After supper, Kurt was back in his bedchamber. He was agitated, having brought up the subject during supper of his and Rachels future marriages and whether their father was scouting out possible spouses for them by having a festival.

King Burtram denied that was the sole cause of the festival, rather that it was a good time to meet their neighbors and find out what they might be up against should war break out. Both of the Kings older children made disgruntled noises, but dared not cross their father when he had set down a decree.

After supper they bickered, first with their father – careful not to earn his ire, then afterwards between themselves when the King had left the dining hall. Kurt and Rachel left the table in a huff – neither side the clear winner. Rachel desperately wanted a different solution to her dilemma, she didnt want to be given away in marriage as if she were a piece of property and Kurt was just as unhappy that he had to marry a girl to carry on the bloodline. They were both so upset about their own destinies, they saw no way to help the other.

Kurt saw Rachel to her bedchamber, making sure she was comfortable, then left the room. He was anxious to get to his own room to look and see if Blaine was in the forest. He stopped to say a few kind words to Quinn as the blonde girl sat in her chamber outside the Princesss suite of rooms. Kurt glanced in the door and caught sight of the Lady-in-Waiting.

“Quinn, good morrow, sweetheart,” Kurt said in a soft tone, one that Quinn could ignore if she wasnt up to talking. Instead of ignoring him, Quinn quickly closed the distance between them and hugged the boy. Kurt staggered back, surprised.

“Is there something wrong, Quinny?” the prince asked, putting a brotherly arm around her.

“I am so worried about Rachel...is your father really going to make her marry the first prince that has the money for her dowry and a kingdom needing a Queen? Rachel was not born to be just a vessel to carry babies for some stranger, Kurt, and you know it. She deserves better.” Quinn whined, and Kurt cupped her head to lean upon his shoulder. He patted her back and wrapped an arm around the crying girl.

“Oh, Quinny, you know Ill do my best to make sure that doesnt happen. First, you dont seem to understand what a dowry is – father will be paying the groom the dowry, he wont be paying father. More importantly, I wont let her waste her life. Yes, I know she was born for better things. Have some faith in me, okay?” the prince asked, then guided the lady-in-waiting to her bedside chair. He poured her a glass of wine from a bottle on the table, making sure she took a few sips.

“Thank you, Kurt. You always know how to make people feel better. You are going to make a good and compassionate king one day,” the girl said, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. “Good night, my Prince.”

“Good night, Quinn,” Kurt returned, a bit unsettled at her comment about his ability to reign over his people, then leaned over to give Quinn a soft kiss to her cheek.

“Busy day?” Puck asked as Kurt walked into his bedchamber. Pucks chamber was right outside Kurts and he had seen the prince walk by. He got up from his chair where hed been lounging and followed his prince into the royal bedchamber.

“Yes, it was. I didnt see anyone suitable for Rachels groom, did you?” Kurt asked, anxious to steer the conversation away from his escapades in the forest.

“Yes, a likely boy named Sam. He has a way with animals, even I could see it when I watched him in the stable. I was thinking of introducing him to Rachel tomorrow. Would you like to meet him first?” Puck asked.

“No, I trust your judgment,” Kurt replied. He just wanted Puck to go so he could signal Blaine and maybe slip out of the castle for a little moonlight tryst in the forest.

“Okay. You seem a bit moody, if youll pardon me saying so...” Puck guessed, inviting himself to sit in the chair opposite Kurt. He took his knife out of its sheath and began cleaning his fingernails, much to the irritation of the prince. Kurt rolled his eyes.

“I am not moody,” Kurt said as evenly as he could, then bit his tongue so as not to order Puck to stop his manicure. “I have things on my mind right now, Puck, and I need to have some time to think them over. Just...go game with the other guards or something. I dont need a babysitter in order to sit in my chamber alone,” Kurt snapped. He realized that he had lost his temper frequently with Puck, letting his irritability take over his normal good nature. Puck might be a servant, but he did not deserve the raw side of Kurts tongue. They had been friends since childhood. Kurt turned back to Puck.

