The sunlight slowly crept into the room, a gentle breeze swiftly moving the curtains of Kurt's room. He stirred in his bed, trying to get a tighter hold on the sheets covering his body as his face tried to escape the light that was reaching him. He blinked a few times, realizing that the damage was done and he would not be able to go back to sleep. He released his hold on the sheets and shifted so he was facing the ceiling. His eyes were finally able to stay open and he took in his surroundings.

And then panic took him over.

He bolted up, tossing the sheets and kicking them so they'd release their hold on his legs. Jumping out of the bed, he looked at the unfamiliar room. His still groggy mind tried to tie the knots and when the events from the previous evening slowly made their way into his mind, he began to calm down. He felt his entire body relax as he remembered.

He was in Davon. He was safe. David had not gotten to him. And most importantly, although he doubted he would get used to it anytime soon, this was his bedroom.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, trying to control his breathing. He ran a hand through his head and then stood up, walking around the room. He felt like he was suffocating. The air in his lungs wasn't enough and he ran to the balcony door, yanking it open and stepping outside, where the chilly breeze of the morning hit him and he finally felt like he could breathe again.

The view was incredible from there. The sun was rising behind the mountains and its golden rays were slowly hitting the town below him. He could see the small houses beyond the wonderful green gardens and the scene just made him miss home even more. He wanted to go out, walk through the town streets, talking to the citizens like he usually did. But he wasn't home, this weren't the streets he was so used to, nor the people he talked to regularly.

What was he supposed to do now? Back home there was always something to do, an agenda to fill. He was always busy, whether it was helping his father, riding with Finn, shopping through town with Carole or just gossiping with Quinn and Mercedes, he always had something to occupy his time. But here… Here, he was a guest and he wasn't needed for anything.

He walked over to his trunk, getting some clothes out and placing them in the bed. He didn't know what time it was but he didn't want to waste the day being locked in his room. He took the nightshirt he was wearing and was just about to toss it away when a knock interrupted him.

"Yes?" he asked gently.

Thinking it may just be a maid with an announcement or just wanting to check up on him, he didn't bother to put on a shirt. He figured he could just answer without having to open the door.

What he did not expect was the door opening right away and Prince Blaine stepping in with a silly grin on his face.

"Good morning, Your Majesty, I – Oh my god!" Blaine quickly turned around as Kurt shrieked and covered himself with the shirt in his hands, both blushing profusely.

"I-I'm really sorry… I was just – I mean, I thought I'd come check up on you, I didn't think –"

Blaine felt his heart hammering his chest with so much force; he felt he could die from embarrassment. But he also couldn't stop thinking about what he had just seen. That beautiful, porcelain and that lithe body just sent chills through his spine. This man was doing things to him and every time he looked at him, he felt more intrigued and enchanted. There was an air of mystery and at the same time, a sense of familiarity in the young prince and Blaine wanted nothing more than to unravel the secrets surrounding him.

"No," Kurt said quickly, putting on his shirt but still feeling completely embarrassed. "No, I am sorry. I didn't think it would be – I thought you were a maid o-or, um, I just didn't think the door would open."

Blaine was still with his back turned to Kurt, neither of them knowing what to say. Kurt tugged at his shirt, rearranging it before he raised his eyes to the broad back of the prince.

"I-I'm decent now," he mumbled, feeling the blush creep in his cheeks again.

Kurt watched as the prince turned around to face him. His green-hazel eyes shone with a hint of nervousness and something else Kurt could not place. He felt himself go lightheaded as he stared into the beautiful orbs but the moment was broken when Blaine started laughing uncontrollably. Kurt couldn't keep the smile that was tugging at his lips as he saw Blaine bent over from laughter.

"What is it?" he asked him, light laughter mixing up with his words.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Blaine breathed but continued to laugh. "This was so embarrassing it's actually funny."

Kurt laughed as well. He supposed Blaine was right. The situation was so awkward and ridiculous; they couldn't help but laugh about it.

"So, um, is there anything you needed?"

"Oh, yes! I mean, not so much as needed, just – my father wanted someone to show you around and I offered to be your companion for the day, is that okay?"

"Of course!" Kurt said, smiling warmly. What better way to tour around the kingdom than in the company of a handsome, dapper prince?

