I'm sorry it took so long for me to update! My beta had been very busy recently, and I wasn't feeling too well myself...
I want to thank every one of you who reviewed, added it to one of his lists or just bookmarked it! You are all amazing and fabulous! :D
The next chapter might take some time as well, I've been having some trouble with it (I'm probably the only person who has no problem describing things for eternity, but can't handle as smile dialog ._.).
Disclaimer: Glee isn't mine.
Chapter 3
Kurt checked his reflection for the last time, looking for any details which might not be perfect. His complexion looked significantly better and his eyes twinkled back at him from the water, a sign of how much better he felt. After their first break next to the stream, the two of them continued their way by the rivulet. They were almost at the castle where the peace conversations were to take place, and he insisted on stopping for a last moment check of his appearance.
"You can turn around now." He called out, turning around as well. Blaine, who had been facing the other way during Kurt's check, came face to face with the brunet and his mouth fell open to make a small 'O' shape. Kurt watched silently at the other's reaction, noting how the pair of hazel eyes racked over his body several times, seemingly not able to take in enough with just one look.
After a while, when the silence went on for too long, the prince started feeling nervous. He shifted his weight from one leg to the other, gaze fixed on the ground, before giving the knight before him a shy look and asking "How do I look?" The question seemed to snap the other out of his trance.
Blaine coughed awkwardly, his eyes stopping on Kurt's face as the other raised his head to look back at him. "You look perfect" was the reply as an admiring smile adored his lips. Kurt couldn't help but grin back at him. The statement excited him so much; the emotion could probably be felt in the air around him. His right hand unconsciously rose to his hair, making sure every bang was in its place. It lingered for a moment next to his ear, where a white flower was tucked into his chestnut locks. He felt the blossom was a nice touch, sure to be liked.
He remained standing there silently, trying to calm the random nerves which accompanied the thoughts of what he had to do. Even just the name 'Karofsky' made his entire body tense and the nerves to intensify. Noticing the sudden change in his attitude, Blaine placed a warm palm on his shoulder in a comforting manner. "You can do this," he said, "You just need to believe in yourself. Have courage."
The last word continued to echo in his head, the knight voice repeating it over and over again. "Courage" he mumbled quietly to himself. Somehow, the word managed to bring a grin to his face. Hearing a small laugh, he looked up and noticed the other was smiling as well. He allowed himself to bask a little in the warm feeling which spread across his body at the sight of his smile, before looking away shyly.
"We should probably get going, the sun is starting to set" Blaine pointed out, gesturing to the orange and pink shades which took over the previously blue sky. With the other's help, Kurt managed to mount the umber horse without losing balance. When he was seated and ready, Blaine took the reins and started walking while pulling the animal behind him. They were already close to the main city, and it was the only way they could make the prince look dignified with only one guard.
It took only a few minutes to reach the main gate. The Karofsky royal family lived in a castle surrounded by two barricades: a tall and sturdy wall separated it from the outside, supporting it with protection in case of an invasion, and a city full of people as a moral lifeline – no one would risk killing hundreds of men, women and children in order to take down the castle. It was David Karofsky's, the prince's, idea and it made Kurt sick. How could he risk the lives of so many innocent people in order to survive?
Three guards waited in front of the city's gate, each with a spear in hand. "Who are you?" they asked loudly, weapons pointed towards the two travelers before them. Blaine stopped the horse before announcing in an equally loud voice, "From the Hummel kingdom, Prince Kurt Hummel. His majesty has arrived to converse with your king." He finished with a deep bow towards the brunet in a final act of honor.
The guards bowed their heads before moving out of the way, leaving the entrance way clear. Blaine renewed his grip of the reins, and then led the horse into the city. Kurt couldn't help himself and started examining the new scenery around him. It was his first time in the city, making everything seem shiny and exciting.
His arrival seemed to cause a commotion as several residents of the city, mostly children, inched closer to the main road in order to stare upon the visiting prince. During their walk to the center of the city where the king resided, almost the entire town has gathered to gawk. Seeing no other option, Kurt raised his right hand and started waving.
