Mission To The Unknown

Bedtime Story? (11)

It's been at least half an hour since Green left the room. Second had been nervously flitting a wooden bird statue around the room with his mind, desperately trying to distract himself from the approaching meeting. However, the creaking door froze Second's breath, as the air in the room shifted, carrying the scent of violet and frost, as Prince Purple entered. His gaze, cold and piercing, fell upon Second, making him feel like a moth caught in a spiderweb.

"A-ah, Prince Purple!". Second stammered, his voice barely a whisper. He was acutely aware of the way his heart pounded against his ribs and the cold sweat forming on his palms. His fake smile felt strained, but he couldn't help but hold onto it for dear life before adding,

"It's Good to see you again!". However, Purple's gaze was unwavering. He seemed to study Second for a long moment, taking in every detail, before finally releasing a sigh.

"Indeed. It's been a long time since we've seen each other, wouldn't you say, Prince Second? You seem to have been rather... busy".

Purple, unfazed by Second's obvious distress, merely rolled his eyes with an amused smirk. He closed the door behind him then settled onto Green's bed and leaned back against the headboard, a picture of languid elegance as he began adjusting his white gloves that catched the faint moonlight filtering through the window. His sapphire eyes, though still cold and sharp, seemed to hold a hint of amusement. He didn't look at Second, which was a small mercy.

"I-I had my reasons". He stuttered tentatively, his hand instinctively flew to the back of his neck, scratching at the skin to distract from the rising anxiety.

"Reasons, you say?". Purple's eyes narrowed, his tone turning sharp.

"What makes you think coming to Artemis, seeking information after running away from your own kingdom, is a wise move? Your escape surely wouldn't have gone unnoticed".

Purple asked, his voice smooth and dangerous. He still hadn't looked at Second directly, but the amusement in his tone was unmistakable, as the words hit Second like a bucket of ice water. His brothers had already told the other kingdoms? How… how had they done that so quickly? He stared at the white gloves Purple was meticulously adjusting, his face pale. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, desperate for an escape, but he knew he couldn't. He had to play it cool.

"You know exactly why I'm here, Purple". Second said, trying to sound confident. He raised his chin, standing one step away from Purple and forcing himself to meet his gaze.

"Green wouldn't have sent you without telling you about this whole mess". He challenged Purple, trying to find his footing in this tense exchange. Purple finally lifted his gaze, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He chuckled again, a brief, almost disbelieving sound.

"Oh, I'm well aware of the 'mess', Second". Purple said, gesturing to the bed beside him. Second wasted no time in taking the offered seat, his legs nervously bouncing beneath him.

"But..." Purple continued, leaning forward, his voice taking on a serious note that sent a jolt through Second.

"... I don't usually offer help so readily. Not without a price, that is. But since it's Green who asked, I suppose there's nothing I can do about it". Second's eyes widened, recalling how Green's claim that Purple would do anything for him seemed absurd, but now that Purple himself had confirmed it, it was hard to deny. But before Second could even begin to express his gratitude, Purple held up a hand, cutting him off.

"What are you to Green? Why would he risk his neck for something this dangerous?". Purple's voice was sharp, a chilling intensity replacing his earlier amusement. He remembered how Green came to him, mainly begging him to go meet Second and how important it was, and of course, Purple hated to see Green begging, whether for anyone or for any reason.