"Just wait until you see the palace from up close, Second! The gate alone is a masterpiece, every inch of it tells a story!". Green, hopping from foot to foot in excitement, gestured towards the grand gate ahead. Second chuckled, pulling his cloak tighter around his face, a faint blush creeping up his neck.

"Green, you know I've been inside a palace all my life. I doubt anything could surprise me anymore". Green shrugged, keeping lightness radiating from every inch of him.

"We'll just have to see that, won't we Prince Second?". He asked, singing the last part with a lighthearted tone. Second just hummed in respond, walking behind Green but then looked down at his reflection in a nearby puddle, his eyes lingering on the now-uniform amber color, his other emerald eye now became amber as well.

"Speaking of... how long will this potion last?". Green's bright eyes darted to Second's face, then back at the ground. He tapped a finger on his cheek, trying to recall.

"At least until midnight, if we're lucky. Though, I've never used this one on myself, so I'm not entirely sure". Second pondered this for a moment, eyebrows furrowing slightly before his eyes drifted back to his new look.

"You didn't happen to... make... this potion, did you?". He asked tentatively, his gaze finding Green's. Green puffed a laughed, throwing his head back and placing a hand on his hip.

"Oh heavens, no! I'm no witch, no alchemist, none of that! It was a gift, though. Quite a weird one, really, from Prince Golden. You know, Prince Purple's little brother".

Before Second could open his mouth to respond, Green stopped abruptly, a fond smile placed on his face. Out of the corner of his hooded eye, Second caught Green's widened eyes and then felt his body bump into Green's back. Reeling a bit from the sudden halt, he prepared to quiz him on his reasons for standing still. However, gasps of surprise and amusement quickly blotted out the words forming on his tongue.

Before them loomed the magnificent entranceway to the royal palace. It was a sight barely describable. Flowers of all colors were dangling from the gate, like the door to a magical, beautiful paradise. Each petal was dazzling: shades of pink, violet, and others beyond recognition glittered in the sun, their colors brought out by the intricate tangles of gold that covered every inch of the gate. The sight was definitely a new one. Second was well aware that Hephaestus kingdom's gate didn't have such vivid colors, apart from silver and gold. It seemed that Green's claims of the gate being spectacular were indeed true.

"Wow". Second breathed, speechless. His palace might have been grand, but it lacked the vibrant, almost otherworldly charm of this gate. It was as if Mother Nature herself had woven a masterpiece of color and light.

"See? I told you!". Green, his eyes wide with excitement, remembering his first time seeing the gate too, beamed at Second.

"I suppose you were right. This is... beyond anything I could've imagined".

However, as soon as they entered the grounds, seeing the maids scurrying around, carrying plates of delicacies and floral displays, they both realized that something was afoot. Green tried to stop one of the maids but failed as they all ran in such a hurry, but after noticing the golden colored box being carried by two maids that was filled with wine, he knew exactly what was going on and Second definitely won't be so happy about this.

"Oh dear". Green chirped nervously, eyes wide as he watched the flurry of activity in the palace garden.

"What? What's going on?". Second asked worriedly. Green's playful demeanor evaporated, his eyes widening in panicked realization turned to Second.

"Um. I do believe I've accidentally forgotten something rather crucial... like, say, the King's grand party tonight? And most of the royalty and nobles who will be... attending?". He tried to mask his panic with a shaky laugh, turning to Second with a hopeful grin. Second, his jaw dropped and brow furrowed in disbelief, stared at Green for a moment before letting out a frustrated yell.

"What?!". He exclaimed, his voice laced with a hint of anger before adding,

"You're telling me we are about to walk into a gathering of the entire court?!". Green, his face flushed with shame, quickly nodded, guilt gnawing at his chest.

"I-It completely slipped my mind! I was so focused on getting you to the palace... I'm so sorry, Second. I messed up".

"Look, Green, I appreciate your efforts, but this is beyond disastrous! We can't just barge into a royal party! Thousands of nobles, royalty... they'll recognize me instantly! And then... and then...".

Second's voice trailed off, his face growing pale with dread. He pictured the inevitable chaos, the whispers, the scrutinizing stares, the unwanted attention. He can't let them see him, if they knew he was the prince of Hephaestus kingdom they'll immediately inform his brothers. Green, seeing the growing panic in his friend's eyes, quickly came up with a plan. His face lit up with a mischievous grin.

