The castle was his to roam, the kingdom was his to explore and the subjects were his to dictate. Prince Xavier had everything he could wish for. The current King and Queen, his parents, were loved and adored by everyone in their country and towns, whilst his sister was looked up to and admired by young people everywhere - Princess Zara was known for both her rebellious and kind acts. She defied expectations and walked with such grace and power that her presence was known as soon as she stepped into the room, like the sun had entered and bestowed its light on all within.
 Prince Xavier was the youngest and though he too was admired, he secretly craved more than that. Girls and boys alike swooned at his sparkling smile, his joyous laugh. A muscular stature earned him both envious and lustful looks wherever he walked. Attention was greatly received but the prince felt he was missing something. Though popular with the citizens and the royal guards in his palace, he needed to have someone around who treated him just like any other person rather than be nice to him simply due to the status he held.
There had been a person. Kaspar Vermont, the heir of a neighbouring kingdom had often visited him during the brittle winters and Xavier would see him as well. In the recent months, however, Kaspar had become infatuated with Leandro, the youngest prince of a warm and sunny country from across the sea.
 Despite Leandro having a lesser status than his elder brothers, Kaspar refused to hear anything of it and only last month had they become betrothed, their engagement announced across both their countries and those surrounding it. Of course, Xavier had travelled to Kasparâs kingdom to congratulate him, meeting this Leandro who turned out to be an attractive and witty man. Xavier approved, but could not help but feel that Kaspar was going to be preoccupied with this man for the next few months in preparation for their marriage. The prince would have had yet to realise his instincts would prove to be true. A celebratory ball had been held for the announcement of the engagement and, Kaspar claimed, for Xavierâs arrival.
 Xavier had found many attractive people that night, graced them all with a dance but he knew that the night was dedicated to the couple who only had eyes for each other. Though he himself had never craved romantic relationship, he had caught sight of them on the dancefloor, eyes only for each other, dazed smiles and he imagined despite the amount of people that were there, they were only paying attention to each other. Of course â they were lovers.
 Leandro was taller than Kaspar, but shorter than Xavier. A strong jawline, high cheekbones, dusted with a soft blush upon sun kissed skin. Dark red lips, large stormy grey eyes, upturned at the sides due to the constant smile. His attention was on Kaspar, ignoring the stares and smiles and the giggles from the guests. Kaspar, he knew, would be a lot more aware of that, but either Leandro was just that captivating, or he had a lot of willpower to ignore it all. Kaspar contrasted to his fiancĂ©, with pale skin, a slimmer structure and darker viridian eyes. Blond hair with streaks of sunlight opposed wild and dark brunet hair. Sandy freckles scattered across his nose, a blush lying under them but even Xavier could see the way Kaspar was smiling brightly, his arms around Leandroâs neck, Leandroâs own on his waist as they swayed to soft, sonorous music. They really did make a lovely couple.
 It had been an entertaining night, and Xavier was indeed happy for them. Yet something caused his heartstrings to tighten. For now, he would ignore it.
 Upon returning to his own kingdom, his parents gently brought up the subject of marriage to him. Though it should have been Zara who was next in line, Xavier too should have been looking for someone. Even Kaspar, they had said, who was a year younger than Xavier, was set to be married.
 The prince had excused himself from the council room, saying he needed to get some fresh air. Of course, before he left, he was reminded to not enter the Southern Forest. It was dark and myths and legends surrounded its woods. The forest itself had tall dark oaks on the outer edges; no one dared to venture any further. He smiled and nodded, but nevertheless, hurried to the stables to find his horse.
 She was a white mare, strong and majestic. Fit for the prince. Gearing her up, Xavier ensured he had his sword, declining a guard to go with him. He would be safe. Xavierâs strength was praised throughout the kingdom and he had practiced from a young age, taking down five knights singlehandedly in a tourney at the age of fifteen. With the reigns twisted around his leather clad hands, he used his thighs to squeeze the side of the horse and she rode out of the castle. No one batted an eye at the prince leaving the castleâs premises; he would be home and safe by evening.
 Such as the word was with nobles and common folk alike, no one should venture into the dark and thick Southern Forest. As it was when rules were imposed, however, there were always going to be those which broke them. There was no official law set by the royal council, yet parents told their children, beggars warned passer-byâs and stories spread. Occasionally, a young merchant or a particularly adventurous individual would dare to enter. Some did not return.
 Those who did admitted they did not last long. They refused to speak about the forest, only that there was an air about it which called to them, lured them closer but something would always pull them back and before they could change their minds, they would run. The mystery which surrounded the Southern Forest sparked the imagination of the creative, igniting the myths about it: the first was that the forest was alive. The forest breathed through the branches, controlled any living creature and watched with eyes in the trees. The forest despised the presence of people and if you were foolish enough to journey into the greenery, despite the advice of all those around, then the forest welcomed you. Enticing sweet scents of summer fruits and the vivid sea of flowers pulled you in â but you would never return to those you loved.
 The second common folk tale surrounding the forest: there were wild boars and lions which lived there â if they caught a scent of you, they wouldâyes, eat you alive! The animals communicated and some could transform. If you were unlucky, they would become human in appearance, seduce you and devour you when you had let your guard down. These animals were feral, not to be approached. No one should even dare approach the forest itself.
 The final legend was that there was an immortal guardian, faster than lightening, quieter than the first fall of snow in the winter and more lethal than a blood-thirsty commander going to war. Anyone who trespassed would be slaughtered. Those lucky to escape would be damned forever. The guardian would follow you home, leaving their precious sanctuary, entering yours and destroy whoever was present, just as you had destroyed the guardianâs peace in their home.
 Xavier always scoffed at these stories. They were entertaining and for centuries had influenced plays and songs performed in his presence. He knew that the Southern Forest was simply a forest. It was a large confusing one, but only those with no sense of direction and no good horse would get lost. Not he. Not the prince who had spent his life studying every part of the Kingdom, even this forbidden forest.
 There was once a boy, who was a prince. Curiosity and adventure tempted him until his patience snapped.
 Once outside of the city, Xavier glanced back at the castle, the towers touching the clouds, royal blue flags flowing in the wind. He spotted the Eastern Barracks and smiled. Leaning forward, he patted his horse on the neck and got her to turn her head. Reaching into his pocket, he took out a sugar cube and leant forward to feed her. His mare whinnied, shaking her head and rearing up in delight. Used to her energy, the prince laughed, the sound reverberating in the clear air, deep and loud. He kept his balance, gripping on to the reigns.
 Praising the white animal, he led her on the outskirts of their city. There was no one left in the fields, the long grass brushing against her ankles. Xavier allowed himself to shut his eyes, breathing in the fresh air, appreciating the soft singing of the wind. When he reopened his eyes, he noticed dragonflies swarming around him, their wings translucent, and the evening sun reflecting rainbows off of them.
 The Southern Forest was in sight.
 The path was no longer of dirt, but of vibrant violets, blood-red poppies and peppered with daisies. Plain, dark mushrooms lined the outside of the forest and seemed to continue as far as Xavier could see. The prince frowned, not understanding how such a serene environment could be so feared. Pulling back on the reigns, he stopped his mare before they walked between the trees. An uneasy feeling began to settle in the bottom of his stomach, his palms became sweaty in his leather gloves and his heart raced with anticipation.
 Assuring to himself it was just the old stories getting to him, he shook his head and dismounted from his horse. Taking off the gloves, he attached them to his side.
 Or what he thought was a twig.
 Xavier spun around, sword drawn with both hands on the hilt and as soon as he did, a branch fell, shattering as it hit the forest ground. Icy eyes flickered up to the tree and he caught a grey tail disappear higher up into the leaves. He chuckled at his own nervousness. Just a squirrel! The nervousness fled immediately and behind him, his mare pushed his back with her nose, urging him on. It seemed she knew what he wanted to do as well.
 His parents would never know, as long as he was back by evening.
 The sky began to turn a light purple, highlighted with white clouds and patches of cerulean blue. He would have an hour at least before he needed to return home. Grabbing the reigns in one hand, Xavier led his horse and they entered the Southern Forest.
 There were no distinct paths, no area of grass which seemed to have been pressed down by the weight of any human or animals, no trees which opened up ways for him to take. Therefore, Xavier went straight. For a moment, he considered getting a dagger to mark the trees but instinct reminded him not to damage things which did not belong to him. The Southern Forest certainly was within the Kingdom, but even Xavier could feel that that might not have been quite so true.
 Birds sang songs of welcome to him, splashing the once silent forest with delightful music, echoing throughout the space, weaving between the leaves. The sides of Xavierâs lips tugged up at the melodic notes which clung to the air. Â
 Continuing along in one direction, Xavier gradually noticed the atmosphere around him changing. He wasnât lost. No, he definitely wasnât. They had only walked straight along, there was no way. If they wanted to return then all they had to do was turn around and continue to walk out into the forest. But he didnât want to, not yet. He needed to see that there was nothing dangerous here.
 With every footstep, grass and small buttercups, daisies and dandelions were crushed under riding boots and hooves. To his right, the sun which slowly dipped into the horizon was still bursting with light, burning into his retinas. Gold and fiery honey-coloured rays, warm with the late spring air still probed through the woods, casting dark shadows on the ground which danced along the forest floor. Looking up, Xavier noticed birdsâ nests built upon the branches and in this light, low hanging cobwebs â which were luckily out of his way â clung to twigs and bushes around. Around him, berries grew on the luscious scrubs, dotting green with red, yellow, black, blue, orange; he wasnât even aware berries could be so colourful!
 Though no path had led the prince to a circular grove, he paused. His mare neighed, shaking her head, silver hair waving with the motion. Patting her neck, he guided the animal towards a thick tree and tied her to it with a smile. Here, the birds had stopped with their songs. Xavier supposed they had walked quite the distance in that case. Now all which lingered was the comfort of the evening glow, a soft whistling of wind and somewhere in the forest, he could hear a stream. One day, he considered, he would return to see where it lead to.
The grove was small, grass tickling his ankles and rocks placed around the area conveniently as if they had been placed there deliberately as seats. Vines twisted and hugged the branches, roses bloomed and thorns prickled the bark. No one lived here, the prince knew that, but all of the nature seemed to have its place. Walking around the grove slowly, he studied with curious aqua eyes how the leaves above almost completely covered the area, refusing to let any light in. Little streams of light, he supposed, would be lucky enough to break through the myriad of leaves and let just a peak of illumination to brighten up the dark grove. For now, it was bathed in an orange glow from the setting sun in the West. Ceasing his walk, Xavier closed his eyes.
 His mare sniffed a few times in the silence, curiosity getting the better of her as she dug her hooves into the dirt. Goosebumps appeared on his arms as the warmth on his right contrasted with the cooler left arm. Perfumed scents of flowers and berries decorated the air. No more birds, but the melody of rustling leaves, scurrying creatures jumping from one branch to another and chatters of woodland creatures.
 There was something about this grove which began to lull him into staying. Surely a few more minutes wouldnât be a problem, would it?
 As he turned and opened his eyes, they were attacked.
 A gust of wind shot in his face. Too late, Xavier had raised his arms to protect his face and he cried out in pain as the particles pierced his eyes, searing them.  Grains of sand and dirt settled in his eyes, making themselves at home and poisoning the prince.
 He stumbled forwards, almost tripping on the roots of a tree. The distressed cry of his horse alerted him that she was far away from him. Xavier hissed, a gasp of pain coming from his lips as his knuckles desperately try to rub away whatever was in his eye. It makes it worse; his eyes feel like fire, and all pain he had ever experienced could not have equated to this. There was no water, he couldnât wash it out!
 Xavier swore, reaching out to see if he could grab onto something, anything at all which would give him an indication of where he was. Blackness clouded his vision, tears dripped out yet whatever had blown in his eyes remained. His mare tugged on her reigns, rearing up on hind legs and trying to break free from the ties in order to help her owner.
 Crying made it worse. The pain dug through his eyes, as if a rusted needle had been inserted, slowly, precisely into his eyes, popping the retina until the tip was just able to scratch his skull. An agonising groan tore its way through Xavierâs throat, and he threw his left hand out again in a feeble attempt to grab something. Luck had returned to him as his fingertips scraped along the cold, rough bark.
 Stumbling over, his eyes still shut, Xavier supported himself on the tree, leaning on it and breathed heavily. He did his best to not focus on the pain in his eyes. His cheeks were stained with the tear paths and yet, he continued to cry. Xavier was thankful that no one was around to see that. With his back to the tree, Xavier slid down until he was at the base, his backside landing on soft grass. He couldnât stand â he was too tired. His head spun and the lack of vision only made him more uncoordinated.
 The prince would not make it back for dinner.
 Summing up all of his will, Xavier tried to pry his eyes open but he couldnât lift his arms. They felt as if they had been chained with lead to the forest ground and even now, he found his breathing was slow. Shouldnât he have been panicked? This was all too strange! With one final push of his own will and strength, Xavierâs eyes fluttered open.
 The princeâs eyes were bloodshot, pink and puffy. For him, Xavier couldnât see anything but greens and browns blending into each other and for a second he thought he saw his mare with a person approaching her. The dark silhouette was smaller than his mare, and judging from the distance, Xavier guessed smaller than him too. His jaw relaxed and he opened his mouth to cry out to the stranger to help him and to leave his mare alone â the prince demanded it!
 A croak barely made it out and the stranger paid no attention to him.
 Only his own breathing was heard in his ears. Until his horse despaired.
 Leaves attacked one another, rustling together as if trying to become the loudest. The birds sang their reprise of shrieks, deer and boars cried out in fear and hundreds of animals ran away. âNo,â Xavier thought, âcome back, thereâs nothing here!â Of course there wasnât. He⊠He was safe. Even though he had been warned. Why didnât he just listen?
 A scurry of feet over his leg and small squeaks drew Xavierâs attention.
 The mice which ran over his trousers caused shivers to shoot up his body. Xavier wanted nothing more than to draw back his legs but they remained lifeless and heavy on the ground. His vision clouded and the stranger was gone. His mare tugged on her reigns, trying to run off again.
 It was barely night but the wolves were out. No doubt they were close enough that Xavier would be reduced to hunting meat for the cubs. How easy would it to be for them to tear to pieces an immobile human?
 So all the myths may not have been so imaginary after all.
 He did something he never thought he'd do.
 Xavier closed his eyes and gave up.
 What was the point? His body had been somehow rendered weak, too heavy for him to even lift his arms or open his eyes. It had happened before - the prince would be training until a wave of tiredness would overtake him and the physician would force him to sit out for a while until he regained his strength. Doctors from all over the country had come to see the prince but whatever this was, no one knew. Xavier brushed it off, claiming he was fine because he was. Whatever was 'wrong' with his body, he wouldn't let it hinder him.
 Xavier's breathing became slower, jagged and his lips were cracked. He shivered.
 Something rough slid across his throat. Xavier wasn't able to protest as his body lay still. The cold rope-like thing glided along his wrists as well, binding him to the forest. Maybe the forest really was alive after all. They tightened, digging into his neck and Xavier choked, tried to cough as it became increasingly harder to breath.
No longer could he hear a thing, not even the distraught cries of forest animals nor the howl of wolves or the neigh of his horse. Was he dying? Dead? With the remaining threads of strength which Xavier was desperately clinging onto, he managed to lift his eyelids ever so slightly. It provided him with a small line of navy, highlighted with the light grey of his mare which was now standing still. She seemed to have her attention by something. His gaze weakly slid over to the right to see what it was which had changed so it captured her attention.
 His eyes widened in surprise, jaw slack when he noticed it too. The silhouette had returned.
 He wasn't that far away from his mare, and though it was dark, surely they would recognise him! He was royalty and even if they didn't know that, who would leave a hurt young man on the forest? His light hair would have stuck out in the night should it have not?
 No one was there. Of course there was no one. His tiredness was getting to him. Internally, Xavier cursed at himself and his body for suffering now. It had never happened before and now there was nothing he could do about it! He was by himself, isolated from the world.
 Hadn't it always been like that?
 Yes. The prince was loved by his people. Or rather lusted after. Girls and boys alike swooned at his appearance. Attention was given to him like the air he breathed but there had always been something missing. Though popular with the citizens and the royal guards in his palace, he needed to have someone around who treated him just like any other person rather than be nice to him simply due to the status he held. There had been people like that before but now, he realised as he was left dying on the forest ground â they had all abandoned him.
 Was he not good enough for them?
 The first had been Jason. The son of a Lord who accompanied his father when it came to the trading affairs of their country. Their families were still close and Jason had been the first person, except for his sister, who would not be wary of showing their true personality in front of Xavier. He was lively and understood that all the prince needed was someone his age to have fun with! It had been a delightful few years; Xavier had enjoyed his company and even from a young age, they would sail together, ride together and sometimes even go fishing in the sea.
 He left with a bottle of poison in his hand, alone in his bedroom at the age of twelve.
 Kaspar, though he was still here had provided Xavier with a challenge. A boy who had visited with his younger sister and was rather shy. Xavier found that soon enough, when the boy met the palace dogs, Kaspar was more than happy to start opening up more. As they grew up, they became closer and Xavier had decided it was safe to say that they were best friends who practically told everything to each other. This was especially helpful when Kaspar had approached Xavier in confidence concerning the topic of liking the same sex. Xavier assured him that it wasn't a problem, that there was nothing wrong with him, or bad, or evil, no matter what the dreary old council claimed. Their views were ancient, just like them. For once, Xavier felt as though it was finally going to be all right - Kaspar would stay with him and they would visit each other every summer! And when they both became kings they would continue their strong bond.
 Kaspar left with a ring on his finger and the fourth son of a foreign king at his side.
 No doubt Kaspar would only have political arrangements and wedding plans now. They had hardly seen each other since the engagement party and though they still wrote, their letters were not as long nor as frequent as they used to be. Sure he was busy, but Xavier wondered why Kaspar couldn't give him a little more effort?
 Hell, even one of his best knights, Walter, had recently left. One of the more carefree and happier knights, he had remained oblivious to how he was supposed to 'go easy' on the prince - then again, Xavier enjoyed the challenge, Of course, he had not left out of spite. His talent was only short of Xavier's, the prince even almost submitting to him a few times. That talent did not go unnoticed and he had been sent to a training camp west of their Kingdom to train up the young Knights before they were set to be brought into the palace to protect the royal family.
 Xavier did not know when he would be returning.
 Even his closest family, his sister, was becoming increasingly buried under kingdom politics as her coronation approached. It would happen, with or without a spouse. Princess Zara would rule the kingdom and she was incredibly suited to do so.
 No doubt, if he asked his citizens and the council, people both in and out of the palace would throw themselves at him. Xavier was pretty but he was not stupid. They would do it because he was handsome and a prince; it had happened on numerous accounts before. Now, all the prince wished for was someone to know him and to stay.
 He was a person, not a prize!
 Perhaps dying would be okay.
 There was once a prince, curious and yearning for a natural and true bond. His looks blinded those who wished to use him, never seeing below the surface. Brave and courageous, the young man ventured into the forest but like the others he was lost. Prince Xavier, once surrounded by loyal and loving citizens as he paraded through the streets on his mare now lay in silence beneath an old willow tree, the branches broken. Once he had everything at his fingertips, would be brought anything without question with just a word. Now he had no help and his voice was lost. All was quiet except for the whispers between the willow's branches, the final breaths of life leaving his lungs and rustling of his leaves.
 Maybe his mare had escaped and left him too. With a smile, the prince passed out.
 There was once a boy who had the world, but he was so alone.
 Or rather a creature of small stature, playful nature and enchanting aura. Spending sunny afternoons and drizzly dawns walking through the woods and caring for the creatures. He passed time by observing and creating, playing and healing.
 Mud coated his feet, slipping between his toes and protecting them from the rough ground. Leaves and flowers still remained in his chestnut hair since that morning when his younger sister had wanted to make them crowns. Small scratches from thorn bushes and the more aggressive animals left little marks on his skin, but the boy paid no attention to them. Though human in his features, the boy possessed the magical abilities of woodland nymphs which had existed long before you and I. He had seen many summers and winters pass in his lifetime and this year he would experience his twenty first summer and with it, his maturing ceremony. Declan felt it was coming too soon.
 As he knelt next to an injured deer, he smiled with lips as pink as peaches, eyes as bright as burning wood and hands as soft as rose petals. The animal was scared, its body tense and eyes wide and innocent. Declan put his hands up in surrender, slowly bending his back so he was eye level with the deer, staying still and keeping movement to a minimum. He wasn't sure how long it had been, but eventually, the fearful waves mellowed into acceptance and Declan's smile grew knowing he was no longer a threat to the set creature.
 Crawling over, he managed to put his hands over the broken leg. The maroon swirl markings on his arms seemed to pulsate to the beat of his own heart, the dots which lined it glowed dimly and he bit his lip, concentrating on fixing the broken bone. The animal let out a soft cry but Declan gasped, making sure that he would heal and simultaneously take its pain. He didn't want to hurt it.
 The leg snapped back into place.
 The deer turned its head away and Declan knew it was better now. He breathed heavily, wincing at the pain, it was not something he hadn't done before but the deer was young and pain was relative - it hurt the green creature more than it would have an adult. Yet Declan had vowed to protect creatures of all sorts, whatever the age in the forest he lived.
Reaching into the satchel which was slung across his naked chest, he too out a blue flask of honeydew and brought it to his lips. The liquid instantly replenished him and he replaced the cork stopper and returned it to the bag. Searching for a small pouch, he drew it out and untied the string, bringing out crystallised berries. Declan had been experimenting with his magic and potions as of recent and brewed them for a month just so they could settle under a full moon. Hopefully it should just help with making the deer feel like new life. Or at least a new leg with no past injuries. Pouring some out into his hand and offering it to the young creature.
 The deer lapped it up quickly, licking at his hand for more of the sweet taste. The young nymph's laugh illuminated the forest, squirrels and rabbits and birds all froze to listen to the fleeting but gleeful giggle. The deer thanked him by nudging at his cheek, tongue licking his skin affectionately. Declan raised a hand to pat its head before waving as it ran off, no doubt to join its parents.
 If it got lost, Declan would know.
 With his work here done, Declan sighed and looked down at his hands, stained with blood from the injury. Poor deer must have been traumatized by it. At least it hadnât been so bad that the baby had passed out. Brushing off the dirt from his ripped shorts, Declan looked up to the sky and decided that he had a few hours before nightfall. The wolves would call him home when the time came. Really, their calls were for the small children to advise them to go home but he was allowed to be out at night if he wished!
 He might as well go get some food.
 The forest was filled with many streams which all trickled out into a larger river and into the sea not far from here. The river, however, ran fast and forceful through human territory. He was not to leave the forest, no one was. Humans were too much of a threat to their abode.
 As he approached the clear stream, the rushing of water filled his ears and the earth beneath his feet became rocky when he was closer to the bank. Sitting down, Declan crossed his legs beneath him, Indian-style and lifted the strap of his satchel over his head, accidentally knocking some daisies out of his hair. The bag was placed next to him and he opened it up to draw out his weapon. Wrapped in dark leather, he unsheathed the dagger.
 Clear as the stream which flowed in front of him, sharp as the winterâs wind and glowing with the vivacity of spring, Declan was forever proud of the first weapon he had forged. Yes, it was small, but it did the damage he needed it to, when he needed it to. It was no longer than his forearm, only an inch in width but the blade was sharp and smooth, curving at the tip.
 Before he started to fish, he had to clean those hands of his. Leaning over the rushing water, he dipped the bloody hands in and watched as red leaked into the river, rushing down and swimming between rocks before it diluted into the dirt. Declan wiped his hands on his shorts and was satisfied with the newfound cleanliness. Hazel eyes glanced up to the sky, a hand shielding his eyes from the sun. From where he was sitting, it was the perfect area for warmth to wrap around him and provide light for collecting food. Fish swam in the water. Though they were slippery, Declan would be able to collect them. Getting up, he walked towards the reeds which sat in the water, snapping them and flattening them against a rock. They were still green and moist from their life in the water. Declan frowned.
 He collected a bunch of flattened reeds and placed them on the rock. With his left hand holding them down, he used his right to bed placed over the ends of them. He closed his eyes.
 Carefully, he concentrated on drawing out the water. The two dark marks which banded around his wrists darkened, his fingertips became wet and he lifted his right hand away. With it, a trail of water was drawn from the reeds, making them dull and yellow. Dried up.
 He let the excess water drop back into the river with a splash.
 With the reeds dried, he returned to his spot on the bank and crossed his legs under him again. The reeds were placed to his left where they would have room to do as they needed to. Waving his hand over them, he watched carefully as the reeds rearranged themselves, slowly but surely weaving in and out of each other. He stayed watching, focusing as it formed the base and even more so when the reeds started to bend upwards to form the shape of the basket.
 Since that seemed to be coming on well, Declan smiled.
 He uncrossed his legs and let them dip into the cool water. The stream was disturbed for a moment and the fish around the area scattered. Smooth rocks at the bottom cushioned his feet as the rushing water peeled away the dry mud around his toes and on his heels. The contact of cold water caused goosebumps on his skin. Though his presence had scared the fish at first, the next lot which came downstream didnât pay him any attention and continued to swim. Good!
 Grabbing his discarded weapon in his right hand, Declan reached into the river with his left and grabbed a fish, clinging onto it with magic so it wouldnât slip away. It flopped wildly in his hand and as soon as he brought it out of the stream, the water splashed in his face. Without hesitation, Declan reached to its neck and sliced it open.
 The fish twitched, then stilled.
 Blood leaked from the wound. He placed his knife at the tail of the fish, blade facing away from him and began to scrape off the scales, careful to not get any on him. The scales flicked off, landing in the area around him and in the water, causing ripples to explode. Once that was done on both sides, Declan inserted the dagger beneath the fish, prodding around for the soft area before he drew it down the stomach and opened it up. Pushing the fish back into the water, he was careful to wash out the organs, discarding the bones behind him and cutting off the head. He threw it into the basket which was now being reinforced with another layer of reeds.
 Or at least he hated killing them. It was just so messy! Yet, fish were in abundance for their civilisation and it was easy to hunt. Declan sat for another hour, picking the fish and killing them, cleaning them out and throwing them into the basket. He looked over to see a just under a dozen fish there and decided that they could probably smoke and preserve some for the next day or give them away to any friends who might want to come over for dinner. That was enough. Declan cleaned his weapon in the water, drying it on the grass and ceased the magic which was weaving the basket. Before Declan left, he grabbed an empty vial from his satchel and filled it with the river water. He had a lot of it at home, but it was always good to prepare. He draped the satchel over himself again and began to head home.
  His satchel bounced against his right leg and he carried the reed basket in his right, pressing it against the side. The fish did still stink a little but it was better since he had washed out all the organs and de-boned them as best as he could. He glanced to the West to see the setting sun. The placement of the sun in the sky indicated to him that he still had time before he was needed at home. Therefore, Declan glanced around, as if afraid of being caught and dashed off the path, diverting into a different direction. He walked a little faster, careful not to let any of the fish fall and noticed his surroundings changing. Instead of flat grass and wild flowers and little creatures scurrying around, deer appeared, undisturbed by his presence. Berries of all colours sprouted from the bushes and birds flew down to grab food for their children.
 Declan stopped in front red berries: guilder rose berries. Carefully, he picked some off. Beside them, orange-yellow berries of buckthorn grew. He took some of them as well and wrapped them both up in a cloth bag from his satchel. Just in case, he took more of the red ones, in case his sister wanted to use them for baking in the next few days. Looking over the bush, he spotted a family of deer, recognising the baby one with the newly healed leg. Declan gave it a wave and the deer rejoiced in seeing him, making a small noise of ecstasy. It ran over, and the magical boy laughed as the animal nudged at his side. The parents tensed to see their child run off and Declan suspected it was the mother who came after it. She was worried, protective of her fawn. Declan crouched so he was beneath her, head bowed and eyes to the ground until he heard the parents give an approving noise. Declan rose again with a smile and approached them without fear of hostility.
 The family of deer had discovered a berry bush. Blackberries mainly, and blueberries grew nearby. Declan carefully took some, gently placing them into his bag so they wouldnât be crushed. No, he would need to do that later! Looking around, he tried to find some flowers which he would need for later on. Yellow daffodils and red tulips sprouted from the ground and with a slight reluctance, he cut the flower heads off. It was a shame, but they would grow back soon enough.
 This was enough for now.
 As he approached the desolate area, far from any animal home, Declan smiled at the familiar setting of bluebells swinging in the soft spring winds. A field of them surrounded him, leading him to his cave. The blue heads swayed, bells ringing with a welcoming song which he had grown accustomed to. Though their colour was exquisite, he knew better than to cut them and use them for his paints. There were a myriad of other flowers he could do that with. The entrance was sealed with his own magic, so only those from his bloodline or those he had granted permission were allowed in. Grabbing his iced dagger, he made a cut on the back of his left hand, wincing a little but then let the blood drip onto the ground in front of the stone which blocked his path.
 Slipping the dagger back into his satchel, Declan placed his right hand over the wound, healing it as he walked into the darkness. The boy was used to this surrounding and but it never did hurt to have a bit of light. Just as the boulder closed again behind him, he flicked his (now healed) left hand to the centre of the room, a spark leaving his fingers.
 The flame erupted, glowing and burning brightly. The candle released lavender oils, warmth and light. It was enough for now.
 The large cave had been his sanctuary for years. He had managed to create a bed made from cotton and supported on a timber for himself, a blanket sewn from colourful wool and a large workspace. The flame illuminated the pictures of seas and skies from what he had been told in stories more than his own experiences â anything but the forest. Storage was comprised of woven baskets, much like the one he had now with the fish. Stone bowls and glass jars stopped with cork lined the side surface.
 He placed the food on the ground for now and opened his satchel as he approached the stony surface.
 Tipping it over, the contents tumbled out. Blue, yellow and red flowers bounced delicately on the cold stones but the berries in little bags landed with a heavy thump. The vials rolled out, filled with honey, honeydew, water matured over a month beneath moonlight, the newly collected water from the river and another from the hot springs, still burning in the glass. Declan arranged them for spell-making, healing potions and lastly, the flowers and berries for his paints.
 Most of the tavern was rather organised except for the mess on the floor. Items from travellers who had lost them before they were captured or ran away. They werenât anything fancy, not to Declan, but they fascinated him. A book or two lay open, pictures inside depicting castles and battles, though the boy had yet to understand this concept. Simple cutlery, forged from iron lay out of the way as he believed them to be weapons of sorts. Jewellery made from silver, sometimes gold, had been lost in these forests but the sparkle of them in the sun had caught the curiousness of Declan enough so that he might start collecting them. Among the other unknown objects to him were a locket, unopened but inside containing a picture of a small family, a wooden hairbrush once belonging to a young child and a compass.
 Declan went to work with the berries first, smashing them up in the rock bowl in order to secrete the vibrant juices. Discarding the skin of the berries, he poured the juices into another rock bowl, watching as the crimson juice of the red berries ran like a waterfall and pooled at the bottom. Once done, he sprinkled turmeric and mixed it into the paint. Satisfied with the mixture that it resembled a similar colour he already had, he poured it into the jar filled with his red paint.
 Declan crouched down, inspecting the area beneath and was delighted to find empty jars. From the vials of water he had collected before, he filled the empty glass half full with the water, then dropped his collected flowers in them. At first, only the red ones we're soaked, but after contemplating with a small frown on his delicate lips, Declan threw the yellow in too. Perhaps they'd make a nice orange, like the sunset! Sealing the glass again, he held it in his hand and warmed it up, heat radiating from his fingers. The glass grew hotter between his touch, but Declan wasn't hurt. The colours leaked from the petals, swirling between the bubbles which were beginning to float up in the water and Declan knew it was time to stop. He only wanted to extract colours for his paints! He would add the rest of the mixture tomorrow to give it a thicker texture but for now, the water seemed more red than orange. Though it wasn't the colour he had imagined, he couldn't complain - it was still beautiful.
 Declan placed it with his other paints which he had been making. One of them, the royal blue, was coming along nicely. Declan imagined he would only have to wait a few more hors, if not another day, until it was ready. Blue was his favourite; luckily, the flowers bloomed all year round and they were always different shades. It reminded him of how the sky changed colour with every hour and the sea which sang whenever it crashed onto the shores.
