But the prince did not care, or did not notice the glowing eyes following his every movement, trailing him as he ran along the path.
Trailing him as he jumped over roots and even as he slipped many times in the slippery muddy snow.
Not noticing the smaller creatures already turning tail, or the bigger ones taking chase.
As the prince ran, he started to get tired, it was long past his usual bedtime, the time where the head maid would tuck him in and read to him when his mother couldn’t.
With his eyes slipping closed for a second too long he stumbled and slipped once more, however this feeling was not one of slipping in the mud, this was the feeling of slipping off of a ledge, maybe a small cliff even.
His eyes now wide open, the cold air rushing against him as he fell, the snow being blown out of his hair.
No! No! Why am I always filled with such stupidity!? Why can I not just stay inside for one night?!
His own voice rang out in his head, tinged with fear that he was grateful nobody could hear. Truly, the prince had too much pride in himself to accept this was his fault.
He expected a thud, cushioned by snow, maybe a splash if water was below that hadn’t frozen over yet, or maybe death. (He was never one for optimism.)
However, the silly child found himself caught in a pair of arms.
The prince looked up, and just within reach he saw a blinding beauty.
Skin a light gray with spots as if from the sky above.
Wings, so pure and white that he would have thought they were made of fresh snow.
Eyes as gold as the treasury that the Palace held deep within.
Even the voice that rang out sent shivers worse than ones made by the cold.
“A young fledgling out of the nest? Why is somebody as small as you outside in such weather?”
The boy couldn’t bring himself to answer, but looked further at the woman who caught him.
Or was it a man? He could not tell, all he knew was that their beauty was one worthy of worship.
“Not much of a chirper are you? No worries, I will help you find our way back to your nest.”
A nod was what the person received from the blanket-covered child. They took it as permission to guide him home.
“Now, you must talk for this: What nest are you from?”
“The Blue Palace…” Finally, a reply from the smaller one.
“Oh my… This one is honored to help royalty. It has been a while since the last time. You must be the little prince then? Cairo.”
Cairo nodded, he was still stunned mainly to silence.
“You may call this one Arquis. I have heard stories of your tale. However, let us get you back to your nest.”
Arquis, a name to remember.
Though the little prince, for once, did not complain or shout. Instead, he let himself be set down and took the person\'s hand. It was warm, even with the surrounding frost.
As the pair started to walk, Cairo’s gaze lifted, he saw from where he fell, glowing eyes glaring down, upset about the lost chance of dinner.
He quickly looked back to Arquis, who was looking ahead, eyes focused on finding a path back up.
The truth was, it would likely take hours to return by foot, and they had no other way. With that, it meant it would either be a very silent, lasting walk, or a short and talkative one.
“Say, little one, would you wish to hear a story?”
“Which story? I have heard many! There is not one in this land I do not know of yet!” The prince boasted proudly, which led the taller creature to laugh. Amused by his confidence in his knowledge.
“Truly? And the story of the Sleeping maiden?”
“The sleepy maiden? Such a stupid name for a story!” Cairo looked ahead again. He also knew it would be a long walk, but the title did intrigue him by the slightest.
“But no… I have not heard of it yet… There are too many made-up stories… Tell me! So I can truly know all there is!”
“Of course little Prince.”