DAWN (Manxboy)

TRIP

Stephen couldn't sleep after that and decided both to stay awake near the fireplace. They silently snuggled together as they carelessly watched the burning fire.

"What's wrong with me?"

Stephen asked in a whisper as he was left bewildered on what just happened a while ago.

"There's nothing wrong with you. We just need to figure out your real origin so we can control whatever happened a while ago."

Vincent replied squeezing Stephen closer to him as he rubs his shoulder to reassure his lover. Yet despite all these, even Vincent himself is anxious. There's been a lot going on his plate. He's preparing for a war against the nobles, he also needs to double the security for the Gathering, the management of the entire financial affairs, and now Stephen's hidden identity. Although he is confident that he can handle everything considering he was raised as a king since he took his first breathe. There is this disturbing feeling that things would go south if he's not careful.

Everything is different now.

In the past he had nothing to lose. However, since Stephen came to his life things have gradually change in the inner palace... And to himself also.

The palace were now littered with green healthy trees and blooming flowers. The garden that was once barren is now their favorite spot during their morning tea. And now he is too afraid that when he turns his back he'd loose Stephen forever.

This man is his and he'll make the mountains kneel just to fulfill his desire to protect him.

And that's when it clicked...

"The mountains..." Vincent said in a whisper.

Stephen looked at him confused. Eyebrow raised while the other rested. "Mountain?"

Vincent immediately stood up leaving the heat begrudgingly so, and carried Stephen into his arms in haste. This of course made Stephen baffled and embarrassed by these sudden actions.

"Vincent... Slow down..." Stephen muttered as he tried to gain stability from Vincent's fast pace.

"There's no time. I must take you there." Vincent said as they reached their bedroom. He gently lays down Stephen at the end of the bed.

"Stay here... I'll be back." Stephen nodded obediently.

Vincent looked irritated knowing he'll miss those pouting lips and his manipulative cuteness. Although he did not wish to be separated temporarily... But he must. For his safety and closure.

Vincent came back with twelve maids packing Stephen's clothes and other necessities. This left Stephen still confused, but this time it was accompanied by anxiousness.

"Vincent are we going somewhere?" Stephen said getting up from the mattress and heading to his direction. Vincent opens his arms ready to accept his warm embrace. They reconnected with each other, and Stephen could hear Vincent's troubling heart.

"What's wrong?" Stephen raises his head looking straight into his eyes. Although Vincent's face were expressionless, he could see in his eyes that something was troubling him.

"My love listen... You need to go  Heilgard Mountain..."

"What!" Stephen said taken aback.

"At the Heilgard Mountain an ancient mage will help you found out the truth of your powers. He will-"

"No! I don't want to leave..."

Before Vincent could finish his sentence he was cut off by the immediate response of Stephen. If this had occurred to some nobles. He would not hesitate to rip out their tongues. But Stephen was a special case... He love this man to death.

"Listen..." Vincent softly spoken brushing his platinum hair away from his face. "This is only momentarily... Once you gain knowledge of your powers you can come home then."

"But what if I don't!?"

"The old mage is wise for he had lived longer than any of us here. In fact, he is the oldest living creature alive today. If anyone knows about your identity it's him. He will know the answer."

"Then come with me..." This time Stephen's voice cracked and tears were now starting to form on his eyes.

"I have things to do in the kingdom. It would be much safer if you go to the mountains and train with the mage."

"What things? I can help you..." Vincent was getting closer into giving in with those desperate please from Stephen, but he must be firm. This is for his safety.

"Forgive me my love, but I have to refuse. This is something I must do myself."

His lips shaking and his eyes pouring...

"You're going to abandon me, aren't you? Just like what my real parents did to me... They always leave." Stephen said with the last part almost difficult to hear.

Vincent felt hurt that Stephen would even think that he'd abandon him. He tightens his embrace and kissed the side of his neck.

"I would never abandon you. Always remember that." Vincent said clasping each of Stephen's cheeks.

"Then why are you sending me away!"

"I am not. Listen my love... See this as if going to boarding school. You'll be back when winter ends and we'll be together again. You need this trip so that you can have answers to your past." Vincent had tried to convince Stephen but he seems unnerve of what he had said. He wasn't actually telling the whole truth.

"Please... I'm asking you to do this. For four months. Even if you haven't learned the truth I will be taking you home. How about that?" Vincent pleaded. He pleaded, to which he had never done in his entire life.

It was quite for a moment...

"F-four...*sniffles*... Just four months and you'll take me back." Stephen gestured four on his fingers.

Vincent smiled and nodded his head. Relief that Stephen was agreeing.

"You don't have to worry about the trip. We'll go there together."

This brightens up Stephen and wiped off his tear stained face. They proceeded to embrace themselves, almost feeling like it's their last connection to each other.

I am soooo sorry for not updating. I have valid reasons. One, both my parents tested COVID and as a good older Asian daughter gotta take care of my four younger siblings. Second, school is starting and I'm very busy with all the non stop activies pouring in. FORTUNATELY my parents are now COVID free and they are back into their healthy self again. As apology I'll update twice in one row. Thank you all for your worries. I never expected that COVID would actually reach our household! I hope you guys are fine as well! Again thank you for worrying about me and I thank you for your support!