 At least, that was what his paintings depicted. Declan sat on the stone ground, legs crossed beneath him and arms behind him, supporting him when he sat back and inspected his old art. Most of this wall was of the night sky, stars scattering it shown by the silver, gold, white dots. The red moon overlooked it all, bleeding light onto the dark waters beneath. To the left, Declan had painted cliffs and with it, waves and sea foam kissing the sides before they were snatched apart again.
 He decided he didn't like it.
 Still, before he repainted that, he would have had to have a lot of paint first.
 That was a task for another time. His parents would be wondering where he went. Picking up the basket from where the stench of fish was coming from, Declan grabbed his satchel and exited his cave, extinguishing the light a flick of the wrist. Once more, his sanctuary was plunged into darkness.
 Luckily for him, the sun had yet to set. The setting sun spread a lilac glow across the summer sky that evening but Declan was forced to walk away from it. Instead, he entered another part of the forest. Silence settled around him and hardly any wind guided him through the trees. Instead, he caught a glimpse of a bright green glow, like a fleck of a flame before it disappeared. He laughed. Declan turned to follow it as it appeared again and disappeared just as quickly.
 Green will-o-wisps showed he was close to home.
 If any human happened to stumble across this part of the woods, without guidance, the forest would decide to help them leave. Yet for Declan, they helped him and any other fae find home. Eventually, the will-o-wisp disappeared for the last time but Declan no longer needed its help. In the distance, the stream flowed slower through these parts and he found the pair of Ash trees standing next to each other. A ring of mushrooms stood like awaiting soldiers around the pair, encircling them.
 He looked like he was alone.
 Declan stepped between them.
 Right before his eyes, civilisation emerged. A bright bonfire crackled in the centre of the clearing, people chattered and sat around the dancing flames, an orchestra entertained and provided lively music on lutes, violins and cellos whilst young children ran with the butterflies, their bright laughter almost as bright as their glowing marks ringing through the songs. Everyone had them. They were young and so were not able to control them just yet, but the marks they bore spiralled up their arms, or maybe their legs, some on the side of their faces. Others had jagged lightening marks, burned into their forearms, around their ankles, along their fingers. A rarer pattern that Declan had noticed, which he had himself too, were the straight, block markings which didn't seem elaborate at all. Sometimes they were accompanied by a dotted pattern which followed the lines, but other than that, they were rather simple.
 Everyone had some kind of marking, sometimes a mix of all the designs, but they all had one thing in common.
 All markings were brown. No matter the skin tone, the markings were always a shade of brown which stood out against the skin.
 As they grew older, it was taught that though difficult, disguising markings was something fae were able to do in case they ever chose to visit the human world, or for some, to lead humans back to their own world lest their home be disturbed.
 The bonfire granted colour to all surrounding huts and dinner tables which were laid out under the fine silk canopies. He expected his parents might have gone out but they would have sent him a message if they did. Though he would have loved to join in the fun, he carried the basket of fish and disappeared within the maze of houses.
 It took Declan a while to reach his large house. Unlike most, it was made of stone, thought to have been built by their ancestors. Few in their colony had stone houses. He entered, announcing his return and was greeted by his younger sister running to him, slender arms wrapping around him. His father, no doubt, was still in the office, but his mother came out from the kitchen and greeted him with a kiss on the head. Giving the smelly fish to her, she made a jokingly exaggerated face at the stench before thanking him for the food. She tucked a piece of sandy hair behind her pointed ear and called after his sister to help her prepare it for dinner whilst ordering her son to clean up and get ready.
 Declan complied and lazily sauntered up dark wood stairs to his room, bolting it shut. The satchel dropped onto the floor and Declan collapsed on the bed, falling asleep instantly.
 Magic could be draining, especially when he used so much of it in a short day. A rest would replenish his health. One of Declan's legs was hanging off of the bed, mud sticking to his feet and his head turned to one side with his chestnut hair tangled up on his pillow. As he drifted deeper into sleep, the markings on his legs began to appear again.
 Healing animals all day was exhausting already, but hiding the emerald markings on his legs at the same time was worse. Usually, Declan wouldn't have bothered but today he had been especially self-conscious of the green marks which swirled and danced around his ankles, twisted up his calves and travelled up his thighs, settling in a spiral on his hips. They looked like vines.
 Most fae had brown markings, but Declan's vibrant viridian ones marked him as a noble.
 Declan never wanted to be treated differently just because of what he was.
 The nap was quick and soon enough, Declan awoke to the scent of smoked fish which had entered his room through the open window. His mother must have decided they were eating outside that night. Declan groaned and pushed himself up off his bed. Groggily making his way to the bathroom, he washed his feet to rid them of the mud and then his hands for dinner. It wasn't until he was putting on shoes did he realise what was different. The sight of his markings which had appeared on his legs made him whine and he buried his face in his hands. Before he was able to curse his own body, a shout from his father announced it was time to eat.
 Instead of taking the stairs, Declan glanced outside the window to confirm his suspicions. Enya was setting the table, and once she was finished, began playing with a small ball of fire which she had created and let it bounce around in her hands. His father, Cabhan, was sitting at the table already, but wasn't paying attention. Cabhan hadnât lived many years yet was already placed on the council along with his wife, Kyla. Before Declan joined them, he glanced between the members of his family, especially his parents and wondered how they could be so different.
 As Enya lit the candles around them and the ones on the table, his mother brought the plate of smoked fish onto the table, her olive skin illuminated by the burning candle. She called Declan once more, voice soft, sweet and articulated. She smiled, the happiness reaching her hazel eyes, identical to Declan's own. His father looked up and huffed, ordering him in a strict manner to come down instantly.
 Enya laughed as Declan jumped from his window, landing lightly on his feet on the grass. He smiled and ruffled her hair as he went to sit down at his place.
 For the most part, dinner seemed to go on smoothly. His parents discussed the latest events at the council meetings and how Declan had been invited to help coordinate the mid-spring celebration. His father didnât seem overjoyed at this suggestion but as it had come from Kyla, Declan knew that as long as she approved, that was all that mattered. After all, the green markings which ran down her neck marked her as a noble too. His father, on the other hand, didnât have any of the green marks which the rest of his family did â Cabhan had worked hard to prove his worth to the higher nobles, did his best to be of use to their community and before long, shown himself to be a valuable member of their society. They both had a seat in their council, but everyone knew his mother outranked his father, both inside and outside council matters.
 Kyla had always supported Declan, and he was always grateful of that.
 On the other hand, his father still had an authoritative voice and was a well-respected man. Logical and reasonable, he hardly let his emotions get the better of him when coming to decisions.
 As dinner was coming to an end, the conversation of what the children did that day came up as a topic. Declan despised being called a child. His twenty-first birthday was approaching â he was not a child anymore! Especially since Declan could tell by the tense look in his fatherâs face, the way his lips tightened into a thin line and his hard stare was directed towards him, that the subject of tradition was going to come up soon. He hated this part.
 Enya, his sister who was six years his junior rambled on about her day; she spoke excitedly, her voice light and happy, short staccato words tumbling out of her lips about how she and Declan had entered the forest in the afternoon and he had helped her practice making flower crowns. They had crowned themselves â Kyla joked that their real coronation would be a lot grander than flower crowns in a forest â and tended to some lost animals. Soon, Declan had sent her off to her lessons in The Apothecary for healing lessons. Declan himself admitted to spending the rest of the day in the forest, not meeting his fatherâs eyes when he told his family.
 Cabhan scolded him instantly.
 Declan didnât need to listen to know what his father was lecturing him about. Declan shouldnât have been spending his free time in the forest with the wild creatures, (Declan was glad his cavern remained a secret, even from his sister). No, the young fae had to learn about his magic, study the techniques and how to control and become strong. In his own opinion, Declan was already stronger than the majority of their society; like his father, he worked hard! It wasnât just his magic, it was learning about the people in their tribes, how politics worked and he should have been sitting in the council rooms with his grandparents to learn how to unite and rule, just as all his ancestors had done so.
 You must choose a mate.
 Declan refused. He didnât want to marry anyone! Though dinner hadnât officially finished, Declan wanted nothing more than to run away but was rooted there by his fatherâs cold stare. Declan didnât care. He couldâ he could definitely hold his own against his father like this! Kyla had her hand on Cabhanâs arm, quietly informing him that perhaps it wasnât the best time to bring up the subject of a unity now. Declan had wanted to scoff. His hands were fists on the table, his teeth clenched and jaw tightened. The markings around his wrists felt hot to him and it became difficult to calm the beating of his heart. The blood pounded in his ears and his eyes held a spark of danger, his irritation seeming like it could explode at any given moment.
 Declan was still young! He didnât want to be joined to someone forever, especially when he knew. He heard the whispers about him and noticed the curious stares whenever he wore shorts and forgot to disguise his markings. No one wanted to really get to know him, no one was truly interested in him. No one wanted him, only his strong family name and the magic they possessed.
 It was a stupid tradition, in Declanâs view, but the ruler of the tribes was only a ruler once they had joined with someone so they could carry on the family name and powers.
 In a fit of anger, Declan spat out that Enya, though younger would be a far better ruler. He didnât see why they couldnât wait a few more years until Enya decided to choose a mate for herself. His sister was a sweet girl, pretty even though she was still young but Declan knew she would grow up to attract whoever she wanted. She had her motherâs charm and her fatherâs confidence â Enya was a born leader.
 Though Enya seemed to be pleased with this prospect, sitting up straighter in her seat and chest puffed out proudly, their mother instantly interjected that Enya was still learning how to control her magic and also, second-born.
 Declan resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Whatever his parents said, whatever they did, he was not going to mate with anyone this yeah, even if he had to break the tradition. For him, there was no point in joining with a mate if they knew nothing about you!
 The fire beside them crackled in the tense silence, a warm glow on the side of their faces. Kyla reached over ad put a hand over Declanâs. Cabhen remained silent, knowing that if anyone could convince Declan otherwise, it really would be Kyla. It was never him, it had never been him.
 According to Kyla, some mates forced together for a political marriage or an arrangement eventually fell in love. Declan snorted, knowing that if that happened, then for him it would only end in a disaster. If he didnât get sick of his potential mate, they would get sick of him first! His parents were droning about something else as Declan started to glare at a dark spot on the wooden tables. It wasnât until Liamâs name came from Kylaâs lips did he look up, suddenly attentive.
 He could handle getting lectures about studying more. He could handle the topic of engagement. What he couldnât handle, however, was his own parents suggesting he get married to Liam.
 Did they forget? It wasnât even that long ago! Just because Liam came from a respectable family didnât mean that they would make a good match, no matter if politically it would be good.
 Declan hissed out the reminder of the uprising. His parents tensed, Enya shifted in her seat. Of course, Liam not only had attempted to be an active figure in the uprising against the authority figures in their community, but he had also kidnapped his younger sister. Declan didnât care that Liam had been excused, forgiven by the council due to his young age. He didnât care if he had been âinfluenced and lead astrayâ. He didnât care that Liam had seen the error of his ways, apparently.
 Without wanting to hear another word of his parentsâ ignorance, Declan got up and stormed back inside their large house. He hurried up the stairs, back to his room to get a shirt and his satchel, throwing in his weapons and mana in case he was out for a long time and was prepared to run that instant, back to his cavern.
 When he turned, Enya stood in the doorway.
 Declanâs rage dissipated in an instant.
 Enya had made another flower crown for herself, presumably with her friends. She stared at him with wide, innocent eyes, the colour of rich earth. Her eyelashes fanned out, dark and thick like the night which was coming and concern painted on her face. Enya was so much smaller than him, but only because she was still a child. She was just so innocent.
 That was why, no matter what the council said, Declan refused to have anything to do with Liam again. He would never forgive the bastard, especially because he was the one to find Liam with his hands on Enya. He would never forget Enyaâs distress, the way she struggled against him, her dress ripped and barely covering her, hours of tears marked on her face. So young, yet Liam didnât care. He was older, stronger, more aggressive and seductive.
 He had still been training then and he was supposed to have waited for help but he did not let Enya be harmed. It didnât take long to subdue Liam. Declan remembered the way blood caked Liamâs dark hair, triumph and malice in green eyes, despite being punched multiple times. Declan had made sure he stopped laughing with a final strike across the face. Anger and betrayal fuelled his actions then; the one he believed he could trust as a friend was only filled with evil and deception. He was not one to forgive and forget.
 That had been a year ago, but Enya seemed to be doing well. She still was scared if he was mentioned and Liam didnât try to approach her. No, instead he spent the past year proving to everyone he had changed and was truly sorry. Declan was no idiot, though. Liam, despite everything he was, was a patient fae. He could wait centuries if it meant he would eventually get what he wanted. It was only a matter of time before he rose to power again. With the suggestion that he wed someone like that, Declan already knew Liam had already begun whatever plan he was up to.
 Enya approached Declan and put a hand on his arm. She warned him to stay home but Declan refused. He kissed her hair, careful to avoid ruining her make-shift crown and leant down to smile. He would be safe, and she should be that night too. Besides, Declan was only going to spend the night in his cavern â he was going to be back by the morning.
 Enya eventually let Declan leave, and Declan only felt a small pang of sadness as he left his home. His parents, no doubt, would let him. Kyla especially understood his need for space. Even though he was running now, there was no way he could avoid the subject of engagement for too long. But he could try.
 Declan ran into the forest, the night providing little light except for the few moon beams which shone through trees and the stars which winked at him in the dark skies. Once deep enough and surrounded by the trees, Declan made his way towards the cavern, carefully listening to the soft calls of owls and the scuttle of squirrels. Even in the night, when all others rested, the forest was alive. A small wind wrapped around Declan and he was glad he had taken a shirt.
 Declan stopped, feet crushing grass under him and he looked around, straining to hear the sound again. The rustle of leaves above and the flowing stream to his right made it difficult, but it was there. That soft sound, melodic and gentle, like a motherâs first words to her newly born child. He knew what it was.
 Declan smiled and concentrated, letting the markings on his arms glow. From brown, the soft glow on his skin projected a golden light, the green marks on his legs producing silver. He waited, and soon the light encouraged the will-o-wisps to appear. One by one, emerald spectres, no bigger than the palm of hand appeared. Sometimes, Declan met them around this area and they would show him a new area of the forest he had yet to see or guide him to a wounded animal. They radiated a caring emotion, filling Declanâs heart with compassion and smiles.
 Tonight, he felt none of that.
 Instead, desperation and worry crashed onto him, making the fae stumble at the weight of the emotions. Declan wanted to ask what was happening, but the whispers grew louder, chaotic and even harder to understand. Their green flames burnt brighter, the whole area lighting up green. In all the havoc, one name was sung in his ear.
 Declanâs eyes widened, his lips twisted into a scowl and he drew his daggers from his bag. Instantly demanding for the wisps to take him there, he followed. The animals who were awake scattered at the disturbance as Declan ran, feet hard and heavy against the forest ground, twigs snapping beneath his feet, and the wisps leading him in front.
 As he got closer to the clearing, Declan could already feel the huge wave of depression. At first, he thought it to be Liam and for a second wondered why the wisps were so panicked at Liam being sad. Surely they wouldnât be like this? Then it hit him.
 Triumph. Victory. Evil.
 There was no mistaking those emotions were from Liam. A third wave of feelings hit him but they were animalâs ones. Declan slowed as the depression almost overtook him, nearly making him doubt himself too but shook it off. The third set of emotions were distressed, yet it felt like the animal wanted to help somehow, but was restrained.
 Declan hurried into the clearing, just in time to recognise Liamâs wavy hair, his back towards Declan and kneeling over a person. Declanâs eyes widened when he realised the person was not from their forest â he was human. A horse was tied to the tree, as white as the moon and knowing that he couldnât reach Liam quickly enough, he turned to cut the reigns which tied the animal to the tree.
 In an instant, the horseâs equipment slipped off her back. Liam turned his head to see the commotion, but was not quick enough to run nor was he able to hide his surprise. Declan himself gasped as wings materialised from her side, a pearly horn on her head. Before Declan was able to stop her, the Pegasus had knocked Liam to the ground, away from the human. She reared up, a battle cry was her shout as she stomped on the ground threateningly. Liam shrieked, curling up to try and defend himself but the blood-curdling shout from him as the Pegasus drove her horn into his shoulder proved that Liam was not going to be able to fight back.
 Declan ran over, easing the animal away and placing a hand on her neck. He noticed that her side was cut, no doubt from Liam and he turned to scowl at the whimpering and bleeding fae on the ground. His attractive face was covered in dirt and tears, blood pouring from his shoulder.
 How on earth did anyone think theyâd be a good match?
 In his hand, Declan spotted a knife. In the other, a vial. He glanced back at the mortal, noticing the small indent on his neck, though no blood was in the vial. The way he was dressed allowed Declan to deduce he was a noble in the mortal world, but if his suspicions were correct, he wasnât just a noble. He was a royal.
 Royals didnât enter these woods. Declan had made sure of that whenever he sent mortals back out of their forest, planting stories in their heads so that mortals would be scared to come back. The royals would be the ones to set the example, so of course they wouldnât come.
 Apparently this one did.
 Blood from a royal human and hair a unicorn. Two of the rarest material in the world, but Declan had studied this too. He knew what Liam wanted to do and he pinned him down, hissing close to his face. The ingredients were needed, essential even, to a spell Liam wanted to do. He was the one to tell Liam about it too â about the Enslavement.
 Declan spat at the fae under him, pressing him in the shoulder and smiled. Liam disgusted him. Not only was he so power-hungry and controlling, but he had seen that gash. How dare he hurt innocents? How dare he try to take the blood of innocent magical creatures? Declan grinned as he pointed out the creature bled silver. She was no horse. Declan giggled; Liam would be damned.
 Playfully, Declan sat up, asking Liam what he did to the human who was trapped by the vines. His tone was sweet, like he was simply asking the time of day. Liam knew better and tried to throw the heir of the tribes off, but Declan had no injuries, was faster than Liam and instead kicked Liamâs shoulder. The Pegasus whinnied, as if approving of the action. Declan sighed, shrugging and getting off of the vile thing beneath him. Hazel eyes narrowed, lips formed a frown and Declanâs aura changed entirely.
 Liam had never seen Declan like this. Like a king.
 Declan wasnât even in line just yet, but he would be one day. He had to learn how to control, give orders and make sure they were followed. Declan breathed slowly, and softly ordered Liam to return home. If he did not, he would bleed out and die, but Declan wanted to see his trial first. Scampering away and grasping his shoulder, Liam kept his eyes on his ex-boyfriend and disappeared back into the forest.
 Declan turned and froze.
 The Pegasusâ horn was millimetres away from his face. Declanâs breath hitched, caught in his throat. She thought he was a danger to her owner, probably. Realising that he still held the ice daggers, he dropped them and lowered his gaze, waiting for her to realise that he wasnât a threat. But she was strong, her emotions were raw and Declan understood how protective she was being. To his understanding, the boy had this Pegasus from a young age, but he doubted that she had ever shown herself to him. To him, she must have just been a very, very good horse.
 After what seemed like hours, the Pegasus stepped away and bowed to him, evidently showing she trusted him. Declan smiled; he reached out a hand in offering and she nudged against it. Beneath his fingertips, her coat felt clean and cold and she was immaculate. Once familiar with his scent, Declan reached into his satchel and opened up his bag of honey sweets. Often he gave them to animals in the woods if they wanted it, and he felt this Pegasus would appreciate it. Offering it up, she sniffed at the small cube before giving it a hesitant lick. Declan waited, hand outstretched for her and she gobbled it up, turning and poking at the bag with her blood-soaked horn for more.
 Remembering that she was wounded, though slight and had blood on her, Declan frowned. Great, now he had to look after her since Liam was idiotic enough to harm such a majestic creature. She seemed to know what he was thinking and stepped back, looking towards the human who was still lying unconscious, trapped against a willow tree and vines from the ground restraining him.
 Declan nodded and knelt next to the unconscious human. His knees were cushioned by the soft ground, and he stayed close. Even in the moonlight, he could tell this human was attractive, and Declan felt his heart race at being so close to a royal. He hoped he wasnât dead. With shaking breath, Declan raised his hand and put two fingers beneath the mortalâs jaw, searching for a pulse. A relieved sigh left his lips when he found it. It was weak, but it was there. He turned to the Pegasus with a smile, informing her that her owner would be fine. Instantly, Declan was hit with a rush of equal relief and gratitude, but he knew he had to help him before he tended to the animal. Pegasi were like that â protective and selfless.
 Curious eyes studied the mortal who had come so far into the woods. His eyes seemed inflamed and Declan could guess that Liam had used a poison which slowly shut the body down. It was meant for travellers who threatened the forest, not for curious young men who wanted an adventure. The poison entered through the eyes and amplified any illness or disease a person might have before attacking the rest of the body â it was supposed to hurt a lot! He knew exactly what he needed. In addition, Liamâs magic seemed to have improved with the vines which restrained the mortal. Seeing as one of the thick vines were tight around the blondâs neck, Declan got up and retrieved his dagger from the ground.
 The Pegasus tensed and blocked his path, protecting her owner when she saw what Declan was doing. She was loyal, but Declan assured her she could watch and that he was not going to harm him. It was the same dagger he had used to set her free, after all. She knew that. When he was granted access to the royal, Declan knelt next to him again.
 First, he cut the vines from the blondâs wrists, freeing them and letting them fall flat. Dark red marks had formed on them already. Next, Declan gently placed a hand on the young manâs neck. Stubble scratched against his fingers and Declan smiled a little. The smile was stolen, however, as soon as he realised how cold the man was. With the utmost care, Declan held his dagger at an angle and cut away the vine. It fell away, revealing his pale throat which was scratched by the movement of the vines. Declan leant closer and noticed the dry specks of blood. With a sigh, he placed a small hand over the scratches and healed them.
 Declan retracted his hand and placed them on his own thighs. His eyes flickered up to study the human, his breath stolen away now that he was looking at him properly. He was sickly, incredibly so and now Declan figured out that the depressive feelings which were so strong it almost broke into his own emotions were coming from this person. How could he have withstood the poison for so long? If that poison affected the mind and infiltrated it with vile thoughts too, then it was worse than Declan could have imagined. He was pale, but his body suggested he was usually stronger than this.
 There was something about this human, and it wasnât that he was noble. He looked around Declanâs age, or older but not by much. It was already evident he was taller than Declan too. Now, as he lay on the forest ground, supported by the strong hold of the tree, Declan could tell that had he been healthy, he was likely to be attractive.
 Declan had a few moments to himself, watching the young man rest, his breathing a lot less laboured than it had before. Behind him, the Pegasus was silent again, watching carefully. There were no other sounds around them except for the soft breaths of the unconscious man.
 The fae raised a hand. He placed it on the blondâs cheek, cupping it gently in his hand and frowned. A shock of icy cold shot up his arm. Sure, he was alive now, but for how long? His hand slid down slightly until his thumb could reach the mortalâs lips. He traced over them, the rough, cracked flesh making him wince. What would they be like if he were healthy? Declan could find out.
 With his other hand on the blondâs shoulder, Declan leant forward and kissed his cheek.
 Warmth radiated from Declanâs lips and flowed into Xavier. It was as if the prince had been given another chance at life and he breathed with a little more ease. Colour flooded back into the blondâs cheeks and when Declan saw him again, he instantly looked healthier. Declan could already feel his body healing, though he knew it would take a few hours with this poison. From his satchel, he brought out a bottle. He held it to the moonlight to check it was the right one and when he saw the primrose flowers in there, he grinned. Primrose soaked in ocean water with a few drops of dew, stored under two full moons â it would heal anything.
 It took a long time to make and so Declan was glad he had some with him. He would just have to create some more when he got back to his cavern! For now, he eased the humanâs jaw open and opened the bottle cap. Helping him, he made the young man drink some of the liquid. The antidote would begin to work instantly, but still, he was mortal so it would be a few hours before he got out of his system. That would deal with the poison in his body.
 It was then that Declan realised the tears on his cheek. Reaching up, he wiped them away. If this person was crying, then Liam may have used too much of the poison. His eyes must have hurt. The antidote dealt with the poison in the body, but pain in the eyes, that was something else. He knew they would be fine eventually yet Declan didnât see a reason why he couldnât help now. A moment later, Declan pressed soft lips to the space between the strangerâs eyes and allowed some of his magic to become a healing power.
 When he woke up, they would feel a lot better.
 Since he was there, Declan decided to check him again, like he would with an injured animal. This royal, at least, looked a little healthier than before already. Declan placed his right hand over the strangerâs heart, the left on his forehead and instantly drew them back. Something was wrong with him, and Declan wasnât able to tell what it was yet. He looked healthy enough but Declan knew he wasnât.
 Risking it again, Declan placed a hand over the mortalâs heart. He winced but didnât pull away. His heart was hurting, but that wasnât the source of the pain. Declan slid his hand up and the pain got easier to tolerate. Therefore, he knew the painâs source came from somewhere else â something else wasnât right. His hand travelled down the manâs body and soon enough, the pain became almost unbearable. As much as he hated using this technique to find the source of injury, it was the most effective one.
 It was the area just to the left of the stomach as Declan looked at his chest. There was something there which wasnât working and he knew that the antidote, though strong, might not help him in the long term. His magic, however, would.
 Declan withdrew his hands, rubbing his hands against each other. He would have to guess where to heal. This wasnât a small animal either, this was a real human! Praying to the old and new gods, Declan braced himself for the pain as he placed both hands above the area he had just found. He gritted his teeth together and let his magic work.
 The markings on his legs glowed brightly, white and pure, but Declan ignored them. Instead, he focused on the marks on his wrists which were burning brightly like the sun in a summerâs day. The light pulsed and the magic flowed from his veins into the humanâs body, healing whatever was wrong in that area. Declan felt the sweat form on his forehead as he felt the strain on the magic; whatever this was, it would have caused the man a lot of pain in the future if he wasnât helping him now. That thought alone got Declan to carry on with the procedure.
 His arms dropped at his sides. Declan panted, cheeks flushed and chestnut hair stuck to his face. He ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back and smiled. At least whatever was hurting this man now no longer was.
 Declan smiled, knowing that the mortal would be okay now. The young man was curious, he could sense that much. Behind him, the Pegasus nudged his back and he looked behind him, a tired laugh escaping his lips. Thankful feelings radiated from her and Declan told her it was no problem. He could tell she greatly trusted and approved of him and part of him knew that because of this, she was in good hands.
 For now, he had to rest. The man wouldnât wake up for hours now. He asked the Pegasus if she was willing to take him out of the Southern Forest, to which she bowed. Declan assumed that that meant she would. In the meantime, he sat back, hands in his lap and wondered which story he should put in the manâs mind.
 He conversed with the Pegasus, even though she didnât have to reply to him. Which story would he choose this time? Perhaps the word of a royal would stop people from wandering in. The first story was about how the forest was alive, how when the mortal walked through the forest could hear the breaths between the branches. The mortal would have seen how the forest controlled the creatures, watching him with eyes in the trees. The forest had welcomed him with scents of summer fruits, pulling him in with the vivid sea of flowers. It was Declanâs favourite, and because the mortal had experienced the forest come alive with Liamâs dark magic, then of course that would be the most fitting. The Pegasus nodded in agreement.
 The second was about the wild animals which â if they caught a scent of you, they would â yes, eat you alive! There were werepeople in the forest, who would seduce and devour mortals. Animals were feral, not to be approached. No one should even dare approach the forest itself.
 The final legend he liked to implant into peopleâs minds was that there was an immortal guardian, faster than lightening, quieter than the first fall of snow in the winter and more lethal than a blood-thirsty commander going to war. Anyone who trespassed would be slaughtered. Those lucky to escape would be damned forever. The guardian would follow you home, leaving their precious sanctuary, entering theirs and destroy whoever was present, just as they had destroyed the guardianâs peace in their home. He liked to call that a twisted version of himself!
 Pegasus seemed to disapprove of that one.
 With a sigh of defeat, Declan spun another tale, gazing up at her. He asked her what she thought about the following: the one with the guardian of the forest who rescued the lost boy and returned him to the kingdom. He would not think he saw anything except for that he became dehydrated and passed out. The Pegasus seemed to be happy about this one instead but Declan was still torn. This mortal would never know who had helped him but no doubt, he could sense he was curious. He would not wipe his memory.
 Once he was feeling replenished enough (he had a feeling it was the Pegasus who helped him out there), Declan got up and asked her to look after him. Before he left, he tilted the mortalâs head back and let him drink some of the honeysuckle liquid he still had. Hopefully that should repel any bad spirits, or worse, Liam. He would come back and help her out of the forest later on and then decide which story to plant in his head. For now, he needed to go back to his cavern. If he were to fully heal his eyes, then he needed more ingredients to create a salve. Whilst he was there, he needed to pick up things to help heal the gash on the Pegasusâ side, he explained. Both would eventually be fine, but Declan wanted to make sure they were definitely going to be all right. With a gentle pat on her hair, he left them alone, trusting that the Pegasus would protect the boy.
 Leaving them in the clearing, Declan hurried off back to his cavern.
 Usually, Declan was aware of all the life which was around him. The whispering of the will-o-wisps, the eyes in the trees, the joy of the creatures as their drifted off into their dreams but now, all the young fae could think about was the mysterious mortal who happened to stumble so close to their society.
 Declan had an urge to wake him, wait for him to see him and assure him everything was all right. Maybe not all humans were dangerous; if a Pegasus trusted him, then it was a good sign. Especially since she was so loyal to him too. She must have seen that the mortal was pure at heart! Not to mention, he was particularly handsome. Now that the human was no longer in any immediate danger, Declan had time to think about his appearance. Despite Liamâs attempts at harming him, Declan had helped him to recover and the man was the most attractive human he had seen. A defined jaw, sweet lips and luscious hair, Declan imagined he probably had a partner already.
 But he still couldnât shake the sense of curiousness he had felt about the man. Telling him about his own world would be a bad idea, Declan knew. No matter how attracted the fae was to this man, he was a human. Humans were greedy. If he ever found out about the true nature of the forest, of the people that lived there, then no doubt he would bring a party to return and hunt.
 Declan protected the forest, no matter what.
 A small creature with a playful nature and an enchanting aura. He spent sunny afternoons, drizzly dawns and lonely nights walking through the woods and caring for the creatures. He passed time by observing and creating, playing and healing. Though human in his features, the boy possessed the magical abilities of woodland nymphs which had existed long before you and I. He had seen many summers and winters pass in his lifetime and this year he would experience his twenty first summer and with it, his maturing ceremony. Declan felt it was coming too soon.
 He didnât want to be brought into the world of politics and royalty, but rather enjoy his time with what he loved and had spent years learning about in his spare time. No longer did he want to be confined to the society he grew up in, but rather teach others about them and leave the forest. Most of all, he did not want to become engaged with anyone who wanted to use him.
 There once was a boy who understood the world, but had no one to share it with.
 Luna light trickled through the trees. The summer air was sweet once more, the night calm and augmented with the occasional notes from the owls which kept the forest moving and alive. A gentle breeze brushed against the leaves and whispered between the branches. Declan couldnât help but smile as all he felt around him was the familiar and comforting emotion of relaxation. It was almost like everything was back to normal.
 The one anomaly to the myriad of things happening in the forest was the bright and intense tie that was pulling him back to the clearing. The mortal was still unconscious, of course he would be, yet his emotions were drawing Declan closer to him like a moth to a flame. Even asleep, the mortalâs emotions were incredibly strong.
 The clearing allowed the moonlight to reach its full potential and the fact it was a clear night made it easier for Declan to see. His feet gently pressed down on cool grass. He was careful not to crush any of the small daisies which were dotted between viridian blades. The leather satchel he carried now contained all he needed for looking after this Pegasus and her human. The Pegasus greeted him with a soft neigh to acknowledge his presence and the brunet smiled. He approached her, raising a pale hand and her warm nose nuzzled into his palm.
 Asking her to remain still, Declan withdrew a clean cloth from his satchel and a roll of cloth which would be used as a bandage. Firstly, he poured clean water over her wound. Though it wasnât doing her any harm, the wound had yet to stop bleeding; Declan noticed the flow wasnât as fast as he had expected. Pouring some of the water on the cloth, he cleansed the wound and placed his hand carefully over it. With a hesitant glance at the Pegasus, Declan closed his eyes and concentrated. The magic flowed through his veins and left his fingertips. Slowly, the wound closed up and when Declan removed his hand, it almost looked flawless. Almost. With a sigh, he took the bandage and carefully wrapped it around the Pegasus. At one point, he had to jump in order to get it around her back and he could have sworn that she snorted at the fact he wasnât able to reach. She didnât need a bandage, but if she was to return to the mortal world, it would be better if the humans saw that she had an injury given the bandage. Perhaps the injury had thrown the prince off of his horse, knocking him out until the morning. Yes, that would be a plausible story.