"Don't worry, Second, I have an idea! I'll ask Purple to meet someone important, a friend of mine, in my room. That friend, of course, will be you! I'll be distracting everyone at the party with my singing, and, hopefully, we'll have a chance to get what we need and slip away unnoticed!". He exclaimed, his voice overflowing with a newfound confidence. Though, frustration stirred in Second's heart as he barely managed to contain it.

"Purple? Purple, who can barely stand to look at me? We agreed that you will be the one to ask him, not me. He'd be more likely to shove me out the nearest window!". Green's cheerful demeanor faltered a bit. He looked down, a flush creeping up his neck as he thought of Purple's beautiful eyes, the amethyst and sapphire that seemed to hold a universe of secrets. Why dose no body see that Purple isn't that bad. He couldn't bear to listen to Second's cynicism.

"I know what people say, Second... but I know purple. He's not heartless, even if he doesn't show it. I know I can count on him, and I'm sure he won't let us down".

He insisted, his voice firm despite the inner turmoil. Second hesitated, his gaze fixed on Green's determined face. He knew Green wasn't the type to be reckless, but the whole situation felt like a gamble with high stakes. Despite his reservations, he couldn't help but be swayed by his unwavering belief in Purple. He knew they were taking a huge risk, but the thought of waiting another day, another chance for the mysterious guy to strike, filled him with dread. Green's enthusiasm was infectious, his plan, despite its reckless nature, instilled a sliver of hope.

"Fine! But if anything gose wrong, I'm blaming you. All of it". Second sighed, his frustration evident in his voice. As the rush of excitement kicked in, Green grabbed Second's hand.

"Yay! You won't be disappointed, trust me!". He promised, as Second giggling to himself at the thought of literally not having any other choice but to trust his new friend. They moved forward together, about to brave the royal party, with the hope that his plan would work, and their search would finally be over.

As both Second and Green walked in with complete silence following every step they took, Green's mission at this moment was to get Second to his room as quickly as possible, avoiding the eyes of everyone in this castle, especially any nobles or royalties. Their steps were light, almost silent, as they navigated the maze of corridors, and Second couldn't lie or hide how worried he was, the thought of being caught by King Orange himself made him shiver slightly. However, if Prince Purple was to be the one to find them, he would just save the trouble and jump out of the nearest window himself.

"How much longer till we reach your room?". Second whispered, his voice barely audible above the hushed sounds of the castle. He kept his head down, his cloak pulled tight around him, trying to blend into the shadows.

"Almost there. Just a few more twists and turns, then we're in my little haven". He said with a reassuring smile, his bright green eyes sparkling with mischief. He glanced around, keeping a watchful eye out for any passing maids.

Finally, they reached a door a few steps away from Prince Golden's chambers. Green, with a dazzling, bright-eyed smile, slid the door open and ushered Second inside. He glanced over his shoulder to ensure the coast was clear, closing the door softly behind them.

Second followed Green into the room, the heavy cloak he wore making no sound. Stepping onto the plush carpet, he couldn't help but notice how similar Green's palace quarters were to his back in Hephaestus. He collapsed onto Green's bed, a fluffy, luxurious expanse that reminded him of his own comfy bed.

"So... how long until your preformence begins?". He inquired, shifting his gaze toward his companion. Green, perched on the edge of the bed, spaced out for a moment before answering,

"Not until one of the maids comes knocking. It could be a while, I guess?".

Second hummed in response, closing his eyes briefly, letting the silence wash over him and sink into the softness of the bed. Suddenly, and he didn't know why, but his mind drifted back to his step-brother Victim, his face pale and gaunt, his voice raspy with exhaustion. The memory of him struggling to control his powers, the coughing fits that wracked his body, made Second wince. He yearned to be with his brothers, to share their burdens, but he knew he had to be strong.

He was doing this for them, for everyone. He had to find a way to save them.

Suddenly, a thought struck his mind. He opened his eyes, focusing his gaze on Green, who seemed lost in his own thoughts while fiddling with his fingers. Second had only known the boy as the palace songbird, a talented singer with an angelic voice, and a kind soul who offered Second a golden opportunity. He'd been so focused on the mission, on saving his kingdom, that he hadn't even bothered to learn anything about Green. He was a kind soul, a true friend in the making, someone Second could trust. A friend that he always dreamed to have.

"So, Green. What kind of songs are you playing tonight?" Second started, his soft voice cutting through the quiet space, his gaze lingering on the way Green's eyes lit up with genuine joy, his earlier nervousness forgotten.

