Virgil Black shivered as the wind blew through the trees, hugging the old blanket tighter around him. From his spot in the rickety treehouse, he could hear the galloping of the royal horses. Another princess coming from another kingdom. So many had been through the gates in the last few days that it was starting to give him a headache.

"Move aside! Move aside! Her Highness, Princess Diane, is coming through!"

Virgil groaned and peeked out of the open window. A beautiful carriage rode by, several guards surrounding it. He saw a young woman sitting inside, anxiously fiddling with a strand of her long, raven hair. The male scoffed and sat back again.

"Stupid," he complained. "This is all so stupid. Beautiful women and men marry and then have beautiful children. The eldest gets the castle and the others are married off to more beautiful royals. Meanwhile, those who are just farmers or merchants or whatever have to work day and night just to eat. So dumb, right, Midnight?"

He looked over at his stuffed cat, who just fell over in response. "See? You get it."

As the maroon sun slowly turned yellow as it rose further in the sky, Virgil stood up, giving the blanket to Midnight. "Here. You stay here. I have to go into town to get some stuff."

Midnight just stared at the floor.

"I know, I know. I won't forget your milk."

Midnight didn't move.

"Yes. I'll get the good kind from that nice man, Patton."

A bird landed on the windowsill and chirped, causing him to jump. He spun around, only to be met with a frightened robin. It quickly flew away again, and he looked after it. "Sorry!"

Several minutes later, Virgil hopped from one tree branch to the other, noises from town meeting his ears. He swung from the last tree and landed next to a surprised baker. "Hello. Is that cake? It smells lovely," he complimented before walking away speedily.

A few people who recognized him said hello, to which he waved and walked past. Peopling was never his strong suit. Finally, a familiar stand appeared. He breathed a sigh of relief and sped up.

"One jug of milk! Here you go, Mrs. Dorothy! Your dress looks lovely, by the way. A loaf of bread? Ah! Timothy! Here it is! How's the pup doing? That's great to hear! Tell Mr. and Mrs. John I said hi!"

More happy exclamations were said, and, after a while, the large crowd of people dispersed. At the front was a beaming young man, his hair tied back so his freckled face could be clearly seen. He saw Virgil and somehow looked even happier. "Virge!! My sweet adopted son!!" He said, jumping over the counter and hugging him tightly.

Virgil chuckled and hugged him back. "Hey, Pat. How ya doing?"

"About the same as usual," Patton Baker answered, pulling away. "You?"

"All these royals giving me a headache with their loud a**-"

"Language."

"-carriages. Other than that, could be worse." He shrugged.

"That's the spirit, kiddo! But, you sure it's the carriages making you feel bad?"

"Well, the horses aren't a nice addition."

"Not what I meant."

"What? The drivers?"

"Sure. That. Definitely not the fact that you've had a crush on His Royal Highness since-"

"SHSHSHSHSH- PAT-"

"What? I'm just saying."

Virgil blushed more and punched him in the arm. "Shush."

Patton grinned. "Well, alright. But, Momma got you this," he said, handing the other a bag.

"What is it?"

"Why don't you open it and find out?"

Virgil nodded and opened the bag, his eyes widening. "Pat, no-" he started.

"Yes, Virge."

"She really didn't have to-"

"Please. You've needed some more clothes, and it's the least we can do. It's thanks to you the business is doing so well, anyways."

Virgil teared up and hugged him. "Thank you so so much."

"Anytime. We just hope they fit okay." He hugged him back. "Now, wipe your tears. Here's the stuff you usually get." Patton handed him another bag and Virgil handed him some money. The other tried to push it away, but he didn't take it.

"It's the least I can do."

"But, Virge. This is too much."

"You and your family have all been so kind to me. This may be the best I can repay you for the time being, but, one day, I'm gonna be something big. And then I can really repay it."

Patton smiled widely and nodded. "Thanks."

"No problem. Afraid I've got to be going, now, though. I'll see you later!"

"Okay! Bye, kiddo! Be careful! And say hi to Roman for me when you inevitably get together and make childreen!"

"I will!" Virgil turned and started to walk off. "WAIT, WHAT-" He spun around, but Patton had disappeared. Instead, his older half-brother, Damien, was at the stand.

Damien looked up from his pastry. "Hm?"

"Where did Pat go?"

"Had to deliver some stuff, why?"

"I'll... tell him tomorrow."

"O... kay..." Damien said slowly.

Virgil shook his head and headed toward the trees, throwing the bags in his backpack. When he thought no one could see him, he reached up for the branch.

A pair of arms grabbed him. "There you are, you little brat!" A rough voice said. Virgil jumped and tried to get away. "No, no, no. The king wants to see you!!"

And with that, ends the first chapter. This story will be written by my beautiful girlfriend @BearLover115, and edited by Moi! I hope you enjoyed! The next chapter will be up very soon!

*insert outro here*