 Declan tied the makeshift bandage securely and pressed a kiss to the area above the wound. The Pegasus turned to affectionately nudge the fae and caused him to laugh, bringing his hands up to pet her head and assure her it was nothing. He was a guardian, after all. He wet the cloth with water again and requested that she bend her head. Once she did so, Declan gently wiped the blood on her horn away until it was reflecting the silver of the moon once more.
 Walking away from the Pegasus and allowing her to rest on the grass, Declan knelt back next to the mortal. He stared, watching him take his slow and steady breaths. Being so close to him here made Declan feel his emotions clearly. The man was in a state of deep sleep and would probably remain like that until late morning the next day. He was not cold, but he was comfortable now that he could breathe again. Declan never realised how sweet the sound of even breathing could be. There was no longer any sadness around the man and Declan was glad of that. He hoped he would never feel that sort of pain again â no one deserved that.
 Declan took out a small jar from his satchel. Inside, a soft brown paste, only used a couple of times filled the jar. He flipped the lid open and the earthy smell floated out. Declan dipped a finger into the mixture, a thin layer of it coating his skin and he smoothed it over the mortalâs eyelids. It took only a few seconds for the salve to soak into his skin and Declan could already tell that his eyes were improving. The pain would be gone in a few minutes and when he finally awoke, Declan suspected his vision would have improved too if it was not already perfect. Hopefully it wouldnât arouse any suspicion. As soon as he announced he was done, Declan got up and returned to the Pegasus who nudged him back in thanks.
 Taking some of the honey sweets from his bag again, he offered it to the Pegasus who chewed it out of his hand gratefully. She deserved it for being so cooperative after all! Declan snickered at the wet lips tickling his palm.
 On the other side of the clearing, Xavierâs hand twitched. He groaned.
 Declan stopped laughing, the silence instantly settling around him.
 Xavier had no idea where he was. Declan, on the other hand, frowned and removed his satchel, letting it drop to the forest ground. Xavier had heard the sound and tried to tense, but his body wasnât reacting! Declan watched, approaching him cautiously as the muscles in the manâs face began to twitch. That was strange⊠he shouldnât be responding to anything right now. Yet, Declan could feel the rush of his heartbeat, giving him away that he was indeed conscious now. Confusion settled around the blond and Declan stopped in front of him. There was at least a metre between the two.
 The Pegasus noticed the interaction and trotted confidently towards her owner, leaning down and nudging him. Declan smiled at her friendliness. It would be good to have someone familiar around when he awoke after all. Xavier groaned again and frowned. His eyes fluttered open.
 The night hid many secrets. Darkness concealed truth and only the small spots of light would guide you. Xavierâs only source of light was the moon shining down on him. He hadnât even remembered how he had gotten there! Wasnât he supposed to be back at home? That was when the blond noticed he was no longer alone in the clearing.
 The figure standing in front of him blocked the moonlight, making him seem like a dark shadow. At first, Xavier believed him to be an attacker, but the person was calm and was unarmed. There was no immediate danger. It was afterwards that he realised that was not the only source of light.
 At his eye-level, the legs of the figure in front of him had bright glowing emerald markings. They were unlike any light he had seen before: it wasnât searing like the summer sun or bright like a full harvest moon. No, it was gentle and warm, and it didnât hurt to stare. His fascination was broken, however, when said person crouched down and smiled.
 Declan stared at deep blue eyes, more beautiful than any gem he had found on his travels. He kept his distance and tried not to be intimidating but was still hit with a large wave of confusion and anxiety; could he blame him? The man just woke up in a strange forest after being poisoned (which he probably didnât know about yet).
 Xavier gaped at how young this man looked. Though his cheeks didnât hold the chubbiness of a child, his skin was flawless and he stared at him with large brown eyes, full of curiosity. The man had a cute button nose, chestnut brown hair which was painted with streaks of honey brown due to the moonâs light and hazel eyes which studied him. Pink lips, soft-looking and plump stole the princeâs attention and he couldnât help but stare for a few seconds. Xavierâs gaze trailed down, drinking in the image of pale skin marked with swirling tattoos. The man was wearing a loose shirt and from what Xavier could tell, he had a small and lithe figure. The legs were muscled but not as large as his own. He supposed the stranger was shorter than he was. Xavier was enchanted.
 He opened his mouth to ask who he was, or why he was there but only a rasp escaped. A flush filled the princeâs cheeks but the man in front of him simply chuckled. Declan noticed that the blondâs lips were still cracked and by the sound of it, his throat was definitely dry too. Taking a long bottle, Declan removed the cork and raised the vial to Xavierâs lips. With his free hand, Declan placed his hand beneath Xavierâs jaw. Xavier felt a shudder as soon as Declan did touch him. Still, this stranger was trying to make him drink something. He wasnât going to do that! Therefore, the blond kept his lips sealed shut.
 Declan rolled his eyes at the humanâs stubbornness. He pressed the glass once more to dry lips.
 âItâs just water.â Xavierâs lips parted enough for the cool liquid to slide down his throat. The man had such a sonorous voice, sprinkled with a charming accent which made Xavier want to listen to him talk all day. âAre you feeling better now?â
 Xavier tried to move his arms to push himself off the ground. His limbs refused to move. He glanced down at his hands â hadnât they just been tied up with vines or something? The last thing that he remembered was being tied to the tree. Were the rumours of the forest really true? âWhoâŠâ Xavierâs voice was a whisper. He looked around, frantic when he realised he was unable to actually move his head. Only his face for now. âWhere am⊠whatâs going on?"
 âDisorientated. Iâm not surprised.â Declan knelt down beside him and helped the blond to take another sip of water. âYou recovered quicker than I thought you would⊠You need to drink though, I believe youâre dehydrated.â He was more than just dehydrated. Declan knew he was curious, scared, fascinated and excited. Though he had always been taught to implant false stories into human minds when a human did happen to spot him, this one was just too interesting for him to let go that easily.
 Xavier still had not gotten his answer, but before he could ask again, his horse judged him and wet lips were pressed to his cheek. Declan smiled at the animal's affection, raising a hand to pet her nose.
 "Valkea?" Xavier croaked. Unable to move, Xavier could only manage to glance over to his horse and gasped at what he saw. That⊠that wasnât his horse! It wasnât even a horse! Large white wings were folded at the horseâs sides, powerful and strong even when they werenât in use. A long horn on the top of her head shone in the moonlight, the point threatening and precise. This was too much to take in.  Nothing made sense to the prince anymore. Yet the Pegasus responded positively to the name. Xavier gaped as the realisation dropped in his stomach. This horse he had had for years was no horse. This man in front of him wasnât human. Did this really mean the forest wasnât just an ordinary forest? How could their city, so rich in knowledge, never have known the wonders of this little world? Curiosity, fear and wonder all mixed within the prince as he continued to stare at Valkea. Warm fingers on his chin snapped him back to reality and in a moment, the cold glass was at his lips again. This time, Declan didnât hesitate in helping Xavier drink the water, and Xavier didnât resist.
 âValkea.â Declan repeated softly. âThatâs her name?â
 âYes.â Xavier confirmed, feeling a little better now that he had drank. Still, the blond had no idea whose company he was in anymore, let alone where he was or why he couldnât move. He knew he should have been scared, panicking even given that he was basically helpless and completely vulnerable â two things he hated to be â yet something calmed him. Somehow, Xavier knew he was safe. âMine is Xavier. What is yours?â
 âXavier.â Xavier swore his heart skipped a beat, just by hearing the stranger speak his name. The voice was sweet, childish almost and unlike one he had ever heard before. The way he sounded it slowly, watching him with beautiful hazel eyes as if his name was more than just a name caused Xavier to keep his gaze on the stranger. Declan smiled. âDeclan. My nameâs Declan.â
 Xavier repeated the name, returning the smile which Declan gave him. He seemed nice enough, and at least he wasnât trying to kill him yet. âWhat happened to me?â he asked. Part of him wasnât sure if he should have trusted Declan but given that Valkea didnât seem to be as distraught as she had been before, and he trusted her instinct. Speaking of her, âAnd Valkea? What happened to her?â
 âSheâs a Pegasus, always has been. You didnât know.â Declan wasnât asking him. Xavier frowned.
 âHumans are dumb,â Declan murmured under his breath. âYou deny it even if sheâs right in front of you? For whatever reason, sheâs very loyal to you because sheâs choosing to stay a pet rather than be free to do whatever she wants. At least acknowledge her for the beautiful and wonderful creature she is.â Declan lectured, his smile dropping into a scowl.
 Declan put away the bottle of water and watched Xavier, his eyes flickering across his face as if trying to take in every little detail of his face and for once in his life, the prince felt as though he was trapped behind a looking-glass, being criticised for any and all faults he could have possessed. Even if they werenât visible, he had a feeling Declan could see right through him. âYou need to calm down,â Declan assured him. âYouâre safe now. My friendââ
 âGet better friends.â
 âWell, he isnât my friend,â Declan defended, hands up in surrender. Why had he called Liam a friend in the first place? He was a traitor! âJust someone I know. Anyway, he attacked you and your Pegasus. I⊠I found you here, tied up and really hurt. Valkea wasnât happy either, so I just helped you out. You will still be immobilised though, I⊠I healed everything else, but I couldnât do anything about this.â Declan explained. âItâs a slow acting poison and I only managed to remove the life threatening properties. If you had stayed asleep, then you would have been fine by morning. You still will be thoughâŠâ
 âBullshit,â Xavier snorted. âIâd know if I were poisoned!â
 Declan groaned and slid a hand over his face. This prat was insufferable! He had just asked what had happened, Declan gave him a straight answer yet he still didnât believe him. Idiot. How much could he reveal to this human? If he ever changed his mind, Declan was sure that he could just erase the mortalâs memory. âYouâre not going to believe thisââ
 âMy horse has wings and a freaking horn! Itâs amazing, but I think Iâd believe most things now.â Xavier decided. He was about to cross his arms over his chest when he remembered the muscles in his arms didnât want to work for some reason. Declan sighed.
 âYeah right,â Xavier rolled his eyes. Declan fell back on the grass, landing on his behind and groaning in defeat.
 Declan turned his head to look at Valkea who Declan just knew was finding this whole ordeal incredibly amusing. âYou stay with this guy?â He raised an eyebrow and ignored Xavierâs offended outcry for now. Instead, he slowly glanced at Xavier as if he werenât really worth his breath. âYouâre dense.â Declan pushed himself back up from the grass so that he was sitting closer to the human.
 âHey now, thatâs rude!â Xavier frowned. Sure, this stranger was incredibly attractive and had a lovely voice which came from lovely lips and he generally had a lovely everything, but the one thing he didnât have was a lovely attitude.
 âSo are you! Iâm trying to explain and you keep interrupting, prat!â
 âAnd itâs magic!â
 The two glared at each other, deep forest brown meeting the raging ocean blue. Valkea whinnied to get their attention, her hoof stomping at the ground and instantly Declan broke the gaze. He listened carefully and closed his eyes.
 âI win!â Xavier began to gloat before Declan reached over and clamped a hand over his mouth. Xavier tried to protest but his arguments only came out in muffled sounds. What the hell was going on now? Declanâs eyes shot open and his aura stilled, becoming serious.
 âWeâve got to leave. Now.â Declan stood up. On one hand, he could cast a spell to disguise the human so that anyone or anything which passed by wouldnât even know he was there. But he wasnât sure how effective that was going to be. There was only one place he could think of where they could get to safely, avoiding the impeding danger. And hide the Pegasus, of course. The wolves wouldnât hurt him or Valkea; the human on the other hand, he wasnât too sure. He was a stranger to the forest and most definitely didnât belong. The animals were incredibly territorial over their land. Whatever happened, it would not end well for Xavier.
 Declan looked over to Valkea, wondering if sheâd be able to carry Xavier on her back. Her saddle and riding equipment lay on the other side of the clearing and though he supposed he could leave it there, if it was discovered by someone else, they may have started asking questions. With a sigh, Declan crouched down to look Xavier in the eye.
 âCan I pick you up?â
 âAny time you want,â Xavier smirked, giving the other man a wink. Declan stared blankly at him, looking over to the Pegasus for help. Valkea snorted, as if laughing at him but Declan still didnât understand. Xavier sighed, wanting to shake his head. âLook, you can try but I donât advise it. You look small and weak, no offense!â He added quickly as Declan scowled. Really, the more that the mortal talked, the more he was tempted to leave him there. âDonât want to break your arms, baby.â
 Declan snorted. âIâm not a child!â Declan jumped up from the grass, his feet landing softly on the ground again as he went to pick up the saddle and reigns. He studied it for a moment, trying to recall how he had seen the saddle on the back of the Pegasus. Declan let his hands slide over the strips of leather and sighed in defeat, placing it on Valkeaâs back, just behind her wings. He trusted her to not let it fall off. It was light enough, wasnât it?
 Declan stepped in front of Xavier, a scowl on his face. âI wouldnât be doing this if I didnât think there was a high chance you could die tonight.â Before Xavier could ask why Declan was suddenly being so cryptic, the brunet bent down and, using his magic to assist him, managed to scoop the blond up in his arms.
 âHey!â Xavier yelped as Declanâs arms were placed behind his knees and on his back to support him. This was how he saw people carry their brides! Surely enough, there was a better way to carry him, wasnât there? Before he was able to protest again, Declan cut him off with a hateful glare.
 âShut up.â Declan closed his eyes and listened, letting himself feel the wolves which were fast approaching. They were hungry, wanting a hunt and ambitious. He knew they wouldnât hurt him but wolves were not creatures he wanted to tame. Opening his eyes, Declan looked around, grinning when he heard one soft note of a familiar song.
 âWhat was that?â Xavierâs heartbeat was beating rapidly in his chest. Declan knew he was scared, no matter how he acted. He was a brave person, trying to deny it he supposed, but he put any irritation aside and smiled down at the blond. Xavierâs heart skipped a beat and now his pulse was racing for a whole other reason.
 Declan shushed him and led the way, indicating for Valkea to follow as the wisps guided him back to his cavern. âYouâll be all right, Xavier,â Declan assured, keeping his eyes on their way through the forest. âIâm taking you back to my⊠my hide out. Iâve never taken anyone there before, so donât tell anyone, okay? Keep it a secret for me?â
 Xavier couldnât really argue against this, especially since he was still paralysed from the neck down. So he nodded, turning his head and watching in fascination as the forest lit up with the little emerald fires. Yet, they didnât burn, they sung. Declan didnât seem fazed by it at all. In fact, he felt rather at home with it.
 âTheyâre will-o-wisps. Spirits which can guide those who are lost. Theyâre helping me get back to my cavern without bumping into any wolves.â Declan revealed when he noticed Xavierâs curious stare. He knew he was right about this human â he wanted an adventure, something to keep him interested all the time. What better than to wander into the mysterious forest? âWeâre almost there.â Declan occasionally looked over his shoulder to make sure Valkea still followed. She seemed to be happy to be in her true form once again and Declan was just glad she was comfortable with herself, if only for a night. Tomorrow, he would help them leave the forest and maybe forget everything. At least, Xavier would forget everything. He would see to that.
 Just as they reached the outside of the cavern, Declan placed Xavier down gently in front of the large bolder. The bluebells surrounded the blond, a group of them forming an arch around golden hair and Declan sniggered at the sight, imaging how a bluebell crown would be nice for him though he knew better than to pick at them.
 Xavier lay, watching Declan withdraw the dagger from his bag. Though Declan didnât seem worried or anxious, another hit of fear punched him in the gut. What was that dagger even made out of? Even in the darkness, Xavier could see the moonlight gleaming off of the translucent tip. âDonât be so scared,â Declan said, not looking at him. Xavier gasped, holding his breath when Declan slid his finger over the blade, stopping at the tip. âIt isnât for you.â
 Declan, without another word, sliced the back of his hand so blood began to drip down his pale skin. âWhat are you doing?!â Xavier panicked. He wasnât going to kill himself or something was he? This wasnât part of some fucked up tribe ritual, right? Declan shook his head and kept calm, knowing it would help with the mortalâs own troubled emotions.
 âNice to know you care, but Iâll be okay, take deep breaths. This is a lot to take in, I know.â He smiled. Reaching out, Declan let his blood drip onto the ground near the boulder.
 Declan cleaned the blade on the hem of his shirt and slipped it back into his satchel. Xavier was too busy staring at the rock which had moved by itself to question anything else. Valkea lowered her head, peeking into the cavern to inspect it. However, given the darkness of the night, there was hardly anything else other than a dark abyss glaring back. âItâs bigger inside, you can stand in there or stay out here tonight.â Declan offered. Valkea didnât seem to like the idea of the cavern. Instead, she settled outside, curling up in the grass and closing her eyes. Declan smiled and approached her to pet her nose. She neighed softly, approving of the gesture.
 Just for good measure, Declan placed a hand on her forehead and muttered a protection spell for her and on the area so that they wouldnât have any unexpected visitors in the night.
 When Declan picked him up again, Xavier didnât hesitate to look back at his sleeping Pegasus. âGoodnight Valka, youâre my best girl!â He would have to get used to her looking like that, unless she somehow turned back into a horse. Either way, he still loved her but did want to know all about everything that had happened that night. Declan nodded at her before disappearing into the cavern. It was too dark to see anything, but Declan didnât need it. The green markings on his legs still gave off a gentle silver glow, especially since he was using so much magic to give him a bit more strength. That was enough light for his own eyes, but maybe not for Xavier.
 âI hope you donât mind the dark,â he teased, just as the boulder closed behind him. As he was warned, Xavier braced himself for the pitch black darkness which was lying ahead. Once they were deep enough in the cavern, Xavier dared to look around a little more to see if his eyes had adjusted. They hadnât. Desperately wanting to ask Declan about the events of that night, he was placed gently on a soft surface. âYouâll stay here tonight.â
 Declan groaned, rolling his shoulders and stepped away from the bed. Even with the additional help of magic, this guy was still heavy and Declan was glad to get him literally out of his hands.
 Declanâs heart picked up instantly.
 He looked around to see what kind of danger there might be. There shouldnât be anyone in here, but the darkness hid everything. Not wanting to alarm Xavier, he quietly reached for his dagger, body tensing in preparation for an unexpected attack. Something was nervous, panicked. Good. Whatever it was, it should be â Declan didnât want anything whish wasnât supposed to be in his cavern to be anywhere near it.
 Xavierâs voice shattered the concentration. âYou wonât leave me, right?â he said softly. The brunet stood up, the dagger still in hand as he looked over his shoulder. Was⊠it Xavier?
 He turned and twisted his hand around. Flicking his wrist, a spark was released and hit the main candle, then sending sparks to the rest of the ones hung up on the wall.
 Immediately, the flames illuminated the room.
 Orange and yellow splashed onto the sea and stars painted on the stone walls, casting a warm contrast to the cool colours. The bed was situated to the left of the cavern, one side against the wall. Xavier winced at the light but it wasnât enough time to hide how pale he had become. There had been no nervous threat, nor was Declan agitated himself â it really had been Xavier.
 Though Declan wanted to ask why he was so scared, he too was curious about the fact this humanâs emotions were potent enough to interfere with his own, especially since it obviously had a physical effect on him too. When he opened his mouth to ask, he stopped himself when he noticed that Xavier wasnât even look at him.
 Xavierâs gaze was distant, and the firelight reflected in clear blue eyes filled with wonder as if this was his first time in the presence of the flame. On the wall next to the bed, the night sky met the navy blue of the ocean, highlighted with seafoam splashed against the waves. Shadowed ships sailed along the calm night sea and when the sea met the sky, the colours shifted. Moonlight reflected off the artificial ripples and the night sky extended across the ceiling of the cavern until the other side which became a dark abyss. Along the ceiling, purple streaks and silver stars augmented the makeshift sky.
 âYou did this?â Xavier asked, voice full of wonder and awe. He smiled, and this time, Declanâs heart jumped out of its own accord. âItâs amazing!â Nothing but giddiness filled the young prince now that he could see everything. The man who had saved him stood smiling, genuinely pleased with the small compliment. Surely he must have received them all the time, right?
 âYes, I did.â Declan crossed his arms, his eyes narrowed suspiciously at Xavier. âDo you like it?â Declan glanced at the paintings himself, though his gaze was soon drawn to Xavier again.
 Xavier wished he could reach out at touch the paint. It wasn't like the portraits in the palace which he was forbidden to touch; these paintings seemed to connect with him more, though the prince was never really considered art, this style was so new that he couldn't help but be entranced. âItâs fucking amazing," he breathed, "didnât you hear me say that the first time?â If only he could move his limbs, he would be able to trace along the brush lines.
 âDid I get it right?â
 That caught Xavier's attention again.
 âWhat?â He turned to look at Declan who was staring at the wall thoughtfully. Declan sighed, uncrossed his arms and went to sit on the end of the bed and pointed at the sea.
 âThe ocean,â he indicated, fingers on the painted wall, âdid I get it right?â From this angle, Xavier noticed the two black bands ingrained into his skin which wrapped around Declanâs wrist. His forearms had markings on them too â long twirling lines which wrapped delicately around him. Unlike the green marks on his legs, he noticed these were brown. Declan was staring at him, probably waiting for an answer. Xavier blushed at having been distracted by Declanâs body again.
 âYes⊠I donât seeââ
 âYouâre healing quickly,â Declan cut his sentence off. Xavier no longer had any physical marks on him which would have indicated he was hurt, but being so close to him, Declan was able to tell just how strong he was feeling. That, and earlier Declan had noticed his shoulders move the slightest bit when he was trying to reach out for his paintings. Whether Xavier had noticed or not, he wasnât sure. âStay still?â he requested. Xavier nodded. It was strange. He hadnât spent that long in the this manâs company yet since meeting, he had taken care of him and taken him to a safe house of sorts; Xavier saw no reason to not listen to him. Questions could come later.
 With gentle hands, Declan reached for Xavierâs left one. Xavier felt his stomach make a strange motion, as if there were butterflies but he wasnât uncomfortable. Instead, he realised his cheeks were heating up and he turned away as Declan closed his eyes. Still, Xavier couldnât help but steal a glance when he heard the brunet begin to mumble something under his breath. Declanâs brow was furrowed, he was frowning in concentration and his gaze never wavered from Xavier himself. The markings on his arms began to emit a soft golden glow and it was as if new energy was entering his system. Every nerve in his body began to be slowly awoken and it was now that he was made aware of the warmth around him, the firmness of the bed and the soft touch of Declanâs hands.
 Too soon, Declan let go and panted, face slightly flushed. Xavier was about to ask what had just happened but Declan beat him to it with an order. âTry moving.â
 âHey, are you okay?â Xavier asked. Declan nodded and waved a hand to dismiss his concern.
 âFine, just try moving!â Declan insisted, his glower enough to make Xavier frown. Wow, wasnât he moody?
 He found it was best to comply with the order, however. He didnât argue this time and closed his eyes, willing his limbs to move. At first, it was just his hand. A twitch. Just a small movement in his finger, but he did it. Xavier laughed and his chest moved with it. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Declan was smiling at him too, seemingly proud of him too. With a great effort (and Declan offering a hand), Xavier managed to push himself up on the bed. His muscles burned with the strength required and he hated it. Never before had he hurt so much! Wasnât he supposed to be strong? He had been in fights, been knocked down to the ground time and time again and he always got back up with only a few bruises or cuts. But now, he could hardly sit up. Xavier swore under his breath, his throat tightening at the thought of being so weak.
 Declan watched closely. It had worked. It had actually worked! Xavier was getting better. If that was the case, he didnât understand why he didnât look so happy. âYouâll be back to full strength in the morning. Iâm impressed youâre moving now.â He mentioned. âYouâre stronger than I thought.â Xavier laughed a little, the deep sound resonating in the cavern. Well, at least he was laughing! âStay seated. Are you hungry?â
 Xavier did as instructed, slowly trying to stretch his limbs and roll his shoulders. Though it took a lot of strength to do so, he managed to. They were small movements, really, but it felt so much better to move a bit more and feel rather than be completely immobilised. His body still felt lazy and heavy, but he was sure with a bit of rest, he was going to be fine. Declan seemed to believe that. Before he was able to answer the question, his stomach grumbled, telling Declan what he needed to know. Xavier smiled sheepishly but Declan simply smiled back. The brunet walked over to his stone counter and now Xavier could properly see the cavern. He had jars and paint pots, flowers and vials all scattered across the surface. There were also cabinets carved from wood, no doubt Declanâs own which he supposed held food or supplies of some sort. This reminded Xavier about the question he had been meaning to ask for a long time now.
 âSo, what are you and whatâs all this?â He gestured to the cavern. âWhy is my horse not a horse? Who tried to hurt us and why?â The questions popped up in his mind and slipped over his lips. Declan didnât even look back at him as he continued to search around for something. Xavier blushed when he realised where his eyes had wandered to and averted his gaze in case Declan turned around and realised he was staring at his ass. There was a gut feeling the man wouldnât be so kind to him if he did know.
 âI believe,â Declan began, fingers flitting over glass bottles for the silver elixir, âIâm what you call a fairy, but without the whole wings thing.â He stated. It was an obvious thing to notice that he didnât have wings. He had heard of the mortal whispers, the names they had given to his culture. âIâm not a mortal like you but Iâm not immortal, definitely not. I can die.â From his research, Declan had concluded his own lifespan was only a few decades older than the humans. After all, they had medicines that the humans hadnât developed yet and many humans fell ill. They didnât have the medicines for it. It was like Xavier himself! Declan was able to tell earlier if he had not healed his organs, the man would have lived a shorter life â he wasnât going to tell him about it though. Declan crouched down, frowning when he couldnât find the bottle. Surely he placed it here last time!
 âThis is my⊠place. Itâs a secret, and I like to come here to get away from my duties.â Xavier frowned at that. He understood what it meant to have a personal space where you could just forget about the world. âNo one but you and Valkea know about this now. No matter how close I am with someone, I will never tell them about here.â Declan was defiant in that decision, which only made the blond wonder why he was allowed to stay. Declan didnât seem like the type to try and kill him because of this secret! Right?
 With a sigh, Declan ran a hand through his hair and scanned the floor. âThe person who tried to hurt you. His name is Liam. Heâs a horrible, power-hungry but charming bastard. I hate him but he wanted your blood.â
 âTo make a potion. Youâre a noble. We can tell by your clothes, horse, looks⊠You need to have a royalâs blood to make a potion powerful enough to enslave our community, given everyoneâs powers and a lot of blood but I stopped him before he could. He didnât take any but he did try to. Iâll have to deal with him tomorrowâŠâ Declan realised with a sigh. Whatever, that could be left until tomorrow. For now, he had to look after Xavier.
 Xavier, on the other hand, gaped. How had he managed to throw himself into something like this?
 Declan crossed the room and opened up a trunk. This was the only other place he could have placed it. âValkea is a Pegasus. Nothing else, but sheâs very loyal to you. She must have taken a liking to you; Iâve never seen a Pegasus myself and Iâve never heard of one staying voluntarily in hiding for a human. You must be good to her,â Declan stopped searching for a moment to turn and smile at Xavier.
 Remembering the noise the mortalâs stomach had made, he ran back to the table, scrambled through his satchel and produced the bag of honey cakes. Just as he was about to give them to Xavier, he noticed the familiar bottle and groaned. Of course; he had given Xavier the honeysuckle when he was unconscious earlier. Putting the ambrosia down, Declan uncorked the bottle and took a sip, instantly feeling a lot better after the transfer of energy and strength. A nightâs sleep was all he needed now. He brought them both to Xavier, who stayed surprisingly quiet.
 âHere,â Declan offered the cake to Xavier, bringing it up to his mouth. Xavier blinked rapidly, not quite believing this was real. After all, there was a very attractive young man in front of him, with slender fingers and detailed tattoos feeding him something to eat? It was an offer, he knew, one out of his own choice rather than an obligation. âXavier.â Declan spoke his name, clearly and Xavier snapped out of his little trance. âDo you not like honey cake?â Declan lowered his hand but Xavier shook his head and opened his mouth again. Declan brightened and brought it to his lips.
 The moment Xavier took a bite, he noticed how sweet and fluffy the cake was. It wasnât dry like some of the ones at the palace, nor overly sweet or elaborate. Simple, yet addicting. The honey cake melted on his tongue, scattering the sweetness around his mouth. He gratefully took another bite and crumbs were left on lips until he licked them off.
 âThank you, by the way.â Xavier said once he finished with the cake and Declan fed him another slice. Declan shrugged, as if it werenât a big deal. Before Xavier could protest, a cool bottle head was pressed to his lips. It was the same one that he had watched Declan drink from and he lifted his chin up a little so he could drink. Xavier tried not to think about the fact Declanâs own lips had been there just moments ago. He gasped when he finished and licked his lips. âI mean it! Thank you. For⊠everything tonight.â
 âItâs all right, Iâm glad youâre better now.â Declan said. He slid off the bed and went to pack his things away so he would be ready in the morning. Laying out some breakfast for Valkea, he decided he would leave early in the morning to go look for some breakfast for the two of them before sending the mortal home. With his back to Xavier, he asked him, âWhat were you really doing in these woods? Hardly anyone ever comes here.â At least, hardly anyone ventured this far in. Most of the time, he found humans scared beyond their wits at the edge of the forest; some had even fainted!
 Xavier grinned, excitement beginning to bubble up within him. âI was just wondering if the stories were true!â
 Declan froze and looked over his shoulder. He raised an eyebrow, lip curling into a small smile. âStories?â He turned and approached the bed. Once close enough, the brunet climbed on and crossed his legs beneath him, leaning forward, eager to listen to the tales.
 âYes!â Xavier exclaimed. âDonât you know?â Everyone at home knew about the stories!
 Declan shook his head, amused.
 At once, Xavier began to recite the folk tales which he had heard for a few years now: the forest being alive and tempting people into their but keeping them forever; the animals which could take the form of a human and eat you alive and lastly, the guardian which would come after anyone who dared to disturb the peace of the forest. As he spoke, he managed to use his hands to assist him, making gestures to mimic feral animals and fainting humans. Declan laughed, a joyous sound which filled the room, at how his stories had twisted into something of a legend. Once Xavier was finished, he joined in with the laughter. âI guess itâs kind of ridiculous isnât it?â
 âNot at all,â Declan chuckled, a hand covering his mouth. âCreative, and do you believe any of them now that you know a bit more?â
 Xavier considered the question and bit his lip, he looked up at the ceiling and thought over Declanâs reaction to the stories. Whenever he told them to little kids in the palace or guests who visited, he was always given a shocked reaction or a snort in his direction at the sheer absurdity of the local myths. Declan, however, seemed to find it funny.
 âNot⊠entirely.â Xavier answered slowly. He narrowed his eyes at Declan, noticing his hazel eyes held a mischievous spark in them, the grin confident and smug. âYou⊠did you have something to do with this?!â It was a plausible theory! What if Declan was the one to make these tales up? That didnât make sense though⊠these stories were made from different accounts from different people, not spread like a secret from a nameless whisper.
 âNo.â Declan answered instantly.
 âBut you know something about them?â Xavier countered. Declan thought for a moment, but nodded.
 âYouâre not going to tell me, are you?â
 âNo!â Declan grinned. He was about to get off the bed in order to prepare a space on the floor so he could sleep nearby, but he was pulled back by another question from Xavier.
 âWhy did you ask me about the ocean?â
 Declan shrugged and saw no reason to lie. âI donât believe Iâve ever seen it.â
 Xavier gaped. The boy had never seen the ocean yet was able to paint a replica on it in a dark wall in some unknown location? That was incredible! How on earth had he been able to do that?
