By now, the mid-afternoon sun had begun to climb through the sky and the distant sounds of shouting trickled through the trees. Side by side, they walked silently down the open-aired hallway and stepped onto a well beaten path in what looked like a set of gardens. Orion twirled his bracelet around his wrist, doing his utmost best to pay attention to the sound of gravel crunching beneath their shoes. They stepped through a leafy archway and turned right past a bench and down another, wider path and as they walked Orion took the silence as a moment to ponder his next move.

His eleven keepers were nowhere in sight and while he was grateful for the prince's help with his injuries, he was apprehensive about what was to come. As the silence stretched onwards, Orion finally could not help himself. He stopped dead in his tracks and spun around to face the prince.

"Forgive me for asking, but where are you taking me?"

"To the castle gates." The prince tilted his head, shrugging, "I am short on time and cutting through the gardens is a shortcut. I see no point in you wandering the castle grounds for any longer."

Orion blinked. He had not expected the prince to say so true to his word and as if sensing his confusion, the prince laughed and patted him on the shoulder.

"I have no fear in you wandering off. After all, if you break our agreement, I will immediately turn you over to my father." He narrowed his eyes, "You understand that, don't you?"

The prince had a good point and Orion felt the slow churn of frustration rumble throughout his stomach. His aunts had yet to make an appearance and it was troubling to think that they were unlikely to find him any time soon. Once again, he found himself at the mercy of someone else's will and through the echoes of his thoughts, Orion heard himself agreeing with the prince.

They began walking once again, following the well-trodden path until they reached a fountain where two women giggled under the shade of a small willow tree. Upon catching sight of the prince they offered hasty curtsies and sent an inquisitive look towards Orion. He took a deep breath, gave them a tight smile and then hurried to join the prince beyond another archway; this one was flanked on either side by a pair of regal peacock statues.

It was no surprise to find that his presence incited curiosities, and Orion could not help but feel apprehensive about what was to come. For if the prince was serious in wanting Orion's help, he dreaded the prospect of having to navigate the questions and suspicions that were sure to come his way. Nevertheless, if he was to embrace his Aunt Reuna's spirit of adventure, then perhaps this experience would offer ample opportunity to hone his abilities to lie. He followed in the prince's shadow, listening as the distant sounds of chatter and activity intensified. Dirt paths merged into cobblestone, trees were replaced by pillars and soon Orion found himself standing in a gateway leading into the castle's main courtyard.

Looking up, he caught sight of several guards standing atop the outerwall looking out into the city beyond. Below them, two men bickered by the gatehouse while a bemused sentry looked on and periodically motioned for them to step aside and let in other visitors. Orion wrinkled his nose. He may have no real idea what they were arguing about, but judging from the impatient cart horses by their sides, it looked as if neither could agree who to let by first.

"Intimidated?"

"I beg your pardon?" Orion did his best to scoff but quickly gave up when he realised there was no point in blustering about. The castle served as a perfect mirror of the bustling city just beyond its walls. Unlike the towns bordering the Mulgar river, this place offered nowhere to hide and swallowing, Orion turned to the prince with a resigned sigh.

""I grew up only going into small towns to accompany my family to markets. This–" Casting his hand over the scene before him, he continued, "I'm not used to being around so many people all at once."

A shadow crossed the prince's face as he grimaced. "Well you better get used to it!"

"You have my word." Slowly, Orion nodded but before he could finish his sentence, he heard a sharp cough behind him. When he turned around he found himself facing Edmund, the prince's so-called best friend. Edmund forced himself between Orion and the prince, and in the process managed to trample on both of Orion's feet.

"Your Highness, I find it ridiculous that you are still preoccupied with matters that aren't any of your concern. Your father is currently seeking your presence in the council room to attend to matters of official importance and I find you wasting time on this commoner."

Orion raised an eyebrow. Perhaps it was his sore toes speaking, but Edmond's voice reminded him of exactly what he would have expected pond-scum to sound like.