"Excellent!" Blaine replied a little too enthusiastically. "I, um, I'll let you get ready, then. I'll be waiting for you in the dining room so you can eat something before we go."

And with that, he gave a small bow and left the room.

A few minutes later, Kurt entered the dining room, where Rachel, Blaine and king Robert were already seated, two empty services left. Kurt wanted to sit in the chair next to Blaine's but he was certain the proximity would not allow him to breathe, let alone eat. So, instead, he sat down next to Rachel, who threw him a kind smile.

"Good morning, Princess, my Lord," Kurt said, nodding to them both.

"Please, my boy, there's no need to be so formal. Call me Robert," the king said affectionately.

"And call me Rachel," the princess added with her own bright smile.

Kurt nodded, smiling in return. He looked across the table to find Blaine already staring at him with an almost fond look on his face. Kurt blushed and immediately darted his eyes to the food on the table, grateful for anything that would distract him from the intensity of Blaine's gaze.

Something tugged at his chest. Aside from the growing attraction he felt for the prince, there was also the issue of their shared past that made Kurt nervous. He wanted to believe that Blaine had remembered something the day before, since he seemed to want to say something to him before they were interrupted…

By the very same man that was now entering the room.

Kurt tried his hardest to never hate or think ill of anyone. But he couldn't help the twist in his stomach and the chill that went through his body at the side of Sebastian. There was something wrong with him, something that Kurt didn't like. It may have something to do with the way he just ogled Blaine before he sat down but Kurt knew there was something else. Something dangerous.

He needed to be careful around him.

Blaine and Kurt made thier way out of the castle soon after breakfast was over and they hopped on a small wagon like the one he and Finn had rode into Davon with. Blaine lead the way while Kurt looked around amazed by the beauty of the houses and the cheerfulness of the people. There were certain things, certain spots here and there that seemed vaguely familiar and that made him suddenly remember a flash of his childhood, when his mother was still alive and he and Blaine used to spend every summer together. When all the terrors of the world still hadn't reached them yet.

He glanced sideways at Blaine who kept chatting excitedly about the citizens and the small shops and the landmarks. He pointed here and there and laughed as he recalled a funny story or sighed as he showed Kurt some of the vestiges of the war that had broken down.

Kurt didn't want to interrupt him but he also couldn't stand not telling Blaine that he had been here before, even if he could not remember it all that clearly. He wanted to let him know so that maybe both of them could recover all those memories… together.

"… This was, I think, the worst of all the battlefields. I remember that – I'm boring you with this, aren't I?"

Kurt's head shot upwards and he turned to look at Blaine, mentally cursing himself for offending the prince but when they locked eyes, he noticed Blaine was neither angry nor upset and he actually had a smirk on his face. That made Kurt relax, but he still felt terrible for not granting his entire attention to Blaine's words.

"N-No, you're not! I just – I tried to imagine what – what it must've been like for you to have to face all those horrible things at such a young age."

Blaine sighed and leaned back against the wagon, letting the reins of the horses fall a little more loosely on his lap.

"It was horrible. I would have never believed men could be capable of such things. The hatred, the destruction, and the pain – just, everything was too present, deeply etched in everyone's souls. It made me realize that the world I lived in was nothing but a bubble, so fragile and so easily destroyed."

"I can only imagine how hard things were for you and the princess," Kurt commented, frowning with a sad look on his face as he watched Blaine's pained expression.

"It was worse for her. We both lost quite a lot during the war and even after it had ended but she – she really did loose everything. Her painful sobs and the heartbroken face she wore during those days still hunt me sometimes. And I hate that she's the one that has to suffer it all."

Kurt couldn't help himself and before he knew it, he placed his hand on top of Blaine's, brushing his thumb against the skin beneath it.

"But she's so lucky to have you."

They shared a glance that quickly filled the air around them with tension and nervousness. Their heartbeats increased and Kurt noticed the way Blaine's eyes went straight to his lips and back to his eyes several times. What he didn't notice was the way they were both unconsciously leaning towards each other. It wasn't until Kurt saw something appear out of the corner of his eye that he turned his head.

