(no subject)

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ 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.

Comments

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

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

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

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ 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.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ chuckles a little. ]

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

[triompher.livejournal.com]

'Tis a secret.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

It won't remain a secret for long.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

Oh? And how do you suppose that?

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

I will have Annabelle tell me.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

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

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

You'll have him choose between you and myself?

[triompher.livejournal.com]

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

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

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

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ removes the blanket when he feels like robert's hair is dry enough, reaching out to ruffle the blond strands. ]

If you say so, Your Highness.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ allows that as well, feeling too comfortable to put up any kind of resistance. ]

. . . You may as well stop calling me that as well. I'll be the crown prince no longer. [ soon, if he could help it. if luck was on their side. ]

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ stills the hand, using it as a comforting weight instead. ]

But you will still be royalty, nonetheless.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ snorts softly. ]

Only half my blood is worth that title.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ opens his mouth, closing it when his thoughts aren't in order. slowly bends forward a little and speaks lowly, a rare sight of both seriousness and remorse slowly overcoming his features. ]

... I would have taken Annabelle myself, if it were possible.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ takes a moment to breathe out a quiet exhale. ]

I know. Had it been a true option at all, I would have favoured that route above any others.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ closes his eyes and shakes his head slightly. ]

Yet I still wonder if we had chosen the right one.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

Were it that easy. You know very well that there is no right and wrong choices here. Only better or worse.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ keeps his thought on that matter to himself, instead changing the topic to something of greater importance: ]

What will you do? If we are unable to find this heir.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ voice goes quieter, barely above a whisper. ]

. . . I don't know.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

Could you not find another to wed?

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ shakes his head slowly. ]

Of course I can. But I'd like to leave that as a last resort.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ brushes his fingertips lightly against his bangs, gently placing his hand over robert's eyes as he speaks quietly. ]

If that should happen, would you allow me to take Annabelle as my own?

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ puts his own hand over riku's tiredly. ]

If that is what Annabelle wishes.