“Please accept my apology. Im afraid I let my anxiety get the better of me. I will try harder to be more cheerful, especially around those who mean only to do me well. Please, go and have some fun tonight, I will be tucked under the blankets, safe as a baby in my crib,” Kurt said, trying to make amends.

“Well, if youre just going to sleep...Ill just be downstairs. Call out if you need me, my prince,” Puck said, a grin starting to show on his face. Kurt knew the man was probably going to go and try to woo Quinn. Puck had been in love with her for years. He smiled, thinking it would be a good match – it might give Quinn some confidence.

As soon as Kurt heard Puck going down the stairs, the sound of Pucks heavy boots falling and echoing on the gray stones, Kurt went through his trunk to find a blue scarf. He had one that was made of the finest silk, bought from the same trader that brought the sai swords. Yes! Here it was. Kurt took it to the window and tied the end to the hinge of the window and let it flutter in the evening breeze. Even in the fading light, he was fairly sure Blaine would see it.

Now, to sneak out. Kurt went to his window and looked out. It was over two stories down to the ground below his window to the thorny rose bushes below. That wouldnt do unless he suddenly sprouted wings. Not likely!

He busied himself changing clothes. He donned the gray brocade jerkin, a bold choice but it did not really resemble something a prince of a large kingdom would wear. He pulled on clean leggings, added the disreputable brown cloak and was out the door, on his way to a small door down the long hallway.

Going down the narrow passage meant for servants, Kurt quickly walked, not quite a run. He was down the back stairs and through the kitchen before anyone missed him. He was making for the stable when he heard the men – bodyguards and a few soldiers – gaming. They were playing knucklebones and would be at it for hours. Kurt could never understand the draw to that game. He thought it was predictable and stupid, but Puck loved it and went any time he could get up a game with anyone.

Kurt hoped he wouldnt regret not taking Navigator. It was too much hassle to get the horse saddled and bridled and otherwise ready for a run, so he opted to just walk. It wasnt that far.

The Prince stepped into the edge of the woods, then between the trees a bit more until he could be sure of not being seen from the castle. He tried to listen, but heard nothing – not even birds chirping. Then suddenly he found himself flat on his back on the forest floor, a large canine standing on his chest.

“Santana,” he grumbled. The she-wolf backed up, removing her large paws from Kurts shoulders.

“Move, stubborn wolf. You know Im not here to harm anyone,” Kurt groused. He did not appreciate being knocked over into a mud puddle with a borrowed cape. Just as he got his balance back, he felt warm, strong arms slide around his waist and pick him up, then hold him with delight.

“Blaine...” he said, the word like a prayer on his lips. He was dizzy with delight and turned, putting his arms gently around Blaines neck.

Blaine pulled the prince close, giving him a tender kiss.

“I missed you today, Kurt,” the curly-haired boy said.

“I missed you, too. Did you get my signal or is this just a happy coincidence?” he asked.

“Happy? Yes. Coincidence? No. I have been here for several hours. I cannot see the castle from my house, and I didnt want to miss your signal...so I found an excuse to be here,” Blaine smiled.

“Dont you have another love? Someone as handsome as you are must have many admirers,” Kurt flirted. Blaine pulled him closer, their bodies touching in the most delicious places as he ran his hand down Kurts back.

“No one like you, Kurt. Ive never had anyone like you...” he whispered, his lips touching Kurts neck and teasing him with little kisses and an experimental bite. Kurt shivered and a small sound came unbidden from his throat. “You like that?”

“Yes, Blaine, I do. You smell good,” Kurt continued, giggling as Blaine explored the notch between his collarbones with his tongue. He let a sigh escape before tilting his head back, allowing Blaine more access to his neck. He might be new at this, but he knew what he liked and Blaines warm tongue on his neck was a new feeling he didnt want to lose.

“Come with me,” Blaine asked, taking Kurts hand and guiding him between the trees to a small cave on the side of a hill. Kurt followed without question.

