Silent Ruler [DNF]

Chapter 22: Heart on the line

Impersonating George's personal guard was one of the weirdest experiences in Dream's life. The mere thought of George as king was still something Dream hadn't fully come to terms with.

It was late, but George had insisted that they needed to find his youngest brother. Claiming that the boy might be strictly raised in the castle, but still had a good heart and if anyone could enlighten them on the situation, it was him. The brunette had explained that they weren't allowed to create emotional bounds with their siblings as it could been seen as an act of rebellion.

The pair wandered around the castle in darkness. George rose his hand when they reach a wooden door. The brunette knocked gently. A minute later and door was opened by the short, dark-haired boy that Dream recalled standing on the scene during the coronation. He was dressed in a grey satin pajama and a shocked look plastered on his face.

"Toby, can we come in?" George whispered. The small boy stared at George with wide eyes but nodded yes.

His room had a similar feel to George's, only big difference was the lack of books. Dream positioned himself in front of the door with arms crossed over his chest.

"Sorry to bother–" But George got cut of by his brother tightly hugging his torso. It took George a few minutes to register what's happening but thereafter hugged him back.

The sight was adorable, yet it got Dream's heart aching. The prince reminded him of his younger sister. For once, he was thankful for the mask concealing his emotions.

"They told me you died." Dream heard the shorter mumble. He needed to tilt his head up to not allow any tears to spill.

George made soothing circles on his brother's back. The mismatching eyes fell on Dream with a pleading look that Dream didn't know how to handle.

"I'm so sorry Tubs. But I'm here now, I promise." The older stated.

Toby broke free and dried his glossy eyes. "Mom told me that you betrayed us, but I never believed it."

George appeared to have a difficult time processing the situation. Dream picked up plenty apologies stemming from the brunette. Slowly he wrapped his brother in another hug and even from afar, Dream spotted the tears. Honestly, he didn't know how much more of this he could take. Considering that George received his first hug at 25, Dream doubted that his brother had a much different story.

"I wouldn't do this if it wasn't highly important. But Toby, I need you to tell me what you know about Ethan's plans?" George made sure to speak softly, still not letting go of the hug.

"Him and mom have been discussing a sort of weapon, if that's what you're referring to."

George nodded. "Yeah, do you have any idea of what it could be?"

With his head still buried in George's chest, the boy nodded declining. "Though I've heard that it'll cause a domino effect and that it's connected to dad somehow."

Dream groaned. An indestructible weapon with unknown powers and their only lead was its connection to a dead guy.

George patted his brother's back. "I'm sorry Tubs, but I need to leave. Make sure to get some sleep."

The boy let go and wiped his eyes his sleeve before wandering back to bed.

Dream and George retreated to the brunette's room. Only then did Dream remove the dreadful mask. A thick silence fell as they were now alone for the first time since everything happened.

George must've some fascination with the window because he went right to it with his back facing Dream.

Dream seized the moment and sat down on the big bed. The cell hadn't been kind to his body and every muscle screamed at him to sit.