"Watch out!" he yelled as a small dog appeared on the road. Blaine turned them just in time, the wagon tilting to the side for a brief instant before settling back on the floor again. Blaine forced the horses to stop, panting heavily and turning to Kurt.

"Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.

Kurt took a deep breath before nodding, his heartbeat setting for a slower pace. He closed his eyes and smiled a little.

"That was intense," he commented as he opened them and turned back to see Blaine.

Blaine let out a small laugh and nodded.

"Maybe we should continue by foot, give the horses a chance to rest and drink some water in the meantime."

"Okay."

"Besides, I really don't think I would get us in danger by foot."

Kurt snorted loudly and so adorably that Blaine couldn't stop the fond smile that covered his features. This beautiful, chestnut-haired prince was doing things to him and it didn't bother him at all.

"You never know," Kurt said before flashing Blaine a small, bashful smile that almost drove him crazy. He had to shake his head to rearrange his thoughts.

He guided the wagon to a small clearing where they left the horses to drink some water from the river running nearby.

"Won't they run away?" Kurt asked curious.

"No, I always do this when I take a trip to the town."

They walked closely to each other, Kurt leaning to Blaine as the prince commented on the scenery or the history of the places they walked by. He talked and talked and Kurt was happy to listen, not really in the talkative mood. If Blaine noticed this, he didn't comment on it and Kurt was glad. He had never been the type to talk a lot, preferring to listen to others.

After a little sightseeing, they reached a small flea market that Kurt almost ran to. It was filled with small stands of antiquities and curious objects. It was really crowded but it wasn't overbearing. It was quite nice, actually. Everyone seemed to know each other and they all acknowledge Blaine as the two princes walked around. Kurt could tell how much the people loved the Davon prince. The gentle smiles and nice greetings made it perfectly clear.

He noticed how some of the customers and even the stand owners would look at him curiously and some would even frown as their eyes settled on Kurt but he tried to ignore it. He didn't understand why they looked at him like that and he could only hope it wasn't because they thought him an intruder or a threat to their kingdom.

They came to a stand of jewelry, where Kurt took a small, silver pendant in the form of a dragon with sapphire eyes. Blaine peered through his shoulder as he admired the piece.

"That's beautiful, do you like it?" He asked.

Kurt nodded, not taking his eyes away from the pendant.

"It is really beautiful."

He placed it back and continued to eye the rest of the objects. He wanted to take the pendant with him but he had forgotten his money back at the castle so he couldn't buy it. Blaine noticed Kurt's action and frowned.

"You're not going to take it?"

"Oh, no. I was just admiring it," Kurt said, brushing it off.

The comment earned the attention of the owner that approached them. He recognized Blaine immediately.

"Your Majesty!" He greeted, bowing. "It's been a while since you've come to the market. Oh, and I see you have not come alone."

He turned to smile at Kurt, bowing slightly as he took in the expensive robes he wore, assuming he was also royal. When he took the time to truly see Kurt's face, though, he frowned, just like some of the people they had encountered during the day.

"Have I seen you somewhere before, my lord?" The owner said, pursing his lips in an attempt to remember. He finally understood the reason behind the curious glances and the whispering when he heard the man's question.

"Oh, I highly doubt so, it's his first time here," Blaine interjected.

"Actually…" Kurt started and Blaine's eyes darted to his. "Blaine, I – "

"Hello, you two," Sebastian's voice came from behind them and Kurt swore he could have taken the collectible daggers lying in the stand next to the one they were looking at and attacked Sebastian with them. He resisted the eye roll as the annoying army captain approached them.

"How has the tour gone so far?" he said, giving Kurt a big – and fake – smile.

Kurt refused to answer, opting for crossing his arms across his chest.

"Very well, I think," Blaine said, shooting Kurt a quick glance and a smile.

"Excellent! You don't mind me joining you, I hope?"

"Not at all," Kurt said through greeted teeth.

The three of them continued their tour around the market. Kurt's mood had visibly soured and he talked even less as they walked, too upset at his lost chance of bringing up the subject of their childhood friendship to Blaine. It was almost as if Sebastian knew the truth and was keened to prevent it from reaching his prince.

Kurt sighed, surrendering. He could only hope he would get his chance soon.