“We can have some comfort here, the ground outside is damp,” Blaine explained as he patted a place on the wool rug that lined the floor of the cave. Kurt looked around, seeing that it was set up like a tent, with a campfire near the opening and a few cushions around the sides. There was a small table towards the back with a few dishes.

Kurt sat down on the rug.

“What is this place?” Kurt asked, having never seen anything like it.

“I stay here sometimes when Im out late hunting or if I need to get up early to hunt. There is a river just over the hill and fish are more likely to bite early in the morning,” Blaine explained.

“It does seem cozy, and away from people...” Kurt mused, looking back at Blaine. Just a few days ago, Kurt would never have dreamed of following a stranger into the forest to a cave all alone. He knew better. He had been on guard all of his life, taught this for his own welfare - knowing that to kidnap a Prince of Lourienn would bring a ransom of riches to the outlaw brave enough to carry it out. He had nightmares about being abducted, but for some reason he knew Blaine would never harm him. He felt safe in his arms.

“You are lost in thought, Kurt. Am I so boring?” Blaine asked, his face sad. Blaine was sitting next to him, closer than Kurt had realized.

“No, I...um...I am new here and all of this – it is so new and different to me. Please forgive me, I meant no disrespect,” Kurt stumbled. He scooted closer to Blaine and pressed his lips to the boy in apology. Blaine kissed back, pulling Kurt into his lap. They continued kissing, Blaines hand wandering until he found the hem of Kurts jerkin and snaked his hand up to touch the boys chest.

Kurt jumped, not used to being touched by anyone without permission. He started to slap the hand away, but stopped when it felt so good. His mind was going a mile a minute, so full of thoughts of this new place, this stunningly handsome boy. He knew Blaine was unaware of Kurts rank and status and he found that he liked it that Blaine didnt know he was a prince.

He wondered what Blaine did think – but just then the boys tongue entered his mouth and softly caressed his own tongue and Kurt didnt have room to think of anything else. All the prince could think was how warm and how soft Blaines mouth was and he felt a wonderful ache of anticipation as the boys hand reached to touch more of his skin, the other hand joining the first under Kurts jerkin.

Kurts mind was in turmoil. He wanted to have more – have Blaine touch more of his skin and to touch back. The only obstacle was that the castle guard would be on the lookout for him if he was discovered missing. Nobody knew where he was. At the old palace, Kurt often left his chambers after curfew, but Puck was always with him, his partner in crime, always watching over him. Kurt knew instinctively that Puck would never condone what he was doing now – with Blaine. It made every touch of Blaines fingers tingle with the potential of being caught.

Before, Kurt was relatively safe in his midnight excursions. Everyone in the large city knew who he was and there was nobody brave enough to do something as foolish as kiss the boy. Here, Blaine had no idea that Kurt was the Heir Apparent and so was not deterred by that title. Kurts heart beat faster for the danger involved.

After a while, while they had kept on kissing and Kurts voice came in moans when Blaine pulled back to catch his breath, Kurt began to feel guilty. If the King went to his chambers and found Kurt gone, he would call for Puck. Since Puck had no idea where Kurt was at the moment, Puck would be punished and perhaps even reassigned away from his prince. If Puck were caught gaming when his duty was to guard Kurt – well, Kurt had too many thoughts about what might happen to his dear friend.

“Blaine...” Kurt moaned, then pulled back. He had to get back home – now. He could not be this selfish.

“Kurt?” Blaine asked, looking deep into Kurts blue eyes.

“I...I have to go...back home,” the prince said, his voice full of regret. He looked into the caramel golden eyes that filled his dreams. “Im sorry, but I have obligations. My time is not my own, but we can meet again. I promise,” Kurt said, his voice breaking just a bit. He cleared his throat and put on his royal smile.

“Okay. I understand. Ill take you back,” Blaine offered. He stood, helping Kurt up in spite of his shaky legs. They left the cave, stepping out into the moonlight and through the forest. Kurt was clumsy on his feet, stepping in shallow holes and tripping. Time and again, Blaines arm would catch him before he could fall and help him up.