 âBooks exist, you know?â Declan smirked. Xavier frowned, looking slightly offended but Declan didnât seem to care. âIâve never left the forest to visit anywhere out of here, but there are a few streams and if you go east thereâs a river. The reflections at night on the water must be the same as the one on the sea, right?â Declan asked, as if looking for confirmation. Xavier only stared back at him, waiting. Declan sighed and pointed to the ceiling where he had painted the sky. âColour in this world is amazing. You think the night sky is a dark blue, but itâs not. Before that, itâs a light pink, like petals of a spring tulip. Then it goes purple like the violets. Sometimes itâs a lighter blue because itâs a bright night. Always, grey clouds will interrupt the night and silver stars decorate the background. So you can see the sky anywhere you want. But the water?â He gestured to the night time sea on the wall behind Xavier. âWater should be clear. Sometimes it appears blue. Itâs a reflection, itâs pure and beautiful. Itâs like a mirror that shows this world its own beauty!â Declan brightened, his smile as sweet and true as the words he spoke. âDo you understand what Iâm getting at?â he asked Xavier. He knew sometimes, he got a little ahead of himself when he was talking about colours.
 âYeah,â Xavier smiled. His face had softened and in the candlelight, he looked much more innocent than when Declan had first found him. He looked healthy again. âYeah, I think I understand.â
 âGood.â Declan grinned. All of a sudden, he was inches from Xavierâs face. The brunet had put a hand on the wall beside Xavierâs head to support himself and was staring at him directly. Xavierâs heartbeat picked up, a blush scattered across his cheeks and nose but before he was able to stutter out a question, Declan smiled and his voice was lost again. âYour eyes are what I think the ocean would look like.â He said softly. Declan was so close that his breath tickled Xavierâs lips. A shiver was sent down Xavierâs spine as the sensitive flesh on his lip tingled with the warmth. âA mixture of different blues I could only imagine.â Declan found the multitude of shades captivating, and the way the flame flickered in his eyes which produced a spark of orange in the iris. After a moment, he backed away and Xavier exhaled. âSorry, that was⊠a bit over the top I guess.â Declan rubbed the back of his neck and glanced away.
 âItâs okay!â Xavier assured in a hurry. In fact, he wouldnât have minded if Declan was that close to him more! âYou know,â he smiled and boldly placed a hand on the faeâs shoulder, âif you want, we can go to the ocean tomorrow, itâs not far from here!â Though he wasnât sure exactly where he was, he knew he only had to go south in this forest to reach the ocean! That would be enough for Valkea, especially since her reveal as a Pegasus.
 Declanâs lip quirked up a little, but it was bittersweet. âIâm afraid tomorrow, youâll have to go home. Your family must be worried about you. You need your rest.â With that, Declan turned to slide off the bed again. He still needed to get his own sleep space on the floor ready!
 A warm hand wrapped around his wrist.
 Declan tensed, looked back and glanced at the large hand which obscured his marks. What was he doing now? He lifted his gaze to Xavier and raised his eyebrows to demand an answer.
 âHey,â Xavier said, surprisingly softly. Declan relaxed and nodded. Xavier bit his lip and Declan didnât need his magic to feel the waves of embarrassment radiating off of him. âDonât leave me here,â he asked, âplease?â
 Xavierâs voice was gentle â such a contrast to his appearance, and his shoulders were slumped, his head hung. Something was making him feel insecure but even Declan couldnât tell what when he concentrated. Gently pulling back, he stopped when his hand was safely covered by Xavierâs and he held it, giving it a small squeeze.
 âIâm staying here tonight, I promise,â Declan said. âI told my family I was going to back in the morning anyway.â Of course he had a family which he would have to return to in the morning, but he never did specify when in the morning. He would have Xavier leave by noon and they would both forget about this whole ordeal (literally forget in Xavierâs opinion if everything went smoothly).
 âWhy are you leaving now though?â Honestly, Declan thought, he sounded a bit like a child! Nevertheless, Declan looked at him, making eye contact to show that he was serious.
 âIâm going to get myself another bed. Iâll be sleeping right next to you.â Declan nodded to the flat ground next to him. âRight there, okay?â
 Xavier shook his head. âNo, sleep with me.â
 Declan couldnât help but snigger and let go of Xavierâs hand when he realised what Xavier was saying. At the same time, the blond grimaced when he too realised the double meaning of his words. âT-That wasnât what I meant!â Xavier insisted. âI just donât want you sleeping on the ground, we can both fit in here, right? Please!â he pleaded again.
 Declan sighed, knowing that the sooner that Xavier got his way, the sooner they would get some sleep. After all, he could tell the guy was demanding and stubborn at times. âOkay, Iâll sleep here. Lie down first, I need to put the candles out.â
 One by one, Declan began to extinguish the candles by licking his fingers and pinching the flame. As he did so, Xavier followed the instructions he had been given and lay down. The bed was a little softer than the one he had in the palace, but it was better than the ground and it had a comforting feel to it. The pillow cushioned his head and he shuffled towards the wall so that Declan would have some room when he arrived. Xavier pulled the blanket up to cover himself, glad that it managed to cover the whole length of his body. Once comfortable, he turned his head to watch as Declan continued to put out the fire, the glow of the flames diminishing significantly. The darker it got, the faster his heart began to beat. He should have been safe, but who knew what could happen in the dark? Paranoia crept up as the light burned down.
 Declan paused, hand hovering near the final flame which emitted a spooky glow onto his face. He glanced up and Xavier tensed at the shadows casted on the brunetâs face. Even from the bed, he could see how Declanâs hazel eyes were bright with the same orange spark the flame had. Declan frowned at him, his eyes narrowed and studying him in silence but Xavier dared not break the silence.
 âDo you like the stars, Xavier?â Declan asked softly. Xavier raised an eyebrow, wondering where the sudden subject had come from but he nodded. âWhat do you like about them?â Declan asked again. His hand withdrew from the flame as if changing his mind about getting rid of it. As it was the only light left, it provided very weak illumination but it was better than nothing.
 Declan approached the bed and sat on the edge, waiting for an answer. Xavier coughed and bit his lip. âI donât know much about it, but it seems so mysterious and amazing, doesnât it? There could be a whole other world up there none of us could know about; hell, I didnât even know there was another civilisation here in the Southern Forest, and thatâs right next to the city! So how cool would it be to see what lies high up in the skies? All these planets and galaxies are so amazing when you look through a telescope but theyâre so far away!â Xavier whined. Declan smiled and got into the bed next to him, turning on his side. Xavier seemed to have relaxed once he was closer and turned to face him as well. Their faces were only inches apart and Declan noticed the intense gaze Xavier was giving him. âI⊠I donât really say many things are beautiful,â he whispered, âb-but⊠but I really think the stars and space are.â He smiled softly.
 Declan hummed in agreement. âTell me about the constellations you like. What do they look like? I donât pay too much attention to them.â
 Xavierâs smile grew into a grin and a sparkle of joy seemed to ignite within him. They talked quietly in the night, with Xavier describing the constellations and how they looked, drawing them out in the air with Declan watching. Eventually, even the energetic blond seemed to grow tired â Declan didnât blame him after the day he had. When he deemed it late enough, Declan turned over in the bed a little and clicked his fingers.
 The flame disappeared and they were plunged into darkness, only the sound of their beating hearts and calm breaths were keeping them company.
 Or so Declan had thought. The moment the light was gone, he heard the hitch in Xavierâs throat, his heart skipping a beat and Declan was drowning in anxiety. What had happened? Declan gasped to get a hold of himself and didnât think as he reached for Xavierâs hand, giving it a small squeeze.
 âItâs okay, youâre fine.â Declan murmured, his thumb brushing over Xavierâs in a comforting manner. âYou donât have to be scared, youâre safe here, I promise.â Declanâs gentle hand and sweet voice calmed him and there was something about the fae which convinced him that he really was safe, that everything was going to be all right. After everything that had happened, Declan was trustworthy.
 âIâm not scared,â Xavier pouted. Even though it was dark, he couldnât look at Declan now, especially since he had caught him acting like that.
 Declan snickered under his breath and Xavier was about to insist again but Declan turned so he lay on his back. With his free hand, he pointed to the ceiling. âWatch this.â
 Declanâs free hand twisted in the air and he moved it in motions which Xavier didnât understand at first but he was patient for once. He listened and watched as tiny silver spots began to augment the ceiling. They werenât blindingly bright but they shone with a soft silver spark. They moved into specific positions against the dark room and soon they were everywhere up above them. Once he was done, Declan lowered his arm. Xavier chuckled and turned to Declan with an adoring grin. âStars?â
 âMagic,â Declan smiled back and shuffled closer, tucking his head beneath Xavierâs chin. He had already worked out what kind of person Xavier liked to sleep with in this situation. Close proximity was good for him and even though Xavier was still a stranger, Declan wanted to protect and care for all in his forest, including the strange curious young human who had gotten lost. An arm wrapped around his waist and Xavier placed his chin in the soft mess of brunet hair and closed his eyes.
 âThank you, Declan.â He whispered, âI love it.â
 Declan smiled and closed his eyes as well. âGoodnight, Xavier.â
 Xavier frowned. His arm was against the cold mattress, where Declan had been just hours ago. Slowly waking up, the blond groaned and stretched out on the bed. Light was pouring in from the entrance and the candles were alight, yet the young fae who had rescued him the night before was nowhere to be found!
 âDeclan?â Xavier croaked out. There was no answer. As he pushed himself off of the bed, Xavier was then hit with the morning chill and immediately missed the comfort and warmth that came with Declan clinging onto him last night. It was strange â that type of care was usually reserved for people very close to him, and since his last attempt at a relationship, it wasnât often that he allowed anyone to be so affectionate with him. What was even more surprising was the fact that Xavier was the one who initiated it. He couldnât believe how desperate he had been with Declan then, begging him to stay with him in bed. There was a relaxing aura about the stranger and though he was in a foreign place, Xavier had found that was one of the best nights of sleep he had had.
 At least it was until he woke to find that Declan had left him.
 He wanted to be angry. He wanted to hate him and run away, grab Valkea, race back and forget about all this crazy event which had happened to him but it was as though he were bounded to the bed. He should have expected this⊠no one stayed with him for too long, the prince knew that. Sooner or later, they would leave. Declan just took pity on him last night, but now that he had recovered â as Declan had told him he would â the fae had just left!
 Xavier berated himself for thinking Declan thought he was worth staying with.
 The covers slipped off of Xavier as he sat up in the bed and swung his legs over the side. His feet touched the cold stone beneath and he shuddered. Beside him, the shoes he wore were laid out for him already. Declan had removed his shoes the night before bed for convenience. He might as well have gotten ready now so that he could leave. Just as Xavier had finished putting his shoes on, he looked up and jumped when Declan stood not a foot away from him. He hadnât even heard him come in!
 Declan raised an eyebrow at Xavier already getting ready â what was the rush?
 âYou healed up nicely,â Declan observed, hazel eyes scanning over him. âWhere are you going?â
 âYouâŠâ Xavier stared at Declan, his jaw dropping a little and he gaped. Xavier hadnât realised how long he had been staring until Declan reached down and gently pushed his jaw back up. The blond shook his head and coughed, then finished. âYou didnât leave me.â
 âNo.â Declan said. The corner of his mouth quirked up slightly. Xavier didnât really think heâd leave him like that, did he? âI wanted to let you rest. You need your full strength, but the animals wake earlier than you, I needed to feed your Pegasus.â He had just been outside giving Valkea some water when he was able to tell Xavier was awake. It was fine for a few minutes, until Xavier began getting scared again, though it felt more like he had been abandoned. Still, Declan had rushed back in only to find Xavier putting on his shoes. He knew for now, he just had to distract Xavier again. He took a breath. âI found the deer family I helped yesterday, the young one was glad to see me. Sheâs doing well considering she had sprained her ankle.â
 Xavier grinned, finding the story rather endearing. âYou feed the animals?â
 âAnd humans, sometimes.â Declan smirked and went over to his counter. He took out a bag of berries from his satchel and poured them into a bowl. From a jar, he opened the lid and got a small spoon to taste the yoghurt inside. It was still chilled and fresh. He had collected some foods from his home and preserved them here should he ever be stranded for a while. With a larger spoon, he served some into a polished wooden bowl and added the plump blueberries, blackberries and raspberries he had collected earlier. Finding the pot of honey he used to mix into healing elixirs, he let that drizzle over the fruit too and once it was done, brought it over to Xavier.
 âWhatâs this?â Xavierâs brow furrowed and he stared at the bowl. Declan had to offer it to him again and push it into his hands before he took it.
 âBreakfast.â Declan rolled his eyes. âThe first meal of the day. You eat it, donât you?â he smirked, knowing full well that Xavier did indeed eat breakfast. Xavier scowled at the attitude but dug the spoon into the yoghurt. âI picked the berries this morning, washed them in the river â itâs clean â and the yoghurt is fine. Itâs not much, but itâs what I have for now. I didnât want to stay away for too long in case you go frightened.â
 âI wouldnât have gotten frightened,â Xavier denied though that was exactly what had happened that morning. Declan sat down next to him and Xavier began to eat.
 The moment he bit into the fruit, the sharp juices collided with the smooth honey and created an infusion of sweetness and delicacy. It gave a burst of flavour to the otherwise plain yoghurt. Xavier could have never imagined something so simple taste so nice! The fruit here was larger and tasted nicer than the ones they got imported at the palace, but it seemed he just had berries here. He moaned appreciatively and Declan chuckled beside him, glad to see he was enjoying his food. Then again, Declan remembered he probably hadnât eaten much since the day before.
 As if reading his mind, Xavier immediately offered the bowl to Declan. âWanna have some? Itâs really nice!â
 Declan smiled. âI know it is, thatâs why I gave it to you.â Nevertheless, Declan took the bowl and had a bite, his lips sliding off of it and cleaning off all the yoghurt on the spoon. Xavierâs gaze dropped to Declanâs lips for a second and tried not to think about how his own mouth had been over the spoon a second ago. He failed. It was only when Xavier was passed his breakfast back did he remember that he was supposed to be eating. âThanks.â
 They sat in a comfortable silence, Declan sitting back on the bed a little bit so he was able to let his legs swing over the side, his feet not yet touching the ground. Xavier believed it made him look rather young. Eventually, Declan spoke up. âI like you.â
 âWho doesnât like me?â Xavier snorted, his mouth still a little full with fruit and yoghurt. Impressively, he didnât make a mess.
 âLiam,â Declan didnât hesitate in answering and Xavier gulped as soon as he heard the name. His throat may have been better but the memory of choking was still fresh in his mind. âHe tried to kill you.â Declan helpfully reminded him.
 âThanks for thatâŠâ Xavier set the bowl aside on the bedside table and spoke quietly, for saving me.â
 Declan shrugged. âItâs all right.â
 Declan got up from the bed, taking the empty bowl over to the counter. He would bring it to the stream later to wash. Xavier watched him move. It wasnât anything out of the ordinary â Declan wasnât flying, hovering or dancing in a hypnotic way, but he was still entrancing. All his movements just seemed so fluid and smooth, even the simple ones. Xavier hadnât even realised he was staring until Declan plopped back down on the mattress beside him and turned to look at him as well. Xavier swallowed and smiled.
 âItâs a shame,â Declan returned his smile but there was a hint of disappointment in his hazel eyes.
 âWhat is?â Xavierâs brow furrowed and he shifted, turning more towards Declan and put a hand on his arm. âIs there something wrong? Can I help you?â Declan shook his head and took Xavierâs hand off of his arm.
 âIâm going to have to erase your memory,â Declan said; Xavier couldnât believe what he was hearing! Could Declan actually do that? Would he? Declanâs jaw clenched at the look on Xavierâs face, the betrayal but he forced himself to continue. âIâve got to put a story in your head. Iâll do the one about how the forest lives and you can go back and tell everyone you saw the trees moving and the birds gossiping and the water dancing between the rocks.â Declan smiled sadly, but he knew it was what he had to do. It would be a nice story to tell and maybe, just maybe, Xavier might come back to the edge of the woods just to hear the song of welcome again. With a tightness in his chest, not knowing whether it was Xavierâs influence or simply his own guilt, he reached out a hand. It was going to be a simple method. He was just going to touch his head, extract the memories and replace them with the story he had told so many others.
 At least, that was the intention.
 Before he was even able to touch his temple, Xavierâs hand shot out and wrapped tightly around the tattoos on his wrists. Declan, still drained from all the magic he had used the night before, struggled. âHey! Let go of me!â Declan tensed, trying to pull away but Xavierâs grip held steady, his gaze was fiery. Declan breathed heavily, groaning as he tried to pull away and growled. âI said let go!â
 âNo.â Xavier shook his head and frowned. âNot until you promise not to erase my memories! Iâm not letting you do that! I donât want to forget this!â He exclaimed. Xavier had to bite his tongue to stop himself from saying any more. _I donât want to forget you._
 Declan scowled, grabbing his hand back. This time, Xavier let him. Declan clutched his hand to his chest and rubbed at his wrist. Xavier saw that it was slightly pink, but he didnât look hurt.
 âIâm sorry,â Xavier apologised anyway. He never wanted to hurt him, even though just last night, he had seen Declanâs strength. âJust⊠why? Why do you have to do this?â
 âYouâre human.â Declan spat, turning away from him.
 âHumans are⊠theyâre not good.â
 Xavier bit his lip and studied Declan closely. He couldnât have been older than him. He looked younger, actually and Xavier had to wonder just how old this guy really was. Xavier opened his mouth to ask what he had meant, yet Declan spoke up.
 âI donât understandâŠâ he sighed. Declanâs hands dropped to his lap and he glanced over to Xavier, though didnât turn towards him. âI⊠Iâve never met anyone like you before.â
 âThereâs no one else like me!â Xavier smirked, trying to lighten the mood. There was a small sense of pride when he noticed Declan smile a little more.
 âNot what I meant.â The brunet chuckled. He closed his eyes for a moment and ran a hand through his hair. Declan turned and tried to elaborate. âIâve met humans but theyâre not like you.â He remembered the first one he had encountered. It was just a messenger boy, and he had taken the wrong path. He was supposed to go east, not south but had somehow ended up in his forest. In his anxiety, the boy had begun to hack at the forest, trying to find a way out when the long grasses began to grow more around him. Declan had found him, guided him out to safety again but not before he had erased his memories and implanted a story. But more of them came, more of them destroyed and some even had tried to kidnap him. There were others who had heard of the gems which lay deep in the forest grounds and uprooted so much life just to get to them.
 âThe humans,â Declan bit his lip and began to fiddle with his fingers. âThe ones that came here before you⊠they were all the same. I knew it from the moment they stepped foot on our land. I saw their desires but I still hoped they wouldnât act on it.â Declan sighed and closed his eyes, remembering all of the animals and plants which had gotten hurt because of them. âHumans destroy nature, theyâre greedy and theyâll do anything just to get what they want. Itâs⊠selfish and heart-breaking!â Declanâs jaw tightened. His hands balled up into fists, nails digging into his palm. âI have to send them back, put stories in their head so no one else will want to come here.â
 Xavier forced himself not to interject during the story, knowing that it wasnât time for a funny comment, no matter how much he thought Declan could use some cheering up. Hearing him so upset made the blond want to reach out and hug him. Honestly, how could anyone have hurt this forest? He had known as soon as he had stepped foot in it that something was really special about the place. It was like stepping into another world where everything was purer and more vivid than before. It was the natural world where humans were supposed to live in, a beauty hidden away from humankind. Why would anyone want to destroy it?
 âYou⊠Youâre so different from what Iâve been taught and seen. Youâre nice.â Declan said. Xavier was frozen as Declan locked him in place with a sincere stare. Those hazel eyes like autumn leaves with flecks of sunset rays bore into him. It was true what they said that eyes were the window to the soul, as in that moment, Xavier was completely open to him. Should Declan have asked anything, he would have answered truthfully, no matter what it was. Anything at all. âYouâre pure.â
 Xavier opened his mouth to argue back. He was anything but that. He was tainted, he knew that. He was about to object but just looking at Declanâs sweet face again silenced him. In a soft voice, Declan reiterated, âYouâre pure. Your intentions are clear and true. Valkea adores you, as do your people, and they do for a reason. Thatâs why I know youâre different. Thatâs⊠Thatâs why I like you.â
 Xavier, for once in his life, was lost for words. It was as if his breath had been stolen away, his voice lost in the forest and even his train of thought was silent. This was a lot to process, and what Declan had said about him made his heart steady and strong. âHow do you know?â
 Declan blew a laugh out from his nose and fell back on the bed, hands behind his head. Xavier joined in with the laughter and lay back down on the bed. He turned on his side, head propped up with his hand and looked down at the giggling fae. âI donât! I know youâre human, and I know youâve got good intentions. I know youâre a royal, because Liam wanted your blood and your clothes look expensive.â Declan listed off. âBut I donât know you, or humans other than what Iâve read in books and heard from tales. Iâm⊠not supposed to leave the forest. None of us are.â Declanâs voice dropped low into a whisper and it was only then Xavier realised how close they were when they had laid down.
 âWe have cities. Buildings made from stone and brick from years ago, built by ancestors. We have all sorts of things, kingdoms and knights, ladies-in-waiting, squires. The markets are filled with jewellery, tools for blacksmiths and weavers, handmade clothes and leather bookmarks. We have so many books about our history, and politics and natural philosophy and wars. We have information about families and medicines and illnesses and weapons⊠just lots of things!â Xavier explained. He didnât hesitate in telling Declan about humanity, not always knowing what he could tell him that he might not already know. Declan himself knew so much that Xavier didnât even understand, one obvious thing being his magic. It was illogical, completely illogical, but it was there and Xavier had seen it with his own eyes!
 âThat⊠That sounds amazing!â Declan sat up, a large grin on his face. He could only imagine what it looked like. âAnd you have access to the sea.â Declan winked, glancing quickly at the paintings on the wall. Xavier smiled and sat up with him. âCome on,â Declan beckoned as he got up. âValkea wants to see you.â Xavier didnât even question how he had known that.
 As Xavier stood up, he stretched above him, glad to be properly back up on his feet. Before Declan was able to lead the way, Xavier noticed something and a large grin spread across his face. All this time, he had been immobile and lying down somewhere. Declan was a person he was forced to look up to, literally but now, he was able to tell that actually, the fae was rather, well⊠small!
 âWhat are you staring at?â Declan crossed his arms in front of him and raised an eyebrow. âXavier?â
 Xavier snickered, a hand raised to his mouth to muffle the laughter. âYouâre adorably tiny, you know that?â
 A fist collided with his chest.
 âPrat.â Declan huffed and stormed out of the cavern. Xavier swore he had seen a dark blush splatter across Declanâs cheeks. âNot my fault youâre a fucking giant,â Declan grumbled as he left. Xavier rubbed the spot in his chest but was still overcome with chuckles. Wow, Declan could be rather feisty when he wanted to be, apparently.
 Xavier jogged after him, wincing as the morning sun pierced his vision. Raising a hand to shield it from his eyes, he looked around and saw Declan prepare the saddle on Valkeaâs back. âAw, come on Declan, I was kidding!â Really though, Declan did only reach his shoulder!
 Valkea whinnied and stepped forward to affectionately nudge Xavierâs face. She had missed him since the previous night, even though they werenât really separated. âI missed you too, Valkea,â Xavier kissed her head and reached up to give her a scratch between the ears. He had noticed that she looked like a normal horse again but now he knew better. âYouâve been holding out on me, girl!â he teased.
 âSheâs been protecting you very well,â Declan approached them and brought a hand up to pat her nose. It didnât pass Xavierâs notice that he had to stand on his tiptoes to do that. Declan reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bag, tied with a string. Tipping the contents out into his palm, the hard golden sweets shimmered in the morning sun and he held them to Valkeaâs lips. Her slobber coated Declanâs fingers as she devoured the treats. Declan grimaced at it playfully but wiped it on his shirt; he could always clean it later on.
 âWhat is that anyway?â Xavier nodded to the bag. Declan wrapped the string around it again and pocked it.
 âCrystalised honey infused with rose. All animals love it and theyâre good for their strength too.â
 âSo⊠sweets. Like candy?â
 Declan raised an eyebrow. âCandy?â he repeated. âWhat is that?â
 âYouâve never had candy?!â Xavier cried out, gasping and running a hand through his hair. This poor, ignorant child! Well, he wasnât really a child but that wasnât the point. âYou _need_ to try some candy now!â
 It looked like he had sweets of some sort around here, but if he was limited to the resources in the forest, Xavier suspected it was only a range of berries and honey. He doubted they made anything with apples or pears or whatever else. There was, however, one fruit he knew that Declan wouldnât have been able to have.
 Xavier hurried over to Valkeaâs side and dug into one of the pockets attached to the saddle. He should still have some sweets in there. Xavier rummaged around, tongue sticking out slightly in concentration and he broke out into a grin when his fingertips brushed the crinkled paper which wrapped around the hard sweets. He brought a handful out, picking a yellow one out for himself and kept it in his fist, then found the orange one for Declan. âTry!â he insisted as he poured the rest of the sweets back into the pocket.
 Declan raised an eyebrow. âThis⊠is candy?â
 âYep!â Xavier popped the âpâ as he buzzed with excitement. This was like watching a child experiencing their first sweet! The way that Declan inspected the hard boiled sweet, pinching the wrapper delicately between thumb and forefinger, his eyes narrowed like he was suspicious of it. Xavier pulled at the two ends, demonstrating how to open the wrapper. Declan tilted his head, staring in awe as the paper twisted and unveiled the hard candy inside, a translucent light yellow dusted in a white powder. âThe white stuff is just fine sugar. Iâm only allowed them sometimes, apparently otherwise itâs bad for me. Thatâs what the doctor says anyway.â
 âYou can have it when you want.â Declan corrected, remembering how he had healed whatever was wrong with Xavier last night. He mimicked the actions and the candy in his palm wasnât the same colour. It was orange. âWhy is mine different?â He asked, eyes wide and staring up at Xavier for an answer. Xavier chuckled.
 âMineâs lemon, yours is orange.â
 â⊠What are those?â
 âTheyâre fruits.â Xavier explained. âCitrus fruits. You donât get them around here, or itâs hard to get them here. We have to ship them in from other countries, but theyâre close by so theyâre not that expensive. Try it!â he urged, unable to hide the anticipation.
 Complying with the request, Declan slipped the candy into his mouth, the sugar dusting onto lips. It was fine and grainy and Declan paid no attention to it. It was difficult to, especially when he immediately realised just how hard the sweet was! He hadnât expected to swallow something like a rock! The flavour immediately shot at his tongue â sharp, sweet and zesty, unlike any of the berries he had ever eaten and refreshing. Addicting. Declan moaned appreciatively, pushing the sweet to the side of his mouth. Declan grinned widely, showing his teeth. âThis is good!â
 âI told you!â Xavier laughed, loving how Declanâs reaction was better than he had expected. âIâm glad you like it, but you,â Xavier indicated to the side of Declanâs lip. âYou have something, right there.â
 Declan raised a hand to wipe the sugar away, but went to the other side. Xavier indicated again, but this time, Declan wiped the other lip. With a defeated sigh and a roll of the eyes, Xavier stepped forward and cupped Declanâs face.
 Without thinking about it, his gaze dropped to pink lips and he brushed the sugar away with his thumb. Declan froze under his touch, his own hazel eyes dropping to Xavierâs mouth which was partly open.
 They were close, their heartbeats steady and breaths almost coming together.
 Beneath his thumb, Xavierâs brain confirmed just how soft Declanâs lips were. It had been quite a while since someone had been so enchanting to him. Even after the sugar was gone, Xavierâs hands remained gently on Declanâs jaw, yet neither of them seemed to have minded.
 Valkea nudged Xavierâs side, breaking him out of their trance.
 âGot it,â Xavier smiled, lowering his hands and stepping away.
 âThanks,â Declan began to fiddle with his fingers and glanced down, ignoring the heat in his cheeks. His lip tingled with the ghost of Xavierâs touch. Just one more moment, and they could have been doing something else. âI⊠I like the sweet.â Declan said, again. Xavier smiled and dug into the pocket again.
 âYouâre welcome.â Finding a small bag of his own, Xavier put the rest of the hard boiled sweets in there and wrapped it up, giving it to Declan. He had more at home but from the sounds of it, there werenât any sweets like these around the woods. He didnât expect that, really. Just as he handed it over, their fingers brushed against each other. âKeep the rest of them. My gift.â
 Declan ignored the slight jolt in his fingers and tucked the bag safely away. âAre you ready to go?â Declan asked. Xavierâs family were probably worried about him, and besides, Declan had told his own family he would be back by morning. It was definitely morning now.
 âYeah, I think so.â Xavier smiled and stepped in front of Declan again. Valkea was behind him, no longer with her wings and horn but as a horse with a saddle yet again. âWill I be able to come back? Or do I just have to keep dreaming of you and this place?â Xavier teased. Declan seemed unfazed by the slight flirtatious comment and shrugged.
 âI told you what I know about humans.â
 âYou told me I was different.â
 âI told you I wasnât going to erase your memory.â Declan corrected and crossed his hands. His bottom lip was being chewed upon as he thought of how Xavier could return, but still be able to ensure the safety for Xavier himself and of course, his world. âXavier,â his voice dropped low, and he glanced up through thick eyelashes. âI need you to swear that you wonât speak a word of this to anyone but me unless I tell you that you can. I need to make a deal with you.â
 âI seriously canât tell?â Xavier whined. This would have been such a cool place to take people on dates or even just his friends to come through a ride in the forest!
 Declan scowled. âNo. No telling anyone, or Iâll erase your memory!â Declan threatened. He uncrossed his arms and grabbed the front of Xavierâs shirt, the material wrinkled up in his fists. âSwear to me youâre not going to speak a word of this, or me, or what happened last night. Youâll tell people you got lost in the woods and camped out, that you were lucky it was a warm night, okay?â Declan listed off his condition, eyes boring into the blondâs. It was a ridiculous story, but Xavier thought it was a lot better than the truth considering how crazy that was.
 Declan grew up in the Southern Forest and as soon as he was able to, he began to take care of the animals who were fatally hurt; in other places, he knew kingdoms liked to go into the woods and take a life for sports and for fun. His forest would not be like that. His eyes were filled with a pleading and a desperation, he needed to hear him say it.
 Xavier smiled and put a hand over Declanâs. Declan instantly relaxed, but didnât let go. Xavier noticed his hand was much larger than the faeâs but let it remain there over Declanâs hands, over his heart. âI, Prince Xavier Isotalo, swear to you, Declanââ
 âGallagher.â Declan interjected but then nodded to indicate to him to carry on. _Declan Gallagher_. It was a nice nameâŠ
 âI swear, Iâm not going to tell anyone about this place, of what happened and what you are. Iâll tell anyone who asks that I got tired, it was late and I camped out in the forest.
 âThank you,â Declan nodded and let go, stepping back. âYou can talk to Valkea if no oneâs around. You can come back here, you know? I just⊠I have to protect this place, Xavier.â He sighed. The beauty of the forest was truly stunning and Declan didnât want anything to ruin that. He wanted to trust Xavier, really. âI know⊠I know Iâve got your word but Iâm still suspicious of you.â Declan admitted; he couldnât help it. Xavier was human.
 âSo what do you want me to do?!â It was Xavierâs turn to cross his arms.
 âMy⊠instincts say a binding contract.â
 âWhat?!â He didnât see a point in that! Really, Declan should have trusted him. What was wrong with trusting him anyway? Xavier was known for his candour, especially in inappropriate times but at the end of the day, he was a truthful person! Though he was going to argue, Declan was looking at him, as if he needed this contract to be made. âFineâŠâ he sighed, finally and letting his arms swing down. âHow do we sign this contract?â
 Without warning, Declanâs hand was on his chest, the material of his shirt clumped up in Declanâs fingers again. A sharp tug made Xavier stumble forward until he was only millimetres from Declan. A whisper from those tempting lips, caressing his own mouth and pulled him deeper into a trance. âLike this.â
 The next thing he knew, Declanâs lips were upon his. Xavier inhaled sharply through his nose, the fresh earth tones and sweet sugar mixed fantastically with each other. Declan whined softly, his eyelids fluttering until they were half-lidded. A strong hand found its way onto the small of Declanâs back and the gentle support was enough to make the brunet groan. Xavier gasped as his mouth was released but turned his head and dove in for another. It was over all too soon.
