Runaway Royalty

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

-Prince-

"Pack up, saddle your horses and lets move people!" I yelled, marching around our camp. I checked in each tent to see that everyone was awake and moving. I asked Thorn to check on Sin, because I didn't want to get near her quite yet.

Thorn was the only one of my group who knew my background, my real name, and of course - my mission. Thorn has been by my side since we were mere children, just learning to walk. He is a loyal friend, and I appreciate him far more than he knows.

I saw Sin taking down her tent, her horse standing nearby, waiting to be loaded. I silently pet her horse's soft nose, letting it sniff me to recognize me. It whickered before butting my chest with its nose. It was looking for my stash of apples I have for feeding the horses treats. I chuckled and pulled one from my sleeve. The horse took it happily from me, munching on it.

Sin put her folded tent on the ground next to her horse. "Report?" I asked her, trying to be formal when she looked so kissable. "Just Squint and Spit-Fire are left to be completely packed." She said. I nodded, for this was normally the case. I glanced around and saw only two tents up, the healer's tent and Spit-Fire's tent. Everyone was looking at her and I, waiting for the word that we could leave. Sin noticed as well and murmured, "Lets help take down the two remaining tents, everyone is anxious to get moving."

I didn't have to reply, just follow her and help her. "Would you like some help with your tent Spit-Fire?" She asked our violent friend. He laughed bitterly and said, "I don't want your help, little lady." She said, "Suit yourself. You'll need to catch up once we've gone." Spit-Fire just stared after her as she walked away, head held high. I laughed as his face turned angry. I followed Sin to our healer, Squint, and helped her take down his tent.

Once we were done I announced we would be leaving soon I heard Spit-Fire cursing, kicking something. I glanced over at him and saw he was kicking his tent and things. He reached to hit his horse, but Sin was there, holding his wrist in an uncomfortable position. "You weren't about to hit an animal, were you?" She asked calmly, her eyes level with his. An unspoken challenge of authority between the two of them – I knew that Sin would win.

Spit-Fire glanced around, seeing the group staring at them. "Yes, yes I was," He growled. She twisted his wrist, and my eyes barely kept up as she tossed him over her hip and into a trough. The water that had currently been resting in it flew up in a splash, exiting the trough as Spit-Fire landed in it. He rose from the trough, sputtering angrily. He tried to hit Sin now, and that's where I got angry. She defended herself against his hit, stepping towards him to off-set the balance. I wrapped my hand around his throat and brought him down to the ground, pinning him there in a single, fluid movement.

I hissed, "You are released from your duties now, Spit-Fire." He looked up at me in surprise as I choked him. Sin pulled on my arm, trying to get me to stop, I presume. I turned towards her, my eyes cold, dead-serious. Nobody would harm the one I love. The person I've been searching for for a number of years. I sighed as she said, "Prince, stop it. He's not worth it and you know that. Come on, lets go." I stood, knowing she was right. She slung her arm around my lower back, leading me away from Spit-Fire.

            -Sin-

I led Princeton away from the fight. I rubbed his side with my thumb a moment before realizing I probably should not be doing so, and stopped. He glanced at me and stepped away, then held out his hand. I blushed and shook my head, he quirked one of those bold eye-brows of his at me. I smiled a little against my will, and then shook his hand. Not what he wanted, but it would fool the rest of the group for now.

He released my hand slowly, then turned to the group and called, "Let's head out!" Everyone whooped and hollered as they loaded their things into their saddle bags and mounted their horses. I walked over to Spit-Fire's horse, taking his reins in my hand as I went to my horse. I have a lot to think about on our journey.