Kurt grew irritable with himself, cursing when he slipped in a damp patch near a pond and falling before Blaine could catch him. When he fell this time his borrowed homespun cape dragged in the water and soaked up enough to wet the whole thing. Kurt sat up, even more angry with himself. Blaine caught him under one arm and lifted him to his feet. He saw the damage to the cape and untied it, taking it off of Kurts shoulders and wringing the water out of it.

Unfortunately, Kurt was wet, too and stood shivering in the moonlight. Blaine quickly whipped off his own dark blue cape and wrapped it around Kurt to keep him warm. Instead of homespun, this cape was made of heavy wool and kept in the warmth.

“I cant take this from you,” Kurt protested, but Blaines lips stopped him from speaking any more. He pulled the cape tighter around the shivering prince and it was a long few moments before he let Kurt go to walk the rest of the way to the edge of the forest.

“I dont want to leave you, you know that..” Kurt whispered, his arms around Blaines neck.

“I dont want you to go – but we can see each other tomorrow, can we not?”

“Yes. Ill meet you if I can, just look for the blue scarf in my window.” And Kurt was gone, running across the meadow towards the castle. The wolf ran with him, though behind enough that the boy didnt notice her. She guarded him, understanding that he was dear to her master, and what Blaine loved, Santana loved, too.

A set of eyes watched the wolf as she guarded the boy, leaving him as he entered the northern portal in the wall surrounding the castle.

“Nice of you to join me,” Puck said in a steady voice which denied the amount of alcohol in his system. He wasnt prone to use sarcasm, but Kurt rubbed off on him from time to time. He frowned at Kurt, his eyebrows knitting together on his brow.

“I was just out for a night stroll, I couldnt sleep,” Kurt defended himself. He hung up the cape and started to remove his clothes. Puck kept staring at him.

“Was it raining outside?” he asked. “Youre all wet, Kurt.”

“No...I..ummm...I slipped near a puddle and fell into it. Im just damp, nothing to worry about,” the boy said, looking guilty.

“And the cape – Ive never seen you wear that before,” Puck went on interrogating his prince.

“Puck, it is not your job to criticize my wardrobe, is it?” Kurt said with a cutting tongue.

Puck just stood there, glowering at Kurt.

“You know it is my duty to make you safe, my lord. I have sworn myself to keep you so, to defend you with my own life. We have been together since we were small children, Kurt. Why are you telling me lies?” Puck asked. He walked over to the table and opened a bottle of red wine, pouring a good amount into two cups. He picked them up, handing one to Kurt.

“Drink to our friendship, if you would, my Prince, drink to my pledge to be your guardian – I am yours, body and soul,” Puck said in slow, careful speech. He touched his glass to Kurts, making a loud ring as the crystal vibrated, then drank the entire cup of wine. He looked at Kurt with dark eyes, daring him to disavow their relationship. Kurt stood like a statue for a moment, searching Pucks eyes for clues. There were none. Kurt tipped the cup up and drank it all.

Kurt set his cup down, just in time as Puck hurled himself towards his prince, gathering him up in his arms. Kurt could smell the alcohol, and it wasnt all wine. He could detect strong whiskey there, too. Kurt allowed his friend to hug him tightly for a long time, then set the prince down.

Kurt got his nightclothes on, then turned down the blankets on his bed. He got into bed, pulling the covers up to his neck. He was still shivering from the cold, wet mishap in the forest.

“You know, Kurt, it is my duty to tell the King that you have been in the Forbidden Forest. You are not safe there, and well you know it. And for you to go there after tricking me into gaming with the men...some would not take that as easily as I have,” Puck said, his voice steady and even. He swallowed several times. Kurt did not reply. What could he say?

“I know where you were and if I know, it is very likely others know, too. Watch your step, your highness.”

Puck turned and was gone before Kurt had formed two words. He turned in his bed and let out a huge sigh. What was he going to do now?