"I have requested your presence today for an explicit purpose," said Prince Richard, his expression full of resolve. "I have a specific task in mind for a person with the appropriate qualities. This person must be as honest in actions as he is in words, for integrity is everything to me. He must be true and fair, work hard and be loyal to me while also speaking freely. I ask a lot, but I think I may have found him."

It took me a few seconds to keep up with the conversation.

"Me?" I asked, flushing slightly.

"You, Sebastian."

Something occurred to me then, and if this man valued me speaking openly, then I knew I should do so now.

"The game," I started slowly. "You let me win. It was some kind of test."

"Indeed. The strategy I spoke of did not lie in the rules of the game, but in the rules of social construct and whether you were willing to challenge them. I needed to know whether you were honest enough to agree to take the winning move and act on your promise, even though I am a prince and you are a squire to another. I am delighted you chose to play fairly, because if I am going to win, I want it to be because I deserve it, and not because of some social hierarchy. I want someone to challenge me, not to bow to my every whim. I am pleased you have integrity enough to do as you agreed and play to the best of your ability." The prince stood up and continued talking. "And so, I would like to make you an offer. Please hear it in full before making a decision."

"Of course."

"My offer is for you to work for me. We would review whether the arrangement is working after about three months. In the meantime, I will loan Sir Tristan a squire so that he is not without, and so that you can return to him if you wish. Officially you would be my squire, but it will not always be the work you have been used to. Taking care of the horses and cleaning equipment, I will gladly pay you for, but there may be ad hoc tasks where I would call upon you as well. I would prefer to call you something like a 'personal attendant.' Some things I ask of you may be a little ... unconventional."

"I already understand you are somewhat unconventional, Your Highness. A very generous offer, which I promise to consider in earnest."

"Which brings us to another point. When we are in company, titles and such are forgiven, and I trust you to exercise them appropriately. But when we are alone, please address me as Richard. I cannot bear the royal titles. I have a name, and I prefer it to be used."

"Just Richard?"

"Please."

This was getting more bizarre with every turn.

"This is everything I need to think on?" I asked.

"Not quite. I will pay you for the work you do during the day. The evenings are yours, unless there is some circumstance or special occasion where we are called upon to attend. In the evenings, then, you would have the option to meet me for games such as that we have just played. I seek a regular opponent and would be glad if you would do this for me. But I will not demand it from you, nor will I pay you for it. For the purposes of our games, then, I would view you as my equal and I would request you do the same. This way I know you will play fair and emerge victorious if you can. Lastly, during your employment, you must be true and honest with me, and I would also promise the same to you, with never a lie to come between us."

A cold shiver ran through me. Although the prince's offer was appealing, a pledge of unconditional honesty seemed unwise when I carried such a dark secret. Sir Tristan had not made such a request of me and I was keen to understand the reason Richard would add such a requirement to his offer.

"I understand," I said, with slight trepidation. "With respect, and in order to give this my full consideration, may I ask to what purpose the latter serves?"

Richard paced the room.

"You may, and you will have my honesty. I do not just seek an attendant, but a reliable companion. There are occasions where I have found I needed a trusted opinion or to speak freely, and I am yet to find that person within these castle walls. Although I have such people in other places and often different purposes, they are not always immediately accessible."

"A confidant?"

"Exactly that."

"Sir Tristan knows that this was the role you sought to offer?"

"He does. I consider him a dear friend. You have earned his trust, hence why you are here today. He is a good judge of character, and he suggested that you would be a good candidate for a role such as this. Of course, I then wanted to find out for myself."

My head was spinning.

"It seems I have a lot to consider."

"It seems you do. I shall let you go. Please, let me see you out."

Most princes would have a servant see me out, but I was rapidly learning that Richard was not 'most princes.' And I liked that. Possibly a little too much.

I fetched my outdoor clothes as I left the castle, and true to his word, Richard saw me to the door. I untied Willow and rode her back to Sir Tristan's with my thoughts jumbled. I had just received a job offer from Prince Richard, who was not only stunningly good-looking, but kind, unconventional and intelligent. With the option of spending additional time keeping company with him.

There were only two reasons I could think of for declining. First, I would miss Sir Tristan terribly, although I would still no doubt visit. Second, and most important, was whether I could keep myself composed enough that I would be able to keep my secret. It would seem I managed today, which gave me confidence I could manage again.

And what of the oath? I reasoned this with myself. If I swore to be honest to Richard, that did not mean I had to divulge my deepest secret unless he asked. What was the possibility that he would ask a question that resulted in such a confession? It would have to be very specific, and unlikely to happen unless I gave him reason to question it. So, I needed to give him no reason to ask the question, and then I would have no reason to answer it honestly.

I arrived in good time back at Sir Tristan's. He was not home, so I ensured Willow went back to the stable safely. I changed out of my clothes and into something appropriate to continue with my chores. Sir Tristan found me about an hour later when he arrived home, cleaning a pair of his riding boots.

"How was the interview?" he asked cheerfully.

"Intense," I replied, looking up and smiling.

"How did you find Richard?"

"He was not what I expected."

"He is not what most people expect," Sir Tristan gave me a knowing look. "Did he offer you work?"

"He did," I answered.

"You won the game, then," he continued. "I am pleased."

"Are you so keen to see me gone, sir?" I teased.

"I am keen to see you happy," he responded fondly, sitting down next to me.

"I was already happy," I pointed out.

"It may be taken in the plural sense, then. I am keen to see you both happy," he clarified. "I think that both of you need something more than I can provide, and I hope you might find it in each other. Richard needs a trusted companion within daily reach, which no doubt he explained. In return, he can provide for you better prospects and connections. I have come to see you as a friend and I will miss you terribly, Sebastian. And if things do not work out as we expect, then my home is always yours. Return whenever you wish – there will be a place for you here."

"You are very kind sir. But you speak as though I have already made my decision."

"I see no reason for you to decline such an offer. I know you will work hard and be loyal, and I know Richard will treat you well. I would like to think we have arranged it such that you would lose nothing by trying."

Unless I give myself away, and then I will lose my life.

"Richard did say he would loan you a squire," I agreed instead of voicing my thoughts.

"He will not be as dedicated as you," Sir Tristan said. "Shall we make the arrangements?"

"I cannot argue with such an opportunity," I replied. "I have no manner in which to thank you both."

"Seize the prospect with both hands, Sebastian," he advised. "Be true to Richard and do your job well. That will be thanks enough."