Pain.
Everywhere it is painful. There is no energy to lift the finger or to open the eyes. He feels himself lying on a rough surface where tiny stones are pinching his skin. He huffs, blowing the dust in the air.
Tenderly, the prisoner opens his eyes. He parts the eyelids, unable to see anything. He sighs, falling asleep or unconscious again.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The king, perhaps, did not mind the prisoner escaping. Because he knows he can trust the prince of Amorite.
However, Arson could not bring himself to believe that the man escaped and put his life at stake.
"Something is not right," Arson whispered, wearing the armor.
Suvain nods, fixing the dagger on his waist belt. "Yes, your highness. As far as I understand, the hunter did not escape. Someone has forced him to leave."
Arson frowns, tying his hair in a ponytail. He brushed his robe and fixed the sash.
"We have to look into this matter ourselves, Suvain."
The commander bowed. "As you command, your highness."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Elric did not think that his wish to see Amorite would come true. However, he wished to see the kingdom when he was fit and healthy and not in need of any support. He would have declined if not for his father requesting something from him for the first time. He could not bring himself to decline the wish. Hence, he found himself being seated in a carriage.
He closed his eyes, feeling embarrassed. Carriages are usually ridden by the queen or females of the family. But the fate of life has made him dependent on it.
He remembers the time he rode a horse deep inside the forest to meet and pray to the divine tree. He wishes to go there and make a wish for this journey. Heaven knows if he would ever walk on his feet again. But the hopeful eyes of his father and brother made him take this path.
"Your Highness," Fawther whispered, placing a cushion behind his back. "Please sit comfortably."
Elric nods, giving a grateful smile to him. His eyes are directed at the palace walls.
It feels as though he would never return, and this is the last time he is meeting his family.
"Take care of yourself," the king whispered, patting and caressing his hair lovingly.
Elric nods, closing his eyes. "I shall cure, Father. Please take care of your health."
Aaron bites his lip, stepping closer to the carriage. "Take care of yourself. I am saying it again, let me-"
Elric shook his head. "No, brother. You have to stay here. If the crown prince is missing from the kingdom. It becomes prone to outer attacks."
Aaron shook his head. "I shall send you a letter. You must reply to all of them."
Elric smiles with a nod.
Looking at the scene, Suvain leans towards Arson. "Your Highness, do not take me wrong. This is emotional and painful to see Elric parting from his family."
Arson frowns, waiting for Suvain to complete his sentence.
"This feels as though you have married Prince Elric, and this is the farewell from his family."
The death would not feel as scary as the glare from Arson.
Suvain raised his hands in defense. "This is wishful thinking, your highness."
Arson turns away and looks at the king and bows.
The king smiles. "Have a safe journey." He clasps Arson's hand. "Protect my son."
Arson nods, "As you command." He nods at Aaron and mounts his horse.
The horse neighs. Behind him is the commander with his horse attached to the carrier.
The king insisted on taking a few soldiers with them to guard and protect the prince. However, Arson assured that he would take care of the prince.
Elric peeks from the window at his home and his family. Biting the wobbling lips, he gave a reassuring smile.
The king and Aaron faked a wide smile back.
"Crown Prince, find the prisoner at all costs." The king instructs, "The prince's life is at stake."
Aaron nods, "Yes, your majesty. I shall send soldiers to find him. Nothing shall cause trouble to Elric."
The king shook his head. "It is not Elric. I am worried about Prince Arson."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The journey felt peaceful. The path crosses through the hills. The steep greenery shows the beauty of nature. The serene atmosphere with birds chirping.
The calmness lulled Elric to sleep. Fawther, sitting next to the prince, taking this opportunity, sat near his feet.
Taking his foot between his hands, observing any changes in expression. He gently massaged his foot.
I wish for you to get well soon, Your Highness.
Arson paused, watching the shadow of the horse and the heat of the afternoon sun. "Commander, we shall rest here and have lunch."
Suvain bows, "As you wish, your highness."
They look around for a shade to rest under. A beautiful tree with wide branches caught their sight.
