Chapter Text
The citizens of L’manburg all knew the story of their independence.
It was the only interesting thing about the country, and everyone made sure everyone knew about it.
So, it was common for children all over the country to open their history books complaining how their teachers had set them another assignment about the L’manburg war to finish. And all those kids would eventually stumble on to someone they would come to admire, someone they would aspire to be like, someone to feel sorry for.
A soldier, maybe the same age as them, maybe younger, who had single handily destroyed all expectations of what L’manburg would and could be.
Theseus Innes was a legend.
The boy who had served the tyrant king with such fierce loyalty that somehow became the right-hand man to the general of the rebellion himself. He was a founding fathers of a nation before he even turned sixteen.
Many wonders if he was even real, how could someone so young accomplish such great things?
But of course, that's all they knew about him, they didn't know why he betrayed the king, or why the general kept him as close as he did. No one truly knew the struggles of a child who was forced into roles he was simply too young to play. They only know him for the things he achieved, they didn't know his losses, his loves.
No matter how many things a child is forced to be, they will always be a child.
So, let's start from the beginning, shall we? Let's here Theseus’s story how he would tell it.
I’ll warn you, it's not a happy tale to hear.
⁕⁕⁕
“Tommy! Psst Tommy wake up!” A voice whispered to him from above.
He groaned sleepily and turned over, seemingly making the person trying to wake him grow agitated.
“Oh no you do not! Yesterday you got mad at me for not waking you! I am not suffering today because of it!” Suddenly two arms wrapped around his torso, and he was pulled off his dirty, thin mattress.
He let out a cry of alarm as he fell to the ground, his eyes shooting open as he landed almost headfirst on the floor. A laugh echoed around the small room as he sat up, glaring angrily at the person.
“Purpled! You couldn’t have woken me up any other way?!” Tommy muttered crossing his arms.
“In my defence I did try! It is not my fault if you do not wake right away.” Said his friend still calming down from laughing so hard.
Tommy rolled his eyes, he stared at the clod stone brick wall of the servant chambers before being offered a hand to help him back up.
“Honestly, I’m surprised George hasn’t thrown you away yet, you never wake up on time.” Purpled teased before throwing him his uniform. “Now hurry before we’re late to serve breakfast for the king.”
Tommy opened his mouth to reply but instead just grumbled under his breath, The older of the two left the room allowing him to pull on his clothes in silence before emerging.
“Have you heard of the most recent attack?” He asked, his voice full of worry as they walked to the kitchen. “The rebellion is starting to strike closer to the palace walls.”
The rebellion was something Tommy had spent many hours stressing over. It wasn’t as if the idea of the rebellion was new, ever since the crowning of his majesty the people of Essempii has seemingly been just dying for a reason to oppose the king.
But these attacks were relatively new, starting around his fifth birthday. Never in history had the people actually tried anything.
They called themselves ‘Lmanburg’, it was a name stolen from the old kingdom Essempii was built on.
Tommy had never understood why people called his king a tyrant, in his eyes he was gift to the people.
The king had allowed him to serve at the palace when he was abandoned at his doorstep, the king had taken Purpled in when he was orphaned by one of the rebellions past attacks.
He was and will be forever loyal to his majesty the king.
“Oh yeah, Isn’t it kind of admirable though? They must be quite brave to attack so closely.” Purpled smiled mischievously. “Or maybe their warning the king, showing him how their willing to attack close to home.”
“Purpled! You mustn't say such horrible things! The king has done nothing to deserve such unruly subjects.” Deep down he wasn’t that surprised by the dirty- blondes' words, he always talked strangely when it came to the rebellion.
“I’m just saying you have to appreciate them for their will to fight, that Soot guy is really giving us trouble.”
Tommy felt his anxiety peak at the name. Soot, the recognized leader and starter of the rebellion. People whispered he had started the rebellion with no support at first, some even claimed he was younger than Tommy was now. He was a bloodthirsty man responsible for so many deaths in the kingdom.
