A/N This is something I've had going on in my head since I wrote Chapter 9: Kiss and Fell. I finally decided to write it down. It really doesn't fit with the flow of the chapter, I just wanted to post this for fun. It takes place pretty much right before the start of that chapter.

If you're confused, please see the story on my profile titled One Night for the Heart. Thanks!

SPOILER FREE

Chapter 9: Kiss and Fell- Bonus Prologue

The carriage hit a rut and bounced Van's head sharply against the side. He awoke with a jerk, rubbing the stinging spot with his palm. Sitting across from him, an apparently amused Dryden was biting back a laugh. Van shot him a glare.

"Long night?" the other king asked with raised eyebrows and an unabashed grin behind his scruffy beard.

Van looked away and adjusted his uniform. He sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees and cradling his head in his hands so he could close his eyes again.

"Was Hitomi unwell last night?" Chid asked with alarm in his voice. "Did you have to sit up with her, King Van?"

Van let out a sigh and turned to peer over at the innocent, blond duke next to him. "Hitomi's fine," he answered before returning to his napping position.

"She'll be even better tomorrow, I'm sure," Dryden said.

"What do you mean, King Dryden?" Chid asked.

Van cursed under his breath.

Dryden chuckled. "Only that some things get better with practice."

The younger king adjusted his hands so his cheekbones rested in his palms and his fingers covered his ears. Between yesterday and council this morning, he didn't need more heckling or innuendos from anyone. His hands didn't block the sound, but it muffled their voices and made it easier to focus on the sound of the rolling wheels.

"Like sleeping?" Chid asked, sounding confused.

Van barely held himself back from scoffing.

"No, sleeping with another person, Chid," Dryden said with a hint of impatience in his voice.

Gripping his hair, Van squeezed his eyes shut tighter.

"Oh, does it take time to get used to having someone in your bed?" Chid asked.

"Exactly that," Dryden replied, obviously bemused. "Would you like some advice, Fanel, for learning how to share a bed?"

"No," Van commanded.

But Chid's innocent desire to help only undermined him. "Maybe you should listen, cousin," Chid said gently. "If it means you'll sleep better."

Van groaned and rubbed his burning face. "I'll be fine," he said crossly.

Dryden laughed, a full, deep laugh. "Chid, you know, I think you're right. Fanel should listen to my advice. I have well over a dozen years of experience. Let me tell you, I know some tricks…"

Discreetly, his hair hiding the action, Van slid his fingers into his ears to block out their voices. He would not participate in this discussion. He did not need advice to figure out how to help his wife feel better, as Dryden had been saying. It was something he had full confidence he could figure out on his own. Besides, he just wanted a few minutes of sleep.

Breathing in and out deeply, he relaxed his muscles bit by bit. If he focused on the blackness in his eyes and pretended that the rumbling of the wheels was actually the rushing of water, it became almost easy to ignore Dryden's veiled implications and Chid's unfortunately immature questions. It took time, but Van was stubborn. He was good at clearing his head when he needed to.

Soon, his propped-up body relaxed completely as the gentle rocking of the carriage lulled him into the relaxing weightlessness of sleep.

A/N I'm endlessly amused by the idea of Van stubbornly falling asleep when people try talking to him about things he doesn't want to hear. I like to imagine this happens a lot.