forum There's Twilight in your Eyes

Started April 03, 2023 by @Festive_Fenrir

tune

Spur of the moment idea inspired by a reel I saw, woo!
Princes married princesses and vice versa, that just how its always been in the Kingdom of Avrile. At least that's what Character A has been told their entire lives. They've also been told a lot of "rules" about being royalty but that's never really stopped them from dressing in their sibling's clothes, sneaking out into the city late at night, or refusing to marry whatever poor soul their parents dragged to the castle for them to meet, besides, it wasn't like A is interested in anyone, not really save for B. A servant of the castle, one that A has fallen hard for. But how could they ever confess their love when any possibility of a happy life with them isn't allowed? A gets their chance when one day, A's parents invite a rival kingdom's prince to meet A in hopes of smoothing things over between the two kingdoms. And of course to finally marry off. In order to escape the dreaded arranged marriage, A concocts a plan to change their appearance and sneak out of the kingdom, the hard part? leaving unnoticed, specifically by their beloved B.
So yeah that's pretty much it. I also sorta want to incorporate the idea that B doesn't recognize A at first when they bump into each other, only realizing later their royalty.

Rules:

• Andrews rules of course
• This is heavy in the romance but pls no smut, I will be skipping over it.
• 3-4 sentences or more, no 1 or 2 liners, I need something to work off of
• I'll put up a template once someone joins.
• enjoy!

I'd be interested in joining.

(sounds good to me! here is an empty template as well as my prince boy)

Name -
Age -
Sexuality/pronouns -
Appearance (add links if needed)
Personality -
History -
Likes -
Dislikes -
Other -

Name - Prince Abrose (Rose) Nightingale
Age - 22
Sexuality/pronouns - pan he/they
Appearance ** Abrose stands around 5'6 ish. He has unaturally bright red hair, paired with striking green eyes and fairly pale skin, spotted all over with freckles and darker patches of skin. Some say he embodies a summers day or a warm hearth just on appearances alone. His usual attire consists of flowy cotton blouses that allow him to move and some sort of tighter fitting trouser.
**Personality - Abrose is the third child to Queen Loreigh and King Arnold of Avrile. He's usually a very carefree and loving individual. He adores being outside, especially during the kingdom's summers. Along with his brother and sister, he help the kingdom as much as he can while also keeping up with his studies. He's very interested in his kingdom and the people his family swore to lead and protect, often going down to the villages surrounding the kingdom and assisting in anything he can, whether it's with financial issues or food. He doesn't often care much for his own personal life, figuring he'd have time for all of that later after his people are taken care of.
History - Abrose has never been one for a traditional princely life. when he was around the ages of 12-15 he's explored around with his gender, dressing up in his older brother Chire's clothes and pretending to be a king. While his parents disapproved and still unfortunately still refer to him as a princess, Abrose has learned to appreciate his time as a girl and embraces the person he once was while now a boy. He still uses the nickname rose but only around family. His older brother and sister have been his biggest supporters.
Likes - Abrose adores anything sweet though he does restrain himself. He loves animals and the summer time. He loves warmth and, despite not having much other than from his own family, he adores affection
Dislikes - winter's, the cold, seeing anyone suffer, being told he's childish
Other - nope