“I thought we agreed to not talk about him! You know I don’t like talking about him!” He almost cried out grabbing Purpled’s arm, but the other simply laughed at his antics and brushed him off.
“Ok ok! I’m sorry I won’t talk about So- I mean the Rebellions General.” The older mocked before pushing open the doors to kitchen.
As soon as they walked in the busy atmosphere of the large cookhouse engulfed them, servants rushing by as the chefs yelled out orders. Purpled and Tommy tried sneaking in as silently as possible, realising how late they were.
“The plates are over there- Don't forget to set the table! INNES, EVADA DON’T THINK I DIDN’T SEE YOU!” A fury filled voice echoed over the crowd.
The duo stopped dead in their tracks, both sharing a look of dread. A short man made their way over to them, he had dark eyes and brown hair that seemed to fall perfectly on to his face. He wore the chef's uniform, which consisted of a white shirt, brown pants, an apron draped over him and a small white hat on his head. A api of white framed glasses had been pushed up his forehead and Tommy still after all the years of working for him, didn’t know if it was a style choice or if he actually needed glasses to see.
“Hey George!” Said Purpled with a smile. “IS that a new apron? Love the colour, white with stains all over it really suits you.”
“Flattery won’t get you out of this! You are meant to be here before the sun rises! The sun had risen boys and the king's breakfast needs serving! That’s extra cleanup duty for both of you.”
Tommy could sense the dirty- blondes irritation, so before the older could say something that would get them more in trouble he responded.
“Of course, George, we’d be honoured to serve the king ourselves if it makes you feel any better.”
“Well Innes I suppose you could serve the king-” Tommy smiled excitedly at Purpled. “However, Evada you certainly will not.”
“Wait what!?” He called out in shock, making several of the servants nearby snicker. “Why can’t he come with me?”
“Because Mr Evada respects no one but himself.” George replied snidely, glaring up at Purpled.
The dirty blonde didn’t seem to care just shrugging his shoulder and picking up a nearby broom.
“It’s getting harder to respect his majesty nowadays.” Purpled muttered, causing George to grow even more angry.
“The king allowed you to stay in his palace after you were orphaned! Talking like that about the king could be considered treason Mr Evada, you’re lucky I don’t report you.” George scolded before turning back to him. “Theseus Innes take the plates to the dining hall.”
“Yes sir.” He said meekly before running off, leaving Purpled behind to deal with George's rage alone.
Tommy grabbed a fancy silver tray and slowly loaded the plates on to it one by one. He had seen the King before in person, but this was the first time he would be getting this close to his highness. And as his sole server, he’d be practically alone in the room with the King and his younger brother, give or take some guards but they didn’t count.
They thought made him ever so nervous but excited all at the same time. Slowly he walked to the dining hall, navigating the castle walls with practised ease.
The doors were guarded, but as soon as they saw the tray in his hands, they immediately opened the door. He was gripping the silver so hard to not show how his hand were shaking.
“-Dream, I do not see how this in ethical! These are people! Our people-”
“My people, you forget your place Foolish.”
“I just think we should consider the rebellion's ideas-”
“Silence! We have company dear brother.”
All heads turned to his awkward form in the doorway, both the prince and the king stared at him expectantly. Tommy cleared his throat as if to ease the tension before he started resting the plates down at the table.
He approached the prince first, swiftly setting down his breakfast, got a curt nod as thanks before he moved on.
The king's breakfast was slightly larger, taking more time to set down, Tommy felt like holding his breath, not sure what to do in the presence of his majesty himself.
When he was finished, he went to walk to the corner of the room, where he would until they were finished so he could take their dishes. Itt was fine, he may have heard a conversation he wasn’t meant to hear but as long as he played it safe and did as he was told nothing would go wro-
“Wait, come here.” The cold voice of the king echoed through the room.
He froze, his eyes blew wide open as he turned around, trying to appear as calm.
“How can I be of service your highness?” He asked politely, a nervous smile stretched on to his face.
“Are you deaf? I said come here boy.”
He felt his body go numb as he forced himself forward. He tried looking dignified as his mind raced to try find what he did wrong.
