The large room filled with books was quiet, save the sound of a quill scratching across parchment. There was only one person inside, the shadows of their face flickering from the candle flame. He paused in his work and sat back. His eyes were beginning to hurt from the strain of working so long. He had been going at it since that afternoon. Long, graceful, slender fingers reached up and carded through his dark brown hair. The few rings that he wore on his hand glinted against the light. A tired and drawn out breath escaped his slightly chapped lips. He allowed himself to slump and lay against the top of the desk. His honey brown eyes watched the candle flame dance in the darkness. Against his will, his eyelids began to close and he was soon fighting off sleep. It was a battle he did not win. Another breath left him as he relaxed in to his slumber.
The next morning, someone was shaking him awake. His eyes opened slowly and he quickly shut them. Sunlight streamed in through large, arched windows in the room. It was a change in atmosphere he was none too pleased with. He grumbled in protest and hid his face in the crook of his elbow.
“Let me sleep,” he said with a yawn.
There was a sigh from the person attempting to rouse him.
“If you do not get up soon,” they warned, “You will miss your ship.”
At that he shot up, scattering the papers on the desk. He cursed under his breath and began to reorganize them. The person there placed a delicately manicured hand over his.
“I’ll take care of these, you just go and get ready for departure.”
He leaned forward and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Thanks Lydia,” he breathed, “What would I do without you?”
“The kingdom would completely fall apart—now hurry and go!”
He gave her a wave before rushing from the room.
Lydia sighed and shook her head, “Honestly,” she mumbled, “What an absent-minded prince.”
The shipyard was bounding with activity. Sailors and merchants alike were bustling about. New freight had come in from the other Continents. There were all sorts of people there. Some were from Animas, some from Beacon, others from the Eastern and Central Continents.
“Careful with those!” Scott McCall, a stable boy at the palace instructed. He oversaw the loading of a few trunks before shaking his head.
“Scott!” Called a voice. Scott’s face lit up and he looked over his shoulder.
“There you are! Your ship leaves in a few minutes.”
“I know, I know,” the crown prince panted as he caught his breath, “I was working last night and lost track of time.”
Scott gave him a skeptical look, “You mean to say that you fell asleep in the study while translating those old books you recently found.”
Stiles opened his mouth, but then closed it, “I guess you could call it that.”
“How long have we known each other?” Scott teased, hitting Stiles lightly on the shoulder, “I know you pretty well.”
“True, very true,” Stiles looked around, “So they have everything loaded?”
“Yessir,”
“And everything is ready for departure?”
“Yessir,” Scott answered again, “We were simply waiting on you.”
“Right, of course,” Stiles’ eyes continued to move about the crowd.
Scott frowned and placed his hand gently on Stiles’ shoulder, “Sorry, Stiles, he didn’t come.”
