As the wooden carts rattled and jolted over the uneven terrain, the air thick with swirling dust, a sweet, serene woman sat humming a folk tune, the melody wafting gently in the breeze that stirred through the desolate path. Lying close by, half-dozing at the leisurely motion, was Second, his mind already miles ahead, trying to orchestrate a plan to quickly find the shadowy figure. The illusion was shattered when a sudden outburst from one of the woman's brothers pierced the stillness.

"Sister! We're here!". Startled, Second snapped up from his posture, his eyes widening as they focused on the majestic sight before him.

The gate to Artemis kingdom was a monolithic piece of art , a graceful light yellow frame complemented by the predominantly white structure, set off by extravagant, intricate engravings in a brilliant gold. It was a stark contrast to Hephaestus Kingdom, aged and worn, whose naive monochromatic silver had never stayed with him. The woman, noticing the child-like wonderment in Second's soft gasp, giggled.

"Welcome to Artemis kingdom!". She said, her voice brimming with pride. Second looked back at her with a nod, since she wouldn't be able to see how happy he was under his cloak. But as they stopped and the guards approached, the woman gave Second a warning glance.

"Quickly, hide in the straws".

"Why? What's there to hide?". Second asked confused, seeing how she glanced back to see her two brothers stopping the guards and handle the talk instead of her, which gave her time to explain to him in a hush note.

"The kingdoms have imposed strict rules; no one can enter or leave without a gold card, a document that has the King's permission written on it". Smirking lightly at Second's incredulous expression, the woman continued with a chuckle,

"Given the looks of it, I'm guessing you don't have one since this seems to be your first time here". she said, eyebrow cocked in amusement. Nodding in understanding, Second promptly hid under the covering straw, right when the guards reached the group.

Apparently, her brothers informed the guards that she had the card. And indeed, she did.

She pulled out the card and flashed it to the guard who humphed as a nod of approval, then signaled to the rest to swing open the grand gate. Once the carts were moving again, Second felt a tug on his hand, pulling him out of his hiding place. Gasping, he readied himself for confrontation, holding again his cloak tightly, only to find the woman standing over him with a smirk.

"We're good now. You can come out". She assured him, her soft laughter gracing the air. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Second expressed his profound appreciation, thanking her and her brothers for their assistance. To this, she waved her hand dismissively, her voice warm and sincere,

"It was a pleasure meeting someone as kind as you!".

The moment came when the cart had to halt, and it was time for Second to continue his journey on foot. With a final wave, he watched as the cart moved on, leaving him face-to-face with the possibilities of what might lie ahead in Artemis magnificent kingdom.

Second held his bag close to him, watching the kingdom with wide-eyed wonder. It was just so... different from Hephaestus kingdom.

Second was in awe as he walked through the foreign kingdom. The vibrant scenery was a stark contrast with his own, filled with much more life and prosperity. The houses in this place were grandiose and strikingly colorful compared to the dull structures back in his own kingdom. Animated by a vibrant energy, a part of him couldn't help but be enchanted by the scene unfolding before him: a lively musical performance was coloring the atmosphere with melody and rhythm as people gathered around a nearby restaurant. Mesmerized by the spectacle, a woman and a man swaying to the sweet sounds of a violin, it was just magnificent.

"Wow...". He breathed, a warm and genuine smile creasing his youthful face. Yet, that fleeting moment of joy was short-lived; the full weight of his mission fell on him, like a bucket of icy water. He wasn't there merely for sightseeing, but to accomplish a mission of utmost importance, a challenge that would determine the fate of kingdoms.

"I have no idea what I'm doing...".

A frown slipped down onto Second's face, a reality dawning on him that was harsher than he would have liked. As he spoke the words, a part of him knew he couldn't let that stop him. Sitting alone on the street, the task at hand seemed insurmountable. He knew that failure would mean his return to the palace with empty hands after foolishly escaping; returning after making everyone there, including his three brothers, worried sick about him.

"Okay, Second. Gather your thoughts". He muttered, determined not to give up. His mind raced as thoughts rolled, colliding and tangling with what little information he had. Suddenly, an idea struck him. He recalled the details Victim had shared about the attacker, who vanished as suddenly as he appeared. Obsessively studying this pattern, Second suddenly saw the light. Victim said other kingdoms had reported similar attacks, which it mustn't have been the first strike from this enemy. So, others must've seen this evil guy, or at least known something about it, right?

"That's it!". Second exclaimed, a new hope igniting inside him. Fueled by this revelation, he leapt up. He glanced around and started to briskly walk, aiming to engage with someone. He rushed to the nearest person he saw, tapping them on the shoulder with eagerness.

"Excuse me, sir, have you heard anything about any recent attacks around here?". He inquired. The person paled visibly, seemingly shocked, and choked out a thin and terrified,

"I have no idea what you're talking about!!". His voice quivering subtly. Before Second could ask any follow-up questions, the man had scampered away, leaving confusion in the wake. With a frustrated sigh, Second was back to square one. But he couldn't let one small setback deter him from his all-important mission. Shrugging off the oddity, Second attempted the same inquiry with more people, hoping for different results.

