~ This is my first story for this site - all content is original and purely fictional. I enjoyed writing it, and hope that you will enjoy reading it. Feedback would be much appreciated so that I can decide whether to write a second part. Thanks! Sapphire ~
Jason sighed as he straightened his jacket, making sure there were no creases in the uniform. He'd managed to get a summer job at the Royal Palace this year, and although he knew he was lucky to have a job, he just wished it didn't mean acting like a servant so much. The last week or so had been really busy in preparation for the annual Summer Feast, where the country's royalties got together to basically have a rich people's party. The feast was set to take place on Saturday, and the first guests would be arriving today. Jason had been reassigned from his usual duties to act as a valet of sorts to some duke or another. Needless to say, he wasn't looking forward to taking care of an old man's demands. But the pay was good, and he'd be out of here come September.
Jason forced a smile onto his face and examined his reflection. His dark brown hair always looked unkempt, no matter how much he brushed, straightened or gelled it. Eventually, he'd given up trying to tame it and now it flopped down across his forehead. He'd been forced to cut it before starting the job because the housekeeper Mrs Hughes had insisted that it would obscure his vision. Jason smiled at the memory, and his bright green eyes lit up with amusement. He'd often been told that his smile was to die for; girls swooned over it β well, at least until they realised he wasn't interested in them. As for guys, suffice it to say that it worked for them too. Jason took a deep breath and stood up straight. At 5' 11" he wasn't the tallest guy, but he wasn't short either. He had an athletic build which was enhanced by regular rowing and running, and had smooth, tanned skin thanks to his mum's Spanish roots. Overall, Jason was a pretty good-looking guy.
Pleased with his reflection, he headed down the sweeping staircase to await the arrival of the guests along with the rest of the staff. As he took his place in the line, Mrs Hughes gave him an approving nod and several of the girls threw him their most dazzling smiles. He smiled back politely and quickly turned to face the entrance. Although Jason was out, he'd thought it best not to tell anyone at the Palace in case news reached the wrong ears.
Soon, the sound of tyres crunching on gravel could be heard and a Rolls Royce glided to a halt before the open doors. The chauffeur stepped out and opened the door for the passengers, just as the Prince came down the stairs to welcome the guests. Jason craned his neck to get a good look at them β he would be their manservant for the next few days after all. First out of the car was a relatively old man with grey hair and a stern face, who was announced as the Duke of Camber. His son followed him out of the car and Jason caught his breath. Standing on the steps of the palace looking thoroughly out of place was probably the cutest guy Jason had ever seen. He had short, sandy blonde hair and piercingly bright blue eyes which seemed to sparkle with amusement. Jason estimated that he was about 5,10", and judging from his bulging pecs, he was pretty built. Whilst the Duke of Camber was dressed head to toe in formal attire, his son slouched against the car in jeans and a fitted t-shirt, a jacket casually slung over his shoulder.
Jason reminded himself to keep breathing and tore his eyes away just as Mrs Hughes beckoned him forward.
"This is Jason, he'll be your valet during your stay here. Anything you need, just ask him," she said by way of introduction.
The Duke's gaze swept over Jason and he appeared to approve because he stretched his lips into what supposedly resembled a smile and extended his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Jason," he said in a raspy voice. "May I introduce my son as well, Alex."
Alex leapt lightly up the steps, and took Jason's hand in a firm grip.
"Hey man," he grinned. "What's up?"
Jason tried to keep the surprise off his face at Alex's informal manner and returned the handshake.
"Jason will show you to your suite and your baggage will be brought up shortly," announced Mrs Hughes.
"Follow me," said Jason, leading the way upstairs. As they passed the line of staff, Jason saw Alex winking at several of the girls who all began to giggle. Despite himself, Jason felt a twinge of disappointment which he quickly squashed with ridicule. A good-looking guy, who also happened to be a member of the royal family, would never be gay. Fact.
Once Jason had finished his duties for the Duke and Alex, he headed downstairs to the staff's quarters in search of a drink.
"Steady mate, it's not even lunch time yet," said a voice near his shoulder.