Name - Lucian Callistar
Age - Twenty-four
Sexuality/pronouns - Bisexual, he/him
Appearance - Lucian stands out in the crowd. Not because of his bulging muscles or some ridiculous scar on his face, but because of his hair. It was flaming red. A feature easily spotted. He had copper eyes and strong facial features. As a palace soldier, he had an athletic build. He wasn't the strongest or biggest man in the palace, but he was one of the smartest. He won most of his fights. He was smart and knew how to outmaneuver his opponents. he learned their weaknesses and calculated their next moves. His skin had tanned over the years of working in the sun, sun kissed almost. He has a jagged scar running from his chest down his side. A mission gone wrong. It was how he got relocated to the palace.
Personality - Lucian is calm and carefree, off duty, of course. He's laid back. Not much bothers him. It would take nothing short of a miracle to anger him, and even more so for him to hold such a grudge. He learned a long time ago it wasn't worth the effort and it was easier to forgive and move on. On duty is another story. He's stoic, stiff, and prepared for a fight. Every moment of every day is just waiting for something to happen that requires his services. It's a terrifying life, always on the edge, but he wouldn't have it any other way.
History - Lucian lost his father when he was a child. His father had been a general for the king, and he had been targeted because of an attack he had orchestrated. They kidnapped and tortured his father to death. Lucian had held a grudge for a long time, swearing revenge. It was the reason he joined the army. That hatred subsided as he met one of the men that had been a part of it. He was a boy barely older than himself. He was small, starving. He looked as if he hadn't eaten in weeks. Lucian came to learn the boy's family had been killed because of his father's orders. He realized then that enacting his revenge would only continue the circle. It was time to let go.
Likes - Lucian enjoys reading, training, fighting. He likes to garden, here and there. He would have his own if he didn't live in the barracks on palace grounds. But he settles for caring for the gardens in the courtyard while off duty.
Dislikes - Overtime, a combative wounded, unnecessary violence
Other - Lucian has a cat. Well, it's not his cat but it was his cat. She lived on the palace grounds but he fed her and looked after her. Sometimes he would even sneak her into the barracks at night to sleep.

(awe I love Lucian! Here's a starter)

"Rose, darling please could you at least try and look a bit more presentable?" Queen Loreigh said from the threshold of her son's room, a pout on her face as Abrose paced around his room, looking for the last bits of jewlery. "Mom, I look fine. It's close enough to what I wear to every ball. Loreigh was about to crudely suggest something but Lilly rounded the corner. "Oh thank the spirits. Lilly, talk some sense into Rose. At least have him try the dress." And with that Loreigh rushed off to finish preparation for the ball. Lilly rolled her eyes for only Abrose to see as she stepped into his room. She took one look at the frilly red thing and immediately shook her head. "Not a chance. Now come here." Abrose grinned and gestured towards himself. He was wearing a simple red waist coat with a black slacks, the white shirt beneath and the pants both had a faint pearly filagree that wasn't too distracting but shined under the candle light. His coppery red hair was simply combed through but gently toussled.
"You're fust missing a few things." Lilly said, rummaging through Abrose' closet and find a giant red scarf with intricate flowers. She motioned for him to turn and secured the scarf around his waist. She selected a few pieces of jewelry and had Abrose' put them on before tugging him towards the mirror. "I know it still looks like a skirt of some sort but I figured it'd be better than that horrific thing. And mom will probabl settle for it too. What do you think?"
Abrose took a moment to look himself over, turning and half spinning so the makeshift skirt fluttered and billowed around him. "I actually really love it!" He replied hugging his older sister. "And you! You look amazing!" He exclaimed, holding Lilly at an arm's length to take in her emrald green dress and gold accessories.
She blushed sweetly and offered her his arm. "Thank you, now let's get going, half the family can't be late to their own ball."

One thing that Lucian despised above all else was when the royal family hosted a ball. Security had to be increased and everyone was working overtime. With foreign leaders and ambassadors and such allowed within the walls, it was a security risk. Anyone could slip through the cracks, no matter how thorough and how secure they were. It was always a possibility. Which meant every soldier in the palace was on alert. They would rotate out so everyone would get a few hours to eat and sleep but it was never enough to truly satisfy the body. None of it would until the ball was over and everyone went back to their own homes and countries. Until hen, they would all be expected to preform their best with the lest amount of sleep and supplements.
Lucian hadn't decided if it was a blessing or a curse to be placed on the detail of the royal family, specifically the third child. Abrose was a prince in every way except his biological body, which was something not everybody agreed with. Lucian couldn't care less. As long as the prince was happy, what did it matter? People should be allowed to do as they pleased with their body. However, it could make protecting him a little difficult.
But, it was either guard the prince or be apart of security. He chose the former. He did not particularly want to be apart of checking every guest and their things as they arrived. It was taxing work, and quote boring. And he had found a few too many disturbing things for him to ever desire doing such a thing again. He shuddered at the thought of it.
Callum and Emerson joined him at the door of the prince as the queen entered his rooms. Being queen, she was issued more guards than the children were. It was strange, he thought, but he wasn't in charge of such things, at least not yet. His ambition was to rise in the ranks until he was in charge of the palace soldiers. It would put him working closely with the king, an honor that was, and he would have a respectable place in life. He could live comfortably, afford a nice hoke and things for a family if he ever desired one. One day, maybe. But not now. There was too much for him to do.
Lucian shared a look with the other guards as they overheard the conversation jn the room. They didn't say anything, they couldn't, but they certainly didn't agree with the queen. Abrose should be able to do as he pleased, and as long as his clothing was appropriate, why did it matter if it was pants or a dress?
Next came the princess, her guard trailing behind. Laurent came to stand next to Lucian, and they shared a nod of acknowledgment. Perhaps he would have preferred being on security out front. This conversation was becoming rather painful to listen to.
Each of then snapped to attention as the family exited the room, following silently behind as they walked to the ballroom.

