Kurt sat on the limb of a maple tree in the castle gardens, gazing out at the training fields where the soldiers, including Blaine, were lined up in twelve even rows. From his perch, Kurt could peer through the swaying leaves, which were beginning to turn golden as they neared the end of September. He saw the King pacing back and forth in front of the men, and if he listened hard enough, he could hear the faint sound of his booming voice.

Finally, Kurt brought himself to gaze at the man in the very center of the front line, standing next to Duke Finn. He was shorter than the others, but just as muscular. His green and gold uniform gleamed in the late afternoon sun.

Kurt admired the way Blaine stood at perfect attention, back straight, chin high. He was so perfect, so regal, that he nearly took Kurt’s breath away.

Every day, while Blaine was busy training and preparing to become King, and Rachel was preoccupied with wedding plans and moving to this new country, Kurt found himself alone a large majority of the time. Sometimes he would join the Dukes Nick and Jeff in a game of chess in the parlor, but their conversations of athletics and politics bored him.

Most of the time, he would roam the extensive library, wandering in and out of the rows of books that towered to the cavernous ceiling. In the few short weeks he had been back in Dalton, he had become very well-versed in the history of Blaine’s country. He’d also scoured out fairy tales to while away the hours. Sometimes he would even sit curled up in one of the window seats of the library and sketch out designs.

Rachel had told Kurt that she wanted him to design her wedding gown. He wasn’t sure if his heart could survive such a task, but he had told his dear sister that he would try. 

“Kurt?” Lost in his thoughts, Kurt jumped at the sound of his name being called from down below. He glanced down to find his sister staring up at him through the branches. “What are you doing up there?”

“Thinking deep thoughts, what does it look like I’m doing?” answered Kurt as he began to climb down.

“Actually, it looked like you were watching Prince Blaine,” Rachel said lightly. Kurt rolled his eyes and huffed loudly when his boots hit the thick grass.

“Shouldn’t be doing something important, little sister?”

“Don’t you dare act the martyr, Kurt, because I’m not going to deal with you if all you’re going to do is throw a pity party every time I come around,” Rachel said decisively, hands planted on her hips. Kurt raised his eyebrows at the petite girl, but did not walk away.

“We haven’t talked properly about. . . you know.”

“You mean the fact that you’re marrying the love of my life?”

Rachel glared at him, but tucked her hand inside the nook of her brother’s arm and began to lead him out of the gardens. “Blaine’s training is ending early today, so while we make the journey to go gather him off those treacherous training fields, you and I are going to have an adult discussion. I’m not going to have my brother hate me for the rest of my life.”

Sighing, Kurt tilted his head up to the sky. “I could never hate you, Rachel. You know that I’m jealous that everyone accepts the fake love between you and Blaine, but would scorn Blaine and I for eternity if we ever showed public affection for one another.”

Rachel was quiet. “I want you to know that I’m sorry, Kurt,” she said softly, lifting her skirts so they wouldn’t drag against the freshly cut grass and dye the ends of the light pink fabric green. “I don’t want this either.”

“I know,” Kurt replied. “Um, how have you and Finn been?”

“Oh.” Rachel blushed. “Good, um, great, actually. I mean, he’s been busy with training, but of course you know that because of Blaine, but it’s been. . . good.”

Kurt chuckled. “Ah, the first man to ever render my sister speechless.” He gazed down at his sister, eyes twinkling with amusement. “I wholly approve.”

Rachel blushed deeper. 

When they reached the edge of the training field, most of the men were milling around the small building that held their changing rooms, chatting amiably, relieved that they would not be training until late that evening as usual.

Rachel waved Blaine down and Kurt admired his toned body as he jogged over.

There were too many people around, so Kurt stood by as he watched Blaine give Rachel a swift kiss on the cheek, barely a brush. Then, he turned and shot Kurt a devilish smile that left his bones feeling liquified. 

“What are you doing here?” Blaine asked the two of them, glancing at Kurt, who shrugged and gestured to Rachel.

“We’re going to pretend that we’re seven years old and take our three favorite horses from the stables, ride off into the sunset, and not return until well after dinner time, that’s what we’re going to do.”

Rachel had that determined look on her face, and both boys knew it would be futile to argue with her, not that they wanted to. Identical grins spread across their faces and their eyes suddenly became alight with childish delight.

The three friends darted off across the field toward the stables, laughing for no reason except that they were overwhelmed with such youthful happiness that they felt as if their heavy hearts would explode.

Pink-cheeked and breathing heavily, the three of them stumbled into the stables. At the sight of the young royals, several servants jumped to their feet and began to follow Rachel’s orders to saddle their three favorite horses. In the flurry, Blaine and Kurt waited patiently off to the side. Without looking over at him, Blaine reached out to give Kurt’s hand a gentle squeeze.

“How are you today, my love?” he whispered.

Kurt smiled at him. “Still in love with you.”

Blaine’s eyes crinkled as he grinned. “That’s very good to hear.”

Rachel snapped her fingers at the two of them, shooting them a warning glare. She sat perched in her saddle, waiting impatiently for Kurt and Blaine as they mounted their own horses. Then, without a backward glance, the three of them galloped out of the stables and away from the castle, delving deep into the forests bathed in a golden afternoon glow.