 Declan blinked up at him, staring into confused azure eyes. âThe word of the mouth travels. Now⊠it wonât because of the contract. You wonât be able to say anything about all of this. You really canât do it until I give you permission actually.â
 Xavier only managed to nod, his breath stolen away by the kiss. Had that really just happened? Declan, this young, beautiful creature was interested in him all of a sudden! Well, if Xavier were to look closely, he would have said the attraction started quite a few hours ago. âWhen can I see you again?â Xavier finally blurted out. Declan stopped talking about the contract and smiled.
 âWhen you want. Thereâs a large circle of mushrooms surrounding this forest. Step into that, and the wisps will find you. Theyâll tell me where you are, so you stay by the edge of the forest until I come and get you!â He promised then nodded at Valkea who was impatiently pawing at the ground. âGet on your Pegasus, you need to go!â
 âIâll be back,â Xavier assured, heart still beating hard in his chest. One day, they would be able to make it here again. With that, he climbed onto the horse, his leg swinging over and mounting her with an experienced movement.
 âValkea will take you back home, she knows the way.â Declan patted her hair and received an affectionate nudge. âI know, Iâll see you soon, Valkea. Xavier will bring you here!â He laughed. Valkea whinnied and waited for Xavierâs signal.
 âI will,â he promised. With a sigh, Xavier grabbed onto Valkeaâs hair. Though he was about to bid farewell, he frowned and looked around the area for something. âHey, where are her reigns?â
 âOh!â Declan slapped his forehead, laughing at the memory. âI cut it loose last night. Liam was about to attack and Valkea could get to him quicker so I cut her reigns off. Sorry, say you lost them or something. Or just get new ones!â Declan suggested. It really wasnât that big of a deal.
 âRightâŠâ Xavier sighed. Well, he supposed this would be a lot less restraining for Valkea. âAnyway, Declan. Thank you for all your help, and thanks for letting me keep my memories. Iâll see you soon, kulta.â Xavier playfully reached down to ruffle chestnut hair, and was met with a small squeal. The blond laughed and squeezed his thighs so that Valkea would start moving. She did, and they turned to a different direction and began to follow there but he knew theyâd get home safely. A sweet voice made him look over his shoulder where he could see a figure standing, arm waving in their direction.
 âGoodbye, Xavier!â Declan shouted as Valkea disappeared into the forest with Xavier on her back. âI canât wait to see you soon!â Xavier smiled and returned the gesture, his grin never fading as he left.
 The summer sun burned bright in the skies and the golden glow graced the forest below. Declan returned to his home town and was instantly greeted with the excited young children who asked him about how to heal a wild animal, some liked to show off their new illusion tricks and some of the younger ones asked for a hug. Declan decided as he was already late, it would be okay to spare time for them. He always did. Once he had entertained them all, Declan recognised his old literature teacher call them back into one of the huts for a reading lesson. She waved at him and smiled, which Declan returned, after which he urged the children to go back to their teacher. With some reluctance, they were eventually convinced and Declan waved them goodbye before he made his way home.
 As he approached the large house, he glanced up to notice that his mother was just leaving. Her hair was down, adorned with light violets threaded in the waves, but the long fringe was pinned back with a single, small rose. Obviously she had an important meeting that day. Before Declan was able to compliment his mother, Kyla rushed towards her son and wrapped her arms around him. At least he was safe! Declan wasnât even able to lie and tell her he had stayed at a friendâs house last night when Kyla instantly began to warn him about Cabhanâs temper. Cabhan had never been a man of patience, but rather of honour and duty even at the cost of kindness. Of course he would be angry at Declan. Thanking her for the warning, Declan wished his mother a good day.
 Declan took a deep breath and sighed as soon as his mother was out of sight. He had slept well enough the night before, thankfully, so facing his father was not going to be a problem. Prepared for anything that was going to come his way, he opened the door and stepped into his house.
 Cabhan sat at the dining table, waiting for him and a cold store was shot his way from dark eyes. Declan blinked, keeping an expressionless mask. He concentrated and realised that Enya was in the house, upstairs and being rather quiet. In that case, they would have to be careful so not to disturb her should they have an argument.
 Declan knew they would.
 Not a moment after he sat down, Cabhan fired harsh words about doing his duty as an heir and how the immature behaviour had to stop both inside and outside the home. Personally, Declan didnât understand why he had to upkeep a formal and calm persona constantly, especially in a private space such as his home. With each word, Declanâs jaw tightened and he pushed his tongue to the roof of his mouth so not to bite back with a venomous sting. Yet there was no stopping him. The moment that Cabhan mentioned a union with Liam again, Declan cut him off with a single word.
 Chest heaving and breath heavy, Declan stood up abruptly, accidentally knocking a bowl off the table. The shatter resonated in the open room and the clay was scattered across the floor, sharp points threatening anyone who wasnât going to be careful. Cabhan frowned but didnât flinch.
 There was no way. No way on earth. No way that Declan would speak to Liam, let alone consider him for a union. He wanted nothing to do with that thing! Declan bit the inside of his cheek, resisting the urge to spill out all he had seen the night before: Liam attacking Valkea, his near murder of Xavier and the illegal use of poison upon humans. He knew, however, should he mention this, he would have to admit to coming in contact with a human and he was not risking Xavierâs life. Somehow, he was going to get Liam punished.
 Declan stood with authority, drawn from his motherâs blood and held the stare. A low, deep threat was drawn from Cabhanâs lips â Declan would learn to behave, or he would be confined to their clearing for a year, an escort assigned to him should he leave and enter the clearing and though Declan wished to argue, he knew his father would keep his word. His throat closed up and anger prickled against his skin. Declanâs knuckles were white, his hands curled into fists on the table.
 With a final huff, Declan submitted and swore, turning and storming back to his room. The skin under his feet tore against the sharp clay, blood marking the floor as he walked but he didnât care. Not now. He could heal later. Cabhan called after him, but Declan ignored the order and took refuge in his room. The door was locked instantly with his magic and he sealed the windows, plunging himself into darkness. Declan sighed and ran a hand through his hair. There was no choice left for him â he had to do as his father said, or at least compromise if he ever wanted to see Xavier again.
 Xavier was so unlike any human. He wasnât scared of him, nor greedy. Of course the blond had been curious but Declan noticed he had been holding back on the questions and Xavier had definitely been mindful of the living things around him. In addition to all of this, he had been a rather talented kisser. Despite the sickening, dark emotions which weighed heavily on his chest, thinking about the golden-haired boy caused a fleeting smile to appear on the faeâs lips.
 Declan relaxed, his weight falling back on the balls of his feet and he hissed as the clay hooked into his feet. That was such a stupid idea⊠he should have cleaned that up, but his father probably would now. Even though he didnât regret standing up to Cabhan, he didnât really mean to break anything! Heâd apologise to Kyla about it later. For now, he carefully made his way over to his sofa, wincing as he walked and collapsed on it.
 Reaching over for a cloth and the pitcher of water, Declan cleaned his feet of blood and sharp clay. Once all the small shards were out, he concentrated on healing them and did a good job of it until the cuts were barely visible.
 Declan chewed on his bottom lip and turned to lay down on the sofa, his cheek against a soft cushion. With an arm tucked underneath, he looked at the wall opposite, studying the painting there. Something prodded against his thigh. Declan turned his head and raised it a little to see if he was able to spot what it was when he remembered that Xavier had given him the rest of the candy that morning. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew the small back and chose another sweet â red. Cautiously, he unwrapped it, placing the piece of paper back into the bag but this time recognised the flavour. Definitely strawberry! Careful not to choke on it, Declan returned to his side and smiled as the sweet began to spread a sweet taste across his tongue and around his mouth. Maybe he could try making some of his own using strawberry juices instead of honey!
 Declan felt himself calm down again, his heart returning to its usual pace. It was silent in the house, even if he tried to listen but after a few seconds of realising everything was calm again, he stopped trying. Instead, his attention was given to the wall. On it, a painting of the forest, the river cutting through and entering into the sea. A clear, unobscured sun setting into the blue horizon in all its brightness and beauty gave its standing ovation before it slept for the night. The scene was captured from the limited things he had seen and completed with his imagination. One day, he would see it.
 There was something more.
 Yes, it was true that Declan yearned to see the ocean, to see a clear sunset without the trees to block him but since meeting the human prince, he now desired to see this other world â the mortal world.
 Frustrated with the fact he had never seen it, Declan groaned as he realised he was not actually able to paint another location which he wanted to see. For now, he would have to trust Xavier, that he really would return to him, that he wouldnât betray their promise and that he would see him again.
 He had to wait for the wisps.
 The scream happened first.
 Before any guard was able to stop the woman, the princess pushed past them all and flung her arms around her brother the moment the prince dismounted the white horse.
 A gasp was pulled out of Xavierâs lips, the strength of his sister shown in the hug. Her hair cascaded down his shoulder. After a moment of shock, Xavier returned the hug and kissed the top of her, assuring that he really was fine. Before he could fully explain, his parents came rushing out of the main doors, relief and happiness evident on their faces.
 Queen Alexis hurried to her son, holding him in her arms despite the face Xavier was at least a head taller than her. After the prince hadnât returned for dinner, and not even late at night, the King had issued a search for his son hoping that someone would find him in town; the princess had joked that perhaps Xavier was hiding away in a brothel somewhere â it had happened before, after all. When morning was announced, however, no one had seen Xavier, no one even reported him going into town which was when they began to get desperate.
 Xavierâs voice was stuck in his throat for a moment when he began to be questioned to where he had gone. How would he make up something so mundane compared to the magic which he had just experienced? How could he even create the words to tell them all of the beauty which he had seen? How could he do it without breaking his contract? Xavier only shook his head and gave them a smile. Instead, was brought a drink and he took it gratefully. The castle was still worried about him, convinced that he was likely to be hiding something. Was the prince hurt?
 With a sigh, Xavier assured that really, he was in a good condition. In fact, he hadnât felt so good in a very long time! To prove his point, Xavier decided to show his strength by first clearing an area for himself. The next moment, a gasp washed over the onlookers who had seen the princeâs return, now watching as he easily flipped into a hand stand, a large grin on his face despite the princess calling him a tomato.
 With a small huff, Xavier landed back on his feet and gave his parents both a kiss on the cheek, claiming he had to go put Valkea back into the stables. Now knowing that the prince was back, the guards settled and the maids went back to their work. The King and Queen returned together into the castle and Xavier, as he said he would, lead his white horse to the stables. Out of all the commotion, the tutors did not realise that Princess Zara had not returned inside with them.
 The Princess knew her brother. She knew all about him! There was nothing that he could hide from her, and there was definitely something being hidden!
 Inside the stables, Xavier unsaddled Valkea, hanging it up on the wall of the stables and filled a bucket of oats for her mixed with dried fruits. She dug in immediately. Xavier chuckled, getting a brush for her hair and began to groom her. The forest was nice, but Declan probably didnât have tools for caring for horses, even if he did have his magic. Logically, it really didnât make any sense, but Xavier had seen it for himself! Maybe next time he would be able to ask about it.
 As he was so lost in thought, his mind wandering constantly back to the mysterious, magical man he had met, his sisterâs voice made him jump as she spooked him. Turning around, Xavier sighed when it was just her. What was she thinking? An annoyed blush settled on Xavierâs cheeks as he realised he had been caught out.
 Zara had always been known for her confidence. It made the men respect her, despite the fact she was a woman. Everyone listened to her word, knowing that the princess had been taught how to rule since a young age. Some rumours claimed that there were no lessons in that, and it was only the princessâ natural personality which made her the right candidate as an heiress. Combined with her looks, her mind was exquisite and open to all, making her the perfect ruler.
 She could draw information from anyone she wanted, about anything she wanted.
 Xavier had managed to talk his way out of revealing hardly anything at all, and it seemed that it had only been Zara who had caught onto that. Therefore, she was determined to find out what had really happened. Besides, Xavier had always loved to tell her things! Instantly, she demanded to know what had happened the previous night.
 With his back against Valkea, Xavier was trapped. Zaraâs intense stare which was identical to his own bore into him, as if just by glowering at him she would be able to draw the information out.
 Surely, Declan wouldnât mind if he told one person, right? Just his sister. She was the best secret-keeper he knew, after all! With a defeated sigh, Xavier spoke.
 Zaraâs face relaxed, her eyes glazed over with wonder as her little brother spoke of his adventure into the forest.
 According to Xavier, he had stormed out due to anger about looking for a spouse â Zara understood that well enough â and had left quickly with a pack on Valkeaâs back. He had headed towards the East, into the farming land and towards the agricultural villages where they got their vegetables and crops. Xavier hadnât gone to the lands though. No, he had found the woods instead, and stayed near the river. It had been tranquil, serene and almost ethereal, Xavier said. Valkea was fed before they had left, which was why she was so hungry now, and Xavier had made a pack of food for dinner and gone hunting for breakfast. The forest had the songs of birds which reminded him he was not the only life there, like in the palace. Their decisions could affect the citizens. It had given Xavier some time to think and he couldnât have thought of a better place. Somewhere no one else would have thought of.
 Zara punched Xavierâs arm when he was done. Next time, she had said, he shouldnât run off so far without telling someone, at least.
 Xavier chuckled and rubbed his arm, watching as she left to return to the castle. At least she was satisfied.
 Xavier, however, wasnât.
 He really had wanted to tell her about the Southern Forest. About the fairies there, who had poisoned him and tried to kill him, how the stories were real and how there was a very attractive man there who had looked after him. But the moment the first word tried to escape, it twisted into a sweet tale of fantasy and lies. He reached up and touched his lips as he frowned, remembering how Declanâs had been upon them hours before. Had his magic really worked?
 His sleep had been well enough last night, but Valkea, he wasnât so sure. She looked tired enough and Xavier suspected that perhaps she had exhausted herself out. After all, the prince had been unconscious for some amount of time. Deciding it was best to let her rest, Xavier patted Valkea on the neck and tiptoed to kiss her head. She whinnied softly, though as soon as Xavier stepped away, she returned to bury her head in the bucket of food. A soft chuckle left the princeâs lips and he left to return to his room.
 The sun blinded his vision the moment he stepped out of the stables.
 Immediately, a guard was at his side, asking if he needed assistance with anything. Xavier turned and raised an eyebrow at the guard, his expression twisted into one of confusion. He could protect himself from a little bit of sun. Without a second thought, Xavier dismissed his guard and strode off back to his castle. No doubt it was his parentsâ doing. It hadnât been an hour since he had returned and his parents had already insisted that he be guarded heavily in case of anything happening? He wasnât a child â he could protect himself!
 He was not inadequate in helping himself.
 Storming up the stairs to his room, the anger boiling in his blood, he slammed the door behind him. The strength behind the action shook the room, making the tables shudder and candlesticks shiver on top of them. Even the chandelier which hung from the ceiling trembled, the crystal clinking against each other.
 With a groan, Xavier flung himself onto his bed. Declanâs had been nice enough, but there was nothing like his own one. The silk covers were cool against his cheek and he allowed his anger to seep away; his parents were worried, he knew that, but honestly they didnât have to put more guards on him. Perhaps he would have a word with them at dinner.
 Xavier turned onto his side, blue eyes scanning the wall. Opposite his bed, a red and gold tapestry depicting a hunt hung down from the ceiling â a formal gift from Kaspar, an exchange between two princes. Later that day, Kaspar had given him a proper present â a large shield forged by his personal blacksmith. Whenever Xavier had to fight, Xavier had taken it with him and except for a few scratches and dents, it had done well to survive over the years. In return, Xavierâs formal gift to his best friend had been a chest of books about the medical and judicial system in the country, yet later Xavier had slipped him some oils, not to be used for cooking, Xavier had advised. Kasparâs face had turned as red as the tapestry when he realised their intended use.
 The tapestry had been grand once, gold stitched into the borders, sharp and jagged but it now adorned rips and tears. He remembered when Walter and Kaspar had joined him in practicing a bit of knife-throwing. Kaspar had in fact been a rather good mark, but Xavierâs knives had been struck the walls deep. It wasnât until Zara had interrupted did they stop. Zara was tough, it was true, but she was also still a woman. They were lucky, for if she had not managed to sew up the tears quickly, Xavier was sure they would have all been in a lot of trouble. Now it looked impeccable, the old rips known only to those who had been there that night. It had been fun.
 Xavier laughed a little at the memory, sitting up in his bed. He leant against the headboard, hands behind his head and elbows pointed outwards. His gaze drifted over to his desk. Neat. A history book lay open about war, and next to it, one which described plants in the wild. A clear bowl piled with hard boiled sweets lay in the corner of his desk for his discretion.
 Declan had enjoyed the sweets; the way his eyes lit up and his face relaxing as if he had an other-worldly experience. In a way, it had been. He still couldnât believe that Declan had never had sweets before!
 If he had never had sweets, what would he think of his room? Xavier hadnât seen any buildings but he remembered the way that Declan stared intently as he told him about his world, about the castles and the citizens. What would Declan make of the spires of their churches which towered above the citizens, of the castle overlooking and guarding the city and of him? The prince.
 Or at least, the prince he was supposed to be.
 Xavier sighed, his breath being the only sound in the room. Everything was too quiet in there. The prince rolled over in his bed, back against the mattress, gaze on the ceiling. Declan had seen him without the power, without the wealth and without the status. With him, he wasnât a prince. He had just been Xavier.
 It was in those small hours that Xavier felt that he didnât have to worry about everything he was doing, about whether he was acting appropriate for a prince and he didnât need to be critical of Declan, thinking he might be using him for his own advantage. Because Declan didnât know.
 Declan was⊠Declan was like a child! He just seemed so small (not just in his height) but his fascination with such mundane objects like sweets. If that was how he reacted to something so simpleâ Xavier smiled. To just think of that sweet face lighting up at the sight of his room, to see things that he considered normal was enough to make him forget about any worries he had.
 _âIâm⊠not supposed to leave the forest. None of us are.â_
 The words echoed in his mind, the soft, gentle accent of the fae engraving itself in his memory. He remembered how Declanâs tone had dropped and the longing in his eyes. Xavier was a giving person and this was someone he was going to try make as happy as possible. Technically, the Southern Forest wasnât part of their kingdom as hardly anyone went, but geographically it was. That made Declan his responsibility, right? Or his future responsibility. If Declan wasnât going to leave the forest to see his city, heâd just have to bring him things instead!
 Determined to do so, Xavier pushed himself off of the bed, immediately deciding to start gathering gifts for the boy. Next time he went to see him, he would not be empty handed.
 The moment that he left his room, a guard was already by his side. Xavier sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. This was expected, he knew that, but the guard was becoming too much! Like with most people, Xavier struck up a conversation with him as they descended the stairs. Today, he announced, he desired to go to the market. There were some things he assumed he could pick up there for a good price, not that money was of a concern to him. Still, the gifts he intended to get were only ones he hoped Declan would like.
 By the next day, the princeâs routine had returned to normal and everyone had been informed the prince was indeed safe and healthy. More than healthy, actually. It was his sister who pointed it out first â Xavier looked more energetic than before. He didnât retire early from his lessons or training. In fact, as the captain of the Kingâs guard noted, Xavierâs fighting had improved dramatically. The strength in his sword strokes were precise and accurate, his movements fluid and seemingly effortless and by far the most impressive was his stamina.
 Before, Xavier had managed to take three soldiers at once. After his training, five guards lay on the lush grass, baking in their armour as their chests heaved. Xavier, however, shone with sweat and glee.
 Only Xavier suspected the real reason for this change was Declan. He didnât feel charmed or bewitched in any way. It was more like something had been holding him back all these years, and Declan had helped escape him from the restraints. Declan had given him freedom.
 Day after day, Xavier made progress with his duties both in and out of the castle. The prince visited the city often, returning with something he refused to show anyone. Xavier would hide away in his room after greeting anyone who nodded at him in the halls but when questioned about his day, he would speak yet reveal nothing. He was unable too.
 Soon enough, even Xavier began to hear the whispers.
 There was speculation that perhaps, the young prince had found a suitor. Someone deemed worthy enough to court! It was an exciting piece of gossip for the castle and now everyone wanted to know who they were. Was it someone in the city? Was that why the prince kept sneaking off there nowadays? Or perhaps it was one of the handmaids, which is why the prince kept to himself in his room? Whoever it was, it remained a mystery and even Xavier couldnât help chuckle under his breath at the crazy ideas. It was, however, fun for him to pretend he had indeed fallen in love with this mysterious person everyone had built up. His family didnât push him to tell â they didnât seem to believe the rumours anyhow, and besides, he was sure Zara would know if he were in love. Which he wasnât.
 Once Xavier had well and truly settled down, the gossip had hushed into another tale and the guards were no longer at his side, the prince smiled. Everything was normal again.
 Therefore, on the tenth night, Xavier announced at dinner he wished to go camping alone. He would only be a few nights, no longer, and did not require a guard. Though dubious of this at first, his parents eventually allowed it due to Zaraâs enthusiasm. The princess had decided it would give her the castle to herself! Xavier only rolled his eyes but left the table to pack what he needed. Heâd have to bring a matt for show, but he intended on returning to Declan.
 Saddling Valkea up in the stables, Xavier checked he had the gifts and attached the bags to Valkea. She neighed happily as the prince informed her they were going to return to the Southern Forest. There, at least, Valkea was able to be herself again.
 The night was busy, despite the evening and cold beginning to seep into the city. Xavier bid farewell to his family and rushed out of the castle, his thighs tight against Valkeaâs side as she galloped away.
 Once out of sight, Xavier switched the direction and tugged on the reigns. He found he hadnât needed that since Valkea changed her path just before Xavier gave the proper order. The sun set on their right, bathing them in a golden glow. Wanting to find Declan before dark, he squeezed his thighs against his Pegasus in order to urge her to hurry up!
 The familiar line of mushrooms began to appear in the long grass, dotting it with white, grey and brown splodges. They were not like any in his books, Xavier noticed. They probably hadnât been logged in. It didnât matter. Xavier pulled back and Valkea halted, rising on her hind legs as Xavier gripped on tightly, his abdominal muscles tensing as he attempted to keep his balance. He did.
 Swinging his legs over Valkea, Xavier crushed the grass beneath his boots as he landed. The orange glow of the sun was beginning to fade, only small bits of light sifting between the branches. Soft owl hoots rung in the night and Xavier waited, remembering what Declan had instructed him to do.
 Just as promise, a ball of green fire appeared in front of his face. Curious, Xavier frowned and tilted his head. A hand reached up to try and touch it, but as it got close, the ball of fire darted under and away from his hand. It filled Xavier with a warmth, but there was no heat. Xavier laughed, watching as more little flames appeared, a murmur rushing among them. It was then Xavier realised they werenât balls of fire.
 Wisps, he remembered Declan telling him, could carry messages. They knew Declan, and he assumed they knew who he was too, right? Lifting his head high and proud, Xavier looked at the wisp which was in front of his face.
 âTell him Iâm here.â
 âGive me five minutes,â Declan hissed to the group of wisps situated in his hair. After trying to pull him away from the wounded wild cat, the glowing balls of fire had decided that if Declan wasnât going to leave, neither were they. With a groan, Declan raised a hand, his other pressed to the kittenâs wound, and tried to brush them out of his dirty hair. He should have remembered they were spirits before his hand passed through them all.
 The kitten on the ground mewed softly, its friend licking its face whilst Declan continued to heal the wound slowly. It wasnât fatal, just painful for such a small creature and rather deep too. He suspected it had accidentally fallen and gotten that nasty gash in its side. The grass below the cat was soaked with the sticky blood, the stench only evident when he was close enough.
 âTell him Iâll get there soon!â Declan insisted. Xavier had arrived and he knew it was dangerous for a human to wander the forest unattended but there were more pressing matters at hand. When the wisps slid down to his shoulder and began to tickle at his ear, Declan shrugged them off and groaned. âFine!â
 Cautiously, Declan raised his hand to inspect the previously open wound. A thin layer of skin had healed over it, but Declan suspected that it would be a few days before the poor thing could move again. Taking slow breaths, Declan focused on emitting a caring and safe aura so that the cats would trust him. Once he deemed it safe, he scooped the wounded one up in his arms so that it wouldnât have to walk and replaced his hand over the wound. Heâd have to walk slowly whilst healing and tonight, he would sleep well. With young creatures, he had to be extremely careful when it came to their care. The other cat, however, jumped up and immediately followed Declan at his heels to ensure that their friend was safe too.
 Walking leisurely through the forest, following the whispers from the wisps gave Declan time to appreciate the young animal in his arms. He determined that the cat was definitely a she now, and though she wasnât burrowing herself in his arms, she certainly was making herself comfortable. Her golden coat was dusted with dirt, making it darker than Declan thought it originally was. Dark stripes lined her body. The tail flicked leisurely, soft fur brushing against his arm. Declan had noticed they both had a black tip at their tail. Thankfully, she was amiable and didnât protest as Declan kept on healing the gash, hoping that it would be well enough in a few hours. He had to make sure that she would be able to walk around without tearing the wound open again. Cats were agile; he didnât want to take the risk.
 The other, silver cat was following him happily, brushing against his bare ankles and occasionally trying to paw at the emerald tattoos which lined his legs. That didnât stop Declan though, not yet. It wasnât until he heard the humanâs voice did he pause.
 âI didnât know you had pets!â
 âI donât,â Declan said. He glanced up and gave a smile in greeting before it fell when he realised that Valkea was behind him, still saddled. âGet that thing off of her!â he demanded with such ferocity to his voice that Xavierâs happiness slid from his face and he hurried to do as he told.
 As soon as he lifted the saddle off, Valkea shook herself out and the wings at her sides materialised from her side. The horn on her forehead appeared, her whole aura changed to become majestic â Declan thought it was perfect considering who her owner was. With a quick glance to the human, Declan couldnât help but chuckle at the way his jaw had dropped and how wide those beautiful blue eyes were. He really should get used to this soon.
 âValkea, youâre beautiful!â Xavier exclaimed. He had snapped out of his staring and reached out to pat her neck. Valkea, without hesitation, turned to nuzzle Xavierâs head to which the human laughed. Declan had kept his attention to the cat in his arms as the other went, wide eyed and curious about the large creature and the human. Declan didnât stop him, letting the young cat paw at Valkea before she snorted. The silver cat darted back instantly to Declanâs ankles, shivering behind his legs.
 âHeâs harmless, Valkea. Just curious like another person we know.â Declan smirked, glancing over to Xavier.
 Xavier rolled his eyes and remained silent. Declan could poke fun at him if he wanted to, but for now, he was more concerned with the silver kitten. It wasnât like any of the cats he had seen in the city, not even the stray ones in the lower quarters. Bending down, he knelt on the lush grass and held out his hand. The silver cat tilted his head, curiously watching the prince. Amused, Declan watched the exchange. As Xavier wasnât watching, Declan allowed himself to make the silver cat more trusting of the Xavier.
 It turned out the faeâs influence wasnât needed as not a second more, the grey cat leapt forward into Xavierâs lap, nuzzling his chest. He purred quietly, a pleased, happy grumble. Xavier laughed, the soft fur brushing against the back of his hand. âYouâre cute.â He said to the cat. Lifting it up in both hands under the catâs front legs, he held him up and out right in front of him. âYouâre a boy!â He laughed. Declan rolled his eyes and decided that Xavier had bonded with the cat long enough.
 âHe is, and this one is a girl.â Declan smiled. Valkea had busied herself with eating berries from a nearby bush, waiting until they were to set off to Declanâs cavern. âTheyâre not mine, so they donât have names yet.â
 âWhose are they then?â Xavier asked, standing up and holding the silver kitten in his arms. He studied the way that Declan held the golden one and tried to mimic it, but the young cat squirmed in his hold, deciding that it preferred to settle in his own manner.
 âThe forestâs.â Declan shrugged as if the answer was obvious. âYou took your time coming back.â They hadnât specified a day to see each other again, of course, but every day, Declan had waited. He was not the most patient person, but waiting on Xavier was different. Of course, he could have broken all the rules his family had set for him, but going after one mortal didnât seem worth it, no matter how inquisitive he was about their lives.
 âI wanted to come earlier!â Xavier insisted. It was true; he did, however, have to wait for a few days before his family seemed confident that he wouldnât disappear suddenly again. It was hard when you were an heir, after all. âI couldnât though, it was difficult becauseââ
 Xavier bit his tongue. He had loved the forest because he was unknown here, because he didnât need to hold his royal pretence and manners. Wouldnât that change the moment that Declan knew who he was? Declan looked at him, waiting for him to finish but he didnât press on, nor did he question him. The cat in his arms looked up at him too, as if wanting him to finish his sentence.
 Telling Declan the truth wasnât going to change anything. There was nothing to hide from him, then why wouldnât he say anything now? His tongue was heavy in his mouth, his throat dry. Still, he licked his lips. He had to tell him now. âIt⊠It was difficult becauseââ
 âYouâre a prince in your kingdom.â Declan finished for him with a smile. There was a joyous glint in his eye from where the sun hit his sweet face. Xavier stared, not sure whether it was out of surprise that he already knew, or whether it was just the faeâs beauty which caught his attention in that moment. âYou told me, remember?â Declan raised an eyebrow when Xavier was silent for too long.
 Xavier swallowed and shook his head. He had been the subject of all eyes in the court, in the city, in the markets. Xavier took attention well. In this forest, however, where there was no one else except for Declan and himself. Yet, it was one of the few times in his life where Xavier wasnât sure how to deal with the situation.
 âIt⊠Does that matter?â
 âThat Iâm a prince!â
 Declan considered the question, glancing up to the forest trees. A pair of bluebirds flew past and settled in a nest. Light filtered through the leaves and bathed them in warmth. âNot if you donât want it to. You can be whoever you want here, as long as you donât do any harm.â Declan shrugged. There was a silent threat beneath his words and though Xavier saw he was only tending to the cat in his arms, he knew his words were prickled with thorns, ready to lace around his throat should he step out of line. âI donât believe you will though, not to worry.â Declan brightened again and Xavier relaxed.
 A soft meow spoke up before Xavier could and Declan laughed, rubbing the space between the golden kittenâs two ears. âIs she okay?â
 âSheâs healing,â Declan said. âAnd restless. Put the saddle on Valkeaâs back, but donât strap it to her, we need to get back to my cavern.â
 Declan waited for Xavier to do as he asked. Impressed with how Xavier was able to hold onto the male kitten at the same time as lifting the whole saddle onto Valkeaâs back, the muscles in the blondâs arm tensing as he worked. Considering he was mortal and had no use of magic, Declan couldnât help but smile.
 Xavier made sure to stay beside Declan as they walked back to the cavern. Behind them, Valkea strolled peacefully sometimes distracted by a butterfly or two which landed on her horn, or the bumblebees which buzzed alongside her. Together, they walked through fields of lavender and their walking pace lulled the two cats asleep. Xavier was the first to point this out to Declan, and the younger fae only laughed softly. It was a sweet and light, like the morning bells which chimed in the castle. Xavier would have loved to hear it again.
 Declan carefully shifted the golden kitten into his left arm and looked around. There were rose bushes which grew near the entrance of the cavern. Without saying a word, he strode over to them and tried not to flinch as the thorns broke the skin on his palm. Xavier had to stop himself from crying out in protest, knowing that for some reason, Declan needed his blood to move the boulder.
 It shifted once a few drops had splashed onto the dark earth and Declan curled his wounded hand into a gentle fist to heal it. Valkea remained outside, preferring to roam the clearing and rest rather than enter the cavern. Declan lead the way into his secret cave, Xavier hesitantly following behind him. The fae healed it quickly before flicking his wrist into the centre of the room in order to light the candle. Now that Xavier was better and in a right state of mind, he scanned the cavern again, appreciating the paintings on the ceiling and walls. It was still magnificent to him that Declan, who hadnât stepped out of the forests before, was able to paint something so real.
 âLet them sleep here,â Declan said, placing the golden cat down in a cushioned area near the end of the bed. A blanket was placed on top of them and there were a few books scattered around. Declan had been reading before he had left, it seemed. Xavier followed Declanâs example and placed the sleeping silver cat down next to its friend.
 âI er,â Xavier started when he stood up again. Declan went to sit on his bed, legs crossed beneath him and beckoned Xavier over. Xavier followed him and sat on the side of the bed. âI have something for you⊠itâs in Valkeaâs saddle though.â He said hurriedly, a small blush appearing on his cheeks. Declan smirked but didnât point it out.