"I'm afraid I don't see it as time wasted, for I felt it would be bad faith if I let a challenger go home with injuries like his. Our castle healers are skilled, so why not offer my acquaintance a reward for his courage to challenge me?" The prince folded his arms, stepping around his friend and placing his hand firmly around Orion's arm. "I appreciate your efforts to keep my father at bay and I will return to my duties as soon as I can. But please, give me another moment with this young man. I was just about to lead him to the door."

Orion shifted on his feet when Edmund turned his gaze onto him. Moments passed where not a word was spoken before the other man sneered and gave the prince a stiff bow before turning to walk back towards the looming castle and its formidable turrets.

"If that is what you wish, Your Highness, then I will do my best to accommodate."

"Thank you, Edmond."

As the prince pulled him away, Orion's mind shifted towards Edmund's bow and the thinly-veiled fury on his face. His aunts had once lectured him at length about the perils of wearing down your friends, and although had never gotten the chance to reach that stage, Orion wondered if there may be more to Edmund's frustrations than he let on.

When they approached the gatehouse, Orion looked at the prince and said "Since when are we acquaintances?"

The prince looked him in the eye and smirked. "Since the moment you made a fool of yourself and offered to spit in my face."

"I did say that it wasn't a serious offer."

"No matter your intention, you raise a vital point." The prince stopped and pulled Orion under the shadows of a nearby wall. His voice dropped to a low whisper. "If you are to be successful in helping me with my training, people have to believe that we know each other and that can only be done if you follow along with everything I say."

Orion had no intention of doing anything that would put him in further danger, so he pulled his arm from the prince's grasp and said, "I have made an effort to obey you all day today, haven't I"

The prince glowered, "Indeed you have but I would appreciate it if you didn't speak to me that way."

"Alright," Orion nodded softly before pausing with a frown. "Your Highness, if we intend to deceive everyone into thinking that we're friends, then perhaps I'll need to know your name."

The prince stiffened and Orion quickly held up his arms. "Or I might have been too presumptuous. I will keep referring to you as Your Highness, Your Highness."

"It's alright." The prince straightened up, brushing off his shirt. "If you have to know, my name is Draven. But for formality's sake, use my title."

Orion nodded, throwing in a nervous laugh. "Of course. That makes complete sense, we wouldn't want to raise any undesired attention."

"Indeed." The prince stepped out from the shadows, motioning for Orion to follow as he made his way towards the massive gates wrought from wood and iron. As they passed the guard house, the soldiers on either side immediately straightened up to offer Draven a hasty bow. He ignored them all and continued to walk through the passageway until reaching the other side of the thick castle walls. Orion followed silently and emerged to see a grand stone bridge extending over a shallow moat and just beyond, the city of Alstras shone like alabaster in the afternoon sun.

Someone cleared their throat and when Orion turned to his left, he saw the prince standing under a tree waiting for him. As he made his way over, Orion surveyed the scene before him. He had to admit that it was pretty. Trees lined with lanterns lined the pathway leading from the bridge to the castle gates, no doubt intended to light the way for any late-night visitors. Flowers of all colours bloomed in the neatly cut grass and under the blue afternoon sky, it was almost idyllic.

When he joined Draven under the shade, the young man turned to him with a stiff smile."I expect to see you here by nine-thirty tomorrow morning and don't worry about getting lost, I will be coming to collect you."

Orion flushed, sheepishly scratching the back of his head as the prince continued without pause. "In the future, should you have any reason to step foot onto the castle grounds, be sure to use the front gates like everyone else. I doubt you'll find anyone as forgiving as I if you were caught using your magic again."

Orion started to nod, but suddenly found himself interrupted by the loud harsh sound of twigs cracking above him. Grimacing he looked up, only to find himself roughly pulled to the side by the prince. Moments later, a cascade of falling leaves along with a rather dishevelled Laurel came tumbling towards the ground. She grunted, rising unsteadily to her feet and Orion reached forward to help steady her gait.

"Are you alright?" Concern laced his voice as his mind raced to figure out why Laurel had been up there to begin with. Then he remembered the two angry pigeons he'd seen glaring at him from the wall and slowly, realisation dawned. It seemed that, just like his lizard spell, Romril's pigeon transfiguration spell had an expiration date. But as for why Laurel had decided to roost in a tree while it wore off, he didn't know. But from the corner of his eyes he caught sight of Draven frowning and quickly he whirled around, placed a hand on Laurel's shoulder and offered a shaky smile.

