Heinrich wasn't happy. He refused to study until his father changed his mind, even going so far as to neglect his swordplay and archery training. His father remained firm. Even uncle Henry, whom he usually had wrapped around his little finger, was unwaveringly insistent.
"Why can't I go hunting with you?"
"You're too young," was all his father said as he watched Henry saddle their horses, packing what few supplies they had into their saddlebags. His guardian nodded in agreement.
"And dangerous."
"Exactly," Hans clapped Henry's shoulder, lingering slightly longer than necessary, "you might get hurt."
"I won't get in the way," he begged, using his best pleading eyes which usually worked, "I'll be really good and I'll listen and do whatever you say."
"When you're older," Henry promised, earning himself a slap on the arm from his lord. The two appeared to have an entirely silent conversation that was lost on Heinrich. Eventually, Henry turned back to him, smiling, "much older."
"You never know, son," Hans ruffled the boy's hair, crouching down so they were eye level, "you might piss off a peasant boy enough to have him end up in your service," he winked, smirking, "then he could go with you."
Henry rolled his eyes, stuffing yet more phials into the saddlebag, "ha fucking ha."
Heinrich sighed. He was about to admit defeat when he noticed they had next to no equipment with their things. In fact, he couldn't see anything they might need for a successful hunt. He rifled peered at their horses, confused.
"Where's all your stuff?"
"At the camp," they both said simultaneously. Heinrich looked between them, an eyebrow raised.
"Really?"
"Yes," they both said together. Again.
Heinrich had more questions but they clearly weren't having it. Hans gave some last minute instructions to the staff before he dutifully gave Jitka a peck on the cheek.
"Be good for your mother," Hans patted his shoulder and Heinrich nodded obediently, still not happy with his situation. He really wanted to go hunting. Henry ruffled his hair sympathetically yet affectionately.
He watched them ride off with a sigh, looking up at his mother, "you should think about remarrying, mother."
"Oh? Why is that?" Jitka looked down at her son, hoping her nervousness wasn't evident.
"Well, the way I see it," Heinrich looked at his father and guardian's retreating figures, shaking his head, "they're going to fucking die without any equipment."
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