Royal Encounter

The Blind and The Anxious

The sound of rain hitting against the many windows echoed throughout the halls of the castle. It was usually bright inside the castle during the day due to the bright sun shining through and providing a stronger like, but this time, the castle was dimly lit. The only light being from the many candles that didn't quite illuminate the ceiling.

The clouds outside blocked the sun, denying anyone the warm sunlight it often gave out.

Five pairs of footsteps pattered down the dimly lit halls. Two of the five quickened their pace, clearly in some kind of rush. The others didn't seem as desperate to leave, however.

“Hurry up!” Dream demanded with excitement, walking faster than the other three, dragging Swap along by the hand. They were all dressed in clothes a person who lived in the castle wouldn't normally wear. The Queen liked having her people dress a little more extra inside her home compared to how people in the capital dressed.

A black cloak that was an inch away from dragging on the floor was draped over each and every one of them. The fabric disguised their appearance perfectly, hiding any weapons Horror, Swap, and Killer carried on them. They, of course, had to travel light.

“Dream, we're not in a rush. It's not like the capital is going anywhere.” Nightmare called out to his brother, walking a little faster just to catch up with the other two in front of him. Killer and Horror also had to pick up the pace.

They were lucky their mother had even accepted their request to go down to the capital. It didn't matter to the twins that they had to stay together and stick with their little protectors. It was rare for them to even go out of the castle, and even then, they were only allowed in the capital and not venture further. They were happy to be able to leave, though.

“Don't go too far ahead.” Horror instructed, warning Dream and Swap as the two jogged over to the two large doors that would lead them out of the humongous home. The larger wasn't too worried. As long as Dream stuck with Swap, things would be fine, and by the two's relationship, they weren't leaving each other's side.

“He's too excited. He's not going to listen.” The younger twin grumbled before chasing after his brother. Horror and Killer picked up the slack and lightly ran after the others. “The carriage isn't even here yet!” Killer whined out, not enjoying the rush at all. He had eaten a hefty meal before this.

— — — — — — — —

Rain came down hard from the clouds above. The sky seemed gloomy, but Dream's sunny attitude didn't waver. The prince still looked excited even when rain was attacking from above.

Sadly, the same couldn't be said about the other prince.

Dream's hand had been intertwined with Swap's the minute they stepped out of their carrier. The five men stuck close to each other like they were supposed to. If one wanted to go a certain route, then the others would also have to go.

“I wanna go in here.” Nightmare said, steering the group into a bookshop.

“Don't you already have a bunch of books?” Killer questioned the young prince.

“We have several libraries back at home. Maybe read all 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 books before getting new ones…” Dream muttered under his breath. He smiled proudly once he heard Swap silently giggle at his comment. Nightmare whipped his head around and gave his brother a glare. “Need I remind you which one of us still sleeps with stuffies?” Nightmare remarked. He quickly walked off to the nearest bookshelf and began his search.

Horror sighed, lightly shaking his head as he walked after the prince. Killer chuckled and grabbed Dream's hand, leading the prince and his guard to catch up with the other two. The older prince grumbled to himself in embarrassment from being called out by his younger brother. “What's so great about books anyway?” Dream mumbled, sulking in his shame for still having stuffed animals in his room even at his big age.