Goodnight, Prince. (W/Firetail606)

[PrincessToby]

{ @Firetail606 here we go! }


"Good night, Ellie." The Queen said softly, giving the boy a kiss on the cheek as she had night after night, for nineteen years since he had come into this world.


"Good night, mother." He replied quietly, playing a bit at the sleeves of his shirt that hung gently over his hands. He waited for her to leave and get a bit down the long hallway before closing the door. He leaned his back up against it with a deep sigh, rubbing his face.


Was he really going to do this..? Of course he was. He had his things packed since two days before, of course he was going to go.


What about his mother..? He was nineteen now, and she had seven other children. Surely she couldn't have thought that he would stay and be babied by her forever. Plus, he would be back at some point... He just wanted to see things for himself.


He collected himself and stood up straight. With a deep breath he made his way over to the trunk at the end of his bed, opening it up and pulling out the backpack he had stashed inside. He tucked a note gently on top of his pillow, having explained in it exactly why he had needed to leave.


Within a few minutes he was making his way down one of the servants tunnels. No one really used them this late at night and he had mapped out a route of the least traveled halls anyway. He wandered through the maze of hallways, his eyes adjusting to the very dim light as he went along.

 

[Zotohxan]

Destin walks the halls of the castle with his mind racing. As he gets to the upper floors, where the Royals' children have their rooms, he's a bit shocked to see that Prince Nathaniel's door is shut. Knowing that the Queen would likely have a heart attack were she to see, considering how protective she is over her youngest, he knocks. "Prince Nathaniel?" He calls, wondering if perhaps the slightly younger male was just changing his clothes. However, when there's no response, he cracks the door open and peeks in. "Prince Nathaniel?" Again, no answer. He flips on the light and his eyes go wide. The Prince was nowhere...


He walks to the closet; perhaps the Prince was playing a sort of game? But.. With how empty it is? No. The boy had run away... So Destin rushes out of the room, shutting the door behind him. He makes his way down the many halls, just wanting to make sure that the Prince was okay... Though when he can't find him anywhere inside he makes his way out, thankful that after his upper level patrols he was stationed outside anyway; it wouldn't be suspicious for him to be out here..


He heads around the back, freezing when he hears sounds coming from a door beside him. It was one of the servants' entrances, one that hardly anyone would use, especially so late. He stands there, opening the door after a few moments. He can see movement within, but can't see the person's face, "Who's there?!" He demands, his voice harder than normal in case it may have been a threat.

 

[PrincessToby]

"Who's there?!"


The familiar voice rang through Ellie's mind. Of course, out of all the guards it had to be Destin. It couldn't have been one of the older ones that he could just fool into thinking he had made a wrong turn on his way to get a glass of milk. No, Destin seemed to care too much and would probably know he was lying.


"It's me.." Ellie said softly, taking a step closer to Destin. "And keep your voice down or I'll see to it that you're a cobbler by tomorrow..." He didn't exactly want to be mean, it just often came out that way. Plus he knew how much being a guard meant to Destin, so it was a pretty good threat. He looked up at the taller boy, pushing a bit of his hair out of his face. "You're not to say anything..."

 

[Zotohxan]

Destin stiffens when he hears the threat, and confusion floods through him when he realizes that it was Prince Nathaniel that said it. "Sir..." He says softly, "I- May I just ask.. What are you doing out here? It is quite dangerous to be outside the castle so late, especially on your own. I could escort you back to your room if you'd like?" He really couldn't risk losing this position... It's the only thing he'd done in his life to bring any pride to his family, even if they hadn't exactly deserved it.


He honestly has no clue about why the Prince would be out here, as his main fear had been that perhaps the boy had been kidnapped... But seeing as how he's alone... "Are you running away?" He asks with wide eyes, his voice hardly above a whisper as the disbelief courses through him. Why would the Prince run away?! He is the Prince for goodness sakes, has an amazing life... So... Why?

 

[PrincessToby]

"Shh..." Ellie put a finger to his lips, letting out a sigh. How was he to explain this to Destin, who surely thought his life was a lovely one. "I just..." He ran a hand through his hair, pushing it from his face. "I need to go away for a bit.. I know it isn't safe but... I don't want to go back just yet.."


