Elliot sat in a small rocking carriage while he was escorted to the ports. His pale hands folded over his lap, staring out the small window, lost in thought. A small curtain gently flapped, sealing the silence in the bumping carriage.

After a few days of rest, Dr. Phelps finally agreed to Elliot's journey to the mainland. The preparations for him to stay at the earl’s estate was already in motion.

Elliot could only sigh. Mathew was quick to get him out; he didn’t even have time to say goodbye. He only managed to give Flynn a simple order: Stay out of trouble and keep an eye out. He couldn’t think of anything else; Elliot wasn’t sure how long he would be away, but he had to make sure Flynn wouldn’t start a war while he was gone.

The long lashes framing his blue eyes fluttered as the wind gently pushed the curtain, slightly stinging them. Clomps of horse hooves echoed the streets along with the gentle voices of the townspeople. The view of the town outside of the estate made Elliot’s heart flutter. How long has it been since he's seen such scenery?

Tall colorful buildings surrounded a canal and streets that were filled with townsfolk. Buskers entertained those who passed as shouting salesmen called the attention of potential buyers. Large cumulus clouds swirled in the cold sea-tasting breeze, giving the illusion of oncoming rain. Elliot felt a bit of regret not being able to explore such a lively and happy looking city.

From the corner of his eye, he could see big hazel eyes intently staring at him. Elliot languidly glanced over, making the boy sitting across from him quickly avert his gaze to the floor of the carriage. His body immediately stiffened, afraid of Elliot’s gaze.

The boy was about the same age as Elliot, yet he had a bigger built than him. Silky brown hair fluffed over his copper face, covering his hazel almond eyes and soft cheeks.

Elliot gently smiled at the boy that was a few heads taller than him. After several days of investigation, he was the one chosen by Mathew.

This boy was George Hart, the youngest son from a famous noble family on the island. His family owned a few properties, and his grandfather had a secure spot in the king’s court. Not to mention his father was an adamant follower of Prince Mathew, which had kept their family in power. Elliot didn’t have to think to understand why Mathew had chosen this boy to join him on his journey.

Elliot couldn't help but chuckle after seeing George nervously hide into himself like a scared puppy. The sound of the soft laugh only made the boy uneasy. He slowly lifted his gaze and met with the blue eyes that mirthfully stared at him. George’s throat was dry; the confusion on his face was apparent.

“Y-your highness…is there something the matter?” George’s feeble voice finally whispered. He still didn’t dare fully lift his head, afraid to offend anyone. God knows, if he were to anger the royal princes, his family would be finished.

Elliot rested his elbow onto the windowsill, tilting his head in the heart of his hand. Strands of golden hair gently curled at his face, “Nothing really, you’re quite the character, George.” His eyes smiled. If anything, he had to get on this boy's good side. Elliot wondered if George only had eyes on prince Mathew like his father or if he could mold him into his own follower…

George was terrified by the young prince’s sentence. His eyes were dejected as his voice quivered, "M-my apologizes to his royal highness..."

Elliot really had to hold in his laughter; he didn’t have to worry about this child going against him. He seemed too innocent! Or rather, naïve. Elliot’s smile was gentle, holding in his laughter, he spoke mirthfully, "Don’t mind it; and why are you so formal? I asked my brother to bring me a friend for this journey, or do you treat all your friends so formally?”

George felt like his heart nearly stop, “b-but your highness! Y-you’re a royal prince! Even if we were to be friends, I still dare not treat you so disrespectfully!”

Elliot lightly frowned, making George quickly avert his gaze once more. “What do you mean if we were friends? You do not wish to be mine?”

George felt his heart skip a beat; as to why he wasn’t sure. His gaze gently trailed to the feeble prince. His thin stature seemed like he could break at any moment, but his face and round blue eyes felt strong and captivating; it made him feel like it was blasphemy to stare for too long.

“I-I! “

The words stuck in his throat never got out when the carriage suddenly shook.

Elliot felt his body ache as he clenched onto the carriage, trying not to fall over. George was stunned; after the carriage calmed down, he noticed Elliot’s face writhed in pain. He couldn't help but feel his heartthrob and quickly went to his side before hastily calling out to the coachman, “What happened?”

“P-please excuse my incompetence! T-there were a few troublemakers in the streets!” There was terror in the coachman’s response. Fearing that the prince he had to escort would show temper to his head.

