To say that Keith was nervous would be an understatement. The poor thing was utterly terrified. Not only did he have the threat of a literal legion of - presumably - highly skilled rebels who would no doubt swiftly assassinate him should he mess up, but there was also the teensy-weensy danger of being found out as a traitor against his tyrant parents and subsequently brutally tortured to death...

But no pressure, right?

The prince's fingers trembled as he raised them to his communicator. Just one tap on that little button and his fate would be sealed; a servant would come running, ready to answer to his every beck and call, and he would send them to the King and Queen with a message. After that, there would be no turning back. 

Although, he supposed there was already no turning back. Should he back out, the rebels would see him as a liability and most likely do everything in their power to have him killed. 

And obviously that was an option, but not one that he particularly favoured. 

So with that thought fresh in his mind, he pressed the cursed button. Not even thirty seconds later, there was a knock upon the study door. 

As Keith stood from the desk and moved towards the door, he caught sight of his reflection on a nearby window. He, the Prince of Marmora, with his hunched shoulders, rumpled clothes and anxious round eyes, looked nothing like the authoritative figure he was supposed to be. 

So taking another steadying breath, he squared his shoulders, lifted his chin, and narrowed his eyes into what he hoped was a slightly intimidating scowl. Thinking better of answering the door himself, he sat back in his chair and summoned all of his false confidence as he called, "Enter." 

"Good morning, Your Highness. You requested assistance?" A young woman stood before him. Though her voice was steady, Keith noted how she tucked her hands behind the skin-tight pants of her uniform as they trembled. 

"Yes," he replied monotonously, disguising his surprise at how intimidated the servant actually seemed. "Please send a message to the King and Queen, requesting a meeting."

She tried her best to smile. "Certainly, Your Highness." And with that, she hurriedly left the room, closing the door as softly as possible behind her. 

Usually, Keith had to wait at least a few days for a reply from his parents. So it came as a surprise when the servant returned only a few hours later to collect him for the meeting. 

Keith had fixed his posture and stance the moment he heard the second knock on his study door, but he still stiffened the moment he neared his parent's study. 

His chin was high as the door was pulled open before him, but his heart shrank away from the glare the King and Queen fixed him with the moment their eyes met. 

"Son," his mother began in a voice cold and calculating. "You requested a meeting with us."

Keith schooled the terror in his veins, urging his voice to remain steady. "I did, Your Majesty." 

The Queen raised a brow questioningly. 

"I wish to request permission to take a trip-"

"Where to?" His father cut in. 

"The four main cities of Marmora," he answered. 

His mother regarded him with snake-like eyes. "And why is that?" she asked in a tone edged with venom. 

Keith swallowed thickly. "In light of Prince Lotor's recent discussions of marriage, it has come to my attention that it is possible I may be required to take the throne in Marmora. As such, I feel it is my duty to step up in my role as a future monarch."

Liar, a voice hissed in his mind. 

"It is no secret that I have kept to myself these past years. The Nobles of this Kingdom think me a recluse. They do not believe me to be trustworthy. I feel it is my responsibility as Prince to strengthen my relations with Marmora's local powers."

Liar, liar, liar!

"And this trip would strengthen relations?" 

"Certainly, Your Majesty."

The pair paused for a moment, turning to one another. Keith's stomach gave a sudden jolt of fear. Surely they would know, surely they could tell... they knew he was a dirty, filthy liar. They would certainly throw him in the dungeons with all those other - 

"How long do you intend to be away?"

The Prince's heart ceased beating. "Ten days. It shall take one days' ride between each city, with a day in between for relations."

His mother hummed. "Make it five days. Take fewer guards with you and ride by horseback rather than carriage. Then it should take half a day between each city."

"Of course." he gave a stiff smile. "I thank you for your wisdom, Your Highness." 

The Queen gave a sudden bark of laughter, the harsh sound sending chills down Keith's spine. "I am sure you do. Now go assemble your guard; I suggest no less than four, no greater than six."

Keith gave a respectful bow. "Thank you, Your Highnesses," he finished, beginning to retreat from the room. 

"And Keith?" the Queen called, halting Keith's movements as he turned toward her once more. "Take caution. These may be our people, but they are not always our friends."

Though her words carried an unsettling edge, for one brief, glorious moment, her eyes appeared warm, almost... motherly. 

"Of course, Your Highness."

Liar. 

Traitor. 

Rebel. 

"Sir Shirogane," Keith called as he approached the entrance to the barracks. 

 "Your Highness," the knight bowed respectfully. He was standing before a neat line of guards, all bowing similarly to the prince. "Whatever can I do for you?"

Keith managed a small smile in return. "I need to borrow you for few days, Shiro," he began, dropping such formalities with his longtime friend. "You and four of your guards."

"How many days are we talking here? And why?" Shiro questioned, leading them out of hearing range of his legion of guards. "What are you up to?"

"Five days. Trip around Marmora. And how dare you accuse your prince of being up to something," he answered, a mischievous grin splitting his cheeks. 

Shiro matched his smile. "You'll forgive me, Your Highness. It is my duty to remain cautious of potential dangers to the kingdom. Especially when the emo prince suddenly decides to leave the castle grounds for five days." 

"Precisely, Shiro. I need to strengthen my relations with the Marmoran nobles," Keith explained matter-of-factly. "And I am not an emo."

Shiro huffed a laugh, clapping Keith upon the shoulder. "Well I'm proud of you for taking responsibility, kid."

With that, Shiro lead him back over to the row of guards. "Four, did you say?" He muttered. 

"Well, three to five." Keith whispered. "Mother Dearest advised that smaller numbers are ideal, though we should still be cautious." 

The queen's words gained a raised brow from the older man, but he didn't voice his queries, instead turning back to his guards. 

"Adam, Acxa, Matt, Lance," As he spoke their names, four guards stepped forwards dutifully. "You four shall accompany the prince and I on a five day journey. The rest of you are dismissed until patrol. Return to the barracks." 

There was a resounding chorus of "Yes, Sir!". The guards retreated, only the chosen four staying behind. 

Keith chuckled. "Bringing your fiance along, huh? Though I suppose you would die without him." The comment earned him a few giggles from the fiance himself, Adam, as well as the fantastic sight of a blushing Shiro. 

"Keith," the knight warned in a low tone. "need I remind you that you are a prince, and should therefore behave accordingly?"

"Whatever," Keith muttered, already turning from the group. "I have a trip to prepare for." 

And from over his shoulder, he could have sworn he heard a whispered "Of course, Prince Emo." 

Classic. 

***

Heyo! Lucidame here! 

I hope you are all enjoying the story so far! 

If you can't already tell, yes this is going to be a slow-burn. (Please don't kill me xD)

I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, but the next one is where things really get interesting!

Thank you for reading!

Until next time! 
-underappreciatedtree <3 🌲