𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙋𝙍𝙄𝙉𝘾𝙀'𝙎 𝘿𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙂𝙐𝘼𝙍𝘿𝙎

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲'𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 (𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥)

It was true that Hal missed the sea. He was glad Elwood suggested the outing, for he hadn't even considered stopping by here, since they were set to leave tomorrow at dawn.

"I thought you were nervous because you're traveling with strangers," Elwood suddenly blurted, as Hal walked between his two guards, towards the ocean.

Hal stared up at his guard—although it had been obvious to Hal when they'd first met back at the palace, he had momentarily forgotten about the difference in their heights, when he and Elwood were both seated for dinner. "Ah, well," Hal scratched at the back of his head. He looked away. "Maybe," he muttered. "I'm a little bit nervous."

Kaiser shot Elwood a look that seemed to be a warning, Hal couldn't comprehend why, nor did he have much time to ponder on the matter—for soon, they had arrived.

Lanterns were hung up across strings which were twirled around old lamp posts, empty market stalls and buildings nearby. Hal remembered spotting a few villagers by the inn's door when he'd walked out of the place with his guards: the group were huddled together, talking of a yearly festival which had been held not too long ago. Were these the remnants of that very same celebration? the Crown Prince wondered, as he stared at the lanterns, which swayed along with the warm midnight breeze. Hal took a moment to enjoy the sight, relishing in the present moment, and how lucky he was to be here in order to witness all this.

Back when his father was his age, his kingdom had been at war for quite some time; things were much more dangerous. Had Hal been born any earlier, he likely would have not been able to partake in these nightly escapades. The Crown Prince was grateful for the peace. He hoped that when he would come to rule, those times would not be grueling but fruitful. This was the kingdom he loved and wanted to grow old with.

The moon above their heads reflected pale, crescent whites across the waves. For a moment, Hal had forgotten about who he'd traveled with, and why he was here. Until Elwood spoke up again. "Would you like to take a walk across the sand, Your Highness?"

Hal gasped, the sound rang happy, as he nodded with enthusiasm. Perhaps his guards would find his response to the suggestion an overreaction, however, Hal didn't care. He wanted to savor this. He'd been so overwhelmed with his duties as a Prince back home, that he'd forgotten what it was like, to give himself a moment to breathe. No more paperwork. No more politics. No more working until he'd fall asleep atop his desk at the light of dawn. Hal's heart raced at the idea of doing something so simple, yet out of the ordinary. He felt like a young boy again, discovering the world for the first time.

The Crown Prince peered around to check for any signs of another villager in sight. Once he saw no one, he deemed it safe to behave in ways the entire royal court would have likely disapproved of, Hal took off his boots. He rolled up his pants until their hems hugged the undersides of his knees. He took a step forward, then walked across the beach.

"Well," Kaiser huffed, whilst he stared at the empty streets, the tavern in the distance that had yet to close up shop. "In that case, I will stand watch again and—"

Before Hal's brooding guard could finish his sentence, Hal wrapped a hand around Kaiser's wrist. "Kaiser," as their eyes met, Hal found himself feeling a tad more brave. "I insist. Join us, please." Hal spotted Elwood taking his shoes off in the corner of his eye, before he brought his attention back to Kaiser. "You do not have to stay far, in order to guard me," the Crown Prince added, as he realized he'd been holding onto Kaiser's sleeve this whole time, then finally let go with an apologetic mumble.

Kaiser hesitated for a moment as he considered Hal's request. Eventually, his shoulders dropped. He sighed once more. He shrugged off his boots in turn. "If Your Highness insists..." Kaiser muttered. "I promise, I will still do my best to keep careful watch over you." Kaiser placed a hand over his chest. "For my heart belongs to you, Prince Hal."