"This–"

"–is your aunt." The prince cocked his head before nodding and fixing Laurel with a sharp stare. "Yes I remember you. You stepped out to defend your nephew."

A tentative smile spread across Laurel's face and she said, "His Royal Highness is so kind to remember me. I just hope that Orion didn't give you any trouble. When he vanished from my side this morning, I was worried sick. So when I heard rumours that he'd come up here, well I simply had to come look."

Laurel let out a nervous laugh, eyes shifted to give Orion an apprehensive look. He quickly shook his head, trying his best to signify that really he hadn't tried to do anything to jeopardise their mission. Yet somehow, Orion found it hard to doubt that Laurel's concern for him was anything but genuine.

Draven on the other hand took no notice of the silent conversation occurring between the two, simply shrugging before saying, "Your nephew was no trouble at all, he simply challenged me to an archery contest and I graciously took him up on the offer."

"Is that all?" With each word, Laurel inched closer to Orion and sensing her desperation to leave, Orion took several steps away from the prince but promptly stopped when Draven looked towards him. He smiled and pushed another lie across his lips.

"My aunt has always looked out for my well-being and it seems that I have caused some undue worries."

Draven crossed his arms. "That might be true. But why was she up a tree?"

Orion rifled through thoughts, trying to come up with something even a little bit believable and when he found nothing he winced, shot Laurel an apologetic look and said, "I used to have a propensity for climbing trees. The main city doesn't have many climbing trees and she may have thought that I'd come here to take advantage of your foliage."

Judging from the look on the prince's face, it was clear that he didn't completely believe what Orion had just told him. Orion braced for a tongue lashing but instead Draven only looked back at Laurel and with a firm nod.

"I think it's admirable the lengths you are willing to go to in order to ensure that your nephew is safe. But to prevent any further worries, I suppose now would be a good time to tell you that I want Orion's help training for the tournament."

Laurel's eyes widened. "I beg your pardon?"

"During his performance today, he not only matched my skills but came close to beating me. I wish to hone my abilities and I believe that he's fit for the job." Draven nudged Orion with his foot and without hesitation, Orion jumped in with what he hoped was a convincing smile.

"You're always telling me that every moment is a learning opportunity and I believe that assisting the prince with his goal will also allow me to unravel a few questions of my own."

"I don't think–"

"Please, Aunty Laurel. I believe there would be no greater honour than helping the prince prepare for the tournament and maybe even help him claim a victory." Orion smiled once again, desperately hoping that Laurel remembered their earlier conversation about the supposed grand prize. Moments later, his efforts paid off as realisation dawned upon Laurel's face and gradually, she began to nod.

"Well, it certainly would be a once in a lifetime honour."

"Excellent! Orion knows when I expect him and I assure you, I will only need his help for the next few weeks and after that he's all yours again!" The prince clapped his hands together and gave Orion an all too enthusiastic pat on the back.

From somewhere in the distance, a clock chimed one and the prince looked up at the sky with a sigh. "Is that really the time? If you'll both excuse me, I've been away from my duties for far too long. I will take my leave and Orion, don't be late tomorrow."

Orion nodded, offering Draven a feeble wave as the prince turned and sauntered back through the castle gates. Once the prince was out of sight, Orion slowly turned to Laurel who had now placed both hands on her hips, an exasperated look spreading across her face.

A cool breeze drifted between the two of them and Orion's gaze flickered as he tried his best to avoid making eye-contact. Finally, Laurel relaxed and softly said, "I will not ask exactly what you were doing, but I don't think it's a bad idea to try to use the prince to find our queen's necklace. Besides, you've been gone for most of the day and there is much we should discuss before your next meeting with the prince tomorrow."

Orion nodded and they shared a look, setting foot on the bridge and leaving the castle behind. As they walked, the question of how to navigate the coming few weeks loomed between them like a menacing cloud.