The Star Kingdom. The place above the clouds. A peaceful, serene spot for no-one to worry. A calm, quiet, content place to enjoy all of life's mystical wonders. How then, some wondered, had it become so frazzled after just a simple interaction with a lone traveler? How had so many of the villagers become despondent so quickly? It had only been simple moments since he had appeared, and yet so much was occuring. So much blame. So much hate. So much anger toward the royals. The Princes didn't know what to do.

At hearing his guest was seen as a victim of what pertained to a crime, he gulped slightly to himself. Datura glanced to Rose for reassurance, only to see his brother gone, left from his throne to another part of the castle. His heart sank further. He didn't wish to be alone, especially with what would likely end up as an angry mob. Pray would only be able to hold the townsfolk back for so long. Even a guard as strong as he wasn't invincible to weapons or magic. So the Prince made a logical, quick as it may be, decision and leapt from his throne as well. He grabbed the hand of his one remaining companion then booked it to a place he knew was safe; his bedroom. Things would need to calm down before he even tried to talk to them. He wouldn't risk his life, nor the life of Pray.

He turned a corner as the shouting slowly dissipated behind the two. A long corridor to his room. The only place of solace Datura could think of. It was a safe and secure place, locks on the door, and he had his guard with him. His guardian and friend. His only friend aside from Rose. The Prince wanted to have more. He wished to have more. He knew that a Prince was required to have diplomatic pacts with the other smaller kingdoms that existed. The island may be small, but quite a few were able to rule around them. No wars or battles fought, no bloodshed, no tears; most of all, though Datura, he needn't risk the life of Pray. That was his biggest concern.

"Datura, why do you seem so sad? Was it perhaps what had happened?"

The smaller gave a nod and leaned against his friend. His head rested on the soft shoulder, barely visible against the white coating that the guard wore. Said male seemed to sense that the Prince wasn't feeling well and took it upon himself to act. He wasted no time sweeping the young and very light Prince up into his arms, with one supporting Datura's back, while the other rested under both of his legs. This was common between them; usually happening when the Prince kept up late at night with paperwork, stargazing, or simply reading in the library. He'd be carried right to his room, laid in bed, and sent to sleep with Pray by his side the whole time. Sometimes Datura wondered how he'd be able to handle life without his friend. Many questioned, seeing such acts, if maybe the feelings went deeper than this. He'd never dwelt on it long, as it was never a thought in his mind. Would it be considered romantic otherwise, or only if people put it in such perspective?

The corridor was lit up by the setting sun. It glowed golden and white, with a hint of rainbow luminescence, to give the castle a uniqueness. It was very well crafted and most definitely from the best materials. Rose and Datura had suggested changing the former to a new design, as the old rulers we're long since passed and had no use for it anymore, plus it would better suit their needs. Their wants and desires, and the things they enjoyed most outside of their boring lives. Specifically the hallways that separated each part from the other. The glass was stained, showing different scenes from their lives. Each was different; showing the day they were crowned princes, the day they got their first assignments, when they were given titles, and the like. Even one made specifically for the individual Princes. It was located to shine directly on their bedroom doors whenever the sun was at its lowest point above the horizon. There, as both Datura and Rose had seen, it made special messages. What it meant was beyond their capabilities. They weren't knowledgeable enough in these things.

The mix of colours shone onto the doors, and the young Prince located his room, smiling to himself excitedly. It looked like a full spectrum of all the colours in the universe. Like a nebula of sorts. And while his was full of life and light, Rose's was far more dark, harboring mostly red or deep gold. It was gorgeous regardless, and his brother seemed quite pleased with it. Some days he'd catch him sitting by his door while the sun set, the mixing of the glass almost making it look like it was on fire. It was a rare moment he was able to catch Rose smiling. For what reason, he didn't know, but it made Datura happy as well. He'd only ever wanted what was best for his brother.

*☪*¸.

A knock sounded lightly upon the door frame as a figure stood obscured. The one inside the room turned and glanced behind to see whom it was, mostly thinking it would be an angry villager, yet his brows raised a little when the light filtered away and the form became clearer. Not even a full day since visiting and the guest already knew where he wasn't supposed to be. Though, it was to be assumed that he didn't care. How else was he to get the attention of the royals? He certainly wasn't going to waste his time waiting about for them to be free from their jobs. He would much rather barge in to get their full and unobstructed attention. He wasn't going to be ignored.