Suvain pushes the curtain aside. "Your Highness, we are planning to rest here and have lunch," he whispered, without looking inside and keeping his eyes low.
Fawther turns his head. "Uh, his highness is asleep."
Suvain frowns, turning his attention to Arson. "Your Highness, the prince is asleep."
Arson, tying this horse near the bushes, nods, walking towards the carriage. "Fawther, I shall push the curtain aside. Is His Highness clothed appropriately?"
Fawther swiftly keeps Elric's leg on the floor and nods, pushing himself aside. "Yes, your highness."
Arson kneels on his one leg and gently picks Elric up in his arms.
Feeling movements, Elric opens his sleepy eyes. "Your Highness, we must eat something and take medicine too."
Elric nods, circling his arm over Arson's shoulders, and goes back to sleep.
Arson smiled at the endearment, taking small steps near the tree.
Fawther swiftly placed a large cloth on the ground, pushing twigs aside with his foot.
Suvain expected His Highness to put Elric on the ground, make him sit, and lean against the tree. However, Arson caught him off guard with his actions.
Arson sat on the ground with Elric sitting sideways, such that Elric's back leaned against Arson's, with his folded knee pulled up to his chest.
The boy continued his sleep on Arson's shoulder, his fingers holding Arson's hand close to his chest.
Suvain witnessed the prince of Amorite watching the prince of Elysia as if he were the world.
Suvain snickers, turning away to help Fawther.
"Are you sleeping or pretending, your highness?" Arson, he whispered, followed by a deep chuckle.
The sound brought shivers to Elric, who whined, looking at Arson. "You are a bad prince."
Arson laughs. "What deed have I done, your highness, to get such endearment?"
Elric shook his head, wrapping his arms around Arson and resting his head on his chest. "I wish to sleep, you peasant."
Arson plays along, "Forgive this servant, your highness. As a punishment, shall I hug you too?"
Elric shook his head, leaning back on Arson's leg. He noticed the calm smile of Arson; he did not look bothered or irritated.
"As your highness commands."
Elric pressed his lips together, turning his attention to his lap. "Do you think the physician would be able to cure me?"
Arson frowns, "Your Highness, do you know what the miracle medicine of the world is?"
Elric shook his head.
Arson pushes both ends of Elric's lips upwards. "It is happiness, your highness."
Noticing Elric's confused eyes, Arson further added, "Your Highness, when we are happy. We forgive and forget easily. We forget the trouble, the pain, the sorrow, and the tears. When we do, we heal from inside. When we heal from inside, our body cures us with determination to keep us happy always."
Arson gently smiles, embracing the boy. I want you to smile and stay happy always, your highness."
Elric smiled. "Do all the friends comfort the other the way you do?"
Arson's smile wavered; however, he regained it. "Your Highness, every individual has their way of showing care."
Elric nods. "That is acceptable."
Arson smiles, patting Elric's head. "You are one of a kind, your highness."
Elric would prefer to blame the sun rather than the shyness of his red ears and cheeks.
"Your Highness." Suvain and Fawther brought a basket of food and water.
"Please go ahead, your highness." Fawther, whispered, serving Elric.
Elric whispered thankfulness and took a bite. His eyes searching at everything with curiosity.
"Fawther, are you happy being here? I am aware that your mother is unwell and Grandpa is alone."
Fawther bows. "I appreciate your worry and kindness, your highness. I am glad to be here. Serving you is my duty, and it is an honor to serve you."
Elric shook his head. "Fawther, you are not understanding. You are here with me. Yet, your family is alone."
Fawther shook his head. "Please do not worry, your highness. The crown prince said he shall take care of my family."
Elric pressed his lips together. He closed his eyes, heaving a sigh.
"Your Highness, the food is delicious." Arson spoke with enthusiasm. He scoops rice and curry. "Your Highness," he brought to Elric's lips.
Elric's eyes flicker from the spoon to the owner of the gesture. He smiled, parting his lips, taking the bite.
Instantly, he looks at Fawther. "Fawther, your cooking has always been delicious. How do you cook so well?"
Fawther bites his lips. "Thank you, your highness."
