Arthurs first day out on the streets was not his best. The difference between then and now was the fact that he had little to no money therefore he was tired from a night of wandering around searching for some food, after all, a princes stomach is not full for long were as Carmen and Bella a many more hours before huger came battering down there door. Arthur now cursed the late nights he rebelled against he dark of night to stay up with his father that loved him as he ate and ate to his hearts content and so naturally, he was used to slow cooked ham, rotating slowing around a spit realising its sweet odour that seemed to speed up his fork as he felt sorry for the poor pig so he's doing it a favour after all and putting it out of its misery. Well, that's the way he saw it. The sweetness of the meat was elegantly washed down by years old mature mead that soothed his throat, he drunk it so fast that his throat burned but still he wanted more. Just thinking about it was making his stomach cry out in desperation to an incapable master. Carmen and Bella followed his sad trail that seemed to paint the world grey as he walked. Carmen had guilt's venom flowing sharply throughout his body as he felt responsible for Arthurs dramatic change in lifestyle.

"Arthur I'm sorry, but you didn't have to do this, it was my choice why did you have to do the same?"

" I've already explained myself, I'm not doing it again, as there is no reason to nor should I have to. Trust in me as I trust in you"

Carmen was dumbstruck. This boy had become a man. He had given his entire life for him and his decision. Only a truly selfless being was capable of such an act. Arthur stopped in his tracks, causing the others to rhythmically bump into his, one after another. Carmen concern grew as he peered over Arthurs shoulder but it was quickly silenced as he realised what Arthur was thinking. A simple apple stand beheld them, gracing them with their glistening skin, seducing them into devouring there sweet flesh. Arthur's mouth was already open and salivating.

"Arthur, you cant! These are you people! You cannot steal simply because you wish to. Have you turned to a common thief already?"

"Carmen my dear fellow, it is not stealing, it is simply…borrowing as we will pay him back as soon as possible, besides one apple is not going to split his pockets is it?"

Regrettably, he had a point. A few stray apples were bound to fall every few days, whether it be animal or child. What made this any different?

"Ill distract him and you get the apples" Carmen whispered to Bella

"Why me?"

Carmen looked her up and down and raised one eyebrow.

"Stupid question I suppose"

Thankfully the owner of the stall had left to go home for the night or they were sleeping nearby as the other took the watch. To Bella's surprise, the stall watcher was about her age, tidying up his stall after a busy days work.

She walked up to him slowly, playfully. She kicked a few stones to get his attention. She could already deduce he was the less attentive side of humanity.

"Excuse me sir, how much for one of these?" asked Bella with surprising innocence.

As soon as the boy dropped his eyes on Bella, his face grew reddish and Carmen could quite literally feel the heat radiating from several feet away.

"The apples miss?" he replied sheepishly

She approached him slowly, slightly inclining her hips toward him. Her finger slowly rose to his chest stroking it softly.

"Well what else is there for sale around here?"

Carmen could see that she had given him "the look". His eyes grew wider. He stretched his collar, clearly nervous.

"Well… we have some pears if that's your after, or we have some…"

"I wasn't talking about the fruit…"

She leaned in and he followed suit. Arthur saw her finger beckon them toward her as she kissed the boy, eyes wide open and staring at Carmen. She knew how much it would hurt him. He knew also. But it had to be done. Putting his feelings aside, they rushed toward the stall, quiet and undetected. Carmen rushed as fast as he could to reduce the amount of time the boy and Bella had to remain kissing. He hated every second of it. Not the stealing, not the deceit. The kissing. It hurt to see someone who he had just given everything up for, go off and kiss another man. He knew it meant nothing. It still hurt like hell though. After the boys had retreated to a safer distance, she pulled away and the boy went to follow. She turned around and pointed her finger at his chest sharply. His chest slammed into it and he flinched back as she wagged her finger at him.

"Ut ah"

She walked calmly in the other direction leaving the other boy staring into the darkness ahead of him clearly confused about what had just happened. As he stared after her, he wonder if he would ever see the mysterious girl again or if tonight was the only night he would be in love.