I'd never seen a garden before. I'd heard about them, but I'd never seen one. 

"Bloody hell," I hear myself whisper, walking among the beds of various fruits and flowers. I let my hand gently glide along the leaves of a bush that I pass, cherishing the way the foliage feels against my fingers. 

Not far away, there is a small orchard, filled with various trees I've never seen before. The ride through the city wasn't enjoyable in the least, though. The colors and decorations were beautiful, and the scenery was lush and plentiful. But the people of this Kingdom gave me looks that were colder than the landscape of my home Kingdom. I even listened to their whispers with the help of my magic, knowing that what I heard would hurt me but too curious to help myself.

"He doesn't belong here."

"I heard that the people from the Blue Kingdom are demons."

"I hope they kill him."

"Disgusting."

I won't lie. The things they said hurt, made me want to run away with tears pouring down my face, but that's not what a prince is supposed to do. What makes matters worse, is that Alfred seemed to not notice, focusing only on the pretty girls that would bat their eyes at him, blowing the prince kisses as if it'd make him suddenly fall for them. He grinned a little too widely in response.

Casting the uncomfortable thoughts aside, I return to the garden, basking in its beauty and warmth. I've finally discovered what warmth truly is, and I'll have to be satisfied with just that for a while.

"Prince Arthur!"

The sound of someone calling my name has me turning around to face them. A servant is rushing towards me, an apologetic look on their face. By the time they reach me, they are doubled over and out of breath from their short sprint to me.

"This is so improper of me," he says softly, standing up with a nervous smile. He has straight black hair and dark brown eyes. "Forgive me for being late, Your Highness," he says, bowing to me slightly, still softly panting.

"Oh, I don't mind," I say, waving my hand in dismissal. "In all honesty, I'm glad I got more time in this lovely garden." My eyes wander around the garden, taking in the beautiful sight and only now realizing that sun is beginning to set. Where I'm from, the clouds are always in the sky, so I've never seen an actual sunset. "Bloody hell..."

"I-Is something wrong?" the servant asks nervously.

"Oh, no, I'm sorry." I scratch the back of my head shyly. "I've just never seen a real sunset before. The clouds always get in the way where I come from."

The servant remains quiet, following my gaze to the vibrant reds, pinks, and other colors that fill the evening sky.

"I'm sorry," I say, turning back to the servant as night finally descends upon the grounds, everything now lit by torches. "I didn't catch your name."

"Kiku," he replies softly, looking at me with a questioning look.

"Is something wrong?" I ask, tilting my head to the side out of habit.

"Uh, no, Sire," he replies, looking down shyly. "I just wasn't expecting you to be so...kind..."

I chuckle a little at that, shrugging my shoulders at the comment. "I try to be nice, but my reputation seems to carry more weight, doesn't it?" I sigh, turning back to the servant. "I guess it's time to retire isn't it?"

He nods. "I shall escort you to your chambers for the time being."

He walks off, expecting me to follow, and I do, memorizing the twisting halls rather easily. Thankfully, the layout isn't too difficult to understand, the design being rather simple. He shows me to my chambers, telling me that if there is anything that I need, he will do it for me. Not seeing any reason to keep him up with me, I dismiss him, watching his small form exit the room silently. He's quite kind and has not said a bad word towards me. However, at this current moment I feel the need to be alone.

I had always been excited to come here, to see the different sights of this Kingdom, but now that I'm here, I don't know what to think. I like the beauty and the colors, but the way people view me is so cruel. I'm scared that if I stay too long that they'll do something cruel. I know what people are capable of when they're scared, and it is a terrifying thought.

Changing into my night clothes, I sit upon the bed, running my hands over the silk sheets gently. The feel of it is the same as the ones in my chambers back home, but it's so off to me. I don't feel comfortable here, but I know it's not anything as trivial as the sheets. In all honesty, I don't feel safe, even though I can see the guards out in the distance at their posts. It doesn't feel like I'm being protected, and I don't think anyone here would really mind if something happened to me. 

Laying back in the bed, I turn on my side and close my eyes, hearing nothing but the sound of my own heartbeat in my ears. I toss and turn, tangling my legs in the sheets and blankets in some attempt at getting comfortable, but it does nothing for me. Instead, I am left a distraught mess that is panting and sweating nervously.

I don't think I'm weak by any means. I can handle myself in tough situations, even if I'm not the best at whatever it is I need to do. But laying in a strange room in a strange castle in a strange kingdom where no one cares whether I live or die makes me feel more alone than I ever have before.

And, cloaked in the darkness of this foreign room, I let tears silently stream down my face.

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Heylo, my lovely little nuggets! I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter! Sorry I haven't been updating all that often. I've been kinda lacking in inspiration and time, but I'll try to update more! Don't forget to leave any comments or suggestions if you have them. They always make my day :) Anyway, I'll see y'all nuggety readers in the next update! Until then, have an absolutely fantastic and fabulous day! Bai!!! >:3

-IggyScones