Abrose latched onto his sisters offered arm and followed her as she practically threw open the doors to his room, leading them to the hallway. He was surprised to find Laurent and Lucian guarding his door, having expecting most of the guards to be at the ball ball already though the supposed someone had to guard the two siblings. He was genuinely glad one of them was Lucian. Abrose was sure when he had figured out he had feeling towards the guard, perhaps it had been in the recent year, perhaps it had even been before he had transitioned, the attraction being nothing more than a little girl's fascination until he later realized it was the crush of a young boy. Either way, Abrose's heart gave a little excited flute every time Lucian was assigned as his guard. "Hello, Laurent, Lucian, you both may relax, its only me." he greeted warmly, curtsying slightly before following his sister. Lily didn't do the same, simply giving a kind smile to the two guards though she didn't discourage Abrose's interaction. She, as well as Chire were used to him making conversation with everyone, royal and commoners alike. It was only around them where Abrose felt comfortable to be so lax with anyone but his own family. For a blissful moment it felt normal, like when they were kids and they were allowed to play with the servant's and guard's children. Abrose would give almost anything to be like that carefree child again.
Abrose refocused as Lilly tugged him down the corridor, all the way down to the double doors that lead to the ballroom. "Is there a reason for such urgency, this is just a regular ball. We've been far later than this before." Abrose asked, hitching up his makeshift skirt so it didn't snag as he quickened his pace to match Lily's stride. "Honestly I'm not sure. Mother said this was different than the others. Of course she didn't say specifically how but you know how she is. I'd rather not be late if it's something she's insistent on." Abrose nodded slightly, a bit anxious for what his mother had planned but there wasn't much he could do now, see that they had reached the doors leading to the ballroom. Abrose took a deep breath as Lilly pulled open the double doors again and walked Abrose towards the landing of the stairs that lead down to the ballroom floor.

The two guards bowed as they exited it, and bowed once more as the prince acknowledged both of them. Abrose had always been kind to the workers of the palace. He always acknowledged them and had kind words to say. Lucian admired that about him. Even after the scrutiny and hardships the prince had faced, he was still kind. He wouldn't say enamored, but Lucian had always been drawn to the prince, at least more to him than any of the other royals in the palace.
The two guards walked behind the two siblings, matching their pace. Their spines were stiff and shoulders squared. They were on their guard, watching and waiting for something to happen. They were ready if anyone decided to jump out of the shadows and attach either member of the family. It was highly unlikely to happen here and to happen to these two. The King and Queen or their heir would be more desirable a target. While these two were still royalty, they weren't in as much danger. Still, his hand was resting on his sword as he walked. Lucian was quiet as he listened to the two siblings converse. The details of the reasoning behind the ball were on a need-to-know basis, and Lucian wasn't on a need-to-know basis. It irritated him as he didn't like to be left out of things but his time in the army had conditioned him to accept things as he was given them. Just one of the many lessons he had learned.
As they approached the doors to the ballroom, both Lucian and Laurent quickened their pace so they were in front of the two royal siblings. They grabbed hold of the two doors, twisting the handles, and opened the door for the two. Not only was it a part of their job description, but Lucian also didn't particularly want to get chewed out by the queen for lacking simple manners. One of his friends had been on the end of her wrath and Lucian was terrified from just listening to the story. The army didn't teach manners, it added structure and discipline. And some of the men never had a loving mother or father to teach them right.

