The Prince Forth & The Pauper by ARIE78 (Completed)

5. The Kings Judgement.

It didn't take long for the procession of guards with Forth and Beam at the centre to reach the castle. Forth stood back after they entered, annoyed at having been brought back forcibly to the castle. He then realised his mistake at stopping as it left his new friend, who couldn't get away from the guards, being dragged into the throne room and in front of Phana without him. He walked quickly behind the guards, wanting to help his friend out of the mess that he himself had gotten him into.

"Sir, we've found the Prince." One of the guards called out into the room.

"Really?" A relieved voice spoke from within and there were quick footsteps as Phana stopped his pacing and walked from the centre of the room to his throne. "Come in."

The guards walked in, Beam held in front of them, wide eyed and scared as he was stood in front of the king.

Phana's face dropped as he looked at Beam. "What are you talking about? That's not Forth." He slouched in his throne, upset. "How can you guys not even recognise part of the royal family?" He glared slightly at the guards who all looked down, scared to speak out even though the king was wrong.

Forth tutted and came forward, crossing his arms and showing his anger at being brought back like he had been. "They found me. How could you think they'd mistake me for him?" Forth was never one to be scared of his father, nor try and act like a prince should to the king unless there was an occasion or festival where he had to.

Phana sat up, a grin back on his face. "You guys should have said." He wanted to leap off of his seat and hug Forth but knew he shouldn't, especially with the look he was getting from Forth at the moment. He looked away from Forth, slightly guilty and slightly angry himself at Forth trying to leave. He stopped for a second, anger forgotten as he looked at Forth. "What are you wearing?" He shook his head, not even wanting an answer and instead looked at Beam, confused. "So, what's he doing here then?" He directed his question at the guards.

"We found the prince at his house."

Phana sat up , looking at Beam with new eyes, slightly suspicious, wondering if Forth had got himself into trouble while he had been out. "And what was he doing there?"

Beam stared up at Phana, having been pushed on to his knees by the guards, confused at his own feelings. He had been scared of the king because of his title and power but now seeing the man before him he wasn't as scared. To him he was just a worried father. But then he realised the look he was getting and gulped slightly, this was a worried father on the warpath. Even if he didn't have any power, most people would get out of the way. "H-He was..." Beam licked his lips, trying to form a response.

Forth tutted again and came closer to the guards, standing in front of Phana and beside Beam. "For God's sake! We were having a drink, OK?"

Phana blinked at him and shifted his gaze between Forth and Beam for a minute before replying. "You escaped the castle...to have a drink with someone?" Phana couldn't understand at all, even after Kit's earlier outburst, having decided to not believe anything unless Forth told him himself.

Forth hit his head with his hand, rubbing his temples, feeling a headache coming on from Phana's lack of understanding. He spoke from behind his hand, slightly muffled but loud enough for everyone to hear. "No, I didn't just leave to have a drink with somebody. I just...just..." He looked up at Phana, staring hard into his eyes, determined to tell him what he really felt. "I just wanted a bit of freedom, to roam the streets a bit and get to know the people." He bit his lip as he spoke." I just wanted to get out of this prison of a castle and explore. I was going to come back when I was ready. I wasn't running away."

Phana looked away, realising with a guilty pang that Kit had been right. "I just wanted to keep you safe..." He whispered.

Forth heard this remark and sighed. "I know, but I'm sorry, you went too far." He looked down at Beam, and crouched down beside him, whispering so only he could hear. "Don't worry; I'm going to get you out of this. I'm sorry you got in trouble because of me." He stood up again, looking at the guard. "Let go of him."