He looked up at Destin, hoping to make him understand. "I just need some time... I want to see what's out there. Mother keeps me locked away and Henry gets to go wherever he pleases.. It's not fair.. I.. I just want to see what it's like out there... Just please don't tell my mother that you've seen me, Destin... Please."

 

[Zotohxan]

Destin frowns, not liking the idea of lying to the Queen... He also quite despises the idea of letting the young Prince go out like this, but... For some reason, he just couldn't deny him... "O-Okay..." He says finally, reaching up to run a slightly shaking hand through his hair. "But... I'm going with you." He says, his tone firm unlike it usually would be when interacting with royalty. "It's far too dangerous for you to be out here alone. I know that you have had some fight training, but not nearly enough for if someone were to recognize you, and disapprove of yourself or your family... Either you allow me to accompany you to ensure no harm comes to you, or I will have to take you back to your room, Prince."

 

[PrincessToby]

Ellie wasn't sure how he felt about this new attitude coming from Destin but he could tell that he meant business. He took a moment before replying, just staring up at the other boy. "Alright alright... But you know they won't exactly be happy with you when we get back.. I suppose I could tell them I forced you.." Ellie took a deep breath before turning away.


"Come on... We need to get out of here before someone sees us.." He started to walk, knowing that Destin would most likely follow after him and that he surely wouldn't loose him.

 

[Zotohxan]

Destin immediately follows after the Prince, "You will not lie when we return, Prince... That would not look good on you..." His tone is back to being that of someone merely advising, looking out for his best interest, rather than firm and more demanding. "This is my choice, so I shall take whatever punishment your family and the rest of the guard feel suits my indiscretions."


He keeps his voice quiet as to not be heard by anyone else, following the Prince through the surrounding trees. He was curious as to how he knew where he was going, but didn't want to speak out of turn anymore, in fear of his punishment becoming even more severe when they return to the castle.

 

[PrincessToby]

"Um..." Ellie stopped after a few more minutes of walking and turned to look up at Destin. "I um.." He gently scratched the back of his head, a small blush appearing on his cheeks. "I don't exactly know where I'm going... I've never been out here and... Well I suppose I should have thought this through better because I don't really know where I'm going to stay..."


Ellie stared at his feet as he waited for Destin to answer, digging his shoes into the ground a bit. He waited for Destin to tell him how foolish he was and suggest that they return home.

 

[Zotohxan]

Destin stops when the Prince does, nodding when he hears that the other is, indeed lost. "If I may... There is a small home near the edge of this main village. The owner rents rooms out at times, and perhaps you could get one there? Not many people recognize you, sir... And we could put a cloak over your head to hide your face a bit better ,so that you would not be noticed." He wasn't sure if the other would want to go through such trouble, but... After hearing him express his need to get out of the castle, he couldn't just ignore it.


By now Destin has already decided that he will do whatever he can for the young Prince, anything to make him happy and content in his livelihood once more.

 

[PrincessToby]

Ellie nodded in reply, glad for two reasons. The first being that Destin actually knew about the outside and was with him, and the second being that he hadn't suggested that they just turn around. "Let's do that then... I've brought quite a bit of money with me, so it shouldn't be a problem... Plus I don't plan on staying out too long, because I know what that would do to my mother..."


Ellie knew he couldn't stay away for that long, perhaps a couple weeks at most. He didn't want to do that to his mother, he knew that she depended on him for many things especially when his father was busy and she didn't have anyone to spend her time with. But, she would have to get on without him for the time being. "We can stay there for a night or two and then move on to another type of Inn.." Ellie nodded his head. "Please lead the way.."

 

[Zotohxan]

Destin nods respectfully and starts walking, feeling incredibly awkward to be ahead of the Prince walking anywhere... His normal duties regarding any member of the royal family would be to follow behind them and assure they are safe, never once had he walked in front of them... It was quite strange.


"May I ask you a question, Prince?" He asks after a few minutes of walking in silence. He knew it was inappropriate of him to speak without being prompted to do so, but hell... He could easily be accused of kidnapping the Prince after this, he might as well sate at least some of his curiosity during this time.