Was it because he hadn't served the king first? Is it because of what he overheard? What could he have done?
Suddenly a hand grabbed his face, and he was unceremoniously pulled forwards. He made a sound of shock before going dead silent. The King seemed to observe him, taking in all his facial features closely.
“Dream what are you doing? He is a boy release him.” The prince spoke clearly nervous.
“You have no authority over me brother, but I do suppose you’re right.” His majesty sighed releasing him, and he quickly stood back up. “I will say however, have you ever seen the rebellious Soot before child? Do you know what he looks like?”
Tommy was taken aback by the question, of course he hadn’t seen General Soot, he wasn’t a soldier. And how on earth was that relevant?
“No, your highness, may I ask why you bring him up?” He asked carefully.
“Nothing it's just that... You look shockingly similar to him.” The king squinted his green eyes in consideration. “You came here when you were a baby, is that correct?”
Tommy paused for a long time, he looked... like Soot? Was the king playing some sort of trick? The leader of the rebellion, the man he feared and had night terrors about, shared a similar appearance to him, a loyal servant to the king.
“Y-yes that is correct.” Was all managed to say as his mind exploded with thoughts.
“So, you didn’t know your family?” The king questioned further. “I must say if you didn’t have those blue eyes or blonde hair, you’d be the spitting image of him!”
Suddenly he felt angry, was he being acccused of having relations with the enemy? He was nothing but loyal his whole life!
“With all due respect your majesty, I highly doubt I have any connection with the General even if we do share some similarities.” He stated flatly meeting the king's eyes. “And let it be known I don’t enjoy being associated with a man such as himself.”
He regretted his words as soon as they came out, quickly slapping a hand over his mouth. How could he talk in such a disrespectful manner to the king? Surely, he’ll be beheaded for his actions. The king was silent, and his expression was blank. The only movement in the room was the price who was shifting uncomfortably in his chair.
The three sat in silence, a servant, a prince and a king, the first was thinking which method of execution would be used to kill him, the second was worrying on how his brother would choose to punish the poor boy. And the third...
The third started to laugh.
Not a cruel threatening laugh, but a genuine sound of amusement. It made Tommy stumble back in surprise, but the king just beckoned him closer again.
“You remind me of the General, my General of course not that fake rebellion one. Normally I would execute anyone who dares speak to me that way but there is just something different about you... Say what is it your name was?”
“Theseus your majesty, Theseus Innes.” Tommy said curtly.
“Well Theseus, I hope to see you again. Go take a break, I dismiss you tell the guards outside we request a servant that will only come when we are finished with our meal, I’m sure the prince would like to speak in private.”
The prince nodded, there was something in his eyes, something Tommy couldn’t quite place. Without another word he made his way to the doors, his hand grabbed on to the handle.
“Oh, and Theseus.” The king called out again making him turn around. “You may look like him, but you are nothing like Soot.”
“Thank you, my king.”
“Please, Dream is fine.”
He nodded before calmly walking out the door and told the guard of the kings' orders before leaving down the hall. He made his way to the kitchen where George handed him a broom and reminded him of his punishment for being late.
Slowly the servants and chefs left the kitchen, leaving him and Purpled to clean up alone until lunch time.
As soon as the last servant left, he turned to Purpled and grabbed his shoulders, dropping his broom to the ground. Tommy started to tell him everything that happened, all whilst jumping up and down in excitement.
“And then! And then he said... Oh, you wouldn’t believe it!” He squealed smiling wide. “He said ‘Dream is fine’! That’s the kings first name! He doesn’t permit just anyone to say his last name Purp!”
“Wow can’t believe it.” Purpled said with a yawn, seemingly uninterested. “Now can you repeat what the prince said at the beginning? What you overheard?”
“Oh- That’s not important! The king Liked me! He spoke to me!”
“Yeah, I just want to make sure that the prince is on- I mean isn’t on the rebellions side.”
“Oh alright, He said something to his majesty on regards to the rebellion's views, they seemed to be arguing when I came as well. I’m sure it's nothing, the rebellion has everyone stressed and confused.”
