Blaine's heart was racing as he heard the prince in front of him utter his name. He was beautiful and his big, blue eyes seemed to see right into his soul. He felt as if the air had been knocked out of him. For a moment, he felt he had seen those eyes before but he couldn't exactly place where. It had certainly not been at the ball a couple of weeks back; he was sure he would not have thought of anything else if he had locked eyes with him. He wouldn't have even left for the gardens.

Time seemed to have stopped and they stared into each other's eyes. There was a glow on Kurt's eyes that Blaine could not quite place. It was almost as if he knew him. It made Blaine feel nervous.

Blaine realized he had not responded to the prince's greeting and mentally smacked himself. He was certain he had looked like an idiot just staring back without answering.

"P-Prince Kurt," he stuttered, blushing and bowing to the beautiful man in front of him. "Welcome to our kingdom."

The addressed prince blushed a lovely shade of pink and gave a small smile, successfully sending Blaine's heart into an erratic rhythm. That smile was welcoming and warm but most of all – and Blaine couldn't understand why – it felt right. It felt like home.

But how could that be if they had just met?

Blaine didn't believe in love at first sight, even if this felt strangely like it. He shook his head to clear his racing thoughts. He didn't know anything about the prince.

For a few minutes, no one spoke. King Robert smiled as he noticed how both of his children seemed to be lost to the world as they stared at the foreign princes. Even when he hated that Kurt's safety was being jeopardized, he couldn't help but think that this whole situation could work well for everyone involved. This could mean his children's happiness.

And that was all that mattered to him.

"Well, I'm sure you boys must be exhausted after your trip. Come, let's get you some food and refreshments," the king finally said, gesturing towards the entrance of the castle.

"Thank you, my lord," Finn said. "But I'm afraid I can't stay long. I must return to lead the search party for Prince David."

"Of course, just enough to let your horses rest for your safe return," says the king.

They were ushered inside and Finn immediately stepped in to walk beside the king, giving Rachel a warm smile, which the princess responded with blushing cheeks and a shy look. She followed behind as the two men began talking

"Prince Robert, on regards of communication, my brother and I were wondering…"

Kurt smiled as he realized Finn would try to set his plan in motion. If the king agreed, it would be the perfect situation for everyone. Finn and the princess would be able to continue their courtship through letters, with the occasional hidden message about Kurt and his well-being and Kurt himself would still be able to be in touch with his family during his time away.

He pondered on the idea and tried to figure out if the king would agree on it or not. Then, his mind got distracted as he took in the wonderful decorations. There were paintings on the walls, paintings that seemed to project so many emotions that Kurt was certain they were the creations from someone in the castle. Landscapes and sceneries with idyllic gardens and ponds. He would have to ask who the artist was.

He was so immersed in the art that surrounded them that he failed to notice Blaine walking right next to him. He was dead silent and staring at the floor as they walked through the halls of the majestic castle. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts, his brow furrowed and his long eyelashes fluttering against his olive skin as he blinked. Kurt got lost in his ogling and when he realized what he was doing, he blushed furiously as his mind struggled to do something.

Should he mention their previous childhood friendship? Should he wait until they had warmed up to each other? It was clear both had made an impression on each other and that made Kurt's heard skip a beat. However, based on the general reaction of the prince and his polite demeanor that he hadn't recognized Kurt.

He knew he shouldn't feel bad about it, especially since he had all but forgotten as well, until his father had mentioned their shared childhood. But still, he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that he was the only one that remembered, even if it was a vague memory.

Whatever either of them remembered wasn't important at the time, Kurt noticed as they continued to turn through the halls that lead – he assumed – to either the dining hall or the throne room. He shot a sideways glance to his walking companion and he knew he had to say something since the silence stretching between them was getting unbearable.

Perhaps the question about the paintings could come in handy right now.

"Um, are these – did the princess paint these?" Kurt asked shakily.