Rose looked to his paperwork, still much left to be done, and not much of a stack from the finished pile. Thankfully it was mostly signing so he could probably just leave it be for the moment. He was a fast writer. Though he had the glow from the open door, it wasn't enough to light up the room completely, which was why he had a lantern. Oddly enough the flame wasn't orange; rather, a light blue, like a clear sunny sky. Its glow was of the same radiance, giving the room a somewhat chilly feeling to it, though it was far from cool. It was almost balmy from how warm Rose kept it. His jacket hung on a rack beside his cherry wood desk, a dim purple and red showing in the dark fabric, now showing that he wore a bright white dress shirt underneath it. Puffy and loose, and even with all the buttons in their proper place, it shown off quite a bit of his chest. He'd also removed his crown and set it aside in a safe place.

All this was observed by the guest in quiet contemplation. He noticed as well that Rose sat in what he could only assume was a very comfortable chair, using a special red oak to make sure it fit the Prince right, and a deep blue as the cushion to support his back and legs. The bed was well made; a soft black comforter on top of red and gold sheets, along with fluffed turquoise pillows shaped like hearts. 'Well now, they certainly are Princes. How fascinating.'

"William? May I ask you a question?"

Rose spoke in a soft voice, the fear of others being in the vicinity a common one, and as said guest didn't wish to close the door they would need to be careful. William gave what the Prince could see as a nod, albeit crudely. His eyes weren't very well adjusted to the sunlight. Though it dwindled, it was still very light.

"Many villagers came in earlier, saying that there was someone who had stolen food. They mentioned he'd come into the castle and never left. Was that, by chance, you?"

"My dear Prince Rose, I wouldn't do such a thing. I am but a wanderer in search of help. I had hoped my story from earlier was enough to suffice you."

Rose grimaced to himself a little. He didn't refute or retaliate; the other was right. The Prince was a stickler to keeping himself void of wrongs and of being wrong. He loathed the days others were able to correct him on anything. Royals weren't supposed to be wrong about anything. He lightly waved his hand dismissively in hopes to ease William's fears. Rose wasn't even suspecting him, the villagers were, so that meant someone else had to have done it. He knew Pray and Datura were with him most of the day. Perhaps one of the other royal court members left, yet simply…no, that wouldn't be right. It didn't feel right. He knew these people far more than most; he knew they couldn't easily get away with this stuff, much less do it. Those they worked with would rat them out without hesitation. Regardless, his mind was made up and he gave a light smile to his guest.

"It was enough, William. I apologize if I sounded antagonizing towards you. I was simply trying to figure out a few things."

William nodded again, more noticeable this time, then glanced behind him. The sunlight barely peeked over the large mountaintops, which meant they'd all be headed soon. He looked again to Prince Rose, the darker colouration to his body reminding the traveler of someone he'd know once as well. His mind searched to find the culprit as he knew it existed. He was so caught up in his mind he hadn't noticed Rose asking him a question. Curious now, he blinked, then made a motion with his hand for said question to be repeated.

"I had asked if you'd like me to escort you to your room. It's made and cleaned, and both I and Prince Datura did our best to make it hospitable to you."

William nodded without a moment's hesitation. The sooner he can sleep, the sooner he can get to work on his little plan. It would require all of his energy. Rose stood from his chair and walked to the door, with William stepping aside to allow the Prince to exit. Once that was done he closed the door and they left silently. Not a word was spoken the whole way. The more they walked, the more distance was put between them and the town, and the more the sun set. A calming walk that William could only guess was what the Prince needed; something to clear his head, to move on and enjoy life without the strife, to not be weighed down by all the mundane expectations set so high for him. He was still young. He didn't deserve this. He could be more than a puppet to the court. Rose was more than this. William could easily sense the emotions and thoughts coming from the Prince, and as his face was hidden, he smiled gleefully. This would be far too easy.

*☪*¸.

"Pray stop! That's unfair!"

"It's only unfair because you started it, and now you're losing, so now you're upset."

"Well how was I supposed to know that would happen?!"

"What would happen?"

Pray was suddenly hit in the face with a big pillow. The one he'd been holding previously only tightened in his grasp. He knew Datura couldn't see it, but underneath the fabric, the guard couldn't hold back his smile.

"A pillow to the face! That's what would happen, Pray!"

The Prince laughed. He knew he should be working, but he'd much rather enjoy what little time he had before bed, doing what he wanted with his friend. The only one besides Rose who'd helped him through almost everything. He'd stuck with him through thick and thin, helped him back to his feet, and protected him from horrible dangers. It was a sort of mutual relationship type of thing. A few times he let out a little snort, finding the situation that much funnier. It was nice to have downtime to act like the child he was inside. It helped matters when Pray not only did it with him, but encouraged it. Datura couldn't ever be more grateful for meeting him.

