The next morning, after eating breakfast, Roman went down to the dungeon, up to Patton.
"So, does the king know I'm here?" Patton asks. "No. No, see, my father is too old to be dealing with common crimes such as thievery. Your fate is up to me, stranger, that's why I figured we'd have a chat." Roman responded.

"What could you possibly want to know from me? I'm a peasent who tried to steal from you, isn't that all you should need?" Patton asks.
"I'd like to know your motive." Roman says. "I told you, survival. Money. ... I wasn't getting enough for what I was selling, and no one would hire me for a job because they either couldn't afford to pay me or I didn't have the skill to do it. So, I figured.. I don't know.." Patton says.

"So you were trying to get by." Roman says. "Yes. Poorly." Patton responds. "I suppose you're not going to explain why you're out by yourself?" Roman asks. Patton didn't respond.

Roman sighs, but nodded. Alright. Touchy subject, then. So you don't have.. I don't know, a wife?"
Patton blushes, looking up at him suddenly. "N-no! Of course not, I- I mean I'm not too young but I- I'm nineteen, your majesty-"

"I see. That's the only reason?" Roman asks. Patton's blush remained, though he looked away. "Yes. Only reason." he says quickly.
".. I do pity you, stranger. And I mean no offense by that. I've never had to worry about money struggles,.. I pity my subjects, I do. But I cannot help them.."

"I don't need pity.." Patton mumbles, though frowns a little. He is an empath, he knows Roman was being genuine.
"But you shall have it. Let me ponder, I will return later." Roman says, once again leaving.

"Pities his subjects my ass. Maybe he should do something about it." one of the prisoners says. Patton looked over at them. "It's not his fault, he isn't the king. Even if he brought up to his father about putting something in place to help us, the king could easily deny it regardless.."
"Tch. Whatever, I think he was just sweet talking you."
"He was not! He just feels bad that he can't help, that's all he said!"

"You're gonna end up rotting in this damn prison, you know? I've been here a month because the king can't decide if I should be exiled or executed."

Patton frowns. "What could you have done that was so terrible?" he asks. "I'm a witch. And the king doesn't like it."

"Oh... Well.. I'm sure you'll be let out-" Patton starts. "Please, spare me. I'd rather not get my hopes up, again, I've been in here for a month."
"O-okay..."

~~~

Patton was woken up from a nap later that evening by a guard. "Prince Roman requests your presence."
Patton looked confused, smiling a bit slyly. "Wait, hang on, you're letting a thief out a cell, where I can easily steal something?"

"We will be escorting you. Prince Roman's orders." the guard says, unlocking the cell. "Ooookay." Patton stood up, following the guards. They stopped when they got to the throne room, where Roman was waiting. "Thank you, gentlemen. Hello, stranger."

"What am I doing here?" Patton asks. "Well, I've decided. You're going to work here." Roman says. "Wh- and do what, mop the floors?" Patton asks.
"No, rather, you will be like a personal servant of mine."
"What kind of punishment is this-?" Patton asks. "Not one, really; more of an offer. You have no money, I'm offering you a job." Roman says.

"So, I get paid if I become your.. Squire? Whatever that's called-" Patton says. "Yes." Roman answers simply. Patton nods. "Okay. Ph, sure. Why not."
Roman hums in response, pacing for a moment. "Could I have your name, please? I don't know how else to get your attention, should I need it."

"... My name is Patton."

‘Patton..’ Roman thought, smiling a little. ‘What a lovely name.’