At first, the stares only intensified. However, after several moments in which Kurt continued waving at the crowds, he managed to get some reactions: some maidens giggled and looked at the ground, a red blush dusting their cheeks. A couple of children ran forward and petted the horse's umber fur before running away with silly smiles. The men started smiling, as if his arrival meant good news for them, while the women were gossiping with each other.
The brunet allowed himself to look at Blaine, his hand still waving to the people of the town. The knight was still leading the horse forward, with a grin covering his face. Looking at the smirking guard, the prince guessed it was a reaction to all the attention they were getting. Perhaps he enjoyed it since he was a people person, Kurt thought to himself. The more he thought about it, imagined it, the bigger his smile grew. He decided he would like it if Blaine were a people person.
By the time they reached the castle gates, his right hand ached from waving to the people. Standing before the huge, open wooden doors was a man clad in metal armor, waiting for them to arrive. The announcement of their arrival must have been delivered quickly from the main gates to the castle itself. Behind the guard stood a skinny boy, one who hasn't even reached adulthood yet. He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt as he waited for orders, too nervous to even glance at the approaching prince.
When the horse came into a stop right a few feet away from the guard, Blaine walked towards the saddle and carefully helped Kurt down. The brunet greeted him with a thankful smile, an act which was not welcomed between royalty and soldiers. However, he liked to believe it was welcomed between friends, which they were. The knight grinned back at him, an act which made the other's heart melt. Kurt mentally scolded himself for being so influenced by the other man without really knowing him. Unfortunately for him, his heart liked to feel strong emotions towards men he barely knew, causing him to get hurt each time.
The guard took a step forward in order to catch the prince's attention before bowing in respect. The young boy behind him jumped slightly at the act and hurried to replicate it. However, his lack of experience showed in the way he bowed too deep and lost his balance, which resulted in him straightening up too early. The guard glared at him, a harsh scowl showing on his face.
After a moment, the guard seemed to remember who was standing in front of him and replaced his scowl with an obviously fake smile. "Welcome, your highness. I will lead you to the conference room to meet his majesty, the king." Kurt nodded in acknowledgment, not taking his eyes off the soldier as he turned around to look at the small boy once more. "With your permission, your highness, one of our stable boys will take your stallion to rest in our stables." The prince nodded his approval once more and the boy bowed once more before taking Blaine's horse away.
He started his way into the castle, following the guard before him closely. He noted that Blaine was walking behind him, far enough to be respectful yet close enough to give the brunet comfort, memorizing each guard's location. It wasn't long before two oak doors blocked their way, signaling the end of the impressing in its size hall. Not letting him wait, the soldiers guarding the doors opened them to reveal the conference hall.
The room was humongous, probably able to contain up to a hundred men, with an extremely tall ceiling. Each wall was covered in several artistic creations, everything from exceptional paintings to extraordinary statues on ceramic polls. Even the ceiling was painted in the colors of the sunset, giving the room a warm feeling, and in its middle a dazzling chandelier. Kurt couldn't help but gape at the sight, admiring the thought put into designing the room.
He was lead to the head of the long table, where a chair had been pulled out for him. Looking back towards the double doors, he signaled Blaine to stand behind his chair. He felt safer with the knight close to him, especially when being in a foreign territory. It was highly dangerous for him to visit with only one guard at his side, but the meeting could not be postponed. He sighed silently at the thought of his father's reaction if he were aware of his son's current state.
It took several minutes for the king, Paul Karofsky, to join him. It was rare for royalty to be late, since it was thought of as tremendously rude, especially when the person waiting was another royalty. However, when he did appear at the other side of the conference hall through a pair of doors similar to the ones which Kurt entered, his calm exterior failed to disguise the annoyance in his features.
"Prince Kurt Hummel, it's a pleasure," he said with a neutral tone and bowed slightly in respect. The brunet quickly stood up at his appearance, bowing as well. "It would have been a far greater one," Paul started again as he sat down on the other side of the long table, "if we were informed you were coming."