The tender atmosphere fills with soft talks and laughter. Far away from the chaos.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The sky thunders with rain. Emerson smirks at his prey.
A shivering girl, pushing herself, crawling away from the man.
"Pl-please," her tears mingling with the heavy rain.
Emerson's smirk widens at the plea. He chuckled, removing his shoes.
"Your Highness, please do not do this to me." The girl shrieks with a loud shout. However, Emerson continued to smirk, pulling the girl with her foot to the dark bushes.
"Please, your highness. Pl-please spare me. I beg you!"
Her eyes brimming with tears, clothes turning the color of mud, folding her hands, she begged for mercy.
Yet, her soul was tainted and body touched against her will.
The rain stopped pouring; there is stillness in the air, as there is in the eyes of a lifeless body. She curled up with the torn clothes. Lips no longer trembling with pardon.
When did the world turn cruel?
Emerson glanced over his shoulder and smirked. "I am a man with needs, and I loved your innocence."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The sky has turned dark, and by tomorrow evening. They would reach Amorite. Keeping Elric's safety in mind, Arson suggested taking a rest in the night and leaving by early morning.
After having dinner, Elric and Fawther are asleep in the carriage, lying on the seats. Suvain was sitting on the raiders seat, crossing his arms, and took a small nap.
Arson did not feel sleepy; he took a chance to lean against a tree and watch the stars shining brightly. He placed a few more twigs in the burning fire in front of him and sighed to himself.
"Something does not feel correct." Arson whispered out his worry in the silent space.
The whisper and burning wood caught Elric from his sleep. He parts his eyelashes. Turning his attention to Fawther asleep near his head.
He pushes himself from the seat; sitting upright, he pushes the curtain aside. Watching Arson leaning against the tree.
"A—" Elric paused; he had never called Arson by any endearment, nor had Arson. Yet, his 'your highness' always makes him feel special. He nibbles his lips; even he should give a name to Arson.
He shook his head, feeling he would find a good name later. Even Fawther deserves a nice name.
Elric smiles, turning his gaze at Fawther, sleeping with a pout. He laughs under his breath, trying to not make any sound. Fawther looks very childlike in his sleep.
Elric coughs, turning his eyes to Arson, who locks eyes with him.
They gaze at one another with a burning flame in between.
The situation reminded Arson of the festival. There was fire in between them. Elric looked at him and finally stood up. An arrow piercing through his skin, paralyzing the boy.
Arson blinks his eyes, looking away while heaving a sigh.
Elric did not like the expression present on Arson's face. He sighed, watching his still legs.
How would he go to Arson now? How would he get down from the carriage?
The carriage door flung open. Elric gasped with shock. "Would you like to sit there?" Arson asked, gesturing with his head towards the tree.
Elric swiftly nodded, opening his arms, knowing Arson is going to carry him. By now, he has gotten comfortable with Arson carrying him, holding him, and caring for him.
Fawther opens his one eye and smiles to himself. Now, he can sleep in peace knowing there is someone who would take care of his highness more than him.
Arson placed Elric on the dry log and sat next to him.
Elric wraps his clothes tighter on himself. The temperature is cooler than in the kingdom. The fire is giving a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
"Can I ask you a question?" Elric asked, forwarding his hand near the fire, rubbing them together.
Arson nods, "Yes, your highness."
"Why did you believe in the prisoner?"
Arson smiles. "Your Highness, I did not believe in the prisoner but rather in his eyes. His eyes held the honesty and fear for me." He tilts his head. "I am unable to explain it. I felt he knows something and is scared of us."
Elric nods, "If you believed in his eyes. Why could he not believe in their prince? Do they not trust you?"
Arson smiled, "I shall not answer that. When we reach Amorite. The people shall tell you the tale."
Elric's smile broadens. "I am eager to see Amorite."
Arson looks at the sky. "I am in turmoil. Why did not His Majesty behead me as I have said?"
Elric's eyes snapped at Arson. "Never say such things. I shall live a long life. Longer than anyone in this world." He watches the wood turning red with flame. "If my father did not trust you. Do you think he would have sent me, his crippled son, with you, believing that you would cure him?"