"O-Oh. Well, you know, it depends on the mood. Sometimes I sing ballads, sometimes it's something more lively. King Orange likes the traditional Hephaestus folk songs, but I think Prince Golden enjoys the faster tempo ones". Second, captivated by Green's animated storytelling, leaned forward, his curiosity piqued.

"But how did you even get this amazing voice? It's... it's like a gift from the gods themselves". Green blushed furiously, pushing playfully at Second's shoulder.

"Oh, it's nothing special! Honestly, I didn't even realize I could sing until I was… well, until I was struggling to make ends meet on the streets". Green said, not realizing how bad it might sound to the prince in front of him. Second, his heart sinking at the unspoken pain in Green's voice, felt a wave of guilt. He had inadvertently touched upon a painful memory, and now he felt like a complete idiot.

"I'm so sorry, Green! I-I didn't mean to bring up...". But Green, with a surprising resilience, cut him off, his smile returning, though tinged with a hint of melancholy. He slung an arm around Second's neck, pulling him into a playful embrace.

"Hey, it's alright. That was a long time ago. Now, I'm here, in the palace, with everything I could ever want!". He paused, his gaze softening, before adding with a mischievous wink,

"Well, almost everything. Still, I'm the luckiest boy I know!".

Despite the playful tone, Second couldn't shake off the feeling of discomfort. Asking such personal questions, it felt… intrusive, stupid. He felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment. Green noticed this in Second's face, then and an idea popped in his head to lighten the mood as he then leaned in closely to the prince.

"Care to keep a secret for me, Second?". He asked, leaning even more close, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. Second tilted his head, a confused frown etched on his face.

"Sure. What kind of secrets?".

"It's a big secret. A huge one. So, you better keep it to yourself, not breathe a word to a soul!".

"Okay, okay! My lips are sealed". It was close to a promise, not like Second have anyone to even tell. But at this point, with their faces a few inches apart, he expected Green to divulge something incredibly profound or embroil him in a dangerous adventure. Surprisingly, though, he simply whispered,

"I have a crush on someone in this palace...". Second's lips stretched into a wide grin, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. Yes, it wasn't what he excepted when Green said a 'huge secret', but it was still a secret, a juicy one.

"Really? Who?". He asked playfully, though Green was quick to shake his head.

"I'm not telling you that, dum-dumb. But I can give you a hint!". Intrigued by Green's playful demeanor, Second nodded, inviting him to proceed. Green let out a dreamy, far-off gaze as he began his description, his words filled with a fascination that seemed almost whimsical.

"Deep sapphire and amethyst eyes, like a storm of celestial beauty. Eyes that can draw you in, captivating your soul...".

Second couldn't help but giggle at Green's description, so filled with awe and admiration. He wondered who this mysterious person could be. This person, who held Green's heart in their shimmering gaze. The person who had made him fall head over heels. Just as their conversation was beginning to flow, a sharp rap on the door startled them both. They looked at each other in silence, this was it, the moment they're mission officially starts.

"Looks like it's time". Green sigh, a touch of melancholy in his voice.

"Well... Good luck, Green". Second gave him a reassuring thumbs-up, a small, yet nervous smile placed on his face. Green plastered a bright smile on his face, his eyes sparkling with determination as he got up and walked to the door. But before he could open it, he turned back to Second, throwing his arms around him in a tight embrace.

"We can do this... And, I won't let you down, your Highness". He whispered, his voice filled with unwavering confidence despite the small sarcasm words in the end.

Second was caught off guard at first, his eyes widening in surprise. But as he felt the warmth of Green's hug, a sense of calm washed over him. He soon returned the hug with a soft giggled escaping his lips. He knew, deep down, that they would succeed. They would find a way to save everyone. Together.

(Well, nothing big happened here, just wanted these two to get to know each other more. Its just not logical for a prince to follow a complete stranger and just easily trust them. But don't worry, the next chapter will be full of fun and secrets. Finally giving them a lead to who the heck they're dealing with.

I'm sorry to say this but, why tf does this look like a girls' sleepovers?? I mean, sharing secrets? C'mon, me, you can do better!
But I'm a girl who had never went to a sleepover or know anything about boys' sleepovers... Well, I tried!

I'm just dying to add Purple and Golden, and like actual brothers. They deserve it. And, oh!! Pink too 's gonna be included.

Hope you have a good day, see you next week ♥️).