As per request, the horses drew to a stop just on the outskirts of Lima, so as to not draw too much attention. Kurt hopped off and thanked the driver before running down the hill that surrounded the village. He kept running until he reached his house. He barged in more forcefully than he intended to, startling Burt awake, and making Rachel jump in her seat.

Kurt practically ran over to Burt's side, opposite of Rachel, and grabbed his hand. He reached the other hand into his pocket and removed the vial of medicine, giving it to Rachel. She popped the cork as Kurt lifted his father's head up and placed the vial to his lips. Burt drank slowly, and Kurt had a chance to look at him properly for the first time in days. Burt looked terrible. His face was a pale green and his breathing was ragged. After finishing the medicine, Kurt lay his father back down, allowing him to rest. The only thing left for he and Rachel to do was wait as Burt fell asleep almost immediately.

"I really hope this works. He's been feeling awful for days, and all I could do was give him water, food, and kind words. We've both missed you terribly, Kurt..." Rachel trailed off as they moved to Kurt's room.

Kurt kicked off his boots and lay on his bed, rubbing his face. How was he supposed to sleep on this rock hard mattress after knowing what it felt like to sleep like a King?

"I missed you too, Rachel. Both of you. But Rachel, I have to tell you something, and you must keep it secret. If anyone found out... Let's just say very bad things might happen," Kurt insisted as he sat up on his bed, looking intently at Rachel.

"Of course! Kurt you know I would never tell your secrets. I've kept every single one."

"Yes, yes I know. Okay, well for starters, Westerville is everything we have ever dreamed! There were so many people, and shops, and the castle! Oh the castle was beautiful," Kurt said, smiling as he spoke. Rachel's eyes lit up as she hung on to every word Kurt spoke. He told her of the lower city, and the interesting people he saw there, and when he told her about the citadel, Rachel swooned. He knew she would appreciate it just as much as he had.

"But, the secret I am going to tell you...well, it's about the prince," Kurt began. Suddenly his thoughts moved beyond the girl in front of him, and back to the man who had stolen his heart. "Oh, Rachel, he was gorgeous. He was everything a prince should be, well, except for the height... But he was such a gentleman! He even paid for the medicine."

"Sounds like he's the perfect man," Rachel said, winking and nudging Kurt in the ribs lightly.

"Rachel... he kissed me. I mean he really kissed me." Rachel's eyes grew wide and Kurt noticed that her jaw dropped a bit.

"You mean, the prince is... gay?" Rachel spoke as if she couldn't believe the words coming from her own mouth.

"I don't know. I suppose he is. But Rachel, the way he smiled at me and held me... It made my heart stop and beat ten times faster, all at the same time."

"You should get that checked. No, I'm kidding!" Rachel added when she saw the look Kurt had been giving her.

"Kurt, this is amazing! So does that mean this is your chance to escape this life and finally get out of here?" Rachel questioned, her smile bright and hopeful. Kurt's own smile sank, as he averted his eyes from hers.

"N-no... I don't think it is. Look, Rachel, it may have meant so much more to me than it did to him. Who knows? He probably hasn't even noticed that I've left. The most I can hope for is that he'll think fondly of me from time to time, but surely nothing more than that," Kurt said, disappointment in his voice. Yes, it was true that Kurt had fallen for Blaine in only one night, but the chances of the prince feeling the same were slim to none.

Rachel nodded in understanding as the pair sat in comfortable silence, both trapped in their own thoughts. Kurt knew that it was a one time event, something from fairy tales and legends, but he could not help smiling at the memories that clouded his mind and filled his dreams for the many nights to come.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Weeks passed, and though Burt was noticeably healthier, Kurt insisted on doting on him and watching him like a hawk. Kurt began buying only the healthiest of foods, even though they were more expensive. His own health began to take a turn for the worse, because he was eating even less, making sure that his father's health came first. Kurt hid his dropping weight beneath large tunics, and Burt never noticed a thing. Kurt was thankful for that. The last thing he needed was for his father to start worrying about him any more than usual.

One afternoon, Kurt was in his home when he heard a loud commotion outside. Sparing a moment to see what the fuss was all about, he found that all of the villagers had gathered and formed a circle around a very beautiful horse who was proudly wearing a symbol on its crupper. Kurt moved forward to get a closer look, when a hand caught his wrist and pulled him back. He whipped around to see Rachel looking eager and excited.

"Kurt, quickly!" Rachel begged, pulling at Kurt's wrist again without any other explanation.

"Where are you taking me? Please, Rachel, stop pulling so hard," Kurt said, agitation rising. But his words went unheard as Rachel pulled him away from the crowd and into her home. What he saw when he entered made his breath hitch, and left him a bit lightheaded. Before him stood Blaine, gorgeous as ever, smiling and stepping cautiously toward him.

"Hello."