Arson shook his head. "Your Highness, you are not crippled. This is some disease, and you shall be cured of it and start running again."
Elric hums, turning his attention to Arson. "The words you said to me, that you love me. Do you mean them?"
Arson turns his head to hide his cheeks. "Your Highness, I am unable to decipher what came into me to state those words boldly."
Elric tilts his head to look better at Arson. "Do you mean them?"
Arson took a shaky breath. "Are you not disgusted, your highness?"
Elric looks deeply at the fire. "If I may be honest. I felt different. I have never seen or heard of people loving someone from the same gender. It is absurd. I would never be disgusted with you. You are my first friend."
Arson smiles, "I shall remain the same."
Elric shook his head. "No, you love me so-"
Arson shook his head. "Your Highness, what I feel for you is beyond the word 'love.' I shall remain your friend all my life, if you wish. My feelings, they are not dependent on titles or status."
Elric parts his lips and closes them again.
Arson further added, "What I wish is to make memories. Memories of everything we do. I shall keep them with me."
Elric was stunned for a second.
"Seeing you being happy would make me happy." Arson added, sighing to himself.
"What would you do if I fell in love with someone?"
"I would prepare your wedding from decoration to meals. Your happiness matters the most, your highness."
"What about you?" Eric whispered, hugging himself tighter.
Arson smiled, "By then, I shall have many memories, your highness. I shall live with those for the rest of my life."
Elric pressed his lips together. "Love can be so selfless?" He looks at Arson, trying to decipher. "How does it feel? I have never felt those."
Arson licks his lips. "Would you give me a chance, your highness?"
Elric widens his eyes. He looks away immediately. "I-I...my family and your family would never agree. In turn, they would kill us."
Arson hums, caressing a wildflower. "Your Highness, I would never force you. However, allow me to love you from afar."
Elric's breath hitched. "From far? How do you do that? Is that how love is supposed to be?"
Arson nods and shakes his head. "Your Highness, we mere humans are illiterate in love. We are not taught about it anywhere. What we learn is about fights, scripts, our ancestors, and everything except the things that are always there within us, such as kindness, humbleness, calmness, and tempers." He looks at Elric. "About love."
Elric nods. "Perhaps life becomes the teacher in these subjects."
Arson nods, "It is, your highness. What I could say is that love would make you feel things you have felt and sometimes extreme emotions. You would not be able to calm them."
Elric nods. "Have you felt those?"
Arson nods, "I could feel my breath stopping when you fell limp in my arms on that day. I felt anger at your brother for always stopping you from meeting me. I felt happy when you could hold your sword and attack me. I felt pride when I saw you full of kindness and being selfless."
Noticing Elric avoiding his eyes with shyness, Arson felt the need to add further. "I love when you turn your head whenever you feel shy. I hate when you peel your finger skin with nervousness, I love when you smile brightly as though the sun gets light from you, and I hate when you avoid gaze while hiding your feelings. It makes me insecure when you cannot share your thoughts without a second thought."
Elric parts his lips with a silent gasp. When did this friend notice all these?
He does not even know how Arson reacts when he is upset.
"Can we give each other some time to understand all these?" Elric whispered, looking at Arson with hope.
Those hopeful eyes gave hope to Arson that maybe someday, Elric would feel the same for him.
Arson nods his head with a wide smile. "As you command, your highness."
Elric huffs, "It is not a command."
Falcon flew high, circling around the forest, mostly around Arson. Keeping a close eye on anything suspicious to catch his sight. The little sparrow sleeping on Suvain's horse.
The morning breeze flushed on Elric's face. He pressed his eyelashes and hummed, yawning.
"Good morning, your highness." Fawther's chirpy voice brought a smile over Elric's lips. He got a whiff of fresh tea.
Elric hums, smiling at Fawther, who has freshened up already. "There is a lake nearby, your highness. Would you like to wash up there?"
Elric blinks his eyes. "Lake?" He looks out of the window. The scenery was different from last night. He was sleeping in the carriage, and they moved ahead.
"Your Highness?" Fawther calls again, taking a towel and essentials from a small trunk.
