Chapter 6 Here we are

As they rode toward Will's palace Reyna noticed how tense Nico was as he sat in front of her in the saddle. She knew he was worried about the Hunters and the residents of the temple, she knew that if anything happened to them he would blame himself for leading the enemy right to their doorstep.

"They will be just fine, I've seen them in action even if only briefly and I know that they will be able to keep those of the temple safe, so don't go blaming yourself about anything." she said in a soothing voice.

Nico let out a long sigh and she saw his shoulders relax minutely as he nodded without turning to face her.

Will must have overheard at least part of what she had said because he slowed his horse so that he could ride beside them and he turned to Nico and gave him a gentle and reassuring smile.

"Trust me, Thalia is very capable of handling whatever comes at her and the temple, and like I told her before, I'll send my best female soldiers over to make sure that the temple remains safe."

Reyna was glad to see that Nico seemed visibly relieved by Will's words. She had the feeling that everything would be just fine for those of the temple and she was glad that Nico wouldn't have to worry about anything.

"We'll be arriving at the palace soon, if it would help settle your nerves I can show you the gardens. I mean they're lovely and they might help, but it is up to you." Will said as he ran a hand nervously through his hair and Reyna fought a smile but the moment she caught a glimpse of the red tinge of Nico's face as he turned to Will she couldn't hold it back.

"Alright." He said quietly and Will's face lit up.

….

Will didn't know why he felt so giddy right now but his heart beat a little faster when Lady Maria agreed to go for a walk in the gardens with him and the slight blush on her face was so adorable but Will had to be careful, he didn't want to do anything to upset her. All he knew about her situation was that she was on the run from an unknown group after her life and the one thing he knew for certain was that he was willing to do anything to keep her safe.

They were now within view of the palace gate and his heart raced as he thought of all of the different things he could show her to take her mind off of those pursuing her.

"There it is, I'll talk to my parents and explain the situation to them as best I can but I know they will let you stay." Will said, smiling again as he looked at Lady Maria. He knew things weren't easy for her but he wanted to make things better any way he could and he hoped he would get the chance to see her smile happily.

…

Nico almost felt overwhelmed as they rode passed the gate and crossed the courtyard, the tall stone walls, the guards stationed at the gates, the well-manicured lawns, it all reminded him of the life that was taken from him and he couldn't help the tears that escaped despite how hard he fought to keep them back.

He looked up stunned as he felt a warm hand clasp his and saw beautiful blue eyes that rivaled a clear summer's sky looking at him full of concern. He felt Reyna stiffen behind him but oddly enough he didn't feel uncomfortable being touched or having someone take his hand without warning. On the contrary it brought him a great deal of comfort so he gave a small smile and squeezed Will's hand lightly to let him know that he was alright and that he appreciated the gesture and concern. Even more strange was the sense of loss as Will let go and continued to lead them.

As they reached the stables Will dismounted first and came over to offer to help Nico down. He felt heat explode over his face but he accepted the help. He couldn't explain why but he just felt so safe when he was near Will, he just hoped that his presence didn't do anything to cause the prince or his people any problems.

He stepped back from Will as he waited for Reyna to pass Scipio over to the stable hand and remained standing there while Will went and gave instructions to the stable hand.

Reyna came over and stood next to Nico while they waited for the prince to return his attention to them. Reyna reached out her hand and took Nico's hand in hers and ran her thumb over his knuckles in a soothing manner and he looked up and gave her a small smile to let her know he appreciated it.

Will came back over to them and gave them both a kind smile but still looked a bit bashful as he stood before them.

"If you would like, I can show you the gardens now."

Nico felt his face warm again, he had to admit that he was actually looking forward going for a walk in the gardens with Will, Prince Will, why did he keep dropping the title? If he ever slipped like that while speaking out loud he could get Reyna and himself in trouble or worse blow their cover.

"I'd like that your Highness." Nico said softly

…

Will's heart felt like it could fly and he didn't bother to hide his smile as he offered his arm to Lady Maria whose blush deepened before she linked arms with him and he thought he felt a spark run up his spine at the contact.

Will pushed those thoughts aside as he led Lady Maria and Reyna towards the gardens. But instead of a quiet leisurely stroll through the gardens to calm their nerves they were greeted by a group of young ladies around their age sitting on benches and at tables having tea.

Will's stomach dropped as he realised what was happening.

"No. No no no, please tell me this is not happening." Will said as he saw what must have been his parents' work to find him an eligible Lady to be his bride.

Will let his arm drop as he felt a mix of emotions flow through him at his parents' meddling in his life. After seeing this he had the feeling that they had had this whole thing planned long ago and the only reason they had told him this morning was because the girls were expected to arrive today. He felt so furious about this.

"I'm sorry but I think we'll have to take that walk some other time, for the time being why don't we head inside, it seems a bit crowded here right now." he said as he once more offered his arm to Lady Maria so that he could lead the way inside. He groaned inwardly knowing that he would need to have a word with his parents about this.

…

As they left Nico couldn't help but glance back at the girls in the garden, all young ladies of noble blood no doubt, any of which would be better suited for a prince. The only thing keeping him from feeling worse about seeing them gathered here like this was the knowledge that Will was not pleased about it and he hadn't seemed interested in any of them at first glance despite the fact that they were clearly lovely.

Nico felt a slight fluttering in the pit of his stomach as Will instead of greeting his new guests had chosen to lead the two of them inside where they would be more comfortable. As Nico saw the girls sitting in the garden he felt a heavy atmosphere hang over them as they silently watched the prince lead some new comer away.

But all thought stilled as Will placed his other hand over Nico's gloved one and all he could think of was the warmth he felt through his glove.

Yay new chapter!

I'll see what I can do about updating my other fics as well but I'm really busy with work these days so no guarantees.

Please let me know what you think so far!