Abrose brushed past their guards, nodding gratefully before slowly descending the stairs with his sister, trying his best to keep his gaze averted from the now staring crowd of people. He let go of his skirt, letting it billow at his feet as a sort of path was made for him and Lily all the way to the dais where the King, Queen, and Chire sat. Abrose sucked in a breath, his anxiety building even though everything seemed fine so far. After what felt like eternity of walking past the sea of guests, the pair finally made it to their parents. They bowed deeply before climbing the short stairs and settling in their respective thrones. Abrose caught his mother's gaze. She gave him a once over, her lips pursed stubbornly before giving a single nod and turning towards her subjects, watching as they went back to dancing and mingling. Abrose released a quiet sigh of relief, at least he wouldn't have to worry about his appearance tonight.
After a half an hour or so, Abrose was growing bored and fidgety, his fingers lightly drumming against the arm of his throne. He excused himself before leaving the dais and finding the closest food and drink table, set on finding champaign or better, wine. The spirits were on his side today, for Abrose found a glass of wine in a matter of moments. He took a civil sip and started mingling about with the guests, occasionally dancing with them or striking up conversation. More than a few guests recognized him from his escapades out on the city and asked when he would come back. He promised them soon, he just needed a bit of time to sneak away from the castle without being noticed or followed.
After another hour passed The Queen stood from her throne, her hands raised in a gesture for silence. Abrose glanced up, now slightly more drunk than he should be but still comprehensive.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for coming today. Before I continue, I would like to ask all of you to keep an open mind on what I am about to say, please." Abrose's gaze narrowed slightly as he slowly came closer to the dais.
"For the past few months, His Majesty and I have decided to instead fight, create peace. For centuries, Avrile has been at war with its neighboring kingdom Prythia. But today, that will be no longer!" Cheers rang out as the Queen paused. Once they silenced, Queen Loreigh continued. "If my youngest would join me up here, I would like to announce some great news." Abrose blanched, the tinge of red on his cheeks from the wine now prominent on his features. He striffened slightly before resuming his place up on the dais beside his mother. She took his hand in hers before motioning to the crowd once again. "It is with great pleasure I announce that my youngest shall be marrying none other that his royal highness, Prince Amire of Pyhtia." Abrose thought his legs would give out as gasps rang out through the room. From the other side of the dais Prince Amire climbed the stair, a stern ridged expression on his features turning Abrose's blood to ice. He could barely move much less speak as he came face to face with the prince. "Now, now, I know everyone is surprised. Believe me when the Kingdom of Prythia extended this offer, there was little chance we could say no. For the greater good of both the kingdoms these two shall be wed and married, bring our great kingdoms together, thus ending this futile war. Abrose barely heard his mother as Amire's eyes bore into his own. All he wanted to do was leave, leave and never return. How could his mother do this? How could his father allow this? He looked towards Chire and Lily, both their expression matching his his mortification. Abrose was forced to look back at Amire when he felt his hand touch his. Abrose flinched and watched in growing horror as the prince knelt, procured a ring from his suit pocket and offered it to Abrose. "Princess Rose Nightingale, Will you marry me?"

