arrowbythebooks:

“I’m not dead yet.” How many times had he already had this discussion? Far too many. But he was far too stubborn to simply give in.

He dropped down into a chair with a heavy sigh and leaned his head back. So much for being able to do what you wanted as a prince. That had never been an option for him. “You’re too serious, Alec. Not just you, every single one of my guards.” He could never talk to them like they were a friend, he could never joke with them or do anything with them except escape them. And he probably saw them more than he saw anyone else.

“No, you aren’t, because I don’t get distracted. I don’t let you wander off alone.” Alec arched a brow, glancing at Magnus with a shake of his head. Too serious? That may be true, but at least the prince was still alive. He hadn’t had many close calls.”

“I’m serious because that’s who I am. I’m a soldier, your Highness, I can’t afford to be any less than thorough when it comes to guarding your back.” Alec wished he hadn’t been forced into babysitting the prince. But after his father had decided he was no longer fit for the front lines, he got stuck here.

“Maybe I’d be less inclined to wander off alone if I had company I enjoyed.” Magnus countered swiftly. Everyone fussed too much. He knew he was the heir to the throne but sometimes it all seemed to be too much effort. He hated it. He wished he wasn’t the prince most of the time.

His gaze moved to rest on Alec now, looking over him. “No one wants the company of someone they can’t relax with. And seeing as there is absolutely no one I can relax with in the castle, I’d rather be alone.”