Finn stood from his seat at the table, setting down his quill, and covering his ink.
“Very well. Thank you, Hale.”
Hale bowed his head, moving out of the way to allow Finn to pass, before falling in step behind him.
There was no good in making his mother wait. When the Queen called, you answered.
Finn walked through the palace of his birth, the stone corridors as familiar to him as his own face.
The palace was stone and marble, the colors rich and deep. There were tapestries and murals, all depicting integral pieces of Lunare history and culture.
It was cold here in the North, though summer brought warmer climes. Windows and balcony doors were open to allow cool air to circulate.
He made his way to the solar where he found his mother, standing by the window, an unsealed letter in her hands.
Queen Yvonne was a regal woman. Her dark hair was bound in a long braid that trailed down her back, woven through with silver thread. Her wings were neatly folded against her back, a pale blue, almost translucent. She wore typical clothing of Lunare royals, deep blues and blacks and silver.
His mother never wore a crown or jewels at Court unless there was a specific occasion. She wasn’t an ostentatious woman but none of the Lunare were.
They were a cool, tranquil people, descendants of the Moon. Like other fae, they had the capacity to fly, and use a small amount of elemental magic.
Finn had been trained from a young age to utilize his powers, his wings able to emit an icy mist, the degree to which it could cause damage varied. The mist was simply cool or could cause frostbite, depending on his intention.
In extreme cases, he could channel this magic through his hands.
The Queen was the guardian of the Lunare’s prestige and history. She was the keeper of their history and traditions. And this duty would eventually be passed on to Finn when he inherited the throne.
The only child of Queen Yvonne and Prince Consort Dominic, Finn’s entire existence revolved around his eventual ascension to the throne.
It was a privileged life but at times it felt like a gilded cage.
He had never felt more trapped than when he had watched Prince Dane of the Solari at the peace banquet after the war had ended.
What was it like to have that sort of freedom? To drink and fuck and show off and not have a care in the world?
Finn knew jealousy was unbecoming. But he couldn’t help it. It was the first time he had really seen what life could be like if he wasn't bound by duty.
He didn’t resent his position, not really. His parents loved him, his people adored him. He would do anything for them.
But at times, when he was alone with his thoughts, he wondered what it would be like to be free.
“Are you alright?” his mother asked, snapping him from his thoughts.
Finn straightened, shaking his head.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry. My mind is just…”
His mother had turned to him, gliding elegantly across the floor to him. She rested a gentle hand on his shoulder and he looked into her face, seeing so much of himself there; the same dark eyes, the same dark hair, the same freckles across his nose and cheeks.
“It’s quite alright. You’ve been working very hard as of late. I’m very impressed by your diligence.”
Finn bowed his head. “Thank you.”
His mother smiled at him. She kissed his cheek and then held it in her palm, brushing her thumb over his cheekbone.
Finn loved his mother and knew that she loved him. But they were a dutiful family, bound by their responsibility, and that would always come first
“Sit with me,” she said, pulling away.
Finn followed her to a comfortable settee and sat next to her.
“I received a missive this morning,” she said. “Quite an interesting one.”
“Oh?”
His mother held out the letter and Finn took it.
He read it and then read it again, brows furrowing.
“What is this?” he asked.
His mother chuckled softly beside him.
“It seems King Gideon wishes to reform his youngest son and has decided that you are the shining example of what a Prince should be.”
Finn wrinkled his nose.
The idea of spending a summer with Dane, of all people, was incredibly unappealing to him.
“I don’t think he can be reformed,” Finn said, despite himself.
“Finn!” his mother admonished, but there was a smile in her voice.
Finn looked helplessly at her and his mother offered a smile, resting a hand on his knee.
“I must say that it makes me very proud that one of out closest allies looks to you as a wonderful example of what a Prince should be. You are everything I could have wanted in a son and an heir and I am deeply proud of you. I know that Prince Dane can be, shall we say, a handful, but I have no doubt that you have the fortitude and discipline to whip him into shape.”
Finn felt his cheeks flush and he glanced away. He always wished to make his mother proud, to never disappoint her. He did want to be the best Prince he could be. To be a good, fair, and just leader. He knew it required discipline and dedication and it made him happy to hear that his mother was proud of him. That she trusted him.
But saddling him with being a glorified babysitter?
“I’ve already sent along a reply saying that we are accepting this proposal. It's important that we keep our allies happy and this seems like a reasonable request. Take this as a lesson in diplomacy, dear. I’ll have a room set up for the Prince and I will leave the rest in your capable hands.”
Finn nodded his head. “Yes, Mother. Of course.”
He went back to the library after the conversation with his mother, his mind whirring.
Truly the last, last thing he wanted to be doing was babysitting Prince Dane.
Finn’s mind conjured up all sorts of things that the Prince might say or do while he was here and Finn began to fret about what would happen if he couldn’t rein Dane in.
By the time he got back to the library, Finn had convinced himself that Dane would single-handedly destroy his reputation.
He paused and took a deep breath.