Elliot could only lightly wave his hand, “no matter…” his voice was feeble. After the violent shaking, the pain of being stabbed came back. Even if he was completely healed, Dr. Phelps stressed that his body wouldn’t be the same. It seemed that this poisoned body would only give him more problems.

George gingerly stabled Elliot's body, hoping the carriage remained stable. He lightly whispered, “P-prince Gabriel, are you sure you’re alright? We can take a break if you need…”

“I'm alright,” Elliot said softly before smoothly resting his head onto George's shoulder, "just let me rest a bit..." Eyes closed, he tried to drown out the pain. He wasn't sure if it was a side-effect of the poison or the fact that he was stabbed, that his body has been feeling more and more tired as time went on.

George's face heated up as he felt Elliot’s head rest on his shoulder. He didn't dare move, afraid of disturbing the prince.

-

Elliot groggily opened his eyes, feeling the sway of a ship underneath him. He realized he was no longer in the carriage.

He slowly sat up from a bed as he pressed a hand to his stinging forehead. He couldn’t tell how long he was asleep but assumed it was only for the day, considering that the moon was already gleaming through the window.

He suddenly noticed George resting beside the bed with his curled hair over his lashes. It seemed he stayed beside him since they got on the ship. Elliot couldn’t help but warmly smile at the thought.

“You’ve been asleep for nearly the whole day.” A voice surprised Elliot. Quickly looking towards the doorway, a tall man with a deep scar across his right eye walked in.

His face was stoic, refusing to show any signs of emotion. Elliot quickly calmed down. This was Edward, Prince Mathew’s personally trained guard.

Edward continued, “I had to call over a few doctors to check your condition. They didn't see anything wrong with your wounds, but precautions are a must.”

Elliot gently lowered his eyes, “How long until we arrive at the countess’ estate?”

Edward slightly frowned before he respectfully responded, “We won’t reach the mainland until later afternoon. As for the estate, it’ll be a few hours ride from the ports.”

Elliot sighed; he couldn’t help but feel this world’s technology was too inconvenient.

“Very well..." he whispered.

Soft mumbles sounded as George awoke. His eyes brightened once he saw that the prince was awake, “Your Highness! How are you feeling?! Are you alright?!”

Elliot smiled softly, “I’m fine now…”

“I will call the doctors,” Edward stated before leaving the room. Elliot bit his lip; he couldn’t help but worry. Without Dr. Phelps or Flynn, he couldn’t trust that he wouldn’t be poisoned…

George sensed something was wrong and quietly inquired, “Your Majesty? Are you sure everything's alright?”

Elliot glanced over at George and paused before giving him a teasing smile, “What is this? Didn’t I say to stop being so formal?”

George’s face slightly flushed, “T-then, Prince Gabriel…is everything alright?”

Elliot couldn’t help but chuckle; this guy…he was somewhat fun to tease…satisfied he nodded, “I will be fine…”

George pityingly scrunched his brows before glancing at Elliot, hesitant in speaking. Elliot sighed, “What is it? Have something to say? You can speak.”

George stiffened before averting his gaze, “Forgive me if I’m out of hand, but when the doctors were checking you, I noticed a few wounds on your body…”

Elliot raised a brow, “You want to know what happened?”

George quickly nodded. Elliot’s eyes darkened as he simply stated, “An assassination attempt.”

George froze before exclaiming, “W-what?! How? Why!? Aren’t you one of the princes of this kingdom? How could someone dare do such a thing?!”

Elliot couldn’t help but laugh, “Silly boy, it’s because I am a prince that I was targeted.”

The confusion on George’s face spread, only confirming this boy's naivety to Elliot. He started to explain, “I’m a threat to anyone who wishes for power. Nevertheless, my weak body would make me an easy target. Someone merely thought of getting me out of the way.”

George furrowed his brows, “but Prince Mathew definitely will protect you.”

Elliot thought for a moment as he carefully watched the boy. He decided to test the waters and see how well his acting was. “Perhaps...although, he is the crown prince. Sooner or later…” Elliot let his voice drift, hoping to leave a seed of doubt in George’s mind.

George quickly looked up at the pitiful prince and realized the prince was staring blankly ahead. A look of sorrow and loneliness was filled in his deep blue eyes, making George’s heart twinge.

The door opened once more as doctors followed behind Edward. “Your highness, you must be resting!” One quickly spoke. These doctors were the ones handpicked by Mathew before the departure. Elliot couldn’t help but glare at them, making the doctors' skin crawl.

