Notes:

Okay, so I got a lot of feedback for this idea from readers of one of my other stories. So I'm moving forward with it! Unlike my other stories, I will not be making this up as I go. I have a pretty clear set of events that will happen, leaving only a few details of main plot points open. I do however, love to sprinkle fluff and light-hearted moments through out. So if there is ever a background couple that you would like to see get more screen time feel free to request it and I'm more than happy to throw it in. Keep in mind though it will probably be used to some sort of comedic end (although not necessarily every time).

Warning bells rang throughout the palace stirring the blond prince out of his sleep. Grabbing the sword by his bed he prepared himself and headed towards the door. Only for his devoted knight to burst through.

"My liege, we must get out of here!"

"How are our defenses? Who has been killed and what area is receiving the most damage? Hurry, I need to know."

"Your highness! You don't understand, we are all that's left. All but one of your nobles have been slaughtered."

"My council then."

"Sire, they have turned against you."

"That's not possible, my father would never allow such."

"He's dead sire, the king is dead and Prince Eridan has paved the way for his succession, we are outmatched sir. We must retreat to Prospit. To Queen Roxanne and King Johnathan."

The prince paused, it all sinking in. Everything he's worked for in his life. Gone, in an instant. The man who raised him and prepared him for his life as a ruler is now lying dead somewhere, killed by his own subjects. His mother died giving birth to him, so the king died alone without anyone who loved him nearby. Only traitors were blessed with his last moments, it wasn't right, it wasn't fair. There wasn't even time to mourn, that must come later.

The wheels turned in the prince's head faster than he could even relate to his faithful knight. He set up a plan for this and had little time to put it into action. Running towards his study, there was only one variable that may make things difficult; he couldn't let his latest project fall into their hands. The knight at his heels, pleading with him to go the other way.

Entering the room with speed and a disregard for stealth, Dirk grabbed his satchel from his favorite chair, shoving as much of his research into his bag. Over the past few months, he had wanted to make the castle indestructible and replace the guards with men of iron. He had suspected treachery, he hadn't been prepared for the sheer amount of it in his court. To think all these villains attended his birthday not six moons ago. He knew his plan was possible, but he needed more time. Such valuable information in the hands of his enemies was out of the question. When he returns to reclaim his birthright, it would be best not to have his own inventions against him. There was a prototype as well. Only a head (thank god otherwise he would be forced to leave it behind), but enough to betray his purposes for the machine. Thankfully, father had forced him to keep up on his training and the machine was carried with ease.

"Your majesty we must go! We haven't the time for this." Those borne under the star of time are always like this. Always pushing for adherence to the flow of time. Dirk needed his research it was part of his identity. He didn't expect the knight to understand this.

"Who is left?"

"What?"

"Who is left?! You said one of my nobles survived."

"Lady Damara sire. She sensed what was to come and has already headed towards Prospit to ask for assistance."

"That will make Roxy happy. I hope John doesn't understand her. Would not make a good impression of the kingdom I hope to govern."

"MY LORD! WE MUST LEAVE!"

Dave grabbed is arm and tried to usher him towards the door, however Dirk reversed the grip and dragged his knight to the corner of the room. "We'll be fine, father gave me a room with an escape route for this very reason." His only concern was not reaching the exit before it was discovered. Pushing the central most brick in the back of the fire place a click could be heard as the false wall gave way. "Come along."

The two traversed down the long, dark hallways, Dirk relying on his mental map of the underground pathways. Cursing himself for forgetting the actual map. Dave was worse than useless at the moment. The boy never had a sense for direction and had the worst night vision in the whole kingdom. He was a spectacular fighter though, named captain of the guard this year at only twenty-one, youngest captain in history. Dirk knew he could count of him. Which was a hell of a lot more than he could say for his other so-called allies.

"How did they die?"

"Excuse me?"

"How did the few nobles who stood by me die?"

"Mituna I believe was lured and killed, you know after his bout with the plague he'd never been quite the same. I found his body in the hallway near the grand chamber."