Elric pursed his lips together. If it was before he was crippled, this would have been a blessing. Now, watching his numb legs, how would he stand in water?
"Your Highness, please do not worry yourself. We are here to help you." Fawther smiles, "It would be an honor to be your strength."
Elric nods, taking his clothes and towel in his arms. "Can you call Prince Arson?"
Fawther looks around. "Your Highness, I believe the prince might be at the lake."
Elric nods, pushing himself up. "Fawther, hold my hand."
Fawther carefully curled Elric's arm over his shoulder. "Your Highness, should I call the commander?"
Elric shook his head.
"Suvain heard his name and bowed to the prince. "Greetings, your highness. I am not capable of holding you, your highness."
You hold our crown prince's heart, and I must protect you without touching you.
Elric for the first time tried to brace himself to move forward. However, his complete weight lies on Fawther. His friend held him tight, moving forward.
Elric closed his eyes, the insecurities rushing back to his mind. A burden to all. Not just to his Fawther, Fawther, but even to Arson.
His lips quivered, holding himself from choking on a sob. Why does it happen to him?
An arm curls over his waist, with a gentle nudge behind his leg. He is lifted in the arms, which always made him comfortable.
"Good morning, your highness." Arson greets, eyes locking with Elric. The boy's hair is dripping with water. Water glistening on his face, making him even more attractive.
Elric's ears turned red; avoiding his gaze, he whispered, "Good morning."
Arson smiled, stepping towards the lake. "Your Highness, by dusk we shall reach Amorite. It would be my honor to show you the beauty of Amorite. The people are very gentle and kind. Nobody raises a hand to hurt another person, even in arguments. Whereas, defeating the other person leads to a long debate."
Somehow, Arson knows to take Elric's mind from the negative thoughts.
"You shall meet my Fawther. He is an honorable man. My brother is Emerson. He is a true warrior. Such a soft-spoken and tender heart."
Elric tilts his head up. "You love your brother so much. It would be my honor to meet your family, the royal family."
Arson grins, nodding his head. "We have arrived, your highness."
Elric smiles, turning his head to watch the beauty of nature.
Nature's beauty is unparalleled to anything. But, Brethe caught in Elric's throat. Near the edge of the lake, it was covered with leaves on the sides, hiding that region from the eyes.
"Your Highness, I understood you are a shy person. So, this would make you less uncomfortable."
Arson walked carefully towards the small, made-in hut.
Fawther quickly steps towards the left side of the covered place. He looks inside with astonished eyes. The water is flowing inside, yet it barely crosses above the waistline. His highness will not feel uncomfortable. He touched the water for the temperature.
The water is cold; it is manageable.
Arson carefully makes Elric sit inside the water.
"Elric's arms shook with coldness, and goosebumps raised on his body.
Arson glanced at Fawther once and turned away.
Arson's eye follows the flying falcon. He raised his fist in the air and opened his palm, circling it in the air.
The falcon gave a loud cry, understanding the task. It flew even higher and watched the forest and water with sharp eyes, especially the region around Elric.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The Amorite kingdom awaits the arrival of their prince after a long time. The streets are decorated with flowers, roads are cleaned, stalls are polished, and everything looks clean and calm.
The houses are busy cooking their prince's favorite dishes; if not the prince, they shall enjoy the food.
This is a festival because the prince is returning after winning the war.
The king of Amorite looked calm and collected while handling the kingdom's affairs. However, a Fawther is restless to meet the prince.
Along with the king, there is a princess waiting for Arson.
"How did you know about his arrival?" She asked her maid while combing her hair.
"Your Highness, this was said by the second prince."
The princess's eyes narrowed. "How did he know?"
The maid bowed her head. "Pardon me for being unable to answer you."
The princess smirks with realization. "It could mean that either Arson informed Emerson about his return "or"-she stood up from the chair, stepping towards the pavilion. "Emerson is keeping an eye on Arson." She stretched her limbs. "Very good."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
"Your Highness, we have not been informed about our return yet. Should I send the falcon?" Suvain asked, pouring rice porridge in small bowls.
