Forbidden Crowns

00

Part Zero

The rain got harder, hammering down on the window sill, the sound of the droplets echoing through the castle. His eyes following the droplets of water as they run down the glass at a quick pace, his head leaning on his hand as she lets out a longing sigh, watching the lights in the distance flicker.

He takes one last longing glance before pushing himself out of his kneeling position, his eyes find his bed as he narrows his eyes, huffing at the thought of sleep. His eyes glance towards the shut door, a small smirk growing on his face. He skips to his bed quickly placing his coat on. He approaches the door and slowly opens it, popping his head out and looking both ways before deeming it safe, he slowly walks out shutting the door slowly. A bright mischievous grin takes over his face as he walks at a quick pace down the long hall, looking behind himself every step. He silently walks past a guard, fast asleep, letting out a silent snicker. He turns around a corner.

"Prince Alastair", a deep voice calls out, the voice startling him to a stop. He winces harshly before spinning around and coming face to face with his closest guard. "What are you doing out this late?" He smirks, already knowing what he is doing.

His voice comes out soft and sweet, "Me? Well I was in need of some water, you see I am quite parched."

He hums in acknowledgement, "Well, who am I to stop you, your highness", he bows mockingly, winking at him before turning around and walking in the opposite direction.

"Thank you, Marvin!" He calls out softly, before grinning to himself and skipping out of the palace.

As he walks away from the castle, he pulls up the hood of his coat, smirking to himself. When he makes it to the dimly lit town, he frowns realising that most of the town is asleep. He sighs disappointedly, turning away, he spots someone in the rain, chopping wood, his figure illuminated by the dim fire, he walks quietly and sneaks behind a shop. The boy wipes his forehead as he moves in closer, taking small steps forward. He blinks multiple times to adjust to the sudden light as he becomes clearer, his hair is wet from the rain, the wet hair clinging to his face as he brings the axe up and slams it onto the log with an incredible amount of force.

He grabs the cut log and walks into a small open shed, he carries it to a furnace and throws the log into it before walking back into the rain. He runs his hand through his hair and mutters something to himself, he moves out of my sight causing the boy to follow his movements, he suddenly slams his shoulder into a wooden pole that was holding the shop up, he lets out a loud hiss, which alerts the boy.

His head snaps to his direction, "Who's there," he demanded, taking a cautious step forward. He presses herself into the wood, flinching slightly at the sound of his footsteps, "You shouldn't be out this late, whoever...you are."

He shuffles forward, angling his head so that he can see better. He steps out from behind the wall, his hair flickering around his face as the rain finally meets his dry hair, he takes a step back when he sees the boy.

"Who are you?" he says, tilting his head to the side slightly, analysing him closely.

He moves insignificantly closer, the hood of his coat covering most of her face, "No one important," he mutters.

"You should go home, it's dangerous out here. Believe me," he warned. He stares at him, intrigued.

The large clock suddenly strikes, a loud ding echoing through the otherwise empty courtyard. The boy nods quickly before turning away, he pauses half way and turns again.

"What is your name?" He says, his voice quiet, the sound of his voice battling with the harsh winds and rain.

"Oscar."