“Y-Your Highness, you must take this medicine and rest well! It shall ease Your Highness's pain and let you rest well.” One doctor timidly walked over, holding onto a tray of liquid medicine. Elliot stared at the liquid in the vile. He wasn't a doctor. So he had no way of knowing if this medicine was genuine or if it was tampered with.

Elliot gave them a smile that didn’t reach his eyes as he spoke dryly, “Thank you for your hard work.” His tone only made the doctors question whether their lives were at stake before they quickly bowed and ran off. Why did it feel like the prince was angry?! They didn't wish to stay to find out!

Elliot didn't care; he mirthfully chuckled at their expert behavior. Not even going to make sure the patient drinks the medicine? No matter, this was more helpful.

However, Elliot could feel himself grow weaker the longer he stayed up.

He eyed the medicine, not wanting to drink. Was it becoming a phobia? That…wouldn’t be good…though how can he trust it? He glanced at the two who lingered behind. Edward stood dutifully beside the doorway as George uneasily watched Elliot.

Elliot closed his eyes with a small sigh, “leave…I will rest.”

With the order, Edward nodded while George somberly got up but found that he was pulled onto. Quickly looking back, he couldn’t help but feel his heart itch when he noticed Elliot’s desperate expression.

“You stay.”

Edward glanced back, “Is that wise?”

Elliot hmphed, “What? I cannot keep my friend with me? I’m sure you can easily watch the door.”

Edward had no place to argue and silently closed the door behind him. No matter, George was personally investigated by him and chosen by Prince Mathew. There was no need for further caution.

George’s face was nearly flushed as he stammered, “Y-Your High-…Prince Gabriel?”

Elliot gave him a brilliant smile before he pulled George closer and gently whisper in his ear. His breath tickled George’s ear, making his face hot, but hearing the prince’s words quickly made his heart shake, “Y-Your Highness! I cannot!”

Elliot quickly covered his mouth before lowering his voice, “I am trusting you, George.”

This was a gamble; seeing George’s character for a few hours wouldn't be enough for complete trust, But a test can fix this. His eyes were sharp as he looked deeply at George, “You must promise me. To never let me drink the medicine. If I am asleep and someone tries to force me to drink, you must pour it out…do you understand?”

Sweat lightly dripped from George’s forehead. Elliot couldn’t blame his hesitance. If George was caught, and without Elliot's help, he would be charged with treason. Punishable by death. Yet, the striking look in Elliot’s eyes seemed to give George confidence as he nodded beside himself.

He seemed surprised by his actions, but then he quickly nodded once again. “I will do as you ask, but my prince…what will I do if something horrible were to happen to you? The medicine-“

“It may be poisoned.” Elliot cut him off as he poured out the vile into a plant beside the bed.

George furrowed his brows as he fell into deep thought. Elliot looked over at the boy and gently ran his thin hands through the boy's hair, "George...you're the only one I can trust..." George's eyes dazzled in the dark as he looked at the prince before him.

Elliot couldn't help but feel like scum. He knew the emotion behind the boy's eyes...manipulating him in such a way didn't seem right, but at the moment...it was the only thing he could do. Elliot cursed at his low skills and could only silently apologize to the lovesick boy.

George's throat bobbed as he spoke softly, “Very well, your highness, I will do as you say...”

With these words and the medicine completely poured out, Elliot felt his body relax. He didn’t know when he fell asleep, but once his head rested on the pillow below him, everything went dark.

-

Hot rain poured down onto the mainland as the carriage trotted on. The bumpy road followed by the rocking ship earlier nearly made Elliot want to vomit his intestines out. George lightly fanned him, hoping to ease the prince’s suffering.

“D-Don’t worry Prince Gabriel,” he spoke feebly, “we’re almost at the estate!”

Elliot had no energy to respond. He could only lay back and pray that his body would stop aching. He cursed at this damned body once again! He slept the entire journey, yet his body still screamed to sleep more. It made him question if he’ll even wake up the next time he closed his eyes!

Luckily, the doctors didn’t seem all too keen on paying attention to his medicine intake. He wasn't sure if this confirmed his theory or if it was simply the doctors' lack of care.

The carriage bumped and rocked until they finally made it to a large Victorian estate. A lush of green covered the manor with blossoming flowers and tall evergreen trees. George couldn’t help but gander outside the window in awe.

Elliot felt like he could breathe again. Oh, how he missed the stable, unmovable ground. A footman promptly went to Elliot’s side with an umbrella, blocking the heavy droplets of rain. He gave him a proper bow before a gleeful voice called out from afar.

“Oh, my child! It’s been too long!”