Roman grinned at the older looking male. “Come Patton, I have a gift for you.” He claimed excitedly and took hold of his fragile and wrinkly hand. Patton gasped and quickly followed after the excited prince. “I might hurt my back at this rate.” He joked yet still followed after the young male.

Roman stopped at the front door and switched the dials, he stopped when the color above the dial turned a light green. He looked over his shoulder and grinned at Patton who eyed him curiously. “Just you wait.” He nodded and slowly opened the door, as soon as he did so sunlight shined through the crack of the door, bright and strong. Patton squinted at first and tried to get his worn eyes used to the brightness, and when they did he was utterly awestruck.

His mouth literally dropped to the ground and his eyes widened. Roman chuckled and tugged him into the huge beautiful meadow. The door closed behind them and Roman broke into a light run pulling Patton along with him. They stopped in front of a huge lake. “You like it? It's my secret garden.” Roman stated. “It's incredible.” Patton replied with a nod of his head.

“Did you use your magic to make all of this?” He questioned. “Only to help the flowers grow” Roman replied.

Patton then let go of Roman's hand and ran down a small hill, his wrinkled face cleared and softened, his body became more thin and lean, his hair returned to its natural soft brown.

He was breaking his curse all on his own.

He smiled brightly and turned around to face Roman. “This place is gorgeous Roman!” He shouted and spun around admiring the many flowers that surrounded him. Roman returned the smile and followed after him. Patton stared off into the lake, his smile slightly faltered. “It's like a dream..” Tears filled his brown eyes and Roman suddenly grew worried. “Patton?” He called out.

“It all seems so familiar, yet I know I've never been here before. I feel so at home.” Patton explained and wiped at his eyes. Roman sighed in relief and extended his hand out for Patton to take. “Come with me.” He said. Patton nodded to him. “Okay.” He hummed and took Roman's hand.

Together they walked further into the meadow and stopped a few feet away from a small cottage. “Look there! What a cute cottage.” Patton giggled. “That's my secret hideaway.” Roman stated. “I spent a lot of time here, by myself when I was young.” A glum smile was spread across his face. Patton frowned. “You were alone?” Roman nodded. “My uncle who was a wizard gave me this place as my private study. And now you can come here whenever you like.” He offered happily. 

He then continued to walk further, but Patton stopped in his tracks and pulled his hand away from Roman's. He frowned and hugged his hand to his chest with a worried look on his face. “What's the matter?” Roman asked with worry lacing his voice.

“It's...” Patton trailed off and shifted his weight.

“You're scaring me. I have this feeling that you're going to leave.” He admitted. “Roman please tell me what's going on, I don't care if you're a monster.” Patton pleaded.

Roman sighed and tried to make up and excuse. “I'm just setting things up so that all of you can live a comfortable life.” He looked toward the meadow. “With all the flowers you've got in this valley you could easily open up a flower shop. Right? I'm sure you'd be good at it.” He suggested.

Patton slumped his shoulders and dropped his gaze. “So you are going away...”

He couldn't give up, he loved Roman. He wanted to be of use. To protect him for a change.

So he gathered his courage once more and looked the prince right in the eyes. “Please Roman, I know I can be of help to you.” As he tried to think of something he suddenly realized that maybe he wasn't as useful as he thought he was. “Even though I'm not pretty...” He mumbled. “And all I'm good at is cleaning...”

Roman shook his head and walked up to the now saddened male. “Patton! Patton, you're beautiful!” He assured.

But it had been too late, Patton's face sunk and wrinkles appeared around his eyes, his form shrunk and grew some and a small sad smile graced his aged face.

“Well, the nice thing about being old is you've nothing much to lose.” He said with a low, croaky voice.

Roman wanted to tell Patton how badly he was loved and appreciated, his chest ached. He didn't even know that was possible, but it was, and it hurt. He knew he needed to do something.

He needed to tell Patton he loved him dearly.

If only he had enough time...