They returned to the castle soon after. The atmosphere had changed a lot since the arrival of Sebastian and Blaine had decided it was best if they returned early for dinner. He was nervous as he watched Kurt's demeanor on the way back. He was silent and pensive and Blaine could only hope it wasn't because he had hated this whole day with him.

When they got back, dinner was ready and they were ushered right into the dining hall, where Rachel and King Robert were already seated.

"Perfect! I didn't think you would make it back on time," the king commented as he watched the boys enter the room and take their seats. He gave a small smirk to both Kurt and Blaine, but neither of them seemed to notice.

Dinner was quiet and after they were done, Rachel approached Kurt, telling him she wanted to talk with him about the secret code his brother, the king and her had worked on for their letters. Kurt followed her to her chambers and once they were inside, she whirled around to face him, eyes bright and excited.

"While it is true that I wanted to discuss the secret code with you, there are other reasons for my bringing you into my chambers."

Kurt frowned, completely confused and a little scared, to be honest.

"Okay… Then why am I here, milady?"

"Oh, please. I told you, I'm just Rachel. And well, you see," She mumbled, her cheeks turning the faintest tone of pink. "I just believe you and I are really similar and we could, um, maybe become good friends during your stay here?"

She finished with a questioning tone, as if she was asking him to be her friend. His eyes softened and he smiled at her.

"Of course, I would love to be friends with you," He replied, stepping closer to her.

She smiled broadly and clapped her hands excitedly. Turning around, she all but ran to her bed and sat down, looking at Kurt and patting down at the space next to her.

"Let's get acquainted," she said.

Kurt laughed and followed.

"So… do you like my cousin?" she asked the moment he sat down next to her.

Sebastian walked down the hall to Blaine's chambers. He wanted to spend some time alone with him, since he hadn't been able to because of the arrival of that annoying Winstow prince. He really didn't like him and he needed to think of new and better ways to keep Kurt away from Blaine or things would get complicated. The growing attraction between the two of them was almost undeniable now and if Blaine decided to stay with Kurt, Sebastian would lose his chance at the Davon throne. And he couldn't allow that.

He was walking right in front of Rachel's chambers, his pace quick as he tried to reach his destination, when he heard the voice he'd been dreading for these last two days coming from inside. He raised a quizzical brow and approached the half closed door, listening vaguely to the conversation that was taking place inside.

"And it had been such a wonderful day until Sebastian arrived." Kurt was saying, his tone bitter as he pronounced Sebastian's name.

"Oh, no…" Rachel supplied and Sebastian heard Kurt sigh.

"Yes, it was a dreadful experience from then on. I utterly hated that we had to continue our little, fantastic adventure with him tagging alone. I honestly don't like him."

"Oh, me neither. I never have."

Sebastian smirked from his side of the door. He couldn't care less if the princess didn't like him. He had never liked her either. But Kurt…

A quick, swift plan came to his head and he continued his way to Blaine's chambers, a triumphant smile on his lips. Manipulation was one of his many skills.

He opened the door quickly, discovering Blaine and his nights sitting at the table in his room playing cards.

"Sebastian, what –"

"Could I have a moment alone with you?"

Blaine frowned for a moment before turning to his knights and nodding to them. They all left their game on their table and stood up, quickly leaving the room through the door behind Sebastian. All but Wes, who took his time to leave and even shooting a nasty look at Sebastian before disappearing.

"What is it?" Blaine asked, half curious, half concerned.

"It's about prince Kurt."

Now Blaine was definitely concerned.

"What about Kurt?"

"I… I overheard him talking ill of you."

Blaine's eyes widened in shock.

"What are you talking about?"

"I heard him talking to Rachel, Blaine. He was complaining about the "dreadful time" he had today or something of the sort. He looked really upset and annoyed."

"That can't be…" Blaine whispered as he recalled Kurt's attitude during the day. He had been silent at first, blaming it on his shyness and homesickness but Blaine was sure his few carefree laughs and the happy glances he shot Blaine had not been an act.

But Blaine suddenly remembered Kurt's discomfort on their way back. His quietness. The way he seemed to draw back. Had Blaine done something to upset him?

"Oh, and I heard him say he had utterly hated this little adventure you two went on."

Blaine felt his heart sink in his chest.

Was it true? Did Kurt hate him now?