The Prince Forth & The Pauper by ARIE78 (Completed)

2. A lost prince

“Ming, I know this is a lot to ask but...” Forth turned around to him, his face determined. “I want to get out of this castle and I need your help to figure out how to.”

Ming blinked. “I’ll do anything to help, but I don’t think I could help you come up with a plan.” He watched Forth’s face fall and realised his mistake. “But there is someone, who can help.”

Forth’s face brightened again. “Who?”

Ming shook his head, smiling. “You know who it is.” When all he received was a puzzled look he laughed. “I think it’s time we paid Kit a visit.”

Forth grinned at Ming as he realised what he was thinking and clapped him on the back. “Great thinking! Let’s go.” He grabbed a coat from his wardrobe, slipping it on as Ming opened the door for him and gestured him to go first. “Thanks.”

Ming nodded in return, a small smile on his face as he followed Forth down through the corridors of the castle.

“Oi, princess, going for a stroll? Or perhaps a picnic?”

Forth spun at the comment, to see his younger brother leaning against a pillar, a smirk on his face. Forth scowled. “Shut up August, what I do doesn’t concern you anyway.” He turned back again to continue down the corridor but paused as August spoke again.

“It is my concern.” August sounded mock hurt and there was a slight sound of concern, though it sounded fake to those nearby. “What if the poor princess got hurt while wandering?”

Forth grit his teeth. “Will you stop calling-” He spun again, ready to shout and stopped mid sentence as he watched his brother walk away without even a second glance. Forth tutted and spun back again, storming off down the corridor.

Ming, who had stayed quiet, now spoke up, following as fast as he could. “Prince Forth, don’t let him get to you.”

“I won’t!” Forth spat through gritted teeth, still storming down the corridor, trying to calm down.

~~~~~~~~

It didn’t take long for Ming and Forth to find Kit, knowing exactly where to find him. They wandered out into the courtyard, Forth having finally calmed down enough to act like it was an everyday visit before continuing to the stables.

“Hmm, well if it isn’t the pageboy.” A boy their own age smirked from a stool in the corner of the stables, brushing down a horse. He stood up and dusted himself off the best he could before walking forward to greet them properly.

Ming pouted. “I’m not a page, remember?” He pulled at his tunic. “See? Squire, now.” He looked away, still sulking.

Forth smirked at him before turning to the boy. “It’s good to see you, Kit.”

Kit grinned back. “Good to see you too, Forth.” He had never had trouble calling Forth without any title, except for if there was someone else of high rank around. He also turned to Ming, laughing at the look on his face. “I know, I know, it’s just fun to tease you.” He plucked at Ming’s uniform, trying to catch his eye. “And I always liked you in the page uniform better.”

Forth smirk grew at the small blush that formed on Ming’s face as he pulled away from Kit, coughing. Forth frowned wondering when the two of them were going to get together, before realising what he was thinking and shaking his head. Just because he was that way inclined didn’t mean his friends were and he wasn’t going to make it awkward between them by matchmaking. He blinked out of his thoughts realising the conversation had gone on without him.

“...alright I’m sorry, OK? At least you can still progress through the ranks. Maybe you’ll make knight one day.” Kit looked away trying to hide his disappointment at himself.