“Samson?”

Samson didn’t say a word, keeping his hands in tight fists in his lap. Even if it weren’t about keeping Elias from realizing who he was, even if his identity wasn’t a factor at all, he shouldn’t know that.

“Your Highness, don’t heckle him. A loss like that is traumatic. If he wanted to talk about it, he would tell you himself.”

Elias nodded, turning his attention back to the workbench.

“Here. You do this step. Take this part, replace it where I just took the old one off.”

Samson was grateful for Elias to turn away. He had never wanted the man’s eyes off of him quite so badly. It wasn’t as though he would be able to keep this from him forever. He couldn’t expect the man not to be curious. But it wasn’t Cheng’s place to spout things like that without warning. Samson couldn’t be in control of everything Elias heard about him, but things like that should have been within his power to keep quiet until he was ready to tell him in a way that wouldn’t immediately inspire guilt or make him connect dots that were best left unconnected.

As much as it would be problematic for Elias to figure him out, it was worse to think that he might carry any semblance of guilt regarding this. It had been Samson’s choice to fight for him. It was not Elias’s fault if he got hurt pursuing something he had chosen on his own.

Cheng sat, looking simultaneously proud of themself and as if they were going to fall asleep momentarily. The sun from the window rested on their face and Samson, for a moment, wondered if he pulled his sword now if they’d even notice. Blood had never been something he liked, though, and violence in front of Elias would be distasteful. So he sat, quiet and as collected as he could make himself.

He looked up at the sounds of paws padding in the hallway. A large black dog sauntered in, his tail swishing idly. His muzzle was gray with age and his gait was sluggish, but he still looked content as he approached Samson, resting his head on his lap instantly. Samson placed his hand on the dog’s head, scratching his ears.

“William, don’t pester. The boy can’t snap at you, it’s not very fair.” Miss Adelaide sighed, shaking her head. “Your Highness, add a screw there. We’ll need to oil the next part, put it in, and you’ll be all done.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Samson rubbed William’s ears. The dog could bother him as much as he wanted and Samson wouldn’t complain about it. He’d been glued to his side for over a month while he’d recovered from the loss of his leg. A quick cuddle now was more than allowed. He watched Elias carefully, glad that the man seemed to have lost himself in working on his leg. It was better for him to focus on something else right now. It wasn’t good for him to worry over things that were in the past.

“Very good. You’re a natural with this, boy. If you’re ever tired of being a prince, I’d take you on as an apprentice.”

Elias laughed, light and beautiful. “If it were possible, I’d accept in a heartbeat. Maybe in the next life.”

She hummed. “Well, either way, you’ve fixed it up for now. Go ahead and take it over to the client, make sure it fits tight, make sure he’s comfortable walking, and get your payment.” She waved him off and Elias stood, moving toward Samson with the prosthetic in hand. William huffed, his lips flapping, and removed himself, padding back into the hall.

Samson pulled up the leg of his trousers– this would be so much easier without them in the way, but he wasn’t going to undress here. Elias knelt before him, knees on the dusty hardwood, and Samson swallowed. “I can do it, Your Highness.”

“Let me learn how to fit this,” he said, fiddling with the fastenings. His hand rested against Samson’s thigh, his fingers soft. He had the hands of a prince, certainly. They shouldn’t touch someone like him. Not that tenderly. He slotted the prosthetic carefully against his leg, fingers toying with the leather straps. “Is this alright?”

Samson nodded, his hands at his side.

“It’s interesting seeing a royal kneel to a pirate. Never thought I’d see the day,” Cheng said.

“Please stand, Your Highness.”

Elias shook his head. “It’s fine. I just want to learn how to do this. I doubt I’ll get another chance at it.” He rose, and tentatively reached out a hand, an offering of support. Samson stared at it for a moment before rising on his own. He shouldn’t be touching His Highness. It wasn’t appropriate.

The fitting, if a bit tight on the straps, was fine. It would be secure walking through town and for the rest of the day, and as Samson stepped forward, it felt just like walking ought to. He nodded. “Thank you.” He raised his hand slowly, thumb brushing against his chin and then slowly downward. The word dragged on his hands shyly.

“And with the client satisfied, get your pay,” Miss Adelaide said. “I don’t charge the boy money, so he’s gonna owe me making tea and washing up after. Supervise him to make sure he completes payment in full.”

Elias nodded. “Show me to the kitchen, then.”

Samson moved forward, walking with the man. The hallway felt too narrow and the kitchen too small. It was far enough from the other room that Cheng wouldn’t hear Elias speak. That made it safer. There would be no nasty remarks or leading shreds of information. But it also meant they were alone in a space that was far too small for Samson’s liking just then. He did his best to ignore the man following behind him as he reached into cupboards, following the familiar routine. He filled the kettle, placing it on the stove.

“You don’t have to tell me how it happened. But if I was in any way involved, I’m sorry to have caused it,” Elias said. Samson nearly dropped the ceramic teapot in his hands. “You’ve been protecting Kremal and the crown and I had no clue about any of it.” His voice was soft, sadder than Samson had heard it since he arrived on the ship.

He turned, setting a box of tea on the counter to free his hands. “Do not blame yourself for any of my foolishness.” This was not Elias’s burden to carry. “I believed I could talk my way into a deal with another captain. We argued, and I lashed out. It was nothing to do with–”

“Arguing over me.”

Samson opened another cupboard, pulling down cups and their saucers. None of them matched. Miss Adelaide had never owned a full set of teacups in her life. He stayed silent.

“Not that I believe most of what Cheng has to say, but they wouldn’t have said that if there was no truth to it.” Elias leaned against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. “And the deal was to do with me to begin with, yes?”

Samson moved the cups to the table.

“Just because you can’t die, it doesn’t mean you should fight every battle.”

Samson turned. “I would have snapped like that even if I could have died.”

He shouldn’t have said that.

Elias blinked.

Samson turned away, adding a strainer to the tea pot and scooping leaves inside with trembling hands. If he’d been able to speak, he would have shouted those words. Elias seemed to know that.

“What did they say to make you that angry?”

Samson shook his head.

“You won’t even repeat it to me?”

Samson turned, frowning. “It was the first time I’d ever heard someone say it about you directly to my face.”

Elias paused, and then sighed. “That.”

Samson nodded.

“Everyone in Kremal says that. My mother agrees with it.”

“I am not loyal to Kremal or to your mother.”

Elias raised a brow. “Then what, pray tell, are you loyal to, Captain?”

The kettle whistled, and Samson turned his back to Elias. This was dangerous territory. What was being exchanged now could not be undone. He poured the kettle, buying himself time as the teapot filled. The sound of footsteps echoed in the hall and as Samson sat the teapot in the center of the table, Elias stared at him, hands on his hips and confusion written in his brow. As the others entered the room, he raised his hands. “Tell me.”

Samson sighed. “I am loyal to you, Your Highness.”

For a moment, Elias didn’t respond, his hands falling to his sides loosely. He just stared, gaze boring into Samson. And then, slowly, he nodded. “Good.”

Author's Note

I have been hype over this chapter since I wrote it three months ago. Please enjoy!! And again so send mad_cactus_soda some love for the art! They knocked it out of the park!!