Chapter Text
Danny watched from the gallery as Steve presided over his Parliament. There was no doubt that Steve was a great king, a great leader. He cared deeply and passionately about his kingdom; the land, the history, the people. They were in a period of prosperity attributed to Steve's father, but it was a legacy Steve was building on and improving. The people loved him. To some, he could do no wrong.
But Danny knew differently.
The proud smile on his face faltered though his own aides did not notice.
Steve was a terrible husband.
Since their marriage (arranged, naturally), Steve had concentrated on cementing himself as king and had all but ignored their relationship.
Danny had traveled far for this. For him. The arrangement had been simple. In Danny's own kingdom, he was 'the spare' - his sister was to rule as Queen when it passed to their generation (though both parents were still alive and well and long may that continue). As was standard in Royal society, Danny and his younger siblings were pawns in a game, used to further treaties with other kingdoms ostensibly in the name of peace, but more accurately in the name of trade agreements, free passage and allies if necessary during conflicts.
From the age of sixteen, Danny had been told to expect a move to this kingdom, though both sets of parents had not insisted on a quick and young marriage, instead allowing both Danny and Steven to enjoy their freedoms for longer. Their lives had been their own until they were thirty and that was both a good and a bad thing, for they had enjoyed those fourteen years, each able to indulge in their education, travel, relationships, hobbies and they certainly had enjoyed themselves in their separate lives. But now being locked into their responsibilities as Royals, they knew just what they were missing out on, knew of a different life they could be living if not for an arrangement made by their parents years ago. And it was one that favored Steve's kingdom as the immediate heir to the throne.
Danny had been forced to move to a place where he knew no one. He had studied the customs and history but they were not his customs or history. He really missed good food. And the sun shined bright here. All the time. He liked more changeable weather.
He stood, taking his leave. Bored at watching and not participating.
That was another problem - he had nothing to do. He'd been given no duties as yet beyond showing up for special events on Steve's arm and even then it wasn't really like spending time with Steve, nor was it like working. It was some in between thing that satisfied none of his desires.
They'd been married quickly after the doctors had diagnosed King John with a fatal illness. Mere days later had been Steve's coronation so the honeymoon had left little to be desired. They'd spent an awkward wedding night together but no others since. They each had their own chambers and neither ventured into the others'. Certainly not without a prearranged invitation.
His walk was silent. His two aides following behind yet neither asked where he was going, they just followed. Like always. The only sounds were their footfalls and the swish of Danny's robes.
Upon reaching his chambers, he gave them a look they'd grown to translate over the last three months to mean 'stay out', and he closed the door on them. His chambers were large, spacious, with high ceilings and being here made him feel even more alone. Small, in a vast emptiness. The view from his bay window was his only comfort these days. He came here and sat and looked out at the sea and the way the sun reflected off it, the people swimming, surfing, enjoying their lives and the always lovely weather.