Lucian nodded out if respect to the prince as he walked by and smiled out of their seeming friendship. Lucian had been rotated through the prince's personal guard many a time. He got along best with the prince and had even been requested by him a few times. It wasn't like Lucian did anything special. He followed the prince on his trips, guarding him, and engaging in conversation where he was able to. Most notably when they would stroll through the gardens. He never let it affect his ability to guard and protect the prince but thankfully, there hadn't been a reason to need to protect him. And he hoped there never would be.
The guard stood behind Prince Abrose's throne, his eyes watching the crowd carefully, looking over every crack and shadow. This was not the place nor the tike to speak to the prince. Not only would the queen likely pounce on him for such a thing, it was to dangerous to risk his guard slipping. Too many people with unidentified reasons for being here. The prince moved and so did he. He was able to keep his distance so he wasn't right on the heek and meandering through the crowd. No matter what he did, he didn't lose sight of the prince. He pursed his lips as he watched glass after glass get drunk by the prince but said nothing. No, this wasn't his place to say anything.
The queen clapped her hands and the room fell silent. Lucian was only half listening to her. Ye was more occupied looking for anyone with malintent. A few fellow guards gave him small nods as he oassed by. Everything was okay on their end. No suspicious movement. That was good news but it didn't mean something couldn't happen later. And something did happen, just not what Lucian was expecting. A foreign prince, on his knee, proposing to Abrose. Expect the prince used his dead name and his old pronouns and Lucian's eyes widened for a second. This was not going to go well. But there was nothing he could do. Lucian was a nobody guard. It wasn't his place to interject, especially not in a room full of so many people. The best he could do was check in on the prince in privacy later on the night.
So he was forced to watch the prince he had secretly been in love with get proposed to by another man.

"Prince…Abrose." Abrose corrected, cursing himself when his voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. Amire looked up towards the queen in confusion who waved in dismissal and nodded encouraging towards Abrose. Spirits above if only he hadn't drank so much wine. Or maybe if he had drank more he'd be more inebriated so he didn't have to remember today. What had his mother been thnking? Marrying him off to Amire, the prince of their rival kingdom. In hindsight it was a good idea. It would create peace with the kingdoms. Chire and Lily were both happily engaged. While they both had found people they genuinely loved, they both also found it a benefit for their kingdoms consider both their soon to be spouses were royalty as well. While Abrose was immensely happy for them, he couldn't imagine such a life for himself yet, especially if the marriage was arranged. He wanted to experience finding love for himself, that or be happy alone. Besides, he liked…Abrose glanced up towards the crowd, ignoring their stares as they waited for his answer and searching out Lucian.His friend and guardian, even if he couldn't admit his feelings to him just yet, those wouldn't go away even when a foreign prince knelt in front of him. He steeling his slightly drunken composure, willed his voice to be strong and gently pulled his hand away from Amire's. "Forgive me, but I will not." He replied, more gasps ringing out throughout the room.
Queen loreigh stared at Abrose for a long moment, brows furrowed and fury in her eyes. Abrose stared right back. "I will not marry a man I do not love. You've given Chire and Lilly that same chance, why do I not deserve the same?" He questioned. Amire stood as Loreigh composed herself. "My child is just a bit intoxicated. I'm sure he'll see reason once he's slept and refreshed." She excused. "Please continue enjoying yourselves." She waved to the crowd, watching as they awkwardly dispersed back into dancing and talking. Before his mother could call for guards to escort him away, Abrose was already making his way down the stairs and across the ballroom floor towards the doors that lead back to the royal sleeping quarter.

Lucian was frozen as he was forced to watch. There wasn't anything he could do, nothing without warranting his own death or imprisonment. If he burst up the prince, if he shouted blasphemy or in any other way tried to stop this from happening, it would be straight to the gallows for him. So he stood there, hidden in the crowd, watching and waiting. He held his breath. Why wasn't the prince answering? Why wasn't he saying yes? It was clear that Prince Abrose was meant to say yes. He was supposed to say yes and this entire thing would be done. But he wasn't. The prince was saying nothing. And then they were locking eyes. The prince had searched through the crowd and found him.
Lucian had given him the tiniest shake of his head. Something that if anyone caught him doing, he would be in so much trouble. But he did it anyways. He shook his head no, silently pleading for the prince to say no. Deny this prince. He is not for you. He can't even respect who Abros was. And he could only breathe once Abrose said no. That was relief coursing through his body. Relief and horror. What would happen next? Would the prince's parents still force him into this loveless marriage? He wouldn't put it past them. He understood the importance for peace but there must be another way. A way that allowed their child to be happy. To find love in his own time. Lucian knew that it would never be him. He was a commoner, a nobody. He would never marry someone of such importance. It would be unthinkable. But he wanted Abrose to find someone suitable for him to marry when he was ready.
Lucian was moving as soon as the prince was. He was pushing through the crowd until he was by Abrose's side. Once they were out of sight of the ball and its occupants, he placed a soft hand on Abrose's back. He shouldn't have done that. He shouldn't have touched the prince, but he did. He wanted to offer comfort in whatever way he could. Whatever way Abrose allowed him to.