He perked up as two pillows were used to smoosh his face. The Prince laughed again, even louder this time, grabbing the pillows but being unable to move them. Pray was very strong and it showed. Sometimes he wondered if it was pure skill, or something deeper that prompted such strength.

"You look like a marshmallow, Datura."

The guard watched as his friend's cheeks turned a light blue from embarrassment. It wasn't a deep colour, but shown he still found compliments rather embarrassing, which wasn't something expected from a royal. They were meant to take it in stride, be proud, and hand the compliment back. But Datura hadn't the gumption. Each time someone, even a stranger, complimented him he would turn a light blue and try to run away. In this situation he was kept to a singular spot, so hiding wasn't an option, and Pray knew Datura wasn't one to give up his fun just because something bothered him. The most he'd expected from it was a bit of stuttering. The Prince was getting better, though he still needed practice. Pray hadn't very much meant it as a compliment however, just an observation.

"W-Well….Y-You..um…you…youuu…." His eyes darted about as he thought to himself, tapping a finger against his hand to have better concentration. "You…smell like….honeysuckles…and..look like a white rose…"

Pray smiled approvingly and released Datura from the hold of the pillows. There was little time to think as the Prince immediately jumped onto his friend and wrested a bit. It was common for them to. Sometimes Pray would win, other times Datura would. It taught the Prince skills he'd otherwise be blind to, while also helping the guard to hone on his own skills and practice a bit, albeit with immaturity and lack of weapons. The time they spent doing such activities wavered on how late the day was, how exhausted they were, and generally how they felt. Even if one was spunky and wanted to go longer, they'd rest while the other took a break. That was how friendships worked.

This time, like most others, Pray willingly allowed himself to be beaten by Datura. The Prince held him down by the wrists, straddled his waist, and held a very triumphant and proud grin on his lips. It was the kind that said that he'd waited for this moment for quite some time, and now that he got it, he was going to savour it. It was only fair. Pray wouldn't ever admit it, but he did very much enjoy it when he saw Datura smile like that. Perhaps someday he'd be strong enough to beat him even when Pray wasn't holding back. He couldn't help smiling back with pride in his eyes. The Prince was growing up quite well, and very fast.

"Are we even now, Prince Datura?"

The younger rolled his eyes playfully then released his friend from the hold. He climbed off so Pray would be able to sit up, stretching a bit, happy to have a bit of exercise. Their eyes met, both smiles very genuine and happy, and glad to have the other's company. It was so rare they got to have this sort of downtime. Both dearly missed when it was a regular thing, when the three of them would simply wrestle and play and do whatever they wanted. Rose was more of a fighter than Datura, but that didn't mean he was incapable of learning, as one of Pray's common mottos was that 'Everyone has the ability to fight; it's the constitution they lack.' That pushed the Prince to always learn about it, to always try to practice.

"If you learn to stop calling me that, then yes, we will be even."

"Datura, as much as I wish I could stop, there are times I must call you by your formal name. Such as when we are around guests, or the court. I know you wish to be a friend of your people, but your status is necessary. You have to learn that they will always call you that. Not just me."

"...I suppose you're right. But…we aren't around anyone. It's just us two."

Pray snickered to himself.

"That was me simply messing with you."

Datura felt his eye twitch. He didn't say a word, nor make any sudden moves, though deep down inside he could feel a plan forming. He'd act upon it given the chance. He knew what to do. Slowly, his hand moved to Pray's shoulder, gently resting on the soft thin cloth of his jacket. At first the guard was confused, yet as he felt pressure apply to his shoulder a little at a time, he noticed and took initiative. He scooted back a bit before his back rested against one of the pillows previously discarded, a curious gaze beheld to Datura in wonders of what he was planning. The hand retracted to the Prince as he set the other upon the mattress, on the other side of Pray, effectively trapping him. He could teleport, but that would most definitely freak Datura out, and he didn't wish to do that. Sometimes things like that must be kept secret until the right time, until the perfect moment and when he'd earned enough trust from everyone.

Pray watched silently as Datura leaned forward until their faces were a mere inch apart; his eyes stared into that of his friend, hopeless and unable to think, seeing a hint of mischievous behaviour within the other's eyes. On instinct his cheeks also turned a deep blue colour, stunned at how quickly the tables had turned around, and how easily the previously thought naïve Prince could practically dominate him. His hands scrunched up the thin fabric beneath him in a tight grip to keep from acting out.