 

[PrincessToby]

"You can call me Ellie, you know.... Most everyone does... Plus it'll be suspicious if anyone hears you..." Ellie said softly, just a pace or two behind Destin. He wanted to stay close, it was out of fear not that he would ever admit it. "And you can ask me whatever you'd like... I'd rather not walk in silence.."


He played with his sleeves as they walked, beginning to get a bit cold now as the wind started to pick up. Some night he had chosen, he thought to himself, of course it would be the coldest one that week.

 

[Zotohxan]

Destin glances back at the Prince- at Ellie, and nods. "Yes.. Of course, Ellie." It was strange for him to call the other by that name... He'd never been allowed the honour, as the older guards always believed it would be him overstepping, considering he and the Prince are so close in age. "I only wished to ask how long you planned to be gone? By morning your mother will have guards out looking for you, and soon they will notice I'm gone as well. They will come to the conclusion I've taken you somewhere... We will not be able to go anywhere during the day without being noticed and taken back, so we may only travel at night unless you desire we go several villages away."

 

[PrincessToby]

"Well.. I asked her to please not do anything for two weeks... And my mother usually listens to my requests, so hopefully we've got some time.." Ellie let out a sigh, playing with his hair a bit. "I wasn't planning on staying out much longer than that. I just..." Ellie stopped again and looked up at the taller boy. "I want to see what its like.... I want to see the meadows and the streams... I want to shop at a peasant market..." He could feel himself blushing but he hoped the darkness hid it. "I know its daft... But I just want to explore and then we can go right back!"

 

[Zotohxan]

Destin smiles and nods in understanding. "Alright. We've got two weeks, then. We'll make sure it's the best two weeks of your life, Pri-er.. Ellie." He hadn't noticed Ellie's blush but ends up gaining a small one of his own at his little slip up, as well as the rather informal way he'd just spoken to the other. "The, um.." He clears his throat, having gotten a bit lost to himself by looking at Ellie as a person, rather than just as his Prince... He couldn't afford to do that anymore.


"The home is just ahead, perhaps just another ten minutes to walk. If you tire please let me know and we can rest..." He swallows hard before turning and starting to walk again, hoping that he wasn't going to get in even more trouble for speaking the way he had... He'd never actually slipped up doing that in person, though talking about the Prince was a totally different story... A few years ago he'd actually had a crush on the boy, not that he would ever act on it. It was merely because he spent the most time with the young Prince than any of the other royals, and he didn't have a chance to become infatuated with anyone else in his life, what with his duty to the royal family...

 

[PrincessToby]

"I'm alright... I can walk for a bit, my legs are stronger than they look." Ellie patted Destin's arm gently, a gesture that even he himself was startled by. He didn't know what had come over him, retracting his hand and clasping it with his other, acting as if nothing had happened. For a moment then, he decided to stay silent. This wasn't one of his best choices, because it gave him time to think.


Ellie's mind wandered through a million different things but one thought kept coming back to him. Why exactly did Destin care so much? Any of the other guards would have either brought him right back, or backed off quickly at his first threat. This boy was much different, and perhaps the only guard he actually had fond memories with. He seemed to be around so often when he was growing up, it was actually a bit nice to have him around in a less formal setting.

 

[Zotohxan]

Destin had actually stiffened at Ellie's touch, having never actually made physical contact with the young Prince.. Sure they'd played around a bit as children, but that was then. And they never touched one another, that was just unheard of. A royal would never stoop so low as to touch someone of lower status, not even the guards who protect them. That's just how it'd always been.


And yet... Ellie was the one to initiate contact, and familiar thoughts returned from when he was younger... Destin used to always think that Ellie was different than the others... He never knew why, but he'd just felt it. As they grew older he forced himself not to think that way, but now.. Once again, he's wondering.


Maybe five minutes later Destin leads them to walk out of the trees, straight up to the porch of a modest 2 story home. "This is it..." He says softly, not meeting Ellie's eyes. He was honestly a bit afraid of punishment now, after the contact they'd shared. "You may wish to put on a hood now. I shall wait out here for the night, and by morning if you wish to go into town, I shall be here for you to fetch me. And, of course, if you need anything else."