Silence enveloped the room as everyone remained quiet, anticipating the prince's response. However, he could only stare at the other man as if he couldn't believe the words he was hearing. In fact, he didn't. "I sent you a formal letter, asking for a meeting with you. I received a response specifying today's date, and here I am." When he finished talking, it was the king's turn to look baffled.
Before Paul could answer and state how that wasn't possible, the doors behind his chair opened to reveal another figure clad in armor and followed by three soldiers. "I invited him today, father" said the large figure before sitting down on the closest chair to his father and locking eyes with Kurt who recognized him immediately.
He was obviously larger and taller than Kurt, obviously a trained soldier. He was slightly chubby, a trait passed on from his father, with light brown hair which would probably be gone in a couple of years. He heard a lot about the man from his father, information he studied by heart as preparation for this encounter.
"Prince David Karofsky, it's a pleasure" he said in an overly sweet manner, giving him a smile which had been categorized as 'charming' by the gossiping maids. David scanned him from head to toe before a small smirk appeared on his face, seemingly pleased. The brunet had to suppress a shudder as fear started to shatter his courage as a reaction to that smirk.
'Courage' he thought to himself, remembering Blaine's voice as he said the word, the smile which adored his face a moment later. If only he could turn around and glance at the knight who stood behind him, he would have done so gladly. He was snapped back into reality when David responded with a similar 'It's a pleasure'.
"Please, inform my father about the reason for your visit." He said while gesturing at the king beside him, his voice overly polite. The brunet returned the smile to his lips as he turned his gaze to the older man in front of him.
"Sir, I came to offer you a peace treaty." His statement obviously caught the king's attention. The Karofsky kingdom was known all across the land for its military force and strong military leading. It wasn't a surprise peace was never suggested for them before. Not waiting for any sort of comment from the couple of father and son, he continued his speech.
"McKinley land has always prospered the most when in peace, when each man could go on in his life without fretting. Regaining such a state would benefit all, from commoners to royalty. It—"
"How exactly would it benefit us?" David interrupted him, smirk still present on his face. "Please, explain." His tone was still polite, and it was filled with mock interest. Willing away the frown which threatened to appear on his face, keeping a smile on his face started being a challenge for Kurt.
"Well, it would improve life quality for people across the land; basking in their happiness, people will work harder and as a result, create better supplies. Their economic status would rise, and with it the taxes gathered across your kingdom. The territory in your kingdom is known for its potential, if it were safer travelers from across the land would come to settle here.
"Besides, the happiness of the king is measured by the happiness of his people" he finished, hoping the last statement would have some effect on the men before him. He didn't need a lot of words to make a statement; peace would help the people, which in turn would help the royal family's economic state. At least half of that statement should appeal to the king in front of him, as well to the prince next to him.
Paul seemed to think carefully about his proposal, probably repeating the words to himself quietly or mentally. Next to him, David continue to eye Kurt thoughtfully with the smirk still in place. When his speech wasn't met with a response, the brunet believed it might actually be easy. He was almost feeling his victory when David turned to talk to him.
"Would you include another proposal with the one of peace?" He asked out of nowhere, confusing the two other men in the room. His smirk seemed to grow as he added "Perhaps a marriage proposal? It is only expected to offer something to accompany your request of peace."
It seemed like Kurt's entire world slowed to a stop at that moment. The only sound he could hear was the rapid beating of his heart as it pounded in his chest. His eyes became unfocused as he just stared into the air around him without really looking at something. There were only two words occupying his brain, two words which made all of his other thoughts disappear.
'Marriage… Proposal…?' He repeated to himself, a look of pure shock still frozen on his face. 'Does he mean… He wants to marry… Me?' Somewhere, a voice told him everything was going to be okay, that he wasn't going to marry someone he barely knows, that his father promised him it wouldn't happen. Unfortunately, that voice could barely be heard over the panicked screaming which filled his head, sweeping away all of his courage and replacing it with fright.
So many things he couldn't do popped into his head: running away, curling into a tight ball, crying, he couldn't to any of those. He couldn't just break apart because something didn't go the way he wanted it to. He took a deep breath, ignoring his obviously shaken before he tried smiling again. It was a small, weak smile which didn't even have a pinch from the confidence his previous smile held. Despite everything, he brought himself to answer.