Arson shook his head, taking the bow. "It is not required. As far as I know, the king would know about my arrival."
Suvain smiled, taking a seat next to Arson on a tree log.
"His highness must be ready by now, your highness," Suvain whispered, gulping another bite of the warm porridge. The chilly weather is making the porridgetaste even better.
"Fawther would inform me." Ason finished the bowl and kept it aside to wash it later.
Fawther runs to Arson, "Your Highness,"
Arson nods, taking a bowl full of porridge. "Suvain made this. You can ea."
Fawther hesitated, glancing at Suvian and nodding, taking the bow. "Thank you, your highness."
Fawther sits a little far from Suvain, taking a small bite. His face lights up because it did taste good.
Suvain chuckled behind the bowl.
"You liked it?"
Fawther nodded. "Yes, this chilly weather is giving a warm feeling." Fawther smiles, "From a man holding a sword, cooking is something nice."
Suvain shook his head. "This is nothing. You should meet my brother. He cooks like a royal cook. Everything he cooks is so delicious. This quick method is taught by him."
Fawther nods. "It could mean that your brother cooks all the time?"
Suvain chuckled, "He is His Highness's most trustworthy swordsman. While we are here, he is guarding and protecting Amorite."
Fawther parts his lips with shock. "Amorite people are truly something else."
Suvain chuckled, "Trust me, many girls are after my brother because he is more handsome than me."
Fawther smiled, heaving a sigh.
"It must feel proudful to have many girls running behind. I do not have anybody glancing at me twice either."
Suvain chuckled. Not at all. My brother gets annoyed the most. Although I joke and smile at times. He always keeps frowning as though all the weight of the responsibilities is on his shoulders."
Fawther smiles, noticing Arson walking with Elric in his arms.
"I may be beheaded. I always feel that his highness is so loved so much."
Suvain blinks his eyes, turning his attention to the people walking towards them.
"If only Prince Arson were a girl. It would have been a beautiful wedding."
Suvain choked on rice. He taps his head, coughing silently.
"Say what? Our highness would never be a girl. He is our crown prince. You must not speak this way."
Fawther folds his hands. "Apologies. I spoke without a second thought."
Suvain coughs again. His face turned red.
Elric sat carefully next to Fawther. "Are you feeling unwell, commander?"
Suvain shook his head. "No, your highness. I am healthy and good. I caught rice in my throat."
Elric nodded, giving a glass of water to him. "You would feel better."
"Thank you, your highness. You are very-" Arson pushed his hand to drink the water.
"Once you start, there will never be an ending."
Elric chuckled, taking the rice porridge, feeling the warmth of the bowl.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The prisoner opens his eyes again. He gained a little strength to fight the drowsiness. He pushed himself up with a lot of difficulty.
He looks around in panic. This place is very different. It does not look like a path or any place near Elysia. This forest looks so unknown that it creeps him to the core.
"Where am I?" He stood up hastily. Stumbling on a stone, he stood up again, forgetting about his injuries.
"How am I supposed to return now?"
The place looks disoriented, and fatigue gulped the last bit of his strength. He slips on the edge of the road, sleeping past trees. He stumbles against a rock, falling inside the lake.
"Sa-save me," He closed his eyes, going to the bottom of the lake. Unknown to him, his right foot stuck to a fishing net spread across the lake.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
With a lot of enthusiasm and excitement to see the Amorite Kingdom. Elric did not sleep in the carriage. He kept fixing his royal robe, helping Fawther to look better. "We are representing our kingdom, Fawther. We must look good."
Fawther smiles, allowing his highness to fix his hair and tuck it behind his ear.
"Fawther, do you think they would look down on us?" Elric asked, rubbing his ear.
Fawther smiled, "You're divine, your highness. Who would dare to disrespect you? Have you forgotten? Your friend is the prince of Amorite. He would never let anybody say anything to you."
The cheeks turned red with natural hues. He turns his face to avoid his eyes. Fawther noticed the shift in Elric's demeanor and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, confidence comes from within," he encouraged, hoping to lift the young prince's spirits as they prepared for the new chapter ahead.
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