 

[PrincessToby]

"Come in with me..." Ellie said simply. It was an order, but not one coming from him as a prince.. This was coming more from his core. He didn't want to be alone and he didn't know how to handle business like this. "I... I think you should handle the business and I.. would feel much more at ease if you were in the room with me.." He said softly, looking up at Destin. "I'll put on the hood... And you can do the talking, yes?" He knew that Destin wouldn't cross him, and for this he was glad.


He put his backpack down on the ground and dug around, waiting for Destin's answer even though he sort of knew what his answer would be.

 

[Zotohxan]

Destin nods, already doing so before Ellie explained himself. "Of course, it is whatever you wish, Ellie." He silently praises himself for not stuttering on the name, but otherwise stays silent. He stands straight, not even looking toward Ellie's figure as he waits for the young Prince to get the hood on and ready himself for heading inside. Though Destin was a bit nervous to be staying in a room with the other male for the night, he refuses to let it show.


He would stay professional for the night, as he always is with the Prince. He would not let his old feelings for the other resurface, and he would not allow him to think that maybe Ellie was different than the others. He would only end up hurt...

 

[PrincessToby]

Ellie stood up straight, hood up and hiding the majority of his face. "I'm ready then.." He said softly, looking up at Destin and he held tightly to the ends of his cloak. He was nervous, for a million reasons yet he wasn't exactly sure why. He was nervous of the people inside, though what could they say to the Prince, if they even knew it was him. He was nervous about spending a night in the same room as Destin. Sure, they had played together as children.. But they were adults now, from two very different worlds.

 

[Zotohxan]

Again Destin nods, averting his gaze from Ellie as he opens the door and gestures for the other to enter, first. A woman sits at a kitchen table just in front of them, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiles. "Oh, hello! Do you two need a room tonight?" She asks, her voice a bit small due to her old age.


Destin walks in and smiles kindly to the woman, "Please. We'll likely be here for a few nights, if that's alright with you, Ma'am?" He keeps his tone respectful but friendly, speaking more freely than he does with Ellie. Except for his one slip-up, but that's a different story... He watches as the woman's greyish blue eyes light up, "Oh, of course!" She stands, grabbing a cane and getting ready to hobble across the room to the keys, but Destin quickly steps forward, "Oh, Ma'am... I can get it for you, if you'd like? If you could just tell us which room we'd be renting?" He smiles when she sits again, "My.. Friend will pay you." He walks over to the wall and grabs the numbered key she'd told him, then looks to the cloaked Ellie. "It's only five coins a night, love. You could pay each night you stay or for as many as you'll be here, it's up to you."

 

[PrincessToby]

"I'll pay for two nights ahead of time.. Thank you." Elle said softly, reaching into his pocket for the small bit of money. He placed it on the table for her, giving a nod as he did so. "Thank you..." He said again. He wasn't really too sure of how to act with people, so he decided to just kill it all with kindness.


Soon he was following after Destin into the room where the old woman had told them to go. He was more nervous now as he made his way slowly behind the bigger boy. "Did I do alright...?" He asked quietly. "In talking to her, I mean..."

 

[Zotohxan]

"Of course, Ellie." Destin says, nodding again. Once they're both in the room he shuts the door and locks it. He was about to relax his posture and just go sit until he remembers that he's with the Prince, and despite the fact what they're doing is highly wrong, he can't just forget his position. "She appreciated your kindness, I am sure. There is not much of an incorrect way to speak to those who do business in town, so long as you do not speak down to them."


Destin just stands by the door, looking straight ahead, though at nothing in particular. Though his legs ache and his back hurts, he won't do anything until Ellie tells him he can. "I do hope I did not offend you, though. I was at a loss of what to tell her, calling you my 'friend' was just the first thing to my mind. I do apologize for addressing you in such an informal way."

 

[PrincessToby]

"Destin...." Ellie said softly, peeling out of his cloak and backpack and having a seat at the edge of the small bed. "None of what we're doing here is formal... Please.. if it's only for these two weeks.. Stop thinking of me as a Prince and just think of me as Ellie." He ran his hands through his hair, pushing it out of his eyes.


"That being said.. you can relax yourself. Alright? Its an order if it needs to be... Just relax and think of me as just another person. I'm Ellie and you're Destin... we're not a prince and a guard.. Not for these two weeks."