 âWant to go get it?â Declan gave him a smile and gestured towards the mouth of the cavern which was still open. Declan didnât see a reason to make the boulder roll back and seal them in just yet. They were inside, and he would be able to protect them easily; besides, Declan was always careful with his protection charms around the area. Xavier slipped off the bed and hurried back outside. Declan leant back on the wall, listening to the heavy footsteps as they left. Not a minute later, Xavier returned with a messenger bag. âAre you planning to stay for a while?â
 âOnly a few days!â Xavier grinned. Realising his mistake, Xavier added, âOnly if youâll let me, of course. I mean, if itâs a problem, then I can easily return home!â Xavier glanced away, a hand still clutched to the strap of his bag. He hadnât thought of whether or not Declan would be able to accommodate him. Really though, he wouldnât like to be sent backâŠ
 âYou can stay.â Declan smiled. Besides, he never did turn away anyone who needed his help. Xavierâs face brightened, standing up a little straighter and showing off his brilliant teeth with his grin.
 Xavier didnât sit down on the bed straight away. Instead, he flipped the bag open and one by one, took out the items and laid them out. A wooden contraption, a white rectangle, a large book. Declan watched, knowing that Xavier would explain them to him in a moment. Humans truly were strange sometimes.
 The remaining contents of the bag spilled out onto Declanâs bed as Xavier tipped it over. Paintbrushes and hard paint palettes poured out. They werenât expensive, just ones acquired from the market. Xavier had figured that giving Declan a standard set would be good enough until he came to choose some for himself. Maybe one day that would happen. From another pocket, Xavier reached in and rummaged around, smiling when his hand caught all of the sweets and showed them to Declan. As if the gifts werenât strange enough, Xavier had brought him the nice sweets again! âX-Xavier,â he stammered, âyou really didnât have to do all of this!â Carefully, Declan delicately picked up one of the new paintbrushes by the wood and twirled it slowly with his slender fingers. Hazel eyes were wide with wonder as Xavier drew out something else, wrapped in a soft napkin.
 Xavier grinned and unwrapped it slowly for him, showing Declan what it was inside. âSorry, it probably got squashed, but I managed to sneak some of it for you before I left. Itâs cake, you have that right?â Declan nodded, though the thing in the napkin didnât look like what he and his sister usually made⊠âItâs a family recipe, actually.â Declan eyed him, frowning a little but didnât question it. Declan indicated to the spare space on the bed and Xavier sat down, cake still in one hand and bag abandoned on the floor. The gifts lay scattered between them on the blanket.
 For now, he handed the cake back to Xavier so he could pick at the other things he had brought along. âSo, what are these for?â Declan asked. In his hand, he had the wooden contraption in one hand, the white rectangle in the other. The rectangle was rougher than he expected, but it didnât hurt. It was simply a little bumpy.
 âThat,â Xavier nodded to the wooden contraption. âIs an easel. For the desk. And the other thing is a canvas. You paint on it! You seem to really like art so⊠so I just thought youâd like them.â Xavier smiled, now feeling a little bashful. He hadnât thought it out too intensely â really! Xavier had simply been walking through the markets and noticing that they were selling blank canvases, paints, and other art supplies. It was just him thinking for a friend.
 âAnd⊠I have to use these paints?â Declan placed the canvas down and picked up the paint palette instead. There were eight circles of paint there, all in equal volume. For Declan, that was more than enough!
 âYou donât have to, but the vendor said they work well on the canvas. Just dip your paintbrush into water and then you can brush it into the paints and⊠paint?â The word âpaintâ began to feel rather unusual on the princeâs tongue. No matter. Declan nodded in understanding. It was thoughtful indeed for Xavier to have brought him gifts when he didnât have to! The sweets would have been enough but everything else was amazing!
 Gathering up the art supplies, Declan got off of the bed and smiled at Xavier. Without thinking about it, he leant down to place a chaste kiss upon Xavierâs cheek. âThank you, Xavier.â He said before going off to place the supplies on his table.
 Xavier raised a hand to tentatively touch his cheek. He smiled, watching Declan set the canvas onto the small easel. âYouâre⊠Youâre welcome.â
 Declan laid the paints and paintbrushes out. Perhaps he would use them in the morning when Xavier hadnât woken yet, or even when the human had left. So long as it was in a time where Xavier wasnât occupying his time. The moments they spent together were limited and therefore, the brunet wanted to spend them well.
 Upon returning to the bed, Declan bounced on it and unwrapped a red sweet, smiling as he recognised the sweet, succulent taste of strawberries. âI like these,â he said. Xavier chuckled and offered the cake to him again.
 This time, Declan took it and bit into the moist sponge. It was light, fluffy and melted easily in his mouth. The sugary icing complimented the sharp berries which had decorated the top, the flavours burst in his mouth. Declan closed his eyes, smiled and moaned happily. âThis is great, Xavier!â
 Xavier shrugged, glad that Declan approved greatly of his cake. He noticed as Declan continued to nibble at the dessert, that there was a bit of icing on the faeâs upper lip. As Declan ate, he hoped that at one point, perhaps Declan would realise and lick it off, but that didnât seem to be the case. When Declan put down the napkin, Xavier shook his head and sighed. Seeing no other option, the prince reached forward with his right hand used his thumb to wipe off the leftover icing. Declan froze, staring at him.
 âSorry,â Xavier said. He held his thumb up to show what he had done. âAre you always a messy eater?â he teased.
 âNo,â Declan retorted. He handed Xavier the napkin back so that he could wipe his hands too. Determined to divert the attention away from himself, he picked up the book which Xavier had taken out of his bag earlier. âWhatâs this?â
 Xavier grinned. âWant to know more about my life? You know, the cities and everything outside?â
 Declan eagerly accepted, handing the book to the blond and crawling to sit beside him instead of opposite him. Xavier tried not to be too distracted about the fact that Declan wasnât wearing a shirt, only his shorts still marked from laying in the grass. It was even more difficult when Xavier opened the history book and his forearm brushed against Declanâs.  His own shirt was only of thin material â light and suitable for the summer.
 âAre you going to read to me or will I have to read to myself and turn the pages whilst you hold the book?â Declan asked, raising an eyebrow. Xavier rolled his eyes and gently knocked into him. Sometimes, Declan would get a little mouthy with him. That was all right with the prince though. It felt good to be treated like any other.
 Whilst the cats slept, the two men spent the rest of the afternoon discussing the history of the kingdom which only lay a horse ride away. Xavier told Declan of his ancestors, the founding families and the treaties which held together their allied kingdoms. He spoke of other faraway lands where even when winter approached, the sun would never set. Some lands in contrast, were permanently covered in snow, the brittle ice never parting even in the presence of warmth. Declan insisted that he needed to know more about Xavierâs land and so Xavier explained their politics, their rule and their wars.
 That was when Declanâs heart stopped.
 In Declanâs life, he knew that wars were rare. There were battles, but they were small, and the occasional raid. Sometimes a challenge, but never a war. He had studied so much and the last war of their world had been in a distant land, over three centuries ago. The simple idea of thousands, millions dying broke his heart.
 Declanâs gaze seemed to be towards the book in Xavierâs hand, open on a page describing one of many battles. Xavier frowned, waving a hand in front of Declanâs face. He didnât respond.
 The fae shivered. The markings on his arms grew darker. His vision was blurred, and Declanâs mind was no longer in the cavern. It was with the families left behind, torn apart and ruined forever, just because of something they couldnât control. Their loved ones, gone without a proper goodbye. How about the ones who had their whole lives ahead of them? The resources spent on war when it could be used to help those in need? Sadness rooted itself in Declanâs heart, drawing out all the pain. There was nothing good about this, yet the way that Xavier spoke about it â so plain and factual â made it sound like something so mundane. No, war couldnât just be something a person studied. Every single human which participated had to be remembered. The war was not their fault. They simply followed the orders, didnât they?
 âDeclan?â Xavier spoke again, his voice softer. Declan started and blinked. A tear ran down his dark eyelashes, jumped off and slid down his cheek. Another followed. And another.
 âI⊠Iâm fine,â Declan whispered, wiping his eyes with the base of his palm. âItâs⊠Itâs just thatââ He sniffed, unable to finish. Xavier blinked, closing the book for a moment and reached to place his hand over Declanâs.
 âWas itâŠâ Xavier gestured to the book. Declan sniffed again and nodded, his cheeks flushing.
 Declan was quiet except for his soft crying. Xavier didnât mind waiting for him to feel better and reached down to get his water pouch out of his bag to offer it Declan. After taking a few deep breaths, Declan thanked him for the water and sipped it, eventually calming down. Finally, Declan revealed the reason for his sudden distress. âThe war.â
 âWhat about it?â Xavier frowned. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. It was just history, after all, wasnât it?
 Declan shook his head. âI⊠all those people. It just hurts to imagine they⊠they had their lives shortened like that. And what of their families?â
 âThe war happened because we had to defend ourselves!â
 âSurely there had to be other ways than a war!â Declan countered, not being able to believe that Xavier was really defending something like this. Xavier sighed and tightened his grip on Declanâs hand.
 âPeace talks. They happen all the time now, and my family arenât in favour of wars. I promise, when Iâm king, Iâll do all in my power to never encourage a war.â Xavier knew the power of words, and the gift of a promise well. Though he may not have known Declan long, he knew his heart was in the right place and for someone to care so much about a species he should have despised was inspiring for him. âBut these wars happened, Declan, and theyâre important so we know not to make the mistakes again.â
 Declan nodded, sniffing again. âYouâll be a great king.â He said.
 The rest of the day was spent outside, where Declan took Xavier through the forest, showing him to the stream in case he wanted to get his own water or even have a bath in the next few days. When night came, after they had eaten, Declan invited Xavier to share his bed with him again. He didnât have to ask him, but Declan felt it was only a formality. The two young men spoke quietly, whispering secrets about themselves, about their lives into the night where no one would harass them with other things neither cared about.
 The day came that Xavier had to return.
 He had only stayed for a few days, but his supplies were running low and though Declan could easily provide them, should he return to his town, he wouldnât know what he might have to do first. This time, Xavier promised to return sooner. After all, this time he hadnât been poisoned!
 As Xavier packed his things, fastening the saddle back on Valkea, Declan disappeared into the cavern. Xavier didnât notice at first, instead focused on feeding Valkea some berries that he and Declan had collected that morning. When Declan appeared in the dark opening of the cavern, the two kittens in his arms. The golden girl had healed up nicely, yet even when Declan placed them outside so that they would be able to go when they wanted to, the two cats had stayed patiently in the lavender glade. Xavier and Declan had no choice but to allow them back into the cavern to stay for a while.
 Now that Xavier was leaving, however, Declan had had another idea.
 Xavier heard Declan approach behind him, and only glanced over his shoulder, smiling when he saw the golden kitten lean up as if to give Declan a small kiss. The silver one mimicked her, giving the fae a kiss on his bare shoulder instead.
 âYou should have them.â Declan smiled, holding one of them by the scruff of their collar and placing them into an empty pocket that was attached to the saddle. Though it wasnât ideal, the kitten seemed to be small enough and found it adequate. It disappeared soon enough, flashing the black-tipped tail at them. The silver cat in Declanâs arms tried to scramble after the gold one. Chuckling, Declan stepped closer to Valkea, letting him slide into the pocket to join his friend.
 âI thought they were the forestâs?â Xavier laughed, peeking into the pocket. âAre you sure?â
 âIâm sure, itâll be fine. Besides, they like you!â Declan smiled. âAnd,â he added, âwhen you see them, youâll think of the forest.â
 âIâll think of youâ Xavier thought, smiling at Declan. âThank you.â Declan shrugged and the next moment, Xavier stumbled back a couple of steps. Declan had flung himself at the blond, arms around his neck, head resting on his shoulder. A snicker resonated from Xavierâs chest as he realised just how small Declan really was. It wasnât a new discovery, just one which he always found endearing. Xavier returned the hug, his chin resting on Declanâs hair.
 âIâll see you soon, wonât I?â Declan said softly.
 âOf course, Iâll come back within a week.â Xavier promised. There was a part of his brain which asked himself why Declan wouldnât be able to come to see him in the city instead. He knew that Declan hadnât left a forest environment before, but was he forbidden by rules he refused to break, or forcibly held back? That was something he had to find out.
 After a few moments, Declan let go and allowed Xavier to mount Valkea. Bidding farewell to all the animals, Declan retreated back into the trees, intent on going home. The days spent with Xavier had been joyous, truly, but he had his own family and friends to return to as well.
 Xavier smiled the whole way back out of the forest. Their time had been short, but Xavier appreciated it as if they had been in their own secluded bubble of time. It wasnât rushed, nor did it drag. It was perfect.
 The forest bid him farewell with blooming roses and the cheers of songbirds. Light from the city illuminated the skies as evening began to take over, and the tranquillity of the forest began to seep away the further away from the heart of it he travelled. No matter, he would return soon enough! The scent of summer fruits finally settled when he found himself outside of the Southern forest and on the paths. There were occasional meows coming from his bag and he reached in, giving both kittens a quick scratch between the ears until they were content.
 Keeping his word, the prince rode back to see Declan a week later.
 Though the kittens remained in the castle, taken care of by his maids who cooed at how exotic and cute they were, Xavier deemed that they were too young to come out with him again. They had to be domesticated if they were to live in the castle!
 Like last time, Xavier had not left the castle without packing a gift for Declan. Unfortunately, he was unable to stay for the night, and so had decided to leave early enough, bringing lunch for himself and Declan even though he did know that his friend was more than capable of getting his own food.
 As Valkea trotted along the dusty path, Xavier pulled on her reins, bringing her to a stop when he realised that there was already someone on the edge of the forest.
 Xavier had been fully prepared to wait for the wisps to appear again so that Declan would know he was there. Somehow, the fae seemed to have already known.
 Delicate fingers were fiddling with willow tree vines, the leaves still attached. Interlaced with the vines were small, dainty flowers, complimented with violets tied near them too. He was sitting on the roots of a large tree, a yellow and black butterfly resting on his shoulder as a squirrel tried to get his attention. It seemed the small animal noticed the princeâs presence first as it straightened, then dashed up the trunk.
 Declan glanced up. He smiled.
 Declan tightened the end of the flower crown, letting it hang from his wrist. Xavier felt the corner of his mouth quirk up in a small smile and dismounted from Valkea. The weather was good with them, and Declan seemed to enjoy it for he was basked in the sunlight. Again, he was only wearing his shorts. From his muddy feet, Xavier could only guess he had been in wading in the stream again then running in the woods.
 âHi,â Xavier returned the greeting. He tilted his head. Did Declan ever wear any other clothing other than his shorts? Unless it was just due to the weather. Perhaps he would find out now, but it didnât bother the prince. No, not at all. The brown markings he saw on his arms twirled around his abdomen, sprawled cross the light skin. It seemed as though he had scars under his ribs too; someone had hurt him a long time ago, but Xavier held his tongue. If Declan wanted to tell him about it, then he would. âIs it safe for you here? What if someone sees? You said it was dangerous, didnât you?â
 Declan shrugged. âI knew you were coming, thereâs no other person around.â
 âHow do you even know that?â Declan didnât give a reply. Only a smile. It was that smile that Xavier deduced he wouldnât be getting an answer out of him. Therefore, he asked him another question.
 âAre you never cold?â
 âI do have clothes,â Declan chuckled, getting up. âBut itâs warm enough now. I wear them more often in the winter.â Careful with the crown, he bounced over to Xavier, tiptoeing to gently place the makeshift crown on his hair. The flower crown sat perfectly on top of golden strands and Xavier chuckled. âThat suits you, my lord.â Declan winked, pretending to give Xavier a bow. In return, Xavier playfully moved to smack his head but Declan jumped back, giggling.
 âDonât call me that, itâs just Xavier.â He insisted.
 Declan rolled his eyes and took Xavierâs hand. With his other hand, Xavier kept his fingers curled around Valkeaâs reins. This was, however, his own attempt to distract himself at how nice Declanâs hand felt in his. The skin was smooth, but not as soft as he had imagined. He supposed that would make sense, given the amount of handiwork that the fae did in the forest. As Declan guided him through, Xavier inhaled the familiar sweet summer scent of the Southern Forest that he had slowly become accustomed to.
 Upon reaching the cave, they sat together, having the lunch that Xavier brought them. Xavier took the saddle off of Valkea, allowing her to go off to find her own food if she wished to (though Xavier had brought her a pack of oats from the castle too). For them, there was cake, and sweet again which delighted Declan. Xavier was pleased just to see Declanâs fascination with mundane objects and hoped that he would always be able to satisfy his curiosity as such.
 As Declan munched on a sandwich, he insisted that Valkea should have the chance to roam the forest herself. As she was in her true form, her large wings strong and threatening, her horn sharp and clean, she was a force to be reckoned with. Nothing would harm her. It took little convincing for Xavier to let her go; she would always come back if he called.
 âTell me about your family?â Declan requested. Xavier didnât mind speaking of his parents, and especially not of his sister! They were a close family and Xavier recounted many stories of how he and Zara had pulled pranks on guards and other nobles when they were younger. They still did now, yet neither was ever caught.
 Evening rolled in. The tunes of songbirds descended into the chirps of summer grasshoppers and soft notes of the owl hoots. The sun had yet to set and the sky was painted pink. Clouds floated above them. Xavier knew he had to leave soon.
 Just as he was about to call for Valkea, he caught Declan shivering. It wasnât excessive, just a shudder. Xavier, himself with a navy jacket, didnât seem to be as cold. The small action did remind him of the gift though.
 âDeclan,â Xavier stood up from the grass. Declan watched him, pausing mid-sentence. âI brought something for you.â
 âAgain?â Declan sighed. âXavier, you really didnâtââ
 âI wanted to.â Xavier insisted. Reaching into his bag, he drew out a large brown scarf. Sitting down on the grass beside Declan, he unfolded it to show the large length and width. The brown was like that of the forest â of the bark in the trees, the rich earth beneath their feet, the wings of the moths at night. Declan didnât move as Xavier draped it around his shoulders, wrapping it around his neck. âItâs handmade.â Xavier whispered as he wound it around Declan again. The prince omitted the fact that it was he who was the maker. He withdrew, taking in the image of Declan wearing his scarf, the way the ends cascaded down his delicate shoulders.
 Declan had stopped shivering.
 Declan glanced up at him through the dark, curled lashes. The scarf around his neck was soft and a little heavy. A large amount of wool had been used for it and Declan was sure that if he folded it up, it could be used as a pillow. He smiled and reached up to play with the ends of the scarf, fiddling with it. âThank you, Xavier, I love it!â He grinned.
 Xavier simply returned the smile, trying not to look too proud of his handiwork. âYou can use it when youâre cold, mainly in the winter. I mean, you probably have things to keep you warm anyway butââ
 âIâll use this.â Declan cut him off. âThank you.â Declan noted that the colour matched his hair too. Standing up, he helped Xavier up and told him to call for Valkea. While they waited for her to return, Declan took Xavierâs hand in his own again and pulled him into the open cavern. Inside, he took the scarf off, placing it on his bed. Going over to one of his cupboards, he opened it up and withdrew a few labelled vials.
 âWhatâs this?â Xavier asked from right behind the fae. Declan jumped, blushing at how Xavierâs breath had just ghosted his ear. Somehow, he managed to recover quickly.
 âTheyâre elixirs. They can help you with any broken bones or injuries. I had to use a bit of magic too, so⊠maybe donât tell anyone you have them.â Declan smiled, handing them to Xavier. âItâs the least I could do, to give you something back.â He reasoned. Declan believed it was only fair since Xavier had given him the scarf. Something from Xavierâs hands for something from his own.
 Xavier pointed to his hair. âYou gave me a new crown.â The one which Declan had placed on his hair earlier that day still remained intact, the flowers blooming as if they had never been plucked from the earth. Declan snorted, a hand hiding his mouth as he laughed behind it. Nonetheless, Xavier took the vials.
 âIâm sure your real crown is much nicer. Gold and jewels and all those things humans like.â
 Before he could stop himself, Xavier spoke the invitation. âWhy donât you see for yourself?â
 Declan rolled his eyes and shook his head. âIâve never left this forest. Iâm not supposed to even see humans, you know that!â Declan smirked, reaching up to gently flick at Xavierâs nose. Xavier scrunched his face up. âIâve been to visit a friend in another forest, but I travelled by magic with my family. A couple of times on my own but not often.â
 Outside, an impatient whinny was heard. Declan glanced to the entrance and lead the way. Valkea was probably hungry, and judging by the time, so was Xavier. He better get back before the royal troops sent out another search party again!
 âI want you to come back next week. No sooner.â Declan announced when they reached the glade of lavenders again. Xavier squinted at how light it was, despite it being dusk.
 âIâm busy.â Declan smiled. The smile was secretive. There was something that Declan really wasnât telling him, but Xavier didnât ask. Eventually, he would know and he felt even if he did ask, Declan would probably not tell him.
 With the crown of flowers on his head, the vials tucked away safely in the saddle, Xavier mounted Valkea again and rode off back towards the city. Declan watched as Valkeaâs form disappeared into the distance, galloping away and leaving clouds of dusty earth in her wake. Night was beginning to take over already. As soon as Declan was sure that they were gone, he hurried back to the stream to check on the weapon.
 Next time, he would bring it to Xavier.
 Having finished his lessons early, Xavier arrived back at the mouth of the forest a week later. This time, Declan was not found resting at the foot of the tree, or sitting in the branches reading one of the books that Xavier had brought him. Early afternoon made it difficult for Xavier to notice the emerald wisps at first, but when one flew directly into his face, it was difficult to ignore.
 Deciding he would stay on Valkeaâs back for now, they followed the group of wisps into the forest. Out of the corner of his eye, Xavier believed that he saw a family of deer dart away after catching a glimpse of a human and a horse.
 It was only when they passed the lavender clearing did Xavier suspect something to be wrong.
 On all other occasions of his visits, the lavender clearing meant that Declanâs cavern was close. The wisps darted between the trees, then shot back to him as if to urge him to follow â it was a completely different direction though!
 Though Xavier was worried, Valkea seemed to think that it was going to be okay and therefore she followed them, despite Xavier gently tugging on her reins. The forest was largely unmarked. That day, Xavier had decided to bring a map with him. Since entering the forest, however, he had yet to use it and so if they got lost, it would be difficult to get out. Had it not been for the omnipresent song of the birds and Valkeaâs presence, Xavier believed that he might actually be a little bit creeped out by all of this.
 The rushing of water soon became louder and louder, drowning out the sweet notes from the birds. On the edge of the clear stream sat a young man. His pale back was to the prince and Celtic knots twisted their way down from his shoulders, diving down his shoulder blades and colliding in a sharp explosion in the centre of his spine. The brown marks were perfectly symmetrical. The wisps made a quiet sound, then vanished.
 Declan didnât move as Xavier approached.
 Dismounting from Valkea, Xavier removed her saddle and placed it on the grass; no one would take it here. If Valkea wanted to leave, she could. Instead, she spread her wings, giving them a good stretch and whinnied to get Declanâs attention.
 The fae looked over his shoulder, smiling and waving at the two of them.
 âIâm here!â Xavier grinned, jogging over to sit down in the soft earth beside Declan. On closer inspection, Declan was sitting on the bank, his legs dipped into the stream so that his feet were in the water. The water only reached the top of his shin, but didnât quite reach his knees.
 âI have something for you.â Declan glanced up at Xavier, a gleeful look in his eyes. âI spent ages perfecting it, and I think itâll suit you!â Xavier quirked an eyebrow. Whatever this gift was, Declan had obviously been planning it for a while. Exactly how long had he been preparing for this? Since they night they met? Surely not, they had been practically strangers then!
 Declan quickly changed the subject to ask about Xavierâs morning and his lessons that he attended in the castle. Distracted by explaining his life to Declan, Xavier momentarily forgot about the fact Declan had gotten something for him. Instead, he spoke of his personal teachers. Having grown up in the castle, his education had surpassed most children in their kingdom, even the rich ones who could afford to go to school. Intense one-on-one sessions, granted the prince a wealth of knowledge which only made him thirst for more. The sciences and mathematics of the world particularly interested him and therefore he had asked for more lessons though it was not necessarily needed.
 âI like having people around,â Xavier shrugged. Declan listened, though his eyes were fixed on the stream. Xavier knew he wasnât being ignored as Declan did make little noises of acknowledgement occasionally. âItâs⊠lonely in the castle sometimes, you know? My parents and sister are always busy with something, and I just like doing something. I guess this is new though.â Xavier crossed his legs under him, his elbow on his thigh and rested his cheek on his fist to support himself. His gaze scanned over the viridian forest, almost as green as Kasparâs eyes, and the way sunlight filtered through the leaves. The serenity of it all seemed almost impossible, something unachievable to mortal senses. Then again, all Xavier had to do was glance to his left to see something he thought to be impossible.
 âWhatâs new?â Declan spoke up softly, though his gaze didnât shift from the stream.
 That caught Declanâs attention. It seemed to Xavier that Declan was frowning, and he almost started to apologise when he realised he wasnât able to tell whether the frown was from confusion or anger. âIâm new?â
 âYeah, youâre⊠Iâve never met anyone like you!â
 Declan scoffed and turned his attention back to the stream. âThatâs because Iâm not a human, prat. Thought that was obvious enough!â
 âHey, Iâm not a prat, Iâm a prince!â Xavier sat up straight, shoulders back and puffed out his chest in pride. Declan thought he looked rather like a young deer trying to scare away predators.
 Xavier rolled his eyes and gave Declan a gentle cuff on the head before leaving it at that. Of course it would be Declan to make fun of him like this.
 âIâm glad,â Declan said, âthat you enjoy these visits. I like them too.â Declan swallowed, and in a slightly lower voice said, âI look forward to them.â
 Xavier could have sworn that Declanâs cheeks did get darker with that statement, but before he was able to get a good look, Declan had stood up in the rover. âDeclan?â he looked up at him, but Declan didnât respond. Instead, the fae began to walk into the centre of the stream. Had it been deeper, Xavier definitely would have pulled him back and scolded him on being reckless. The water only reached the middle of Declanâs thigh when he was at the deepest part of the river. It almost touched the end of his shorts, but not quite. Declan bent over, reaching into the water.
 To stop himself from staring at his friend, (what if he turned around suddenly?), Xavier dropped his gaze and dipped his hand into the water. It skimmed beneath his fingertips. Clean, cool but not cold. It seemed perfect for relaxing on a summerâs day such as one like this.
 A large splash disturbed Xavier. He sat up and saw Declan had drawn a large sword from the river. His grip was tight around the golden hilt, decorated with sapphires, rubies, emeralds and diamonds. The clarity of each stone was so magnificent that even from the bank, Xavier could tell how stunning they each were. Holding it in front of him, Declan waded back towards the bank.
 The sword sang a high, sharp note as Declan stabbed it into the earth. He used it as support when he pulled himself out before tearing it back up to claim it again. A hand was brought up to brush away some hair from his face, only water landed in his chestnut strands and dripped down them slowly.
 âIs⊠did you make that?â Xavier gaped.
 Declan chuckled under his breath and shook his head. Sitting down on Xavierâs left, he crossed his legs beneath him as well and held it out â one hand on the jewel encrusted hilt, the other on the shimmering blade. âI found it. Then⊠tampered with it, I guess.â
 The blade in question looked as good as new, and if Xavier didnât already know that swords were made from steel, then he would have thought that it was silver given the shine it showed. It was spotless, despite being in the river and glittered in the sunlight. Some of it was due to the reflection, some of it due to the water which still dripped from the blade.
 âSomeone had left it behind when I found them. I kept it, knew that humans could come here if they wanted. Thereâs caves in our town with these,â Declanâs small hand flitted over the precious stones, âand I know that humans like them though they are⊠little to us. Common, almost,â Declan shrugged. He never did quite understand humansâ obsession with shiny, clear rocks which anyone could find easily, provided they knew where to look.
 âSo,â Xavier leant forward, inspecting the hilt âYou decorated this?â
 âI did more than just decorate it!â Declan huffed. âWhen I found it, it was⊠old. So, I enhanced it. It has been forged with winterâs ice, springâs spirit, summerâs care and autumnâs strength. Itâs all important, you know?â Declan asked as if it was the most easy thing to comprehend. âItâs sharp, strong and light. Iâm sure it can cut through any bone now, and any other material or metal you humans could have.â
 âYou humans?â Xavier raised an eyebrow for a second.
 âFrom what youâve told me, it seems like you have good resources, but yes, âyou humans.ââ Declan grinned at the reaction he was getting. Before he handed it over, he raised the sword to his lips and carefully, placed one gentle kiss on the shining blade. It was a touch of the lips, one more enhancement for the sword â the favour of the fae.
 Silently, Declan handed over the weapon.
 Xavier received it carefully, both hands outstretched with palms open and facing up. The moment the sword so much as skimmed his skin, a shock shot up his arm.
 âAre you okay?â Declan withdrew, letting Xavier weigh the weapon out in his hands.
 Xavier nodded and bounced it a couple of times. The hilt was rather heavy, but it was nothing he couldnât handle! Standing, he held it in his right hand and swung it in the air a couple of times, slicing and twisting it into thin air, stabbing an invisible enemy.
 âItâs handmade,â Declan smirked, unknowingly echoing Xavierâs words. Xavier looked over his shoulder with a grin and went to give Declan a hug, wary as to not cut him into ribbons.
 âThank you,â he whispered. Xavierâs warm breath tickled Declanâs ear and in his arms, the fae felt a shiver run down his spine. It was not unpleasant, just unexpected. âThank you so much, this is⊠this is amazing!â Declan laughed lightly through his nose and returned the hug, his arms coming up to Xavierâs back.
 Raising his head, Declan rested his chin on Xavierâs shoulder, his lips centimetres away from Xavierâs ear. âI want you to use it to protect people, not to attack them.â Declan whispered.
 Xavier hesitated, but after a moment nodded. âYeah. Yeah, I promise.â
 âGood.â Declan smiled, giving Xavier one small squeeze before letting go. He kept the princeâs gaze for a moment, staring into ocean blue eyes. Or at least, what he imagined to be the ocean. âProtect your world. The one Iâm not allowed to see.â As soon as the words slipped from his mouth, Declan knew it was too late. The longing in them was far too heavy to conceal and Xavier picked it up instantly.
 âWhy do you want to see it so badly?â Xavier asked. Though Declan had let go of him and stood up straight again, they were still in each otherâs personal spaces, the sword pointed to the ground. Xavier hadnât taken his arms away from Declanâs body. He held him close. âThis is more beautiful than anything in the city.â Xavier said, looking at Declan sincerely.
 Declan shrugged. âTo you. Iâm used to this. This is all normal, but Iâm confined because of rules! JustâŠâ he sighed, âJust once I want to see what itâs like out there, to see the ocean, to see your city! The way you talk about it sounds unimaginable.â
 Xavier paused, thinking about what Declan had said. It was true that he wasnât used to this magical forest, but at least he had seen a forest before. He had been to so many places on political visits with his parents, but Declanâs forest was a whole other dimension. Filled with a magical civilisation he had only been told about in stories, animals who were friendly enough to approach and sweet fruits which seemed to never spoil. It was a haven for him.
 Only for him; for Declan, it was boring. Slowly, a smile broke Xavierâs neutral expression. âYou said there were rules?â Declan raised an eyebrow and nodded. âWell,â Xavier let his arms drop by his sides. He turned, formed a ring with his left thumb and pointer finger and raised it to his mouth. Blowing sharply, a high pitched whistle shot through the forest â Valkeaâs call. Grinning at Declan, he boldly reached for Declanâs left hand with his right and pulled him closer. âLetâs go break some rules!â
 âXavier!â Declan seemed to be shocked at him more than protesting against the idea. Valkea soon galloped to the bank and skidded to a halt. Her hair flowed down her side and she shone in a way more beautiful than the sword. Xavier let go of Declanâs hand. Putting the sword away, Xavier went to pick up the saddle. Valkea instantly transformed her appearance to become that of a horse, letting Xavier strap it back onto her back. He tightened it and mounted his horse. There was no need to take out the reins now. Once again, he reached out to Declan, palm facing up and a playful grin in place.
 His thighs ached as they were pressed tightly against Valkea.
 Daring to peek at his surroundings, Declan saw the stream of colours fly past his vision. The familiar trees and flowers blurred together in one long kaleidoscopic stroke. No longer could he hear the afternoon preludes of the birds but only the whistling wind which rushed past his ears.
