Kurt sat in the window seat of his bedchamber. It was late afternoon and there was just a hint of a breeze coming in the window to cool the chamber. The windows were different than his former home in that the glass was set in a frame that opened. The prince had never seen this before and was fascinated, opening and closing the hinged window to feel the cool breeze but thinking how much warmer his bedchamber would be in the cold winter.

As he sat gazing out at the forest, Kurt saw some kind of movement at the edge of the trees. At first he thought it was another animal stalking its dinner, but as he studied it, the animal came out into the meadow. Prince Kurt could see it was a wolf jumping and playing and then he saw the boy from yesterday emerge from the forest to play with the wolf.

Watching the two play together brought Kurts breath up short. The boy was really more than that. Although he was obviously young, he moved with a grace that said he was older. He was agile and graceful in a way that made Kurts mouth water and his muscles ache just a tiny bit, a feeling he hadnt experienced since Cyril kissed him goodbye two weeks ago.

Kurt was suddenly determined to meet this boy – even if he had to follow him into the deep forest to do so. A shiver went through Kurts body at the thought of going into the dark forbidden place and images of large ferocious animals: wildcats and wolves and bears that would chase him and do him great harm. Kurt shook his head. The boy was obviously not afraid. Maybe he wouldnt be, either.

Kurt was in the stable a short time later, dressed in his dark gray brocade jerkin and tight leggings. He had borrowed a brown cape from a hook in the stable to cover his princely clothing. He didnt want the boy to know he was a prince for some reason. People didnt treat him like a human once they found out he was royalty.

Kurt wore his dagger in his belt but was otherwise unarmed. He had been trained, even as a child, to use a bow and arrows, but he thought logically that they would be of little use in the dense forest. He had a pocketful of round stones and a sling if he needed it. He was a crack shot with the stones just as he was well versed in the slender short sai swords. His father had given them to Kurt as a gift when a traveling merchant brought them to the palace near the princes twelfth birthday. The prince had been practicing the art ever since. He had learned to twirl them as if they were extensions of his own hands and a sai thrown from Kurts hand would land on its target unerringly. Kurt had practiced with the sai swords morning, noon, and night for years and there was nobody better in the whole kingdom than he was. Not even Puck.

Saddling Navigator was easy, something he could do in his sleep, and he wrapped the bridles bit in a rag to keep it from jangling. Once up on the horse, the prince guided the large animal out a back door and then around the wall of the rose garden where his father and the new queen were taking tea. He could heard their voices over the high stone wall.

Prince Kurt made his round-about way to the north side of the castle and then across the open meadow and into the edge of the Great Northern Forest, which was called The Forbidden Forest by the people of Castle Sunvale. Kurt was deliciously full of nerves and the shivers that cascaded down his spine were getting more intense as he entered between the first few trees.

Inside the forest was different than anywhere Kurt had ever been. It was cool as opposed to the warmth of the meadow and the castle grounds and the air felt humid. Then there was the silence. He had heard the twittering of birds as he approached the woods, but now he was in the trees themselves the silence was kind of eerie. Even his horse seemed to be treading lightly as he moved through the trees.

As the prince and his horse moved deeper into the forbidden place, Kurt felt as if someone was watching him.

“You can come out. I know youre there,” Kurt said, glancing to his left then right sides for movement but seeing none. Navigator shied a little, letting out a surprised snort and stepping back a few paces. Kurt turned back and there, right in front of him, was the boy. Kurt dismounted as the boy backed up, something sharp in his hand as he melted back into the trees.

“Wait, I only wanted to meet you,” the prince called softly, disappointment growing as he lost sight of the beautiful boy. He tried to follow, dropping Navigators reins so the horse would stay where he was. He caught a glimpse of the boys deep wine colored cape and walked nearer. Kurt stepped out from behind a tree, trying his best to calm his nerves. The wolf he had heard earlier was standing there – its large golden eyes staring at him as Kurts knees felt weak.

“She wont hurt you,” the boy standing beside him said, “as long as Im right here beside her, anyway.”

The wolf growled deep in her throat but made no move to hurt the prince.

Kurts gaze went from the wolf to the boy and he noticed that their eyes looked the same. Wild was the word that came to mind. Both boy and wolf had deep golden brown eyes, both sets of eyes were staring at Kurt. He was mesmerized. This was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to him in his short life.

Blaine stepped forward. Kurt looked at him, taking in the rich fabrics of his clothing – although the style was different than anything the prince was familiar with. He also wore a dagger at his waist, the hilt encrusted with jewels. The boy obviously came from a high rank in society, perhaps even royalty.

“Youre the boy I saw yesterday, in the Lourienn Kings entourage, riding past the north wall of the castle,” he stated, then a slight blush colored his cheeks. “You looked right at me.”

“Yes, and youre the boy I saw in the woods with a wolf at his feet. I saw you again this morning – playing with your wolf in the meadow,” Kurt said, looking into the boys eyes.

“You did? I didnt see anyone...”