"Hmm, yes, I remember. It's a shame, he was a good court doctor not two years ago. He was by my side during the stretch of illness a few years ago. Always tried to cheer me up. I should have stationed someone outside his door. He could never fight anyone off. He's always been too gentle for that."

"You did station a guard sire. He was one of many who turned against you." Dirk decided not address the crushing guilt he felt at that statement. Focusing on the moment at hand was paramount, information and strategy was all that mattered, emotions had no place in this moment.

"Dave, we may still be in the palace, but until we reach Prospit you are to refer to me as Dirk. When I find us a way out it would be best not to draw attention to ourselves. Calling me 'sire' and 'liege' and such will only give us away. Besides, it's about time you called me by my name again, like when we were kids. We are as close as brothers and you have more than proven your loyalty on this night. I'd like you to think of us as equals."

"I doubt I could ever do that si-" Realization hitting him. He was the only line of defense for the true heir apparent of Derse, he must keep the new king, his friend alive. Formality was not helpful at this time, he must adapt. " …I suppose I shall have to try for our façade to pass among the towns without incident."

"Yes" Dirk was distracted, he had taken the liberty of marking the proper route with red Xs a number of years ago, just in case. However, his amber light device was not as bright as he had hoped and even seeing two steps in front of himself was a struggle.

"The others, what of the other noble? Damara escaped to Prospit, what of Sollux and Aradia? I surely doubt they betrayed me."

"I believe they were caught in Lord Sollux's bedroom. Aradia met me in the hallway with nothing more than a sheet wrapped around her. She had been stabbed and left for dead. All she could say before she died was that you were in danger. So, I ran as fast as I could to your chamber."

"Who sounded the warning bells? With so many against me it would seem foolish to use them."

"I think Aradia played a role in that. She was caught her on more than one occasion conducting necromancy in in the royal tomb. I think she figured out how to do that to herself after death."

"Ah yes, I remember. That week dear great-uncle Daniel payed a visit. I learned a great lot of things from him you know. He's responsible for much of my primary research. And he taught me to cheat at Piquet." Distractions were always good for relieving tension. They would have plenty of that soon enough.

"…Yes…"

"Finally, here we are."

They hadn't reached an exit yet, merely an alcove with commoner clothes and poorly made swords. Dirk grabbed two sets of raiment, tossing one to Dave. "Get dressed, we'll need to blend, especially this late at night." The knight didn't protest and dressed in the roughly pants and linen shirt. He wanted to be out of the castle as quickly as possible. Dirk gathered the small variety of daggers and poniards, handing a few to his faithful follower.

"I didn't know we had weapons this poorly made."

"We don't, I took the liberty of buying this collection a few months back. People questioned me, started a big scene. No one could understand what the prince of the realm could want with these sad excuses for deadly armament."

"Why did you buy them sir?"

They were back on the move, given that they found the alcove, the exit was only a few turns away. "By castle standards these are worthless, to those in the countryside they are worth something. Should we need a place to stay or some quick cash I didn't want to sell items that would help pursuers track us."

It took longer than Dirk expected, but they ended up outside the south wall of the castle. Hiding in the doorway, looking for guards or possible archers on the roof. "Why isn't anyone here?"

"Perhaps they are at different stations, or headed towards your room with the others?"

"No, I don't like Eridan, but he's not a fool. He knows how to strategize, he would never leave this area unguarded."

Dave cautiously stepped forward, scanning for movement, the kiss of dawn just now touching the sky. Giggling could be heard from behind and above him. Spinning towards the noise he was met with four figures. Two females, clinging to the outer wall through what had to be some sort of sorcery. And two juggernauts closing in on his prince.

Notes:

As a teaser here are some of my notes for future chapters:

Illness (in the broadest sense possible)
Candy
Dirk is mentally scarred (in a funny way)
Beware of the Bards

Any feedback is very much appreciated. I'm not really doing this story on a regular schedule. I want to wait until I'm truly satisfied before posting.