The Prince's Trust

My Soldier

Super sorry this took so long everyone, once again I second guessed myself and rewrote the chapter but I think I'm happier with this one.

I'm skipping through a little quicker cause I wanna get into the next chapter of Dec's life with everyone in the right place 🙈 argh I really don't wanna mess it up 😅 hope you all enjoy

The swaying of the cart was making me dizzy and the chains around my wrists were uncomfortable. The Prince had been true to his word and packed a few snacks but I'd been greedy by eating them all barely an hour into the trip.

It was slowly starting to get dark around us. None of the boys decided to speak to me and quite a few just slept most of the way. I couldn't sleep, I was too uncomfortable and the paranoia of where I was being taken completely ruled my mind.

I looked over at Carter every now and then, he was riding behind us like a good soldier, occasionally making eye contact with me and sending a supportive smile as a reply to my worried looks.

I had a feeling he didn't know where we were going either because despite his false confidence his gaze was always slightly curious.

"Halt!" The hooded figure leading the convo called, his hand in the air and his horse trotting to a stand still.

My head perked up to see what was going on and some of the sleeping boys woke up to see what was happening.

We'd stopped outside a middle class looking house hold and a greying man stepped out of the large oak door to greet us, two guards stood at his sides.

"I was beginning to think you'd become lost within the forest depths." The man chuckled, shaking the hand of a bookish looking bald man who held a piece of parchment under one arm.

"Our last stop took longer than expected sir, we are hoping to be back on schedule soon."

"Let's get down to business then so you can be on your way."

The bookworm nodded his head to Carter who jumped off his horse and stepped around cupcake to open up the door to the wheeled-cage.

"These are the boys I've brought for you. Each are perfectly healthy and strong. Can perform any form of manual labour you require."

"Hmm how old are they?" The older man inquired, stepping up to the door of the cage and inspecting each of us, Individually.

"Ranging from 19 to 25 sir." The dealer replied while I shifted uncomfortably, barely breathing as I stared down at the floor and prayed he wouldn't pick me. Anth said I wasn't getting a new master, he said I could contact him and he'd pick me up. But if this guy took me, no one would ever hear from me again.

I stared at the floor widened as the old man studied my face. This couldn't be it. I couldn't just be sold to a random guy?! There must've been more to it than this.

"And this one?" The man asked, his hand reaching out to take my chin in his hand and turn my head to look at, "He's handsome, a little on the small side but seems healthy."

"He's uh... not for sale I'm afraid sir, I believe he's already been bought."

The man frowned in disappointment but I only felt relief , "Well which ones are for sale?" He grumbled, letting go of my chin while I noticed Carter beside me took his hand off his sword and visibly relaxed.

"Any, but him, sir."

"Very well... tell me about that one. He looks more like a soldier." He pointed to a muscled looking dark haired lad who ground his jaw and looked away with murky brown eyes.