 Declanâs grip tightened around Xavierâs waist and squeezed his eyes shut again. With his cheek pressed against Xavierâs left shoulder blade, he tried to drown out the strong gallop beneath him by focusing on Xavierâs heartbeat. It worked for a while, until he realised the reason for his anxiousness.
 There was no reason for him to be nervous. Pegasi were grand creatures, strong and safe and one letting him on her back was an honour. She wouldnât throw him off. Declan knew these woods like the markings on his body. There was nothing to be scared about. Xavier was taking him somewhere out of the forest, and though that thought was slightly daunting, his curiosity was greater. No, it wasnât him being nervous.
 âAre you all right, Xavier?â Declan raised his head and spoke in his ear. It might have been the evening light, but Declan could have sworn that he saw a soft blush on the princeâs cheeks. âXavier?â he asked again when Xavier didnât answer him. Declan supposed that the wind was making it hard for him to hear too. With a small sigh, Declan sat back again, letting his arms around Xavierâs waist drop a little lower.
 It was then Declan realised just where his hands were. Of course, he had to hold onto Xavier when they were galloping this quickly. His grip was secure on Xavierâs lower abdomen. The shirt Xavier wore was thin, and though he had a jacket, it wasnât buttoned and so Declan was able to feel the tense muscles beneath it. Perhaps the anxiousness wasnât from nerves after all.
 With a small smirk, Declan decided not to ask now that he knew what the emotion was. Instead, he stayed quiet and tried to focus on not falling off. Just as he had gotten used to the pace that Valkea was going at, Xavier tugged on the reins, causing Valkea to skid to a stop. Declan felt his body press into Xavierâs for a moment and he tensed, but luckily managed to stabilise himself again.
 âWhyâd we stop?â Declan tilted his head. Xavier ran a hand through his hair and took a few deep breaths. Riding a horse could be difficult, but riding Valkea was tougher than most ordinary horses â she was stronger than they were.
 âAre you sure you want to do this?â Xavier asked in a low voice. âWe can turn back.â
 Declan swallowed. âI⊠I donât want to get in trouble.â For some reason, Xavier seemed to find that amusing.
 âYou wonât if no one finds out! Iâm sure no one will!â
 If that statement had come from anywhere else, then perhaps Declan wouldnât have believed it. But this was Xavier, and so he knew he could trust him. He was pure. Declan chewed his lower lip, and Xavier watched him do so, wanting nothing more than to stop him. He shouldnât be damaging a mouth that nice.
 âWhere are we going?â Declan changed the subject. Xavier only threw his head back, laughing into the leaves.
 âOut of the forest!â was the only answer Xavier seemed willing to give. There was excitement buzzing around now that Xavier was thinking about their destination. Though Declan wanted to protest, given he wasnât supposed to be out of the forest, he stopped himself. Hadnât he always wanted that? To see what the world outside was like? To see Xavierâs world. âYou sure you donât want to go back?â Xavier smirked, knowing the answer already.
 There was no possible way that Declan would deny this chance. After years of longing to go, restrained by the fear of being caught, here was his chance. No one had to know, Xavier had told him they wouldnât be caught. Declan knew in the back of his mind there was no one around and there really wasnât a way for them to be caught out by this. This was his chance to finally see the outside world, and he was not about to let it slip through his fingers.
 âAre we going to the city?â Declan asked instead of answer. With a smirk, Xavier turned to face forward again and squeezed his thighs against Valkea. The action prompted her to walk leisurely. Xavier allowed her, given she was probably tired as well.
 âNot quite.â He smirked.
 As they approached the edge of the forest, the sunlight from the sunset began to increase, bathing them in a golden light. A shiver of warmth crawled up his arm and Declan wished that he had brought Xavierâs scarf along with him. In front of him, Xavier squinted at the sunlight, though since he was sitting at the back, Declan was spared the searing glare of the rays. The forest became sparser and soon enough, Declan knew they were out of his forest and into the field.
 A crash was heard. Another. And another.
 Valkea halted, but they didnât dismount.
 Declanâs forehead was still pressed against Xavierâs back, his eyes fixed on the beige of his shirt. They couldnât be where he thought they were, could they? Another crash.
 It was the same sound as the storm blowing the main river against the banks, but it was magnified a thousand times. The bellowing water attacked something solid and strong, biting against the cliffs which surrounded them. The long grass at Valkeaâs feet danced in the wind, bringing the sharp, salty scent of the sea.
 Xavierâs voice was as soft and sweet as the sounds which he was hearing. âWeâre here.â
 A chill ran down Declanâs spine as he inhaled the unfamiliar scent. Slowly, he raised his head and turned to look. His breath hitched in his throat.
 The ocean was calm, the waves reaching them in a manner of perpetual motion. The sun just dipped into the blue line, painting the skies orange and tinting the sea with bronze which shimmered across it all until it reached them. The light stretched in a long vertical line towards them, always changing as the waves moved beneath them.
 Xavier smiled, watching as Declanâs expression showed how in awe he was. The sunset light took a couple of years off his age, his eyes were aflame with wonder and his mouth parted, jaw slack and relaxed. It looked like he had fallen in love. Xavier didnât dare speak up just yet, not wanting to ruin the moment. The sun lowered into the sea, the sky got a little darker and the stars began to shine a little brighter.
 When Declan blinked, breaking his trance, he smiled so innocently that Xavier almost believed he was so. Leaning a little towards him, Xavier whispered, âYou can go closer, you know?â
 Declan shivered as Xavierâs voice pierced his silence. He only had to shift his eyes to his left without moving his head to see just how close Xavier was to him now. Declan noticed his sharp cheekbones and eyelashes fanned out, curled to the sky. His own cheeks warmed at how he noticed that the sunset made him look more tranquil than usual.
 Deciding to take his advice, Declan nodded and dismounted. He didnât wait for his friend as he approached the edge of the cliffs, ignoring Xavierâs warning of being careful. He was careful anyway, Xavier neednât worry. The long grass tickled the back of his knees. The wind, wild and carefree, dishevelled his hair. The earth beneath Declanâs bare feet was soft and welcoming, hardly touched and created a path for him to the edge. Enchanted by it all, Declan smiled, his eyes lighting up as the sunset began. He stopped.
 âDeclan!â Xavier was closer now, his voice no longer carried away by the whistling of the wind. Declan looked over his shoulder and expected that Xavier was going to join him at the edge. Xavier, however, stayed a few feet away, desperation in beautiful blue eyes, corrupting them to become darker. There were frown lines on his forehead, causing the prince to look older than he was. âDeclan, be careful!â
 Though his heart hammered against his chest, Declan knew it was only Xavierâs worry. He didnât have anything to be scared about. Taking a deep breath, Declan smiled at him. âItâs okay,â he assured. His heart didnât slow. With great care, he crouched down, the blades of grass pliant and gentle as they hugged him. Declan sat on the edge, aware of Xavierâs anxiety and allowed his legs to dangle over nothing.
 There was something freeing about it all. No ground beneath his feet, but all the support he required was there. Hazel now contained hints of orange and blue as Declan stared, eyes wide in awe. This memory had to be in his mind forever, this day when Xavier, a human, did something so meaningful for him. Yes, perhaps it was simple but for Declan, it meant everything. He let himself have a few more moments of taking in the vastness of the sea, imagining what lay beneath the curling waves, the sea foam which crashed onto golden beaches below.
 âDeclan, get away from there!â
 When Xavierâs nervousness became too much, Declan sighed and got up. He turned, walking back to the blond when he realised that Xavier was just about to go to him, despite his own fear. Declan didnât question what it was but smirked, crossing his arms when he was right in front of Xavier. âI told you it was okay.â
 Xavier huffed, copying Declan when he crossed his arms and his cheeks heated up. Fine, next time he wouldnât care as much for the little brat! Just because he decided it was a good idea to sit at the edge of an unstable cliff! He brought him here to see the sea, not to dangle off of a cliff! âYou might want to turn around if you donât want to miss the sunset.â Xavier grumbled. He closed his eyes and sighed, letting his arms drop at his sides. Xavier scratched the back of his head, glancing to the side to try and think about what else he could say.
 âItâs amazing!â Declan bounced to his side, eager to not miss this chance. âItâs better than I could ever imagine. The books werenât as good at telling me about something like this!â Thoughts about the cliff had gone from Declanâs mind though he had been wanting to tease Xavier too. Excitement took over as the sun gave the last of its light to them. Declan reached down and grabbed Xavierâs hand in his own, appreciating how he was a lot warmer and his hand a lot larger than his own.
 Xavier moved on instinct, letting his fingers slip between Declanâs own and he swore he felt his heart skip a beat. When he turned to look at Declan, he found that Declan was no longer staring at the setting sun, but rather looking at him. The last of the shadows were cast across the faeâs face and Xavier believed this was the happiest he had seen him.
 Declan gently squeezed his hand. âThank you for tonight. For everything youâve done.â
 Xavier nodded and returned the gesture. He wished he could hold onto Declanâs hand for a longer time but given that the sun had finally dipped beneath the ocean, he knew it was time for him to return home.
 âYouâre welcome. I⊠I just wanted to let you see it, you know? The painting and everything, but seeing the real thing changes it a bit, right?â Xavier asked as he lead the way back to Valkea. âDo you want a ride back somewhere in the forest?â Valkea knew her way back, somehow, and so Xavier trusted her to take him home. Declan, on the other hand, he feared that he wouldnât be able to find his way. Declan declined and stopped walking, pulling Xavier back. âHey, is something wrong?â
 âNo,â Declan shook his head and looked up. His stare was intense, studious and aware. Xavier was rooted to the ground, hooked into the gaze. With his free hand, Declan reached up to cup Xavierâs face, fingers gentle on his neck and jaw, his thumb brushing against Xavierâs cheekbone. âI loved seeing the ocean tonight, thank you.â Xavier closed his eyes for a moment and leant into his touch, then opened them again just to see Declan smiling softly at him.
 âWe can come back.â
 Declanâs eyes creased at the edges, a sparkle in the irises. He would like that. âOne day, we will, Xavier.â He said. Declanâs voice turned quiet, sweet and gentle. âBut I think itâs going to be all right if I never see the ocean again. Itâs beautiful, more so than I could ever have pictured but,â Declan paused and pressed his lips together. Xavier wanted to urge him to continue, but instead stayed quiet. Only the quiet crash of the waves below them reminded them that they were not entirely alone. âI prefer your eyes.â Declan admitted. âIâm aware blue is a common colour for eyes, but yours⊠yours are special.â Declan said, never breaking eye contact. âTheyâre truly beautiful.â
 Xavierâs voice left him, as did his usual confidence. To have such a genuine compliment bestowed upon him left him speechless and staring. His shoulders were slack, his breathing was slow and his mind was quiet. Declan chuckled at the reaction and tiptoed to kiss the other side of Xavierâs cheek.
 That snapped the prince back to earth again. âGo home, Xavier, itâs getting late.â Declan urged. âIâll see you soon?â he asked as he took a step back, about to race back into the forest.
 âY-Yeah,â Xavier stuttered out, a hand reaching to touch the cheek that Declan had kissed. âThree days⊠Iâll be back.â
 Declan rested against the brick walls and closed his eyes, a chill running up his spine as the cool stones touched the small of his back. How he ached to have water. Perhaps it wasnât the best idea to run out like that, especially so late in the evening. There was no telling how long he had left, though judging by the moon in the sky, it was likely the citizens were mostly asleep.
 Declan leant his head back on the wall and let out a small laugh into the heavens. It was an incredible feat that he had managed. All down to a simple fight. Perhaps, in some twisted way, he had his father to thank for this.
 Once he managed to catch his breath, Declan opened his eyes, smiling at the scene in front of him.
 Thatched houses and inns lined the main path, empty stalls lay waiting for their owners to return in the morning, barrels of supplies were stacked against walls and a wandering drunk human or two would sometimes stumble along the path. Laughter rang out from the next street over and when he looked up, some windows had a soft glow, indicating that there was someone still awake in there.           Â
 Declan pushed himself off of the wall and wrapped a hand around the strap of his bag. The citadel loomed high above him, overlooking the surrounding city but Declan knew his way. Not entirely, but he was being guided towards the prince. Since it was night, he gathered that there wouldnât be any interruptions; if he travelled the rest of the night, then he would be able to make it to the castle doors by morning and find an audience with the prince.
 Or he would simply break in unnoticed, whichever he felt like, really.
 Taking one last look around, Declan let himself laugh. Finally, he was in the city.
 Despite being used to walking around without a top, the night air in the city seemed different, and a shiver of cold injected itself into his bones. For this journey, Declan had opted to wear some old clothes: a simple brown top and shorts, torn at the knees from running around in forest, the material having been scratched away by sharp thorns. He hadnât thought about wearing shoes, seeing as he was so used to going bare feet everywhere. Usually, his magic would have kept him warm but Declan knew that if he entered human territory, he had to focus on looking⊠human.
 He had, therefore, used his magic, focusing his energy on covering every marking on his body which might have identified him as fae folk. The last thing he needed was to be captured here! Unfortunately for Declan, it did mean that his strength was severely depleted and keeping himself warm meant risking giving himself away. The citadel wasnât that far away. Surely he could last until he found Xavier.
 Though few occupied the streets, no one paid him any attention. Declan continued to walk, his feet sensitive to the stone ground which shocked him every time he took a step. Hopefully heâd arrive to the castle soon. Turning, Declan headed into another alleyway, one with dim torches hung on the walls. An inn with dim lighting was to his right, and a woman stood in barely any clothing just outside. Her face was painted to give her a smooth appearance, like an expensive piece of art that was only accessible to those with enough money, or those willing to attempt to steal.
 Declan carried along, not giving her any more attention and soon noticed another house, with a young attractive man leaning languidly against the door frame. A light, loose shirt hung on his lithe body. He must have been younger than Declan himself, with barely any facial hair and dark curls which framed his face nicely. Light eyes caught Declanâs for a moment and a lazy smirk made its way to the strangerâs lips. Raising a hand, the boy beckoned Declan with a finger. Startled, the fae tore his gaze away and hurried along.
 Pain shot through Declanâs head as he bumped into someoneâs chest. He groaned and squeezed his eyes shut, his grip tight on his bag when he felt a large hand on his waist. A heavy breath was blown in his face, and Declan grimaced at the stench. Alcohol.
 The heavy weight of lust hung around him, lacing its way up his legs. Declanâs breath hitched, voice caught in his throat when he was pressed up against a round stomach of the man who held him. Looking up, an elder man wore a crooked grin with cracked yellow teeth showing. This close, Declan observed how silver hair sprouted from his upper lip and how bits of food clung to his wiry beard. No doubt he was already intoxicated. As if the alcoholic breath didnât already tell him, Declan saw how dilated the manâs pupils were as he stared down at him. Behind him, another hand, calloused and rough, clamped down on his shoulder.
 âArenât you a pretty face?â a low voice behind him slurred. It was hard to make out at first, with the consonants dropped and words slurred together, but Declan didnât have the time to say much else as the man behind him leant down, burying his face in his left shoulder. Frozen by fear, Declanâs heart beat rapidly in his chest and a sick feeling bubbled in his stomach. This had all been a mistake after all! He had been right â humans were vile.
 âHow much?â The man in front of him with the beard asked. His voice was scratchier, and his messy dark hair fell in his face, soaked in sweat.
 Declan struggled against his grip, but the dark-haired man only held him tighter, his fingers digging into his skin at his side. Declan winced and turned his head away to try and breathe some fresh air. âWhat?â How much what? The man asked again, pressing his hand onto Declan even harder, enough to make him jump. The action jolted Declan into moving again and he placed his hands on the manâs chest, trying to shove him away. âG-Get off!â
 The man behind him chuckled, lifting his head from Declanâs shoulder. He stepped forward, his hip pressed against Declanâs back and leaned forward to grip his wrists tightly, restraining him. âFor you, obviously. Prettiest one around here.â Declan growled, trying to pull away from the humans but to no avail. Even drunk, they were stronger than him in this form. His attempts were futile, only giving amusement to the older men. âFeisty, this one. I like âem like that.â
 âI donât.â The man in front said gruffly. To his friend, he ordered, âMove.â Once he stepped to the side and released Declanâs wrists, Declan could see this one had bronze hair, wavy and tied back in a greasy knot. The fae didnât have time to stare or escape as in the next moment, he was shoved onto a brick wall of the alley. A sharp cry of pain escaped and he began to thrash in the manâs grip.
 âFuck, weâll pay you when weâre done with you,â he huffed, his hand on Declanâs shoulder, leg between Declanâs own to pin him against the wall. A sly, slow smile like knives made its way onto the dark-haired man.
 His companion stepped forward, teasingly playing with a strand of Declanâs hair, then moved his attention to grip Declanâs wrist to make sure he wouldnât try and hit them. âCooperate and we wonât hurt you. Shame if you didnât have suchâa pretty face anymore, right?â
 The dark haired man used his free hand to place on Declanâs shirt, dirty fingers untying the laces at the top. âNow letâs get you out of this piece of shit.â
 Declanâs breaths were quick and heavy, his vision began to blur and his limbs seemed heavy. Despite wanting to use his magic, or wanting to hit his attackers, nothing seemed to work. Panic shocked him, rendering him still and compliant. Dry lips were placed over his own, hard stubble scratched at his skin. Declan cried out, though it was muffled, and his eyes widened. Turning his head away, he spit back in the manâs face but was met with a sharp punch to his jaw.
 Declanâs head snapped to his side, his vision blackening for a moment, stars swimming in his sight the next. Lazily, he noticed there wasnât anyone in this alley anymore. Had they dragged him somewhere else? The painted woman had disappeared, the attractive boy with beautiful curls had disappeared, the houses were all dark, their occupants asleep and blissfully ignorant of what was happening right outside.
 âDo that again and youâll regret it, boy.â
 Declan turned his head, tears dripping down his cheeks and he sniffed. He had no choice but to nod stiffly. The dark-haired man grinned and dove down to press lazy, messy bites to Declanâs neck, his large hands straying to his shorts. Declan closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. He probably could have escaped, especially given his magic, but not now. Not when he was supposed to be a human. Heâd expose his whole civilisation! He couldnât do that. Not to these greedy people.
 The sound of footsteps approached and Declanâs heart sank. The last thing he wanted was more people witnessing this. To his surprise, the stranger stopped in their tracks and interrupted.
 Declan wanted them to just leave. This wasnât their business; these men would leave him alone soon. The dark haired man paused nonetheless, and Declan swore he felt him smirk against his skin. âFind your own whore, this oneâs ours.â Sharp anger sliced through thick lust. Declan shuddered.
 The companion barely turned to look, instead he scowled. âFuck off.â
 The next sound, Declan recognised. A sonorous, clear note. The first tone of a battle cry. The draw of a sword.
 âI, Prince Xavier Isotalo, order you to let that boy go now.â
 All three of them froze â the attackers out of fear, Declan out of disbelief. He could have sworn he was following their tie towards the castle. Unless, of course, Xavier had been in the area anyway. Despite the tears on his face, Declan looked up to see Xavier with his sword pointed at the nape of the dark-haired manâs neck. Even in the night, it shimmered, reflecting the cold moonlight off of its blade. Declan recognised his blade anywhere.
 Slowly, the grip on him loosened and Declanâs feet returned to the stone ground. The men stepped away from him, backing away from Xavier who only stepped closer, weapon still raised and the tip under the attackerâs chin. Xavier didnât spare Declan a glance, his focus entirely on the other two. The tight grip on the sword showed from his white knuckles. Blue eyes were dark and narrowed, mouth twisted into a disapproving scowl. It was the redhead who decided to speak up first.
 âWeâre sorry, sire, heâs all yours if you want.â
 It was the wrong thing to say.
 Xavier growled and raised his sword. Declan launched forward, wanting to stop him, but a new hand gripped his forearm, holding him back. This time, Declan tried to pull away but the fingers around his arm were tight. Rolling his eyes, Declan looked behind him for a second to see the boy with the beautifully curled hair holding him back. âLet me go, heâs going to kill them!â
 âNo he isnât.â The young man smirked. Declan was about to protest when the inexplicable sound of a sword slicing through air was heard. He winced and turned back to look.
 His attackers were gripping each other, dazed and drunk. Xavier towered above them. His sword had pierced the ground at their feed, which was where the resonating sound had come from.  Declan relaxed instantly, a relieved breath leaving his lips. The young man let go of him, knowing that Declan wasnât going to do anything rash.
 Xavier still didnât look at them. Instead, he grabbed his sword and slipped it back at his side. With a low, growl, he threatened, âIf I ever see the two of you again, let alone harassing anyone who doesnât want your attention, Iâll see to your lives personally.â
 Declan only had to blink before he realised the attackers had scrambled away somewhere. A wave of cold air washed over him, and he wrapped his arms around himself. The feeling of wire-like stubble scratching against his skin still lingered and Declan began to shudder for another reason. With his gaze cast down, he failed to notice Xavier approach.
 Xavier walked right past him.
 Instead, he approached the curly haired boy. âThank you, Ethan.â
 Ethan raised a dark eyebrow. He had yet to do anything that night, and it wasnât often the prince would thank him for his services. âMy lord?â
 âI donât require your company tonight,â Xavier clarified, betraying himself by glancing back at Declan, âbut you still⊠you deserve this.â Xavier handed over a bag of coins, placing it in the young manâs hands. Ethan smirked and clutched it tightly before tossing it in the air, catching it again. After all, had Ethan not mentioned a disturbance, then Xavier would have never checked it out.
 âAlways a pleasure, my lord. I look forward to your next visit.â Ethan grinned, giving him a wave. Xavier nodded, watching until Ethan returned to his brothel.
 As soon as he had gone, Xavier unclipped his navy cloak and hurried back to Declan. Gently placing it over his shoulders, he leant down and secured it, making sure the Declan would be warm. âHey, Dec,â he said softly. Declan still shook in front of him, sniffing quietly and tears present. It took the majority of Xavierâs willpower not to go after those bastards and tear them to shreds. It was bad enough they were sexually assaulting someone, but seeing as that someone was Declan⊠maybe letting them go was too kind of him. Heâd find them soon. Right now, his focus was his friend.
 âDeclan?â Xavier said again. This time, Declan glanced up. This confirmed it really was him. No one had eyes as beautiful as the faeâs, even if he was crying. Nevertheless, the sight broke his heart. He was so used to Declan being quick-witted, funny, happy. Not threatened and scared like this. Stepping forward, he wrapped his arms around Declan, letting his friend cry into his chest. He wasnât going to ask what had happened, not now since Declan was obviously still shaken up.
 Xavier hadnât wanted to believe it was Declan at first, pinned up against a dirty alleyway by strange, drunken men. Declan never left the forest, after all, and Xavier wanted to know what had happened that made the fae so willing to leave. Absentmindedly, Xavier began to stroke Declanâs hair; it used to help him calm down too. He took this chance to glance down at Declanâs legs, realising that they were completely clear. No markings. But this was Declan!
 It took a few minutes of standing in the cold, but Xavier was used to it. Declanâs shivers became less violent, and his sobs had ceased, reduced to quiet sniffles which made Declan seem more like a lost animal. âLetâs get you back to the castle, you can stay with me for as long as you need to.â Xavier offered. Declan nodded, but kept his gaze down for now. Thankful that he had brought Valkea along that night, Xavier reached for Declanâs hand and began to walk back to the inn stables where he had left her. At least getting back to the castle would be a lot quicker now. Declan followed silently, probably still trying to process everything that had happened. Xavier couldnât blame him. âIâll look after you.â He said, deciding that he should break the silence. He brushed his thumb over the back of Declanâs hand. Declan looked up, eyes wide and mouth slightly parted. Xavier gave him a smile and squeezed his hand. âI promise.â
 For the majority of the ride back to the castle, Declan didnât say a word. He only spoke in a whisper when Xavier asked whether he was comfortable or not sitting in front of him on the saddle. They kept to the well-lit roads so the dark wouldnât startle Declan, but most of them were empty anyway. It wasnât as late as Xavier had thought.
 Valkea kept a slow and steady pace so that she would not alarm Declan with any sudden movements. Xavier hadnât had to tell her to do that. As soon as the two approached, Valkea had greeted them both, gently nudging at Declanâs cheek when he was close enough. For a brief moment, it had made the fae smile.
 Declan had his hands on the front of the saddle with Xavierâs arms around him, gripping the reigns lightly. If he was uncomfortable, he made no indication of it. Though he was desperate to ask him so many questions, such as why he was in the city in the first place, Xavier refrained from doing so.
 Upon reaching the gates, the prince received questioning glances from the guards but they didnât question him â who would? It was strange, however, for the prince to bring back a stranger in the middle of the night. Xavier wasnât accustomed to bringing prostitutes into the castle itself, and would rather go out into the city to meet them instead. But Declan was neither a stranger nor a prostitute. No one but Xavier knew that though.
 Xavier dismounted in the courtyard, helping Declan off of Valkea as she was led away by a stable boy. Xavier lead the way into the castle with Declan following, the thick navy cloak still on his shoulders. As it was fitted for Xavier, the cloak trailed almost to Declanâs ankles, the warm, soft material brushing against his exposed legs as he walked. It wasnât ideal, but it was something for now.
 âI need to go to the kitchens first.â Xavier announced. Declan didnât reply. He only nodded and followed. It was disconcerting having Declan only respond with silence. He missed the constant chatter which they usually had; perhaps he was tired. Xavier didnât blame him if he was. He wouldnât have blamed him if he wasnât either. He only wished Declan was comfortable.
 Upon arriving at the kitchens, Xavier requested a jug of hot milk mixed with honey be brought up to his chambers. It would take a while to make, but Xavier knew that it was okay. Hopefully, it should help both of them sleep. He also requested a bath be made for him. On normal occasions, Xavier would have been quicker than any servant to get to his room, but Declan was tired and had shorter legs â it would take them a little while longer to get there.
 He turned, indicating that Declan should follow him. On his way out, he chose to ignore the curious whispers which surrounded him. Heâd deal with rumours in the morning.
 At night, the castle slowed and time seemed to drag. There was nothing going on at the moment. Both the king and the queen were away in a neighbouring kingdom for talks regarding trade. Meanwhile, they had left Princess Zara as acting head of state. She managed well, but on top of her other duties, it left her tired and Xavier assumed she had already retired for the night. The only people still awake were the servants who were just about finishing up for the night and the guards on night duty. It was difficult to find a private place in the public corridors, but no one stopped Declan whilst walking next to Xavier. Especially not when he wore the princeâs cloak.
 Eventually, they reached the royal quarters. Xavier nodded in thanks to the small group of servants who stopped them on the stone stairs, informing him that they had left him the drink and his bath was ready in his room. Apart from the guards located at the end of the corridors, the royal quarters were empty.
 Or they should have been.
 Just as they turned the corner, Xavier stopped suddenly, causing Declan to bump into him. He stumbled, but eventually steadied himself. When he looked up, Xavierâs gaze was fixed forward, jaw tense. Before Declan could ask, dizziness overpowered his head and he groaned, a hand reaching to clutch his hair. With eyes screwed shut, he tightened his jaw, trying not to make a noise. Anxiety and fear crept through his body and rooted themselves into his veins. Something was terribly wrong and Declan couldnât tell if it was human or not.
 Taking a deep breath, he stepped back, a hand reaching out to the wall on his left and he used it to steady himself. He exhaled. Perhaps he could pass it off as being tired. When he opened his eyes, he frowned when all he saw was a woman.
 âWhy is Âhe here?â The woman shrieked. Declan jumped, keeping behind Xavier who stepped forward, chin raised. âWho the fuck is he?â Anger, disbelief and â was that jealousy? â crashed into Declan, and if he hadnât gotten hold of himself, he might have showed those emotions too. Meekly looking up, he took in her tall appearance, the way her hair was perfectly styled for a woman of noble birth, but not quite royalty, and how brown eyes raged with dark promise. Declan was not interested in women, but he appreciated beauty.
 This woman was not beautiful.
 Declan was not one to be completely superficial. Whatever it was this woman displayed on the outside, it clearly wasnât reflected within her. Concentrating, he locked eyes with her, but the moment he did, the dizziness returned and the room began to darken. It took Declan less than ten seconds to realise it was not him who was fainting, but the woman whoâs aura was both powerful and dark.
 âHeâs my companion. You should leave.â Xavierâs voice reached out in the darkness, an order to be pulled back. Declan breathed heavily, his fingers curling into his palm as he supported himself on the wall.
 âI came to see you.â Leigh said in a slightly softer tone, looking up at him through thick eyelashes. âI wanted to be alone with you.â No longer would she bother herself with that disgusting slum boy. She could see no reason why Xavier would take an interest at all in someone like him, when the prince had someone like her. She walked towards him, her shoes clicking against the stone, the sound reverberating around them. Xavier didnât move, his face gave nothing away. Declan averted his gaze from her, and instead it landed on Xavier. He hadnât seen him like this before. Like a king.
 This human was beautiful.
 âYou shouldnât be here. Get out, Iâm retiring for the night.â Xavier blinked, giving the order. Leigh frowned, reaching up to place a hand on Xavierâs chest. He didnât react. âGo.â He repeated, his lips moving slowly to draw out the vowel. âNow, or Iâll call the guards and have you thrown out of the quarters.â That did it. The thing about Xavier which Declan had learnt, was that Xavier would always follow through with his threats.
 With a swear in a foreign language which Declan couldnât decipher, Leigh stormed away, but not before casting a hateful stare towards Declan. He glanced away, reaching for Xavierâs hand when she turned the corner but refused to move until he guessed she was far enough away from them.
 For a couple of minutes, only the flickering of the torches on the walls made any sound. Then, Declan finally spoke.
 âSheâs dark, Xavier.â His voice was soft yet firm. Confident in his judgement. âI donât trust her.â
 Xavier turned to stare. Sure, that wasnât the best of meetings, and it certainly wasnât a very good first impression, but wasnât Declan being a little bit dramatic? âSheâs just my personal tutor, she probably just wanted to give me some homework,â he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
 Declan remained unconvinced but chose not to respond. Instead, he let Xavier lead the way into his chambers. Declan followed.
 Large and spacious, Xavierâs bedroom was a magnificent display of expensive art in the form of furniture and decoration. The walls were plain enough, decorated with swords and shields and tapestry which hung down from the ceiling. Xavier was already tall, but Declan estimated that he would only be able to touch the ceiling if he held a sword in his hand, stretched up with his arm upright and then perhaps could the tip of the blade scratch the ceiling. Out of his peripheral vision, to his right, Declan noticed another door made from dark oak and closed. Maybe it was the closet? He couldnât tell. Directly in front, Declan who remained in the doorway, he could tell there were large windows hidden behind crimson velvet and a large desk with books piled neatly in each corner, documents which were spread across the walnut wood surface. The chair was facing towards him. If Xavier was ever working there and he had a guest, then theyâd enter with a direct approach to the prince.
 In the right corner, adjacent to the desk were two dressers, which Declan estimated they would have reached the height of his nose. Against the right wall in the same corner, spaced slightly away was a larger wardrobe. How many clothes did a prince need? The left corner on the opposite side was less compact. Instead of dressers and decoration, there only a large screen, clothes still hanging over the top of it. Declan deduced that Xavier dressed behind it, though he didnât see what was wrong with just dressing in the middle of the room.
 Behind him, Xavier shut the door. The click of the door made him jump slightly, and he turned back to ask him about where he was going to sleep for the night (in case Xavier objected to them staying in the same bed) but his thoughts were stolen by a large shield hung. It wasnât for battle, only decoration. As a decoration, it loomed high over him, angled down to stare with its smooth sides and sharp corners. Taking a couple of steps back, Declan stared, mouth parting in awe and the creature depicted on the shield. Dark stripes on white fur, a feline of resplendent regality bared its teeth at him. Ferocious golden eyes with the threat or the promise of power and pain glared right back at him. If he squinted, Declan just made out the whiskers around the dark nose as fine as the ones on a deer.