“Okay, Finn. Relax,” he murmured to himself, running his hands through his hair, wings twitching in agitation.
"One chaotic fae is not enough to ruin all of your hard work in a single summer."
He closed his eyes, forcing his shoulders to relax.
Finn wasn’t an egotistical person but he was confident and he knew himself.
His mother had assigned him this responsibility and he would take it on as he did all of his other duties.
If Prince Dane was being sent here by his father to be reformed, then Finn would take that task on and take it seriously. He would turn Dane into as fine a prince as any Court could ask for.
If nothing else, Finn did appreciate a challenge.
He opened his eyes and turned back to the table, sitting down. He picked up a clean piece of parchment paper and starting writing down notes to himself. There was a lot Prince Dane had to learn if he wished to be a proper prince and Finn would be sure to teach him.
While Dane might be resistant to Finn’s teaching, Finn was equally as stubborn.
He sighed.
Another thing on his long list of things.
It was no matter. This was what his position entailed so he would do it. He would approach this like he might approach a war; with patience and strategy.
***
Three Days Later…
As a child, Finn used to find the tallest tree in the forest and sit in her branches, watching the procession of Solari on the road that led between their Courts. Wagons carrying wine and gifts and the royal family would roll by and Finn was always so fascinated by them.
The Solari were bright and fiery, so different from the Lunare, and yet they shared a common history. Two sides of the same coin.
Finn knew just as much about them as he knew about his own people and he doubted very much that Dane knew anything about the Lunare at all.
He stood at the entrance of his mother’s palace, watching as Prince Dane arrived on horseback with a small wagon accompanying him. He was two and a half hours late. Finn was starving, having missed lunch as he waited for the Prince’s arrival.
Dane, golden haired, and dressed quite slovenly in white and gold, smiled lazily as he approached.
He dismounted his horse in a way that was, much to Finn’s chagrin, rather elegant, passing the reigns to a courtier. He gave a flourishing bow to Finn that felt more mockery than polite gesture.
Finn held in a sigh and bowed in return.
“Welcome to the Lunare Court,” he greeted.
“Thank you for having me,” Dane replied. “I’ve brought my wardrobe and a few gifts for you and your parents.”
“I’ll be sure that the courtiers bring everything to your quarters. My parents will be very grateful for the thoughtful gifts.”
Dane approached. His shirt was unbuttoned, his curly golden hair windswept. Finn wasn’t quite sure why he was dressed this way, perhaps just for the attention. He’d shown up to the banquet in a similar state. Maybe that was just how he dressed.
Finn held his tongue for the time being. There would be time later to talk about proper dress and code of conduct when visiting allied nations.
“So,” Dane drawled. “What now, teach?”
Finn blinked at him. Well, he supposed this would be the foot that they were starting on then.
“I’m sure you’re hungry and tired from your travels. I can take you inside for food and drink if you like, since it’s past lunch, or I could be sure a bath is waiting for you if you’d prefer to wash off your travels. Once you feel more settled and comfortable, I can take you on a tour of the palace and the grounds, and show you to your room.”
Dane wasn’t looking at Finn as he spoke. He was looking around at the courtyard and the palace, his hands behind his back, rocking back and forth on his heels.
Finn tried to pull his annoyance back.
Finally, Dane settled his blue eyes on Finn.
“I could eat and I’d love a tour. Then a bath would be lovely.”
Finn bowed his head and turned on his heel, walking back into the palace, Dane following.
“Did you have a pleasant journey?” Finn asked.
“Very,” Dane replied. “It’s an easy ride between the Courts so, I can’t complain.”
“You arrived quite late. I wonder if you had been delayed on the road.”
Finn flicked his gaze in Dane’s direction. He seemed unbothered, a small smirk playing on his lips.
“No. No delays.”
“Still struggling with punctuality I see.”
Dane looked at Finn. “Someone’s cranky.”
“It’s rude to be late.”
Dane held up his hands. “My apologies, Your Highness.”
Finn sighed. “Well. That’s why you’re here so… something to work on…”
He forced a smile and kept walking. Dane followed.
A courtier approached as they made their way down the hall. He bowed to both Finn and Dane before murmuring to Finn that a small reception had been set up for the Princes and that Prince Dane would be formally received at dinner.
Finn nodded his head and asked the courtier to please have a bath prepared for Dane.
"Of course, Your Highness."
The courtier led them to a small side room where food and drink had been laid out for him and Dane.
“Help yourself,” Finn said, holding out a hospitable hand to his guest.
Dane hummed, walking around the table, assessing what was on offer.
“A decent spread,” he said, picking up a plate and loading it up.
Finn watched dispassionately as Dane sat down, legs spread, leaning back on the settee as if he were the Crown Prince, not Finn.
“Wine?” Finn asked, keeping his tone neutral.
Dane’s lips curved up in the corner.
“There’s no need to serve me, Lunare. Unless that’s what pleases you.”
He said it in a suggestive way, which only served to annoy Finn.
“I’m simply being a good host.”