"Y-Your Majesty?"

This held out for several minutes before Datura pulled away some and stuck his tongue out. He found it amusing that Pray would call him that. It had only ever happened once, when they first met, and ever since then he'd referred to him only as Prince Datura, or just Datura. But 'Your Majesty' had a weird connotation to it. While he found it a little funny coming from the stalwart companion and stoic guard he'd known for almost his whole life, he'd much prefer the other names. It was also quite the achievement to get said guard to blush, much less stutter. His voice was far softer than usual, softer than Datura's even, which said a lot. All of the royals had soft and kind voices to help keep their subjects at ease when speaking to them. It was simply easier to have a conversation that way.

Pray let out a breath he'd unknowingly held as his hands released from gripping the bed sheets. He'd not been expecting that at all. It shown easily and, as per usual when alone with the Prince, he found himself embarrassed, unable to form words, unable to even think properly. He'd felt a part of him that wished to do something; the part that wanted to be a friend and be honest about his boundaries, however he felt it was a bad time and kept it to himself. So for now things would go on as normal.

"Now we are even."

Later, when Datura had gotten most of his work done and was ready for bed, they both fixed it before settling in. Like most times, they kept to opposite sides, with Pray staying awake to keep guard over the Prince, while said Prince slept peacefully beside him. Things felt to be different this time around as Datura wasted no time wrapping his arms around his friend in a sort of side hug that slowly turned into cuddling. He moved from being beside Pray to laying right on top of him. Because of his lightweight stature he wouldn't be of much harm to the other, so neither saw a problem with it. Pray made sure to cover the Prince up to his shoulders while he lay his head on the guardian's chest, each other's arms comfortably wrapped around the other, and nothing more than the light sound of a flicking lantern to fill their senses. It was quiet and comforting. So very comforting. After a day he'd considered to be confusing, Pray knew they both needed to calm down, and what better way than to cuddle? Friends did that. Everyone did it. It was nice. He thought so, at least, and hiding from how easy it was to get Datura to fall asleep he assumed the Prince enjoyed it just as much.

Slow, even breaths. The dim light from the lantern. The shared warmth. It was all so captivating. So enticing and captivating. Enchanting. Pray could consider these small moments worthy of his love. Did he even have any to give? With all he'd been through, he sometimes wondered if it was even a possibility with him. He was a soldier. A guardian to a Prince. Someone who'd been through the worst life could throw at him, and he stood tall, facing it all without a hint of backing down. He could go through anything. Just…to see Datura smile? Was that his mindset? He did very much care for the Prince. He was a dear friend and a companion, though he also cared for Rose deeply. He'd need to spend time with him after this. If Pray was seen with just one and not the other, the brother that was left alone would most likely harbour feelings of resentment. He didn't want that. As soon as he got the chance, he and Rose would do something he enjoyed, and would have a day to themselves. Datura would be able to hang out with the guest while that happened.

Soon enough he heard soft snoring and glanced down. The Prince himself, the one who'd always stay up until dawn with the stars, reading books, talking with Rose and Pray about anything and everything, was sound asleep against the guard's chest. Datura softly smiled to himself from outside the dreaming realm, which automatically made Pray smile back, happy to know his dear Prince was finally getting some rest. He rubbed one of his hands up and down Datura's back, soothing the Prince even more and pushing him further down to sleep.

"Goodnight, Sweet Prince."

*☪*¸.

A spark illuminated the darkness. It quickly faded before another shown. Then another. A few more followed in simultaneous manner before the one attempting such magic groaned in frustration. They growled loudly and were close to giving up, but their companion lay a hand upon their shoulder, silently using them to carry on. The former tried again a few more times, each one less successful than the last. Soon they just sighed and looked to their hand. Their companion spoke with a sickly sweet voice.

"C'mon. Keep trying. You don't wish to end up a failure, do you?"

One time. Then another. Again another, and a fourth time. By the fifth it seemed nothing was going to work. The magic holder knew things like this took time.

"One more time. Prove to everyone that you can do great things!"

They did.

And within the darkness, encompassing the unlit area, filled with spooks and dangers and creatures that lurked in the night, a blinding flash appeared. It was so bright it was unable to be contained and caught the nearby woodlands on fire, scaring many of the resting animals and creatures that previously lived within it. How foolish.