"Marriage proposals are usually discussed between two kings." He said politely, moving his gaze to look at the king who sat directly in front of him. His expression was a mix of thoughtfulness and confusion, perhaps perceiving in the conversation. Kurt no longer dared to look as David.
Before another conversation between the two princes could start, Paul stood up and gained the attention of everyone in the room. "I listened to what you had to say, and now I ask you to give me time until my final decision is made. However, it is already quite late today. Please stay with us until tomorrow morning." He offered with a smile, then added "Your guard can stay in our military quarters" with an amused chuckle, probably at the fact he was referring to a single guard.
Kurt stood up as well, his smile a little more genuine as he did so. "Thank you for your kind offer, I appreciate it. However, my guard is ordered to stay by my side. The military quarters are not needed." The king nodded in acknowledgment, and gestured for one of the soldiers in the room to step closer.
"Please call the head butler, and ask of him to lead our guests to one of the vacant bedrooms." He ordered him. The man was about to leave when he was stopped right next to the doors. "Also, make sure one of our servants will take care of each of the prince's wills." The man nodded once again before leaving.
After being led through countless staircases and hallways, the servant they Kurt was assigned finally reached his room. The servant, the same young boy from when they reached the castle, held the door opened for him to enter.
The room was one of a regular size, which was very surprising when compared to the huge corridors and the conference halls. It contained a big bed, one which was able to contain three people without a problem, a closet to contain the clothes of its inhabitant and another door which probably lead to a bathroom.
Walking towards the huge window in the room and looking at the already dark skies, he called out for the boy servant. "What's your name?" the brunet asked quietly, looking back at the boy, who stared back at him with shock. "M…my name?" He asked, distressed. Kurt just nodded, trying to give the boy more confidence through a smile. "John" He finally answered, still looking quite terrified.
Smiling once more, the prince walked forward to kneel before the petrified boy. "Wake me up tomorrow at dawn. You are not needed tonight." John's eyes seemed to widen, reaching an impressive size. It was obvious he was going to protest before Kurt cut him off. "I'd rather stay alone this evening. We'll keep it our little secret."
The brunet watched carefully as John seemed to comprehend his order, before nodding carefully. Kurt stood up and walked over to the bed as the other walked slowly to the door, still expecting a different set of orders. "Oh, and please call my guard on your way back" He added.
He didn't get a reply from the servant boy, however moments later the door opened with a soft sound and closed just as quickly. "You asked for me, your majesty?" The voice he familiars with Blaine asked. Already seated on the bead, the brunt didn't even turn around to give him a disapproving look. There, in a room with no one except for Blaine, all of the previous panic he felt in the conference hall rose again.
"Blaine, I really need my friend right now." He whispered, his voice broken and slightly panicked. Everything felt like too much for him at that moment and he had to let it out. He felt the bed sink slightly next to him under the other's weight as he sat down. It was nice to feel a presence beside him, but he wasn't feeling any comfort until Blaine's hand settled on his back.
"Kurt," His voice was quiet, gentle, as he started moving his hand a little in a soothing motion, "are you feeling fine?" Kurt sighed. He was definitely not fine. Stressed, frightened, confused, those were better words to describe his state. Unconsciously leaning into the touch, all he could is look into the pair of hazel eyes and shake his head.
Just as his touch, Blaine's eyes were gentle as he looked at him. "You need to relax a little, get your thoughts in order." He said softly, only a whisper next to the other's ear, getting a small nod in response. "You should get a good night sleep. I'll be right outside this door, guarding you." Another nod, a slower one as sleep started taking over his body.
The knight helped him slowly into a lying position before moving towards the door to exit the room. One step away from exiting the room, he stopped and turned his head towards the bed. Kurt looked back at him, and even through the haze of sleep which started affecting him, he was sure the small smile he saw on Blaine's face wasn't his imagination.
"Everything is going to be fine." He finally said before exiting the room and closing the door behind him. Snuggling under the covers on his temporary bed, as he slowly fell asleep, his last thought was that everything was going to be alright.