Second had been traipsing the cobbled streets of Artemis Kingdom for what seemed like hours, a sense of urgency propelling him forward. Second walked through the narrow, deserted streets, his questions echoing off the walls almost as much as the clack of his boots. He tried to ask the locals about the recent attacks but all he received was either ignored stares or dumbfounded expressions.

The annoyance started to build up inside him like a rushing river bursting its banks. The sun was setting quickly, giving way to the inky black night. The melodious sound of doors and windows being locked filled the air. As the reality dawned that he hadn't secured a place for the night, Second cursed himself in frustration and started searching for a hotel. His concentration on searching for a place to stay led him to bump his head into the back of a stranger, the unexpected impact sending them both tumbling onto the stones beneath their feet.

"Ow...". They both mumbled from the rough ground's impact, and then the stranger gasped in surprise. Second was on his feet, heart in his throat.

"M-My apologies!". He exclaimed, worry lacing his voice as he offered a hand to the stranger. The touch of skin brought his mind to a jarring halt, he found himself gazing into eyes the color of the sun-dappled Baltica, their tone shifting from pure honey to sea hues. A head of short green hair, partly framing his face, crinkled in a smile that pacified the storm within him.

"Quite alright, no harm done". The stranger looked fine, and as soon as Second pulled him up, he returned the smile before his expression quickly changed to a curious one. He squinted his eyes in an attempt to examine Second, and then an expression of realization washed over his face.

"W-Wait, aren't you Second, Prince Second of the Hephaestus Kingdom?". He asked, his voice modulated with disbelief, catching Second off guard. Second stared in shock, his hands shooting to his head, naked and unshielded. Lament was quick to follow, as he found himself without the comfort of his cloak, it must have come off when the two bumped into each other.

"Oh god". Thought Second, covering his face with the cloak, starting to laugh nervously and glance around frantically in the search of an exit. The stranger had the audacity to look delighted, bowing in respect at the sight of a royal face.

"Your Highness, it's an honor to meet you!". Second, terror gripping his mind, shushed the man as he fumbled to conceal his identity.

"Keep it down!". He whispered harshly through clenched teeth. The green-eyed man frowned, confusion partly replacing his awe. The panic cowled over his countenance as the stranger raised a questioning gaze.

"Are... you alright there, your highness?".

Unabated, Second spotted an alley and lunged for the man's hand. Tugging him along, their breaths mingled in the night's air, scurrying like two thieves in the night. When they reached their hidden corner, Second laid his hands firmly on the man's shoulders, a serious expression taking over his face.

"Tell me your name". Second asked with newfound intensity.

"I'm Green, your highness". The stranger, still startled, emptied his query with reverence. Second scoffed, annoyance stark.

"Cut the 'Your Highness' crap! We're in no royal ball on the moon. If you value your skin, you'd better keep your trap shut, lest someone else catch on!".

"Whoa, relax... Are you okay? I've never seen royalty act in such... a lousy way before". Green shot him a surprised look but then a smirk played on his lips. Second chuckled, his hysteria echoing in the enclosed space.

"I'd appreciate if you never saw my face and recognized me at all". He spat, the stress unmade by the stranger's humour.

"So, why the disguise?".

"You're fully aware we shouldn't be discussing something like this here". Second murmured. Green observed for a brief moment, a glint of resolution replacing the concern.

"Do you have a place to stay?". He probed, Second shook his head no.

"Come with me. You can stay at my place for now, if you wish". Green stretched his arm, wholeheartedly inviting Second to follow.

Second hesitated, the stranger's offer felt like a risk. Having just met Green, he had no idea whether or not he could trust him. But facing the night alone seemed like a darker prospect, leaving him with little choice but to accept Green's help. Shaking away his doubt for the time being, Second nodded respectfully and quietly followed Green down the gloomy streets. Which made Green’s smile ever more sugary-sweet.

"I live just a few blocks away! We can talk more when we get there". He gestured to the path they were to take, glancing back at Second with hopeful green eyes.

The end of the day was a whirl of emotions and disasters for Second, but for now, he was safe. He was no longer just the prince from Hephaestus, he was Second, lost and uncertain. And for the moment, accepting the unexpected help of a perfect stranger was his best chance at survival in Artemis Kingdom.

(Hellooo, everyone!! I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter 'cause I did! Man, finally found Green🤣.

I know this chapter came a bit too late so accept my humble apology☺️. I just had to rewrite it 'cause it was a mess and the chapter wasn't chaptering so I had to delete all of it and start over🙃🤣.

And I think you guys already know about how tired I am so I basically have an acceptable excuse so here's that🤣.

Have fun reading the next chapter).