Lucian had shaken his head. The little scene played out in Abrose's mind clearly. The crowd was nothing more than a blur, Lucian stand in the middle of them all holding Abrose's gaze and so very clearly shaking his head no. Or maybe it was Abrose wanting him to say no. he was drunk after all or he had just misinterpreted the gesture. Perhaps it had been intended as a signal to another guard. Then the guilt began to settle in. How could he have so selfish to deny the kingdom peace for his own wants. He didn't even know Amire, perhaps he was a good person regardless of the war going on. Maybe he'd make Abrose happy and vice versa. They could learn, there was no reason for him to have said no except his own selfish wants to be with someone else. Abrose paused in the middle of the hall, pressing the heals of his palms to his eyes, already feeling the onset of a headache. he took in a few gulps of breath, willing his heart beat to steady as he tried to assess his situation.
He jumped and turned when he felt a hand at his back, half expecting the prince to be behind him. While it wasn't allowed for anyone outside of personal guards and the royal family to be in the sleeping quarters, he didn't think his mother above allowing the foreign prince to slip in and romantically display his concern for his confused betrothed.
So the he instead felt Lucian behind him instead of the prince, Abrose bit back a sharp dismissal and watched his guard for a few moments. "You should be at the ball." he said, even as he leaned into Lucian in a half hug. He closed his eyes, letting himself have this moment with him. It had been ages since he had hugged Lucian, since they were kids if Abrose remembered correctly. Lucian becoming a royal guard and Abrose learning about his princely duties seemed to have separated the two for a while. When they came back together an invisible line seemed to have been drawn. No more of the childhood fund and innocent closeness of before. Abrose was a prince and Lucian was an ever loyal guard. That is as intimate as their relationship would ever be. Yet now standing with him, Abrose wished he could make up for all those years they had lost to rules and whatnot they had to follow for whatever reason. "You've gotten far to tall for my liking, Callistar. I still remember when you barely came up to my shoulder as kids." he teased, remembering back to when they were nothing more than lanky kids, running through the woods, reversing their roles of royal and commoner.

Lucian only offered a small smile. He hadn't meant to startle the prince, only to offer him comfort. "I was assigned to you. My job is to protect you. So I should be here, not back there." His place was by Abrose either way. He would have found some excuse to follow after him had he not been assigned to the prince. As Abrose leaned into his touch, Lucian did the unthinkable and pulled him to his chest. He wrapped his arms around the prince, placing his chin on the top of his head. No one was around to see. No one but them. There was no one to stop Lucian from hugging the prince. And as long as the prince allowed this, he didn't see anything wrong with it.
He let out a low chuckle. "My apologies, highness, I'll get right on that. I'm sure I can find a way to shrink myself so we're at least the same height." Lucian remembered just as well. He recalled their time together as children before he had joined the army. It was a good childhood. Fun, happy. He missed it. Sometimes he wished he could go back and keep himself from joining the army. But if he hadn't he wasn't sure where he would be in life. He might have gotten a few more years with Abrose before being sent somewhere else for work. Maybe the army was the best place for him because it led him back here.
"What would you like to do?" Lucian asked. He knew there was no way Abrose wanted to to back to the ball or even discuss what had just happened, at least not yet. So he wanted to help him take his mind off of things, at least for the night. They could play a game of cards. They could sneak into the library and make a mess. They could go to the gardens and find a tree to climb and pretend they were birds watching over this mess. Anything but there. Lucian wanted to be anywhere else but there.

