Play Me a Melody [ONC 2022]

Chapter Three: Richard

The sun had not yet risen when Richard woke up upon the morning that he would be embarking on his journey. He did not even remember falling asleep the night before. He had been kept awake by his thoughts and doubts about actually doing this. His bed shows the signs of his tossing and turning. Planning this journey had been one thing. It felt incredibly different to actually be now putting his plans into action.

Nervous anticipation and excitement filled him as he slipped out of his bed and to his wardrobe. He dressed as silently as he possibly could, not wanting to alert anyone that he was awake. He had purposely bathed before bed the night before so that he would not need to do so in the morning. He could not risk any of the castle servants becoming curious about why he was up so early. If they knew he was awake, they would come bustling in to see if there was anything that he needed. He had also made sure to take advantage of his knowledge of the guards and their habits. He knew that when Smithson was on duty, he would fall asleep in the middle of the night.

Once he was dressed, Richard looked at his appearance in the mirror to make sure that he looked all right. The plain clothing looked strange on him but it would help him blend into his surroundings. At least, that was what he assumed. He swallowed a lump in his throat as he contemplated not going through with his plans. He glanced over at his mothers portrait and his resolve returned. He had a deathbed wish to fulfill. Instead of his usual sword, he had procured one that did not have embellishments. It would do well enough for self-protection should the need arise. He hoped it wouldn't.

Reasonably sure that he now looked as any commoner of the kingdom would, Richard slipped out of his room. He stopped for a moment to make sure Smithson would not stir. As he had predicted, the guard was sleeping. The sound of his snoring filled the otherwise quiet corridor.

Richard snuck his way past the slumbering guard and made his way to his destination. He only paused in his movements when he made it to the part of the castle that held his fathers bedroom chambers. Stopping to listen for any movement from inside the room, he heard only the sounds of slumber from within. A sigh of relief escaped him. Richard hoped that his father would believe whatever story it was that Lady Serenity would be spinning about his absence. Assured that his father was still asleep, Richard made his way to his manservants room.

The corridor was dark, lit only by the candle lights along the wall and the waning moonlight drifting through the windows. He idly wondered when the castle would switch over to the same gas lamps that lit the kingdom's streets. Now was not the time to be thinking about the castle's décor, he admonished himself. He shook the thoughts out of his head and finally made it to his manservants room. Travers was already awake and looked nervous.

He had already been a major help to the young prince. He had helped find and arrange things with the man who would be acting as Richard's guard. Travers would also be assisting Lady Serenity in their ruse. Travers looked similar enough in appearance to Richard that he could act as his double from afar. The manservant had been instructed to leave the castle via carriage while the King had his morning tea on his bedroom terrace. If they succeeded, the King would be led to believe that Richard had left the castle and thus would not expect to see him around the castle.

"Good morning, your Highness." The man sounded as nervous as he looked. Richard could hardly blame him. After all, he had a lot more at risk than Richard or Lady Serenity did. The young prince did have a sense of conscience enough to feel guilty about this fact but he was determined to take this journey. If anything went wrong, he would do what he could to protect Travers. Richard was grateful that the servant was still willing to provide his assistance despite the man's worries.

"Breathe, Travers."

"I suppose I cannot change your mind, my Prince?" It was obvious from the tone in Traver's voice that he very much hoped that would be the case. It was not too late for the prince to simply turn around and go back to bed. To forget about this entire adventure entirely.

That was not going to happen. Richard shook his head. "I have to do this or forever wish that I had, Travers. Do not worry, it will all turn out fine."

"What if it doesn't? What if something goes horribly wrong and I am discovered?" Richard thought that Travers was going to twist his own fingers off if he kept wringing his hands.

"I will do all I can to protect you. As will Lady Serenity. We will not throw you to the wolves simply to save ourselves, I assure you." Richard's words seemed enough to placate the other man.

"Very well, if you are certain. Follow me, then. You will leave through the servants passage and exit. The man I hired will be waiting for you by the fountain in the town square." Travers took up a candle and began leading the way.

Richard nodded as he followed after the other man. "I will reward you greatly for this." He did not know how just yet but he would find a way. He would make sure that Travers never had to worry about money for the rest of his life.

"I should hope so." Travers' words caused Richard amusement and he could not help but chuckle.

"Anyone else would charge you with insubordination."

"If you do that, then you will not be able to go on your adventure."

"You have a point."

"Now we must be silent lest we awaken the others."

The two men fell silent as they moved through the servants passage. Reaching the exit, they emerged outside of the castle's walls. Excitement once more thrummed through Richards bloodstream as the fact that he really was doing this finally hit him. As he took in his surroundings, Richard breathed in the morning air. The sun was beginning to rise and Richard knew he must make haste and make his way into the town. His adventure might end before it even got to begin.

Travers pointed out the path into the town proper and made his way back into the passage. Richard watched the entrance close behind the other man. He felt like his heartbeat was beating inside of his ears.

Holding his satchel close to himself, Richard momentarily considered abandoning his entire pursuit. Taking in a shaky breath, he began walking down the path that led from the castle into the town. By the time he made it into the town, lamplighters were dousing the streetlights.

Both the day and his adventure were beginning.