That seemed to bring Blaine back to reality, for he shot his head upwards, blinking a few times

"Uh, yes. These are all hers," Blaine signaled around them. "How did you know?"

"Well, I-I guess there's a somewhat feminine esthetic to them. I can tell they were made by a woman's delicate hands."

Blaine smiled.

"Yes, my mother taught her when she was younger. There are a few of her paintings as well but those are closer to my father's chambers. These ones, though, are my cousin's work."

"She is very talented," Kurt commented with a smile.

"Yes, she is."

"Do you paint as well?"

"Oh, no!" Blaine laughed. "She is the artist, not me. Definitely not me."

He let out another laugh before turning to see Kurt. The moment their eyes met, Kurt felt the need to look away, since the intensity of the honey eyes was too much to handle. Those eyes were so big and bright and just… honest. Kurt felt he could lose himself in them. Before he could stop himself or rearrange his words, he blurted out…

"I don't think we could ever repay this favor your family and kingdom is doing for us," he commented as casual as he voice permitted. Inside, he was a bundle of shaking nerves.

"Well, it's our pleasure," Blaine replied, looking a little taken aback. "However way we can help through this dreadful situation," He finished with a kind smile.

Finally, they entered the dining hall. A room with a large, wooden table and at least a dozen chairs with golden engravings on each side. There were two chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, giving the room a lovely lighting. The king and Finn were still talking about Finn's plan, going over details with Rachel about how they would throw in a few lines in a sort of code to let the other know that everything was okay and whether or not there were news.

Kurt and Blaine stopped a few feet away, not wanting to interrupt since they were obviously not needed in that conversation. Blaine turned to face Kurt, continuing with what he was saying at the hall.

"Just… don't hesitate to ask for anything. There will be people at your service for whatever you might need. Myself included. Anything you need, you just let me know and I'll make sure it happens."

"I-I… God, I don't know what to say… Just, thank you, thank you so much," Kurt whispered, his voice cracking and his eyes, full of gratitude, began to tear up.

And right then, Blaine knew Kurt wasn't like the rest.

Because no spoiled, mean, condescending royal could ever utter those words with such sentiment. In any other scenario, with any other prince or princess, Blaine's words would not have been appreciated. It would have been something expected, having everyone at his or her disposal.

But with Kurt…

With Kurt it was as if he really didn't expect or think he deserved so much attention during his stay. And because of that, Blaine decided he liked him. He was now determined to make this prince feel at home, make him forget the reasons for which he had to leave his loved ones behind. He decided he was going to be Kurt's friend.

It was nice, now that he thought about it, to know there was another person just like him, that didn't take the luxury and so called easy life for granted. Just like…

Blaine's eyes widened. Realization hit him like a ton of bricks. His blood ran cold and his breathing hitched.

Just like how he remembered his childhood friend.

His mouth hanged open as he tried to put the pieces together. Could it be? Was this young man in front of him the same boy of his childhood? If he were, then a lot of things would suddenly make sense. The deal between the kingdoms to protect him, his father's cryptic comments and looks whenever they mentioned Winstow or its princes, the weird feeling that hit him just a few moments ago. All of that made sense if they used to be friends and their fathers allies.

"Prince Kurt, do you –"

"Your Majesty," a voice came from the entrance of the dinning hall to reveal Sebastian standing there.

Blaine had never been more annoyed by his presence in his entire life. He cursed under his breath. Every time he felt he was close to discovering his long lost friend's identity, something had to come in his way.

"Sebastian? Come here, my boy!" The king said excitedly, gesturing Sebastian to join them, which he immediately did.

Kurt approached them with Blaine reluctantly following behind. Sebastian seemed to always show up at the worst moments as if he planned to purposely bother Blaine.

"Prince Finn, Prince Kurt, this is Sebastian Smythe, the finest member of the royal guard. Sebastian, may I introduce the princes of Winstow."

