The Seven Deadly Kingdoms

Chapter 39

      Getting William out of the kingdom without arousing suspicion wasn't the easiest task. Especially considering that he was the crown prince. Though, no one but Adelaide knew that fact, apparently.

Before they had left the capital, Adelaide convinced Caspian to prop William up against his back and throw a blanket on him, to make it appear that he was only sleeping. Adelaide didn't mention it, but she had wanted the blanket to be wrapped around him so that no one would recognize his clothes. She wasn't sure how well known his face was in the kingdom, but if one of William's former guards hadn't even recognized him, she was hoping that no one else would along their journey.

The sun was beginning to peak over the horizon as the group made their way down the travellers road. William had woken up shortly after they passed the Avartian gates, quickly fighting his way off of Caspian's horse. He now walked, his hands tied. Adelaide couldn't help but glance at him through the corner of her eye every few seconds, observing him. She had never seen him in the light of day before. And, as she expected, it only accentuated his features. Golden light played with his mussed brown waves and his teal eyes appeared to be more vibrant than ever, golden swirls swimming along their pupils' rims.

Adelaide cleared her throat as she stole one more glance at William. She tapped Henry's shoulder, smiling sweetly as he turned and quirked a brow in response.

"I think I want to walk for a while, I can't feel my butt anymore."

Henry let out a laugh, pulling back the reins of the horse, bringing them to a stop.

"Alright, just let me know if you want back on."

Adelaide smiled again as she dismounted the horse. She caught up to William, and she could have sworn that he slowed down his pace ever so slightly as she approached him from behind. She smirked slightly as he looked at her through the corner of his eye. If he was upset about being taken hostage,he certainly wasn't showing it. In fact, he already looked a bit more rejuvenated than he had the night before.

"Good morning, Little Thief."

Adelaide returned the smirk, leaning in and lowering her voice so that only he could hear.

"Good morning, Little Prince."

William's eyes widened for a moment before he threw a slight glare at her. Adelaide's smile grew as William's eyes darted between the others around her. Just as she had suspected. He knew that the others hadn't recognized him, and for some reason he was keeping the fact a secret.

Adelaide shoved her hands into her pockets as she began to kick a rock as she walked.

"So, why did you wait so long to tell me?" She asked, her voice even. She stayed relatively quiet, making sure the others weren't listening in on their conversation. She slowed her pace, letting the group get farther ahead of them, and William did the same.

"Honestly, I'm surprised you hadn't figured it out on your own. I practically spelled it out for you that first night."

"That doesn't answer my question."

William stayed silent for a moment, his gaze peering through the tree's canopy above. Adelaide kept her eyes glued to the road ahead.

"At first, I assumed that you knew. But after it was made obvious that you hadn't a clue about my title, I realized that it had been years since anyone had spoken to me the way you did. If any other person were to disrespect me the way you did, they would have been killed. But I couldn't help but enjoy it, in a way. It was as though I truly were just an ordinary man when I came to visit you. They were the calmest moments of my days." He said quietly, his tone even. Adelaide scoffed, turning to him.