Honest Man in Chains | Closed.

Matt sighed heavily as he lugged a sack of potatoes to the kitchen, smiling when Greta greeted him. He dropped the sack on the floor and groaned at the pain in his shoulder. "Hey, Greta," he said. "That's it for today." He'd been working in the castle ever since he was a child and Greta was basically his mother. She'd raised him since his parents had both died when he was little. Or, that's what he was told at least. He wished he could say he loved working for the royal family, but to be honest, he didn't. He did it because he had no choice, and if he rebelled, he'd probably be beheaded.

Katherine walked through the halls of the castle, trying to hide from her tutor. She was tired of being taught things that only women were expected to know. She wanted to know how to use a sword and how to kee pierc with foreign countries, not how to knit or cross stitch. Katherine didn't want to be a complacent queen like her mother was. She wanted to be a kind and great ruler no one would ever forget.

"You're going to dislocate your shoulder one day, boy," Greta said as she cut carrots.

Matt rolled his shoulder and shrugged. "I'll be fine," he said. "I'm tough." He opened the sack and began unloading the potatoes into the potato barrel, using his sleeve to wipe the sweat off his forehead. He looked over when the king and queen'size youngest, a set of twins, came running in, tossing a ball back and forth. They did this every day and always ended up breaking something. He stood up and walked over. "Don't you think you should be playing outside?" He asked.

One of the little boys, the oldest, looked up at Matt and narrowed his eyes. "Shouldn't you mind your own business?" He snapped.

Katherine walked down towards the kitchen, frowning when she saw her brother snap at one of the servant boys. "Edward," she scolded. "You and James need to go outside because if you break something again father will punish you both." The princess watched as her brother's ran off outside, happy that they listened to her for once.

Matt looked at the princess, biting his lip. "Thank you," he said, bowing before he stood back up straight. She was honestly one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen, but he knew she probably thought little to nothing of him. He didn't expect her to think anything of him anyways. "Is there anything I can help you with, your royal highness?" He would honestly rather do anything than continue unloading the potatoes right now because there were a lot and his shoulder was sore from lugging the whole sack around.

"Will you accompany me around the castle," Katherine asked. "I'm sure my father will be more angered by me walking around by myself than me excusing myself from a boring knitting lesson."

Matt bit his lip and nodded his head. "It would be my pleasure," he said. He walked out of the kitchen with her, walking down the hall with her. He didn't day anything, not really sure if he should speak or what he would even say. If there was anything to be said, then it would be coming from her.

"How long have you worked in the kitchen," Katherine asked. She had seen him before but it had only been recently.

"I've worked all over the castle since I was a child," Matt said. "But recently they've had me in the kitchen more since it's the holidays." He looked out of the windows as they passed by them, smiling slightly at how beautiful the weather looked. It was sunny and the sky was bright blue.

Katherine stopped walking and looked at him. "How old were you when you came here?"

Matt closed his eyes as he thought back. "I believe I was eight," he said, opening his eyes back up and looking at her. He smiled. "It's an honor to serve your family."

Katherine scoffed at Matt's statement. "Do you really feel that way," she asked. "Or do you hate it?" She honestly wouldn't blame him if he did hate working for her family.

Matt frowned at her words. "I don't hate it," he said, hoping he wasn't being totally transparent. "I enjoy working for your family. You put a roof over my head and food in my stomach. I couldn't ask for more."

Katherine smiled, happy he genuinely liked her family. "I'm glad you actually like my family." She looked all around before she leaned forward and pecked his cheek.

Matt raised an eyebrow, surprised at her actions. He smiled at her, continuing to walk. He knew he'd probably be working here the rest of his life, which he guessed was okay since he'd have food and shelter.

Katherine continued walking with Matt until her father was announced. He had been out on a hunt and was finally home. She quickly moved away from Matt, not wanting to get him in trouble as her father came into view.

Matt stood off to the side, bowing when the King walked into the room. "Your Majesty," he greeted. "May I help take your things?

Kathrine's father ignored Matt and looked directly at his daughter. "Shouldn't you be with your mother and her ladies in waiting?" The brunette frowned, nodding because she knew lying to her father would be wrong. "You may leave," the King stated. Katherine gave Matt a small apologetic look before she walked away.

Matt frowned, watching Katherine walk away. He glanced at the king one last time before he began to head back to the kitchen, deciding he'd dealt with enough royalty for today. He just wanted to finish up in the kitchen so he could lay down and rest his shoulder.