Both parties bowed respectfully but Sebastian shot Kurt a nasty glance that was gone in an instant. However, Kurt noticed and wondered what had ignited this man's immediate dislike of him. Part of him guessed it had something to do with him talking to prince Blaine. He had his hunch confirmed when Sebastian walked to stand next to Blaine, smiling a little too brightly at him.

Suddenly, Kurt didn't like Sebastian very much either.

"Weren't you supposed to return next week? Oh, no, don't tell me. You were far too good for those trivia trainings ant there was nothing left to show you, am I right?" the king asked Sebastian.

"Well, yes, something of the sort."

King Robert let out a loud laugh and passed an arm around the younger man's shoulder.

"Just like your father," he then turned to Finn and Kurt. "Sebastian's father is our army's captain."

The princes nodded in understanding. The king noticed their tired faces and turned to one of the servants waiting behind them.

"Marie, could you show prince Kurt his chambers? I believe he needs to rest," he faced Finn. "And are you sure we can't convince you to stay the night, prince Finn? You also seem tired and if your plan is to return through the longer road you need to be well rested."

Finn seemed to consider it for a moment but then decided against it.

"I appreciate the offer, Your Majesty, but I'm fine. I need to return to my kingdom as soon as possible. In fact, I think it'd be best if I go now. This search cannot wait."

"Very well, then. Let's get your horses ready."

The party made their way back to where the horses were being fed. After some more discussion on the matter of the secret letters and a review of certain details, Finn was ready to go. He said his goodbyes to the king and both the prince and princess. Then he turned to Kurt.

The royal family stepped aside to leave the brothers some privacy, as they would be saying goodbye for an indefinite period of time. Forgetting all rules of etiquette and usual cold, royal behavior, they both lunged forward and held each other tightly.

"It's going to be alright, little brother," Finn whispered in Kurt's ear. "I'm going to get you home soon, you'll see."

"I know," Kurt sniffed and tightened his hold. He didn't know if he'd be able to let go but eventually he did.

"Be careful."

"Of course," Finn smiled and hopped into the wagon, turning around and disappearing into the horizon.

Kurt stayed in the same spot even after his brother was out of sight. Then, one of the castle servants – Marie, Kurt remembered King Robert calling her – asked him if he wanted to see his chambers.

He nodded and silently followed her to what would be his home from now on. Just before turning, he saw Blaine out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see him and Blaine shot him a reassuring smile before disappearing down the hall. Kurt blushed.

Well, maybe things wouldn't be as bad for Kurt here. Or at least he thought it that way as he followed Marie to the chambers he would call his own from now on.

Sebastian watched from a darkened corner as Blaine smiled to Kurt and he turned on the hallway to the guestroom he'd be staying in. There was a scowl etched on Sebastian's face as he recalled what he saw before entering the dinning hall.

He had been walking around the castle when he heard the muffled voices coming from the big room. He remembered Wes telling Blaine that the princes of Winstow had arrived and that one of them was threatened by an unhealthy suitor and had to deal with the risk of a kidnap hanging over his head. Sebastian's curiosity got the best of him and he decided to peek and see the princes that had his previous chat with Blaine in the gardens.

He did not like what he found.

King Robert was talking excitedly with the taller of the two princes. Princess Rachel was next to them, listening intently to every word that was being exchanged. But that didn't bother him.

It was the other prince.

He was talking to Blaine, both sharing nervous glances and starry eyes. The expression on Blaine's face said it all; he was interested in this prince. The star seemed to practically shoot out of his eyes. Sebastian frowned and decided to interrupt their 'oh so lovely' chatter.

This boy could mean trouble. He could ruin Sebastian's plans and he would not have that. He stepped right in and interrupted them, focusing everyone's attention to him.

He didn't care if this Kurt was a prince or not. If he got in his way, Sebastian would have to find a way to get rid of him.

Because Sebastian wanted Blaine. He would get Blaine.

But most importantly, he would get Blaine's crown on his own head one day, no matter what. Because Sebastian Smythe always gets what he wants.

And this would be no exception.