“I saw you from my bedchamber window. I was sitting on the window seat and happened to glance up. It looked as if you were dancing with the animal. The wolf is your pet, right?”

“She is my companion, yes. I saved her from death when she was a small pup, but I wouldnt call her my pet. I dont control her, she and I have just been together long enough that we understand one another. Here, let me introduce you. This is Santana,” the boy said, snapping his fingers to coax the wolf closer. She walked up as if she owned the world and bared her teeth at the prince. Before he could draw his dagger, she had nipped at his wrist. He heard her teeth snap closed. He jumped back.

“Honestly, she wont bite. I promise youre safe as long as Im here with you. Go ahead, I bet you never laid a hand on a live wolf before, have you?” he asked.

Kurt laughed and held out his hand while the wolf sniffed it. Then she turned her back and sat down. Blaine gave the wolf a frown and she laid down by his feet, looking as contrite as a wolf possibly could.

“Why did you laugh?” he asked, his head tipped on an angle like a puppy.

“You arent like anyone I ever met. First you introduce me to your wild wolf, but you dont know my name and you dont introduce yourself,” Kurt said, smiling at the puzzled boy.

“Oh! My manners! Im sorry, please forgive my lack of etiquette. I am Blaine Staghunter, son of Anders the Merchant of Phelan Coill. And you are?” he asked, holding out his hand. Kurt gripped his forearm and Blaine gripped Kurts in the formal handshake.

“Kurt of the Kingdom of Lourienn, presently from Castle Sunvale,” he said, not wanting the boy to know he was a prince just yet, so he left that part out. His father was already going to punish him as soon as he found out Kurt had disobeyed him by entering the Forbidden Forest and that he had slipped away from his bodyguard, Puck. Kurt might be foolhardy enough to enter the forest, but he was not a complete fool. He didnt want to be kidnapped for a ransom. “Well met, Blaine of Phelan Coill.”

“Well met, Kurt of Lourienn, and welcome to my homeland,” Blaine said formally. Then a grin crossed his face. He came closer and looked right into Kurts eyes and smiled. “Kurt,” he said with the accent of his people in which the last letter was pronounced with emphasis, “I think we can be friends, dont you?”

Kurt took in a deep breath, feeling pulled towards this gorgeous boy. Blaine was just a shade shorter than Kurt with a golden tan complexion and a mop of silky black curls on his head. His eyes were still the most noticeable part of him and they were burning into Kurt so hot and deep that Kurt was becoming dizzy. He could feel the pull of the boys lips calling to him. The prince shut his eyes, leaned forward, and before he even knew what he was doing, he placed his lips on Blaines. Blaine gasped in surprise, but gathered himself enough to kiss back. He found he loved the pressure of Kurts soft lips and wanted more immediately, venturing to put his arms around the boy and tug him closer in order to keep his lips there.

The excitement of meeting Blaine in this forbidden place was nothing to the jolt and shock of the kiss he was now enjoying. Kurt had only ever kissed one person with passion and that was Cyril – and while it had been good, it was nothing like this. Blaines hands on his shoulders, slipping around to his back to bring them closer together was the most sensual and arousing feeling the prince had experienced. It went straight to his codpiece, his cock hardening into a brass rod. He tried to pull his hips back, but Blaine was holding him tightly and Kurt was sure the other boy could feel every inch.

With a dreamy sigh, Blaine stopped kissing Kurt. He kept his hands on Kurts shoulders, finally opening his eyes to see the boys face.

“Well, Kurt of Lourienn, when I said well met – that was not exactly the greeting I was expecting. I had heard the Lourienns had different customs from us, but that was extraordinary. Ill have to raise my expectations when it comes to you,” Blaine said with a charming laugh.

Kurt stood still, feeling the hot flush run all over him, embarrassed that he had done such an intimate thing with a virtual stranger.

“Please forgive me, Blaine Staghunter. No, that was not a typical greeting among my people...it just happened. There are no words to express...um...I cannot believe...please...” Kurt stuttered, astonished at himself for doing something so bold.

“Nothing to forgive, my new friend. I enjoyed it,” Blaine replied, the warm look in his eyes making Kurts trembling muscles return.

“I need to go – my father forbid me to enter the forest. I need to get back to the castle. Please...can we meet again, Blaine?” Kurt asked. He said the other boys name in a deeper tone, one that added so much meaning to the simple utterance of Blaines name.

“Id like that, Kurt. Can you be here this evening about dusk?” Blaine wanted to know. The expectant look on the boys face made turning him down painful, but Kurt knew he couldnt get away from Puck twice in one day.

“Im so sorry, but I dont think so. I have duties I need to attend to,” he said sadly, then an idea came to mind. “See the larger window, just to the right of the round tower and below the turret? I will hang a blue scarf from the frame of that window when I am free to come. Will that be all right?” he asked.