“Hm well that’s certainly something... Oh but the king has taken an interest in you! Shocking, truly shocking.”
“I know right!” Tommy had chosen to leave out the part where the king had said he looked like Soot. “But anyways let start prepping the ingredients for lunch so George won’t be as angry at us, he may even give us the day off!”
Purpled scoffed smiling. “That man has never given a day off in his whole career.”
“He’s nice when he’s not yelling, plus I impressed the king! That means something.”
“Mhm sure.”
He punched Purpled jokingly in the arm before the two fell into a comfortable silence sweeping a mopping the kitchen floor. Indulging in his thoughts his mind wondered back to the dining hall, replaying the moment in his head over and over.
It should’ve been a joyful memory, but he couldn't’ help but think about one sentence.
‘Nothing it's just that... You look shockingly similar to him’
He couldn’t help but have it replay in his mind over and over almost like a taunt. Tommy wasn’t ashamed of admitting he was afraid of Soot; it was a rational fear seeing all he death he and the rebellion that he secreted was responsible for.
Even as a child when the rebellion was discovered Tommy had night terrors about Soot exploding the castle. The kingdom was an active warzone thanks to the man who called himself a general so naturally yes, Tommy found himself afraid of Soot.
To have someone claim he looked identical to the rebellion's leader, even if it was the king, was terrifying.
He didn’t want to share a face with that man, he didn’t want to be associated with a causer of genocide.
Even if it was a small connection between the two, Tommy hadn’t wanted there to be a connection at all.
He had never seen the man, no in person or portrait. He had no physical proof that he did except that the king told him so. But to not believe the king was treason, and committing treason made him more like Soot.
“Tommy? You alright?”
He was snapped out of his trance by a clear voice a hand on his shoulder.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” He said quietly, his couldn't even convince himself he was fine.
“You sure? You looked out of it.” He turned around to face who was speaking and saw George were expected to see Purpled.
“I- Where’s Purpled?” He asked, he felt out of breath even though he hadn’t done anything that physical.
“I sent him off to prepare some vegetables, you poor thing must be stressed from meeting the king!” George cried out sympathetically.
“No, it’s-” Tommy cut himself off, did he really want people to know about his resemblance to Soot? “You’re right, I-it can be stressful having such an honour.”
“I wouldn’t worry about if I were you, I sent one of the servants to request his majesty’s lunch order and apparently he was discussing you with Prince Foolish.” There was twinkle is George’s eye as he spoke. “I am glad I allowed you to serve him, I will certainly make you do it more! And how about you go on a break for the rest of the evening, I’m proud of you.”
“Wait- What? I thought you never give breaks? And weren’t you furious with me like, two hours ago?”
“I wasn’t furious.” George scoffed. “And impressing the king isn’t easy, I’m surprised how you somehow managed to intrigue.”
Tommy had a terrible feeling about how he had actually intrigued the king.
“I’ll allow Purpled to take dinner time off, but he still has to help with lunch because that boy has been irritating today!” The brunet chuckled before walking away.
Tommy stood there for a minute before slowly making his way to the servant chambers, as soon as he found the door to the closet size room him and Purpled had to themselves, he collapsed on to his bed.
The king liked him, for some odd reason the king had actually enjoyed his presence. When he was younger it took him months to get Purpled to like him, but in all fairness Purpled didn’t like anyone.
Lunch passed in a breeze, and eventually he was joined by Purpled who lay down beside him.
“Tommy what’s wrong?”
“There’s nothing wrong I met the king.”
“Oh yes you met the king, how great.” The older drawled sarcastically. “But seriously I can tell when somethings wrong, and don’t give me that bullshit that your nervous because of meeting the king, I know you.”
Tommy sighed in exasperation before shuffling so he was facing the ceiling instead of his friend.
“Do you really want to know?” He mumbled quietly already knowing the answer.
“Theseus Innes, you will tell me right now.”
“The king said I looked like Soot.”
“WHAT?”