The King and his Son (Royalty Phan AU)

In the strange kingdom of Zeldar, there was a special telecast today. The King had an announcement to make. Daniel wasn't happy about it. 
"Attention people of Zeldar! The King and the Prince have an important announcement."
The spotlight turned to the King.
He started, "It is with a lot of regret that we announce the sad demise of our Prince's manservant of 10 years." Dan scoffed. The King threw a subtle glare towards him. Dan looked down.
The King continued, "The royal household now seeks a new member. The new manservant will have a lot more responsibilities than the previous one as the Prince soon turns 21 and will be the Crown Prince of Zeldar and later the King." He said the last part with reluctance.
I don't need a manservant! I can do things myself! Dan thought for what seemed like the hundredth time.
But he knew there was no point protesting. His father was going to do this, no matter what. Something about good publicity and involving the people. Bullshit.
"The Prince invites the young men of the kingdom to participate in a contest to determine his new manservant."
All the focus is on me now. I smile brightly and wave towards the audience. That's all I have to do. Smile. Wave. Be the puppet.
"All those who participate will be receiving a month's supply of food prepared by the royal chefs. They will also have the oppurtunity to stay at the royal palace till the contest ends."
The live audience applauded loudly. Robots, Dan thought.
The King continued, "The new manservant will receive a thousand dirhams and his family will be supported directly by the Prince. We look forward to meeting the young men of our kingdom.
That will be all for today. Zeldar!"
The crowd shout in sync, "Zeldar!"
The telecast ended.
Dan rushed to the King, "Father please, I don't want to do this."
"Well, it doesn't matter what you want. We are doing this."
                               ~•~
"Come on, Phil."
Phil looked at his mother. Even though she was a woman in her late forties, she still looked young. But Phil couldn't help but notice how she had bags under her eyes and how tired she looked these days.
"No, Mum. I will not enter this stupid contest."
"But dear, why not?"
"Because!"
"Because what?"
"Well for starters, I don't wish to live in the palace and away from you. Even if it is for just a month."
"Philip, please just enter the contest. Food has been scarce. A month's supply of it would really help us out."
"But what if I win?"
"Would that really be so bad? The Prince is really handsome."
"What do I care if he's handsome?" Phil said defensively.
"Phil...please."
"I don't want to be stuck serving him all the time. He seems really arrogant and self-centered. Plus, all this fuss just to get a manservant."
"Oh you know the King. He wants to do things extravagantly. Show off." Her distaste was evident as she spoke about him.
That was not unusual. Not many people of the kingdom actually liked their king.
"Coming back to what we were discussing. Why won't you just enter? What's the worse that could happen?"
"I could win."
"And that would be bad because..?"
"I don't want to wait on a stuck-up prince all the time!"
"Oh c'mon, there's very little chance you'll win."
"Gee, thanks."
"You know what I mean. Please, Phil."
"All right, Mum! I'll enter the stupid contest!"
"Thank you, Phil. You're a wonderful son." She hugged Phil.
"Yeah, whatever."
                               ~•~
"I have good news," The King announced at dinner. "The entries for the contest are pouring in from all over the kingdom. Our kingdom is a big one and there are already over a hundred participants. Therefore, we will have to choose only a few to participate. We'll have a secret ballot for this but Daniel you will be allowed to choose five."
Dan mumbled a 'yes father' quietly.
The King continued to speak about the preparations of the contest but Dan wasn't listening. He was thinking about the contest. What would the contestants be like? Would he like them? Would they like him? Will he have any say in choosing his manservant? I don't want to do this, he thought for the millionth time. But he knew he had to.
                            ~•~
A list of 150 names came to Dan in his chambers that evening. He had to pick five men from these names.
I don't know any of these people. How can I possibly choose between them?
He decided to pick five random numbers and pick the names that were along with the numbers.
3, 67, 18, 75, 121
Cooper Lee, Stephen Hatcher, Harsh Patel, Arthur Lewis and George Clifford.
These were the men he had 'chosen'.
Ugh. He did not want to do this stupid competition thing.
                            ~•~
ITS A NEW FANFIC YAY :)
Millie <3