(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

[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.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ he wishes to be with you is what he wants to say, but instead of voicing it he simply lets out a small mm. just keeps to his silence after that, allowing them to stay in their current position for the time being. ]

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ while he stubbornly pushes aside any thoughts of what if situations, allowing himself to nap lightly while his clothes continues to dry sluggishly. ignores the disgust (at feeling like a wet dog) that begins to gather in the back of his mind in favour of the half-slumber. lets that moment of lowered guard continue for at least ten minutes before he shifts. gives riku's hand a small tap with his fingers. ]

We cannot idle here forever.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ removes his hand as commanded, though he instead falls backwards onto the ground with a content sigh. ]

Ah, but I do so enjoy the thought of lazing.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ cracks open one eye to glance at him, an eyebrow going up. ]

And indulge yourself in said laziness far too often.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

[ cups the back of his head with his hands, relaxing further. ]

Life is too short. Therefore I must partake in activities that I enjoy as much as possible.

[sauvegarder.livejournal.com]

[ rolls his head back to stare straight up at the sky. ]

If only you'd share the sentiment with your responsibilities as well.

[triompher.livejournal.com]

I do when it is absolutely necessary.