Abrose stiffened slightly at the unfamiliar hug but soon enough wrapped his arms around Lucian's midsection, letting his head rest against his shoulder. For a moment he was worried someone would be after him. he wasn't so worried if it was Chire or Lilly, both knowing of his feeling towards Lucian and promising to neither tell their parents or Lucian himself but of someone else were to go through the doors, he wasn't entirely sure how he'd explain their closeness. His eyes closed for a moment, feeling secure in Lucian's hold to not need to watch the door for a moment at the very least.
He glanced up when he felt Lucian laugh, brows furrowed in mock annoyance, even as a small smile fell to his lips. "Now I feel like you're mocking me." he let out a laugh, for once that evening feeling relaxed even without the wine. "Anywhere but back there." He said, resting his chin on Lucian's shoulder and watching the doors again. "I was honestly going to lock myself in my room but that seemed childish. I like to think I'm above hiding from my problems but somehow I think tonight disproved that." he gently pulled away from the hug, already missing Lucian's warmth but he did really want to get out of the castle for the night. He had planned to sneak out into the city but he figured it'd be pretty uneventful considering everyone would be at the ball. "Are you of all people suggesting we do something against the rules? How rebellious." Abrose jested, lightly taking Lucian's hand and pulling him into a walk. "I want to visit the gardens. Its been a while and Lilly told me the first few flowers have bloomed." Avrile had had one of their most brutal winters in recent years, so much so the kingdom had been worried their crops wouldn't last the season. Thankfully they had saved supply of grain and meats for the desperate few weeks. Now that it was getting warmer, Abrose was desperate to leave the confines of the castle and breath in the crisp fresh spring air after so long of a dull winter. He lead the way, winding down the corridors and stairs until they made it the greenhouses of the castle that lead to the outside gardens. Abrose winked to a few maids that mingled around the gardens, most of them knowing him to sneak out this way for years. They waved and cooed before allowing Abrose and Lucian outside.

Lucian kept one eye on the door. If anyone stepped through it, they would separate and it would simply look like a guard ensuring his charge was alright. Still not something he should have been doing, but much easier to play off and get in the least amount of trouble. Maybe a lecture and extra chores. It was worth the risk. Especially when Abrose was leaning into him and hugging him back. Lucian moved one hand up to his hair, stroking it softly. "I would never mock you, Your Highness. That would be the greatest of reasons." Lucian could barely contain his laugh. In fact, a little bit of it slipped out into to what sounded like a giggle. Something completely unexpected for a man of his size and looks but here they were. He just giggled. The sound surprised him more than it probably did Abrose. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to hide in your rooms. I think you've earned a little sulking after tonight." Lucian was sulking now as Abrose pulled away. He hadn't been ready to lose the contact but he had lost it all the same. It was probably for the best. The longer they held the more of a risk it posed to someone walking in on them and getting in trouble. If the queen found out, they were both in it. So breaking their hug was for the best.
"I think the gardens are a lovely idea." It was Lucian's turn to be surprised. The last thing he had been expecting was for the prince to take his hand and hold it. But he was and his previous worries had soothed for now. He though about lacing their fingers together but that would have been taking it to far. Even worse so if the prince didn't return his affections. Lucian would have been humiliated then. So he only held onto his hand tightly and followed Abrose out to the gardens. There was a happy smile on his face that didn't diminish as they walked by a maid or two. He only bowed his head to them before moving on. He wasn't worried about any of them blabbing. They loved Abros, everyone that worked in the palace did. No one would jeopardize his happiness.