 Finally, Declanâs gaze lowered to the left and there was another desk, this one with drawers. Cups bearing Xavierâs name and written in a multitude of languages which Declan couldnât always figure out. Silver, gold, but no bronze. No, Xavier didnât strike him as the type to settle as anything less than one of the best. Bronze wasnât for him. He stepped closer, a finger reaching out to trace the rim of one of the trophies which claimed he had won a tourney of some sort. Declan looked behind him to watch Xavier disappear behind the dressing screen, having already rid himself of his jumper. Only a thin but tight undershirt clung to the prince and Declan easily drew out the muscular lines on his back and the definition of strong muscle along pale arm. A small blush dusted the faeâs cheeks and he continued to inspect the things displayed. Next to the display desk, a mirror hung on the wall, large enough for Xavierâs whole body. Declan also noticed, however, that it also was directed so Xavier could change in front of his dressers and the wardrobe, turn and inspect himself from the other side of the room. As for himself, Declan was pleased to see his disguise was still holding up, though he had to admit to himself it was unnerving to be rid of his markings. Even if it was temporary.
 Above the mirror, a display of swords. Jewelled and engraved, each and every one had an intricate design at the hilt, and Declan saw how some of the blades were back, some gold and one was even a strange glass-like mineral. None of them were for fighting; gifted to the prince to look at if he wanted to. One sword was missing, Declan noticed. His sword. The one forged from the influence of seasons.
 Of course it was missing. It was the one that Xavier had raised to the manâs throat earlier. The one he had used to protect him.
 Declan almost tripped over as he stepped to the left. He frowned and glanced down at what it was, noticing it was a ball of navy wool. With an eyebrow raised, Declan bent down to pick it up, pleased at the softness of the material. He placed it back and noticed a chest lying open, piled with books and a couple of large bookcases, neatly lined with even more books. History, natural philosophy, politics, literature, language, mathematics, astronomy, religion.
 He turned so he was facing the windows again. Xavier rummaged behind the screen, getting changed. Whilst he did that, Declan admired the large bed, the mattress uplifted upon the frame so that the navy silk covers were level with the middle of his thigh. Golden tassels brushed against the top of his feet, lining all the edges of the cover. He laid a hand on the nearest bedpost which swirled up, taller than Xavier but not quite the height of the bottom of the chandelier which hung in the centre of the room, its many candles flickering and flames dancing to give the room a warm glow. The bedposts swirled, smooth and dark on each corner of the bed whilst the ocean blue baldachin hung down from the top of each post. Currently, they were tied with dirty gold ropes, shining in the candlelight at the wood so the bed would be revealed. The bed itself, Declan guessed, could fit at least four people sleeping comfortable, more if they were squashed up together. Silver and blue embossed pillows, plump with feathers lay at the top against the headboard, also made from cherry wood and given a smooth polish. It was rather bland, considering the intricate design of the rest of the room. Only a border carved into the board. Beside the headboard on either side were small tables, a book lying open on the one on the left. Above those, two candles mounted on the walls though these were not lit.
 At the foot of the bed, a chaise was faced towards a fireplace, the flames crackling and popping every so often with a warm and attractive glow. A grate had been placed in front of the fire, only so that no one would be able to reach into the fire unless the grate was removed. Though most of the floor was made of wood, burgundy carpets were placed in most areas â under the bed, at the foot of the chaise, beneath the desk and in front of the fireplace.
 Just as Declan was about to walk to sit on the chaise, the tassels at his feet seemed to move. At first, he dismissed the sensation but a new, smoother thing brushed against his legs, curling and winding itself up the back of his shins.
 âAh!â Declan jumped, and another sharp cry was heard from beneath him.
 âDeclan?!â Xavier jumped out from behind the screen, almost knocking it down. His head whipped around the room, looking for the intruder when he finally glanced down and laughed. âArgentum!â
 Declan, one hand on his chest from the surprise, followed Xavierâs gaze and rolled his eyes, a breathy laugh escaping him. The silver cat which he had rescued had shot back to his bed, just to the side of the main door. The other cat appeared by Declanâs heel, pausing to nudge against his leg before joining her friend.
 Xavier, having changed to lighter and less formal clothing approached Declan with a smirk. Declan swallowed when Xavier finally stopped next to him, teasing grin still in place. âWhat?â
 âAre you done admiring?â Xavier asked. Declan blinked, gaze falling from Xavierâs eyes to his lips.
 âMy room.â He clarified, though Declan believed that wasnât all he meant. âYou looked deep in thought, I didnât want to disturb you.â
 Xavier himself found it so ordinary. The tapestry above the fireplace, the weapons on the wall, the family shield⊠everything was simply mundane. Yet Declan had viewed the place with starving eyes, drinking in everything as if trying to commit every detail to memory, like he would never see such a place again. Had he looked like this back in the cavern when he had first laid eyes upon the cavern? Fascinated and just a little bit in love.
 Finally, Declan answered. âYes.â He watched as the cats, though they had two beds, curled together in one of them. âItâs⊠like you. Itâs warm and safe. I like it very much.â
 âGood, Iâm glad.â The cats decided to get up again, both of them making a beeline for Declanâs feet. Instead of picking them up, Declan sat down on the carpet, back against Xavierâs bed. Argentum arrived first, leaping into Declanâs lap. As soon as he decided to give him a scratch behind the ears, the cat nudged his hand and began to paw at his forearms too. The other cat remained by his knee, but she too began to nudge at his knee.
 He only realised their behaviour was out of curiosity. They had seemed to recognise him, but by sense alone. The marks which he usually adorned were nowhere to be found and given they were rather distinctive, it made sense. Xavier eyed the three of them carefully, watching their interaction.
 Declan laughed, leaning forward so both cats could hear him. âItâs magic,â he explained, tone cheerful and childish as if he were telling a story to children. âIâm being a human today, how do I look?â The golden cat purred and Declan took it as a compliment.
 Xavier snorted and let them be. The tray of milk he had requested was next to the chaise, and he went over to pour them both a goblet from the jug of milk and honey. When he had been in Declanâs cavern, most of the treats had honey in it â Declan probably enjoyed it too.
 Returning to his friend, Xavier sat down next to him and offered the goblet. As soon as he was close enough, the golden cat leapt into the princeâs lap and pawed at his chest. Xavier playfully glared at her. âAurelia, no, this isnât for you!â Declan chuckled, accepting the cup with thanks and took a sip.
 Still warm from the kitchens, the milk was appreciated greatly as it slid down his throat, bringing a sense of comfort and home. The heat of the room assisted in making him relax given the dayâs events. He was tired as it was, and he knew milk could help one sleep. He really was thankful for this. After, he licked his lips to grab the last taste of sweet honey.
 âYou take good care of them.â Declan stated after his drink.
 âOf course I do!â Xavier seemed to be affronted that he would slack on looking after his pets.
 âNo, that isnâtâ I donât doubt you, Xavier.â Declan smiled, placing the cup near Argentum for him to lap up the last of the milk, despite Xavierâs protests. âThey love you a lot, I can tell.â
 Xavierâs hand paused on Aureliaâs back. It was true, ever since Declan had given him the kittens, they had grown up rather quickly and been served the best food he could get for them, treating them to milk and water, whatever they wanted. He had quickly read up about how to take care of them. In their first couple of weeks, the pair had gotten lost in the castle and more often than he would like to admit, a guard had to bring them back to his room. Though he had provided the beds, the cats had never seemed to sleep there at night; it seemed the bed was more comfortable for them. Xavier had no complaints. âI love them too,â he said, leaning down to kiss Aureliaâs head. Declan did the same to Argentum just so he wouldnât be left out. Argentum pawed at Declanâs chest and jumped up to nudge against Declanâs chin.
 Gently pushing Aurelia off of his lap, Xavier got up, announcing, âIâll ready the bath for you, you can use it first.â Declan nodded, thanking him again in a quiet voice. He watched curiously as Xavier disappeared behind the other door. Oh, so it was a bathroom.
 As he left Declan to play with the cats, Declan checked that the bath was ready and had cooled enough for someone to sit in it comfortably. Dipping the tips of his fingers in, he tensed at first as the steam spiralled into the air, attaching small water droplets to the hairs on his arm but then found the temperature to be suitable. From the side, he took a handful of lavender bath salts from a bowl and scattered them into the bath, watching as they hissed and turned the water cloudy with a purple tint.
 âDeclan!â he called. A loud meow from the other room alerted him that Argentum had obviously jumped out of Declanâs lap as the he got up. A moment later, Declan entered the bathroom.
 Instantly, his nose scrunched up, blinking rapid and a strange chill ran down his spine as the warmth wrapped around him. He sniffed, frowning. âLavender?â
 âHelps you sleep.â Xavier shrugged, going back to the bowl to collect more bath salts. Declan removed the cloak from around his neck, folding it and placing it on a table to the side. His shirt had already been unlaced which made the removal easier. Likewise, his trousers had been loosened and therefore, he slipped them off easily, kicking his shoes off.
 When Xavier turned, he almost dropped the salts.
 Declan didnât seem to notice at first, but Xavierâs gaze was drawn to his body, at how smooth and precise every line of his body was. Not a single graze, or cut was there. The only sign from the earlier struggle was his cheek which had formed a light purple bruise where he had been punched.
 âWhat is it?â Declan had stood up now and walked to the bath. Xavier felt himself become hotter, but it must have been from the heat and the fact he was still fully clothed whilst Declan wasnât. He stuttered over his words as Declan raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to form something coherent.
 âY-Your marks!â Xavier finally blurted out. âTheyâre gone.â
 Declan snickered. âGood observation.â Xavier rolled his eyes and dropped the bath salts into the bath and went to the side to take the dirty clothes. He could probably find better ones for Declan tomorrow, if he was going to stay, that was. With his back to Declan, he was oblivious to the faeâs amused stare. âI had to blend in. I didnât know if you humans were used to these marks⊠takes a lot of power to cover my entire body though,â Declan sighed. âWhich⊠Which is why I couldnât do anything. You know, earlierâŠâ he trailed off. Idly, Declan leant on the side of the bathtub and dipped his hand in the water. He instantly withdrew it, flinching from the heat. Heâd let it cool for a little longer.
 âWhy are you here, Declan?â Xavier turned, a small frown on his face. Declan visibly tensed, hand gripping the side of the bathtub. Quickly, Xavier forced a smirk and walked over to him, giving Declan a once over, eyes trailing over his unmarked skin, just begging to be touched. But he couldnât. Not after tonight, it wasnât right. They were only friends. âOne day,â he whispered, now close enough to have Declanâs attention. Declan, however, only gazed at him, almost impassively. âOne more day, and I would have come back.â To end on a lighter note, he smiled sweetly and tipped Declanâs chin up with one finger. Declan allowed it. âDid you miss me that much?â
 Declan sighed, biting his lip. He turned away and Xavierâs hand dropped to his side again, fingers itching to reach out and touch him. But he remained patient, allowing a silence to stretch through the moment. Declan opened his mouth, as if about to say something then shut it again. He shook his head. âI think I would like to take my bath now.â He announced.
 Xavier blew a sigh out of his nose. âOkay,â he nodded. âIâll⊠Iâll leave you to it.â He gave him a small wave and turned to leave. Declan stripped himself of his underwear and leant over to touch the water again. Pausing at the door, Xavier glanced behind him, gaze instantly drawn to Declanâs ass. Like the rest of him, it was pale and smooth, no markings at all evident. It didnât help that Declan had been the subject of many of his dreams as of recent, nor the fact he hadnât had sex with anyone for a while. The worst thing was, Declanâs ass looked perfect for the size of his hand â full of flesh and perfectly curved.
 Declan slid into the bath, perfectly aware that Xavier had yet to leave and smirked when he closed his eyes, leaning his head back. The action exposed the long column of his throat, and just to mess around a little more, he let out a moan, attaching it to, âOh, Xavier!â
 Something in Xavierâs abdomen tightened at the delicious way Declan called to him. A small flush dusted his face, dashing itself along high cheekbones. He cleared his throat, and took a deep breath. âW-What is it?â he stammered out, hoping Declan didnât bother asking about his voice.
 âI donât have spare clothes.â Declan stated, already feeling better submerged in the soft water. âI think Iâll have to borrow yours, if you have anything smaller at hand.â
 âOh,â Xavier said. âYes, of course, Iâll have a look. Enjoy your bath.â
 Xavier had only just slammed the door behind him when he heard a quiet, delicate laugh from the bathroom and a distant âI will!â Relieved that the air in his room was significantly cooler than the bathroom. The flush on his cheeks disappeared instantly and his pets arrived at his feet. Running a hand through his hair, Xavier shook his head and gave his cats a smile. âThat guy is too fucking attractive for anyoneâs good.â He sighed.
 As much as the idea of Declan walking around naked appealed to him, Xavier knew that it was an unlikely situation. Considering this, he headed over to one of his dressers to search them. Even the smallest thing he had, which he had yet to donate to the orphanages in the lower quarters of the city, was probably too big for Declan. Nonetheless, it was this or nothing, and he figured Declan would have preferred something.
 After giving both of his cats a goodnight kiss, they both decided to curl up near the glowing fire. Xavier huffed a laugh, wondering why he ever bothered to get them beds if they preferred his own bed or anywhere that wasnât their own bed. Well, except for when they wanted a nap. He knocked on the door. âDeclan? Can I come in?â
 A low grunt was his response, and Xavier assumed that since it seemed it was all right to go, he turned the handle and went in. The steam in the bathroom shrouded his face, the droplets clinging onto fine hair on his skin.
 Declan breathed out a sigh. His head was tilted back, just how Xavier had left him earlier, but his skin was cleaner and the bruise on his cheek seemed to have lightened. His shoulders were submerged in the water, the hair at the back of his head dipped into the bath. Though his eyes were still closed, Xavier knew he hadnât fallen asleep by the steady, even breathing which made his chest rise and fall, creating miniscule ripples. In through his nose, out between cracked, pink lips.
 Silently stepping over to the side, Xavier placed the clothes on the wooden table next to the bath and placed a towel for him too. âHereâs your clothes, Iâm just going to go get someone to prepare a bedroom for you. Itâs just next to mine.â Xavier turned to leave, but Declanâs sudden movements made him stop. Declan had his gaze cast down and grabbed the towel to wrap it around his waist. Xavier didnât try to hide his stare, blue eyes studying his shiny wet skin, how empty and unnerving it was to see him without his marks. Even if Declan claimed he was trying to pass as a human, Xavier thought he had never looked more ethereal than he did at this moment.
 Drops of lavender scented water rolled down his shoulders, slid down the lines of his stomach, dripped from his hair onto his back. Xavierâs mouth parted slightly, his breathing becoming slightly ragged. Declan glanced up, curious.
 âDo you not want me to sleep with you?â Declan raised an eyebrow.
 Did he really just ask him that?
 Eventually, Xavier stammered out, âWhat?â His mind had been elsewhere, wishing it was his lips and not drops of water which ran down Declanâs skin. A flush covered his cheeks and for a moment, he forgot what was happening.
 In the next moment, Declan was standing in front of him, staring up at him with wide, hazel eyes. âDo you not want me to sleep with you?â he asked again, softer this time.
 Xavier swallowed, but he didnât step away. This shouldnât have been such a big deal. He had seen Declan topless before. Declan studied him, watching the blush crawl across the princeâs cheekbones, the way the dark pupils grew and the slightly unfocused look he adorned. Declan smirked slightly.
 âI just meant,â He said, âthat you seem to like company when you sleep.â Declan still remembered the way that Xavier clung to him, desperate for companionship though they had only just met that first night. In a way, Declan had felt a little bit sorry for him, but he hadnât shown it, nor would he mention it. Xavier seemed like the proud type. âAlso, I recall youâve slept in my bed which is considerably smaller. Staying here with you is what I would prefer, and it would save your⊠servants, the work. Do you have any objections?â Declan raised an eyebrow.
 Xavier had only caught bits of Declanâs argument, staring at his lips instead. Maybe he needed more water before bed. It was only in the small silence did he realise that he should have responded. âWhat? Oh, no, yeah, thatâs⊠fine. You can sleep with meâ I mean, in the same bed as me!â
 Declan opened his mouth to say something else, but whatever it was, Xavier was out of the bathroom before the fae had time to draw breath. Xavier slammed the bathroom door behind him, the cats started from their nap and he apologised quickly in his native tongue.
 Xavier groaned, sliding down the door and buried his face in his right hand. Declan had to have done all of that on purpose; there was no way he was being so deliberately teasing and not realise what he was doing, right? Surely not.
 Inside the bathroom, Declan smirked as he began to pat himself dry. The room was warm enough for him to stand naked and so he took his time to ensure that his disguise still held up. It would probably last for a while. Though the original spell he had cast had taken a lot of his energy, it was clearly worth it.
 Once he had dried, Declan put the clothes that Xavier had left him and put them on. The beige shirt had a brown ribbon crossing itself at the dip of the neckline, currently loosened and threaded through the holes there. Though it may have been small on Xavier, it managed to fit Declan agreeably. Except for the fact it was baggy and didnât totally cover his shoulders. At least it didnât slip.
 The real problem lay with the trousers. No matter what he did, Declan couldnât keep them around his waist. They always seemed to hang just under his hip bone â even the waistband of the underwear was higher up! With a huff, Declan gathered the trousers, holding them up in one hand and decided that he would only just make it to the bed. Maybe Xavier had made a wrong estimation on his size.
 The creak of the bathroom door had alerted Xavier of his presence. The prince looked up from the bed, unable to resist a smile when he saw how his clothes didnât quite fit Declan. It was a good thing the fireplace kept the room warm enough for him to at least still be comfortable in those clothes. âWeâll go shopping for clothes tomorrow.â Xavier decided, sliding off of the bed and striding to him, his smirk growing. Unfortunately for Xavier, he was unable to keep his laughter in as Declan scowled at him.
 âShut up,â Declan gave him a gentle shove at his chest. Instinctively, Xavierâs hand shot out and his fingers wrapped around Declanâs wrist, his thumb picking up the quickened pulse there. Declan hesitated before pulling his hand back. Xavier let him, his smirk now a smile. Declan sighed and decided to walk past him to settle on the bed. At least there he didnât have to keep holding up his trousers. âJust go get ready for bed, Xavier.â
 Unlike Declan, Xavier didnât spend too long in bathroom. He had washed before leaving to meet Ethan, but given that he had bumped into Declan instead, he didnât see why it was necessary to take another bath. A change of clothes and a wash of his mouth was all he needed for tonight. Once he was done, he returned to the bedroom, expecting to find Declan either staring curiously at the things on his wall, or perhaps playing with the kittens if they hadnât already fallen asleep on his bed somewhere. Maybe theyâd be polite and sleep in their own beds for once, seeing as they had a guest.
 He came out to see neither of those things.
 Instead, he saw Declan on his bed, sitting up with his back on the headboard, a book in his hand. It seemed normal, at first, except for the painfully obvious fact that Declan had discarded his trousers on the ground.
 Long pale legs lay comfortably on his bed, hauntingly smooth, with fine hair just visible to the eye. Even when he was relaxed, Xavier could see the lines of muscle built from years of running, climbing and whatever else Declan did in the forest. Any indication of a wound was erased and like the rest of his body, the marks were no longer there. His underwear which he had let Declan borrow snuck under the large shirt. No doubt, the waistband would have hugged at his skin there too. Xavierâs gaze trailed up Declanâs legs, mouth slightly agape when his gaze lifted just a little more.
 âComing to bed yet?â Declan asked as he turned a page, fingers delicately sliding down the edge of the book.
 âWhy did you take the trousers off?â Xavier asked instead of answer.
 Declan shrugged. âThey were too loose and kept falling down anyway. Iâm warm, I donât need them. Is there a problem?â
 âYes,â Xavierâs mind hissed, wanting to accuse him of being purposefully teasing. Declan set the book aside, waiting for Xavier. The prince climbed onto the bed, sitting opposite Declan and kept his eyes trained on the faeâs face. âI had a fight with my family,â Declan said, glancing away for a moment.
 âYou asked me why I was here earlier even though you were coming to see me tomorrow anyway.â
 Xavier frowned. Sure, everyone had fights with their families sometimes, but he would have thought it was something they could work through! Apparently not. He didnât ask if it had been bad. Of course it had been. Declan had told him many times that for him, it was ill-advised to ever go into the human world, lest their secrets be exposed. Yet, Declan had risked it all because of this fight, because he had wanted to get away? Did he know how to get to the citadel or had he just been reckless and left as quickly as possible? Xavier crawled on his bed to sit next to Declan and turned his head to look at him. Declan stared into the fireplace.
 âWant to talk about it?â Xavier asked softly. Declan seemed to hesitate for a moment, and Xavier was about to take the offer about, substituting it instead for an apology but Declan spoke.
 âItâs tradition, I suppose, that we get a mate by a certain age. They may not be our life long mate, but usually they are. My parents know about me liking men. My family are⊠important in our community.â Declan paused and licked at his lips. Xavier watched. âBecause of that, my choice is going to be one which is going to bring another good name into our family and bring more strength too. They,â he sighed and looked down into his lap. âThey want me to get betrothed soon.â
 The revelation echoed in the silence.
 Even with the warm fire opposite them, it seemed as though a chill had taken over the room. Declan didnât look up to see Xavierâs reaction, and Xavier couldnât find the words to react. He understood the pressure of parents trying to get their children married young, but forcing them this much was ridiculous! It had obviously angered Declan so much that he had felt no other choice but to leave!
 So he snorted. Declanâs head snapped back, lips curled into an almost threatening snarl before Xavier smiled at him. âTradition is stupid when it comes to relationships. No wonder you left, if youâre going to marry someone at least make sure you want to and you like them enough, right?â he nudged Declan gently in the ribs, making him smile.
 Even if it was for ten seconds, Xavier was glad to see him smile like that.
 âYouâre still young,â Xavier pointed out, then grinned and ruffled his hair, âand small. You have time, you know?â
 âI know,â Declan said. He brought his legs closer, bending them at the knee and letting them rest on their side under him so he was turned towards Xavier a little more. His anger flared once more, words like a spitting flame. âThey donât understand that though! They donât get that⊠I donât want all this. This talk of dating and getting married. I hate it! I donât want anyone!â His eyes burnt with rage and simmered with sadness. Even Xavier felt as though he should be intimidated, especially with Declan so close to him.
 Declan closed his eyes and exhaled, his breath tickling Xavierâs lips. Xavier shuddered at the proximity and froze, watching Declan sit back a bit. He ran a hand through his hair. âIâm sorry, I⊠I didnât mean to shout at you.â Declan said. âBut every day I go home, and my family ask me if Iâve met someone I like yet, every day I tell them no, because I donât want anyone. I had to leave, so⊠I used magic to make the marks go away, to make myself look human and I came here.â Xavierâs face was relaxed, but at his words, his chest seemed to tighten for a moment. Declan was his friend, and seeing him so upset over something like this, so pressured to do something he didnât want to do, was what had hurt Xavier as well. That was it.
 Something nagged at the princeâs mind. Declan had said, multiple times, that he didnât want anyone. Then what had been the meaning of the kisses that Declan gave him? He had only been kissed on the lips once, to seal their promise, but other times, Declan had been the one to initiate it on his cheek. Didnât that mean anything to him? Declan hadnât moved, but it was as if Xavier had been punched in the gut.
 Declan glanced back up at him. Xavier was too late to look away, but now Declanâs hand on his cheek prevented him from doing so. His touch was familiar and warm, and Declanâs thumb brushed against his cheek bone. What was he doing?
 âYou know,â Declan whispered, âhow I tell my family I donât want anyone?â Xavier nodded. He should leave now. Let Declan have his room, heâd go to the spare room. This was wrong. So wrong. Declan didnât want anyone, he had just said that! He probably just wanted to forget, and Xavier was the person to do just that for him. Declan leant closer, about to tell a secret. âI donât want anyone, because I have someone in mind.â
 Declan couldnât be implying what he thought he was implying. Xavier was just hoping for more. He was being wishful. But whoever this person was, they should be happy. In the back of his mind, he had an idea. Should he speak it though, he was afraid it might shatter this fantasy. âTheyâre lucky then,â Xavier said instead. He drew away from Declanâs touch and glanced at the fire which crackled opposite them. It gave the room a warm and comforting feeling and cast an orange glow in the room.
 There was a shift in the bed. Xavier assumed Declan was simply getting under the covers to go to bed. It would make sense, after all. He had had a long day, and so rest would be great for him. Should he spend but a glance at Declan, he knew he wouldnât be able to stop himself from telling him the truth of his own feelings too. They were foreign but welcome.
 Two hands were placed gently on his jawline, cupping his face. Declan had climbed over to obscure his view of the fire, legs on either side of Xavier and he sat back on Xavierâs thighs. At this angle, Declan was shadowed, but the light from the fire behind him created a holy glow around the fae, golden light spilling around him. Xavier stared, mouth slightly open. His heart was beating loudly in his ear, his breathing steady but staggered. Taking a bold move, Xavier placed his hands on Declanâs waist, feeling the warm skin beneath the thin fabric. Declan smiled, and something in Xavierâs stomach flipped from the sight.
 âYouâre such a prat sometimes,â Declan laughed softly. Even if it was gentle, Xavier could feel the laughter through his fingertips and couldnât help but smile himself.
 Declanâs hands slid down carefully to Xavierâs neck, but still had leverage on his jaw. Easing Xavierâs head up, he tilted his head to the side, leant down and kissed him. Xavierâs lips were warm and soft, perfectly kept and there was a mint twist to them. Declanâs eyes were half lidded as he memorised it all.
 Xavierâs breath hitched at the kiss. His grip tightened slightly, but he soon relaxed back on the headboard and his eyes fluttered shut. His mouth was closed, and the kiss was sweet and innocent, but behind that he could feel the aggressiveness and the playfulness. Declanâs tongue quickly darted out, only dipping against his own bottom lip and retreating quickly before Xavier could really react. Declan stopped and withdrew, a sigh of Xavierâs name leaving his lips. Xavier opened his eyes, catching Declanâs dark hazel gaze and something in his chest growled at him to get more of those kisses. Now that he had experienced it, he needed more. Xavier removed a hand to thread it through Declanâs hair. Declan only smiled. Xavier surged forward this time, and Declan met him half way. Xavier kissed him back, wanting to savour the moment and Declan himself. He was comfort and adventure, he was a mystery and an open book. He was a boy from another world and he was what Xavier wanted more than anything else.
 Even with rigorous training and a long day behind him, Xavier always found he would wake rather early in the day. He didnât require too much sleep, but should the prince find himself exhausted, he would take a nap in the gardens or if he wanted some privacy, then he would retire to his room with his kittens.
 Sunlight barely broke through the thick curtains, only sneaking its way through the gap between them. Xavier had yet to open his eyes, but there was the gentle warmth of it on his side. The fire had died down during the night, and had silenced itself. His kittens breathed softly in their beds on the other side of the room, mindful of their mystical guest.
 Xavier was aware that at some point during the night, he had turned onto his left side and slung his right arm over Declan, his left arm comfortably tucked under Declanâs neck so the fae was resting, but not crushing that limb. Soft hair brushed against the bottom of his chin and gentle breathing tickled the princeâs neck.
 Opening his eyes, Xavier smiled as he remembered the events of the night before. The way that Declan had clung to him, how Declan had whispered his thanks into his mouth, how Declan had run his hands down his chest. Every little touch of his was electrifying, but they both eventually had settled down. It hadnât been Xavierâs plan, but Declan had wanted to stay close to him during the night, and of course the prince had no complaints.
 Drawing back ever so slightly, careful not to wake Declan, Xavier managed to break away from Declanâs light grasp. Xavierâs thin shirt slid away from Declanâs curled fingers, and the movement only made him frown just a little. Otherwise, Xavier decided he looked peaceful. Relaxed and safe. Well rested too. Xavier wasnât sure when the last time he voluntarily stayed in bed with someone like this was.
 Making sure Declan was still asleep, Xavier reached out and brushed away some hair which had fallen in Declanâs face. A streak of sunlight made one line of his brown hair appear honey-gold. With his hand this close, Xavier swore that he was able to feel his breathing against his fingers.
 Just as he took his hand away, Xavier blinked, freezing when he saw hazel eyes blink awake. It had not been the princeâs intention to wake him!
 Declanâs smile was lazy, but content. It held nothing but a form of pure happiness that Xavier believed should anyone ever witness such a smile, they would forget about any problems that might have plagued their minds, if only for a moment. Despite himself, Xavier felt the corners of his mouth tug up to return it. âMorning, Dec,â he whispered.
 âGood morning,â Declan rasped out. His voice scratched, raspy and soft but it was not painful to listen to. The smile twisted quickly into a mischievous smirk and he shifted closer to Xavier, tilting his head up to place a quick kiss on Xavierâs nose. âYour highness.â
 In retaliation, Xavier gently tapped Declanâs nose. âI told you, you donât have to call me that!â Declan wrinkled his nose up and laughed, light and joyous. Xavier joined in soon and gave the fae a small shove. He wasnât sure what he had expected, but it seemed that Declanâs skin was still clear of the markings, except for the light purple ones on his neck which Xavier had left hours before.
 Declan dipped his head down, squeezed his eyes shut and raised a hand to cover his mouth. At first, Xavier thought he was in pain, but when a quiet, high-pitched yawn was heard, he smiled. âDo you want to sleep a little more? Iâll go draw the blinds so itâs easier for you to rest.â Xavier offered. Even as he was saying it, he had already begun to move to get out of the bed. Declan blindly reached out, hand gentle on Xavierâs arm to stop him.
 âIâll get up, stay here for a while.â Declan murmured. Xavier glanced back, smiling at how Declanâs cheek was pressed against his pillow. Declanâs lips made a small movement as he uttered one more word. âPlease?â
 With a sigh of defeat, Xavier moved back into the bed, turning on his side so that he was able to throw an arm around Declan, pulling him closer to his chest. Declan, pleased with this action, smiled and tangled their legs together. Xavier bowed his head, nose inhaling the scent of a fresh forest filled with life. âWe need to get you clothes,â Xavier murmured into Declanâs hair.
 Declanâs voice was muffled by Xavierâs night shirt, but being so close to him, Xavier heard every sound. âI know you do, but if youâre going to stay for a while, weâre going to have to get you ones which fit you and⊠look human.â It wasnât a lie. Thatâs what Xavier told himself. It was just a half truth.
 The clothes which Declan had come in were worn and old. They were too small, even on him, and the material too thin. Though it was summer, Xavier wasnât one to risk someone elseâs health like this. Declan had said himself that covering his markings took a lot of his energy, so what if it meant that he wasnât able to keep himself warm? Furthermore, the clothes he had brought with him were dirty and though he probably had no choice but to wear them for the day, if Declan continued to walk around with him like that in the Keep and the city, it was likely that people might suspect him of being just another poor boy trying to steal from or stalk him.
 Xavier knew that was far from the truth, but he also knew that it was a likely situation. Maybe he could find something cleaner just for today.
 âAll right,â Declan said. He rolled away from Xavierâs hold and pushed himself to sit up in bed. Running a hand through his hair, it fluffed up a bit before settling down. From the pillows, Xavier glanced up and smirked at the sight. Declan met his gaze and returned the smirk, giving Xavierâs shoulder a small shove. âCome on, get up. Where do we go to buy clothes?â
 Xavier got out of the bed, stretching his arms above his head. The muscles in his back unlocked and loosened as he rolled his shoulders afterwards. âWe can go see my tailor to take your measurements and heâll make you something casual to walk around in. But itâs a nice day.â Xavier peeked out of the window, the sun already shining and he watched the people below attend to their daily lives. He turned back to look at Declan. âWeâll go to the market today. But first, breakfast.â
 The King, Queen and Princess had already eaten.
 Breakfast today wasnât as extravagant as normal, but only because the prince had burst into the kitchen and requested that instead of the usual cold cuts of meat, that they bring out fruit, honey and yogurt. His reason was that it was cooling for a summerâs day. He had also requested that they have enough for two people.
 It wasnât until the servants arrived in the dining hall to lay down the platters of perfectly sliced fruit did they notice the strange boy who sat next to the prince. No one asked, of course. It was the princeâs business. Many knew of Xavierâs promiscuity, but it was often believed that he would keep his relationships out in the brothels. This was the first time Xavier had let a commoner stay in the castle. It was unheard of! Let alone invite them for breakfast.
 Declan noticed the tension as soon as the three servants had walked in. He didnât need to focus to tell.
 Xavier seemed oblivious to it all, eyes scanning over the large trays of fruit and the fresh bread in the basket along with the jam and honey that came in little silver pots with small spoons. There were two bowls for them both filled with natural yogurt.
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