Dane chuckled and nodded his head, popping a grape into his mouth.
Finn bristled, barely preventing himself from rolling his eyes, and helped himself to the food because he was starving and his being hungry wouldn’t make the situation any better.
He and Dane ate in silence for a few uncomfortable moments. Finn wasn’t the best at small talk, it was a weakness he was working on, though he knew Dane was never short of anything to say.
“My parents will welcome you tonight. At dinner,” he finally said, speaking into the awkward silence between them. “And you’ll shadow me for my duties over the next few months.”
Dane looked at him, still smirking. “Sounds like fun.”
Finn gave him a look. “I know you don’t want to be here. Your father sent you here to, what, reform you? I can’t imagine that that’s something you actually wanted.”
That annoying smirk hadn’t left Dane’s lips. “What my father chooses to do with me is his right. I’m the youngest son, who am I to refuse my father’s orders? Besides, having any reason to be away from my family is a blessing.”
Finn took note of that comment, filing it away for later. While Dane was certainly a wastrel, Finn had never been under the impression that he somehow didn’t get along with his family.
He nodded his head.
“I hope you’re able to leave here having a better understanding of what it means to be a Prince.”
Dane just continued to smile at him. “We’ll see, Lunare.”
After they had finished eating, Finn took Dane for a tour of the palace and the grounds, explaining the history, and examples of activities and duties he performed.
Dane seemed disinterested, constantly yawning and stretching and getting distracted by people every time they walked by, particularly if it was a woman.
Finn barely managed to prevent himself from rolling his eyes.
When he dropped Dane off at the baths, he couldn’t escape his presence quickly enough, and made sure a courtier showed Dane to his room.
Already he was regretting this and Dane hadn’t even been here for more than three hours.
Finn took a few deep breaths to calm himself.
They hadn’t even started yet and he was simply allowing Dane to get the best of him. This was just how Dane was at the moment, but everyone had the capacity to change.
Finn could only hope that his approach might reach Dane.
He would have to take things one day at a time. For now, he needed to get ready for dinner.
***
Dinner was… fine.
It was only Finn’s parents and Dane.
Much to Finn’s surprise, Dane was on his best behavior with his mother and father.
He was charming, well-spoken, making both of them laugh. It was easy for him to talk, answering questions, and feigning humility, stating that he understood why his father had sent him here, and that he believed he could learn quite a bit from Finn.
It seemed to work on Finn’s parents and Finn said nothing, unconvinced.
He hoped none of this came to bite him in the ass, though he wouldn’t be surprised if Dane pulled one over on him and left in the same shape he’d arrived in.
This was going to be a long summer.
After dinner, Finn’s parents bade them goodnight, leaving them alone on the balcony that overlooked the gardens.
Dane stretched his arms above his head, his amber wings unfurling, flexing. They glowed in the low light of the torches.
“So,” Dane said casually. “Where does a Prince go to have fun around here?”
He leaned back casually against the balustrade, both elbows perched on top of it as he faced Finn.
“What do you mean?” Finn asked.
“I mean,” Dane chuckled. “Where can one get a drink? Or go dance? Or meet a beautiful woman?”
Finn blinked and frowned. “We have a meeting with the Ambassadors from Carthos and Myta tomorrow. Drinking and dancing all night is absolutely out of the question.”
Dane laughed, the sound condescending, and made Finn’s cheeks heat. He clenched his fists in frustration.
“Wow. You really are a wet blanket.”
Finn’s mouth fell open at the insult but Dane paid him no mind. He turned, hoisting himself onto the top of the balustrade, wings outstretched.
“I’ll find my own fun.”
He turned back around, standing, towering over Finn. He lifted a hand, wiggling his fingers.
“See you tomorrow, Your Highness.”
Then Dane stepped off the balustrade, into the open air.
“Wait!” Finn called, running to the edge, looking over to find Dane easily gliding down to the garden floor below, landing light as a feather.
He didn’t glance back up at Finn, he simply walked through the garden, and apparently out to find himself some fun.
“Shit,” Finn hissed to himself.
Well, this was off to a great start. He was going to have to figure out how the hell he was going to actually get Dane to listen to him.
For now, Finn would just let him go. If he wanted to party all night and be hungover the next day, that was his problem.
Finn was playing babysitter but he was done with his duties for the night. The wayward Solari Prince could manage himself.
He was going to bed.
Finn stormed off the balcony and went to his bedchamber. He unlocked the door and readied for bed, already frustrated with how things were going.
But at least he was alone now.
He had nothing left to attend to. No other responsibilities until morning.
He sat the his desk, reviewing topics of discussion he was to have with the Ambassadors tomorrow. Fairly confident with his knowledge of both countries and their exports, Finn slid into bed.
He awoke an indeterminate amount of time later to the sound of laughter and whispering across the hall in the chambers that had been designated as Dane’s during his visit.
It seemed Dane had returned and he had brought someone with him.
Finn grumbled, rolling onto his stomach, reaching for the pillow next to him, and covered his head.