“Yes. We will meet here again, Kurt,” the boy agreed. Blaines head was dizzy from all that was going through his mind. This boy that stood before him was the answer to a prayer. Blaine didnt have many friends in his village, and to make friends with such a beautiful boy was amazing. Blaine wanted to pinch himself to see if this was indeed a dream. There were no boys his age and he wasnt interested in any of the girls. His was a lonely life and Kurt was ….well, Kurt just might be the brightest star in Blaines sky.

Santana got up from her place by Blaines side and strolled over to Kurt. She looked up as if she were going to bark at him, catching his attention. Once he was under her scrutiny, she showed her teeth and a low growl formed in her throat. Too quickly for Kurt to see what was going on, Santana approached very close and actually put her shoulder against his knee and pushed.

Kurt yelped in surprise as he stumbled, his knee bent under him by the wolf. He put out his arms to break his fall, but Blaine was quicker and caught Kurt in his arms. He helped Kurt to his feet and looked at him.

“Are you all right?” Blaine asked, not willing to let go now that he had Kurt in his arms. He hugged the boy to him a bit tighter and Kurt let out his breath hed been holding since he fell.

“Im fine...I think. Did your wolf just trip me?” Kurt asked, incredulous.

“Do you think wolves trip people?” Blaine countered, a sly grin on his face.

“No, of course not. I must have stepped in a hole or something,” Kurt said, not wanting to leave Blaines strong arms now that he was in them.

“Kurt. Do you really have to go? Although I do hear someone calling your name,” Blaine frowned, stilling the barking wolf with a toe to her flank. He stood still himself, listening. A faint voice was heard on the other side of the meadow, someone calling Kurt.

“My...my friend, Puck. I will leave the scarf in the window when I can get away, Blaine,” Kurt whispered into his ear.

Blaine nodded, then pulled Kurt just a bit closer, kissing him tenderly on his lips.

“Good morrow, Kurt of Lourienn. Go safe...”

...And the boy and his wolf were gone.

Kurt hurried back to where hed left Navigator and jumped up to reach the saddle, then hauled himself up and into position. He kicked the horses flank and they were off to find their way out of the forest. Kurt came out at the far edge of the meadow and managed to ride out a ways and appear to be riding in from a far field when he saw Puck.

“Puck! I was just on my way back from a delightful ride through the fields,” Kurt called as soon as he was within range of his bodyguards hearing. “Have you finished looking for a new groom for Rachels horse?” the prince asked.

“I was done with that quite a while ago. Ive been searching for you everywhere, my Lord. Where were you?” Puck wanted to know. He had a scowl on his face and Kurt could clearly see his anger.

“I dont know exactly, but it wasnt far. I was well on my way back when I heard you calling,” Kurt snapped at his guard. He kicked Navigator a bit sharply and took off across the field and back to the stable, a furlong ahead of Puck.

“Kurt, I want to speak with you,” Rachel said as she stood in the Hall of Castle Sunvale.

Kurt was rushing in from his adventure in the forest and was in no mood for speaking with his older sister, but he knew the consequences of ignoring her. Rachel was not a person that tolerated being ignored.

“Can we speak in my bedchamber? I have a private matter to discus with you, too,” he said, taking her arm and climbing the stairs.

Once they were in his suite, Rachel sat on a padded bench near a table in the bedchamber. Kurt went to open the window by the seat and then went to the little balcony and opened that door to let in a nice cross-breeze.

“What is it you wanted to talk about?” Kurt asked, removing his dusty gray jerkin and pulling on a clean one in its place. The new one was of a much finer fabric and brighter colors.

“That looks better. Why were you wearing that old gray jerkin?” Rachel asked.

“I was in the stable helping Puck find you a groom, just as you requested, Rachel,” Kurt tried to make it sound as if that were the only reason.

“Oh. Thank you, brother. What I needed to bring up to you – Father is having a feast this coming Friday. I think hes using this to find me a husband so he can ship me off to some god-forsaken place and then Ill be off his hands. As if I were a burden to him!” Rachel ranted. Kurt understood how she felt, he was in the same boat. He sat down next to her and took her hand.

“The other reason, dear brother, is that he may be looking for a wife for you,” Rachel started, her eyes flashing in anger. “Father has to ensure the royal bloodline will go on and to do that, he needs to find you an acceptable wife. I am not familiar with the people he has invited, but I just dont want to be paraded around like a cow at the fair – to be sold to the highest bidder!” She was in a real state, upset and angry, and she didnt care who knew it.

“Oh, Rachel, you know I wont let you be sold off to some dried up old man. You have the right to pick the man you want to marry and you know I will stand by you. Okay?” he cooed, giving his fractious sister a gentle kiss to the cheek before pulling her into his arms.

“We are going to be okay, sweetheart, I promise. We will stick together, no matter what. Wont we?” Kurt asked. Rachel nodded and put her own arms around Kurt.

There was a knock at the door.

“Come,” Kurt barked, irritated with being interrupted while he was comforting his sister.

Marley walked in, her head bowed.

“Your supper is ready to be served, your Highnesses, and your father, the King, bade me come to tell you,” the little maid said.

“Thank you, Marley. You may tell the King we will be joining him directly.