projectroxas | (no subject)

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[ it had been five days full of nothing but silently following robert along, knowing their path yet allowing the younger boy to take the lead due to his mood. who could blame him, though? he was already well aware of robert and annabelle having a close-knit relationship, one that nobody (not even himself) could wiggle their way into. despite being quite inept to the full extent of the bond the two siblings had, he was perceptive enough to realize that their parting had been quite different than their usual. this is why he ceased the typical banter he always initiated, whether it be with good intent or not.

when robert had finally spoken and begun to say more than a discussion of their plans, he knew that his neighboring prince had begun to settle back into place. dare he say it was a comfort of sorts, despite being the one that needed to be extra strong and encouraging. and with that hurtle behind them, the elder of the two moved to his rightful position once more: on robert's left side, striding next to him as if they're simply taking a walk and nothing more. he subtly kept his pace slower than usual as to not pass the boy, using the map robert had previously pilfered from the archives as a silent excuse to keep their position leveled and even, as they had finally reached territory that both of them weren't completely familiar with.

keeps to their comfortable silent for a while longer. stops in his tracks when a thought hits him and pauses. face is rather straight as he says: ]

I'm hungry.

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[ cranes his head further upward. ]

That does sound rather wonderful at the moment.

[ lips twitch upward into something softer as he reaches over to grab his bag, thankful that he had slipped it off at the last minute. tugs out one of his blankets, dropping it on top of robert's head before placing a hand there to ruffle the blond locks, as if to dry them. ]

We will probably reach another town soon. Can you wait? Or must I carry you again?

[ eyebrows go up at the treatment, but doesn't bat him away as usual. instead, leans a fraction toward the ministrations. ]

No need. I can wait. I only require some rest, at the moment.

[ tilts his head a little at that, though doesn't stop. instead he shifts so that he can use both hands to dry his hair at a medium pace. ]

Then that you shall have.

[ lets his eyes slip closed cautiously, allowing himself this moment of relaxation. ]

. . . Annabelle does this. From time to time.

[ goes a little slower, if only to have robert relax more. ]

I am certain she is more skilled at it than I.

[ waves dismissively. ]

There are no nosy ears here. Call him as he should be called.

[ shakes his head a little. ]

You can never be too certain, Your Highness.

[ exhales quietly. ]

No. I suppose not.

[ stays quiet for a while after that, hands stilling as he thinks. puffs out his chest a little not even a minute later. ]

Well, I suppose I can understand your lack of concern. I'm here, after all.

[ swats at one of his hands lazily. ]

Careful. Lest your ego drowns us both.

Oh? And here I believed that it was not I who was dead weight upon your shoulders just a while ago.

[ grunts. ]

No, but for having been a victim of that situation, I believe that I had all rights to be.

[ bows his head a little for show. ]

My sincerest apologies.

[ emits a small hmph, but otherwise doesn't retaliate, relaxing again. ]

Accepted and forgiven. [ gestures at his hair some. ] Now continue.

[ puffs out an amused breath, shifting the blanket to a dry side to begin his work again. ]

When we return, I will have to tell Annabelle that I was subjected to being your slave.

[ chuckles a little. ]

Is that right? And what will you do with the pity you'd garner?

'Tis a secret.

It won't remain a secret for long.

Oh? And how do you suppose that?

I will have Annabelle tell me.

I will be sure to tell Annabelle to keep it a secret, then.

You'll have him choose between you and myself?

No, I am simply more than aware that Annabelle will keep a secret if asked to do so.

Of course. Even from me, when the secret is of utmost importance. Of which yours is not.