Abrose took in a deep breath as he opened the glass greenhouse doors. The air still held the crispness of the now leaving winter but it was still mild weather. Most of the plots of land for crops and plants were empty or only have small green shoots poking out of the ground, nothing to harvest yet. A few rows ahead, Abrose could spot early spring flowers, small purple and yellow blooms that could handle the occasional colder nights of Avrile. Beyond the rows of crops and flowers, a few old orchard trees surrounded the area. They had been there as long as Abrose had been alive, most likely far before that. Each summer and fall the assortment of apple, orange, and pear trees produced sweet fruit the family would give to charities around the kingdom or turn them into baked goods to give during holidays and dinners. Abrose had always adored the orange trees the most, the smell of the orange blossoms in summer perfumed the air until fall where he would be the first to harvest the fruits for all sorts of treats. He had learned a variety of baked goods, from orange infused cakes to candied orange slices, Abrose had always loved making anything with oranges.
The pair eventually reached the trees and Abrose reluctantly let go of Lucian's hand to climb one of the oldest fruit trees. It was fairly easy even in his fancy clothes and Abrose managed to balance on a thicker branch to carefully un-snag his skirt from the lower branches. He swung his leg over the branch and settled comfortable, smiling softly when he found a familiar carving on the truck beside him. Both his and Lucian's names crudely carved into the wood back from when they were kids. It had been the first time he had written out his new name. He had chosen it from a childhood storybook and thought it fit well enough with his old name but expressed how he truly was. Beside his name was a little pointy crown and then the sun. Abrose had once seen in his language studies that the nickname he had used for Lucian, Luce, meant light in an ancient language. Even now he thought it fitting for his guard. He seemed to radiate light and warmth, not only to Abrose but everyone he met. Abrose saw how the other guards looked to Lucian for guidance despite the captain still being active. They all took a liking to him immediately, just as Abrose had. He glanced up towards the moon shining upon the kingdom. "I honestly didn't imagine myself marrying this early." He admitted softly, shivering slightly at the wind. He untied the scarf from around his waist and wrapped it around his shoulders. "I thought I had more time to explore what I want and didn't want in a partner. Now I'm not sure."

Lucian felt happy. Truly happy as Abrose held his hand as they meandered through the gardens. It didn't take him long to pick up on where they were going. He remembered being children with him and climbing trees. There was a particularly old fruit tree they had been fond of. They had climbed it many a time, going as far as carving their names into the trunk. Lucian wondered if it was still there or if it had been chipped away with time and age. He supposed he was going to find out here in a few minutes when they reached their destinations. As they came upon the tree Lucian was in awe that it still stood. He knew trees could live for hundred of years yet it felt so strange to return to something of his childhood. It had been years since he had been out here and climbed this tree. Too long, in his opinion.
He did the one thing he most certainly do, and undid the belt that held his sword. He gently laid it down on the ground near the tree and began his ascent after Abrose had made it a decent way up the tree. Lucian didn't want to be climbing so close that his head accidentally butted him. He came to settle on a branch across from Abrose. He saw what the prince was looking at, their names carved into the trunk. It was still there. He couldn't believe it. He was sure time would have eroded it away, what with storms and such. But there was it, almost as if it was done yesterday. Lucian offered the prince a bright smile, his hand reaching out to trace the carvings. He missed when times were simpler when they could just run away and hide in trees until his tutor or mother or maid had come out running and calling their names. It had been a nice time, happy, until everything went sideways and his father had been killed. He didn't like to think about those dark days. It was the reason he left Abrose. But he was back now and that was all that should matter.
Lucian looked at Abrose, sadness in his eyes. "You said no. You told them no. I'm sure if you speak to your parents you can convince them. You're still young. You need more time to decide what you like and what you don't. You should be allowed to find love on your own. I have faith you will choose a suitable partner when you are ready." Lucian had said too much already. He shouldn't be saying these things, discouraging Abrose on his marriage. But here he was, outwardly discouraging it. He didn't want Abrose to marry some prince who couldn't even get his name right. It wasn't right.

"I told them no while drunk and confused. Do you think they'll take that seriously?" Abrose shook his head. "it was hard enough to convince them this," He gestured to himself. "Who I really am. While I think they'd understand with time, thats something we don't have. I don't think either kingdom is willing to wait just for another no." Abrose rested his head against the trunk of the tree, idly tracing the carvings beside him as he fell quiet again.
After a few moments of watching Lucian against the stillness of the night, Abrose spoke again, a small smile appearing on his face again. "You're surprising more and more today, Lucian. I would have expected you to try and convince me to go through with the marriage, not go out and find my own love." He took a deep breath. "I like that idea. Finding someone else. Though I think I already know the kind of person I want to be with." you, you're the one I want to be with.
Abrose nodded to Lucian "And you my darling Lucian? Please tell me you have a life outside of babysitting a prince. Its been a while since we've caught up. Do you have anyone thats caught your eye?" He grinned, leaning forwards and resting his chin in his palm and swinging his legs back and forth. "If so, I certainly hope I get to meet the lucky lady, gentleman, or individual."