"And this one is a Coral Rose. You can tell by the mixture of red and yellow along the petals." Sion flipped through the book on his lap. "It says here that the yellow represents friendship and the red represents romance." He picked up another book and started flipping through it. He paused for a second before continuing, "And it says here that it is a common ingredient in sleeping potions or sleeping powder."

"Really?" Nezumi said interestedly, "that might be nice to have on hand."

"Why?" Sion asked surprised.

"Some of my fans can be…too much."

"Ah, ok then! I'll add that to our garden list." Sion put down the book and scribbled the plant's name on a list. Nezumi reached into his bag for the next flower.

"How about this one?" he asked holding up a small yellow plant. Sion's eyes lit up and he began rummaging through one of the books with renewed vigor. Nezumi put the plant in a vase and turned to survey the prince. It never got old watching Sion excitedly research different plants. There was something both amusing and fascinating about the way his eyes lit up whenever he found something new.

Ever since winter hit Nezumi had lost the ability to pick up random flowers on the side of the road. He started bringing the flowers his fans left him at the end of his shows. Most of them were roses and Nezumi began to worry that he would run out of new one. He had fixed this by hinting to his fans that he loved different and unique flower. They have eagerly complied and now after every show and practice he would collect the flowers and bring them to Sion. Some came from around the kingdom while others came from farther away. A few of them weren't even in any of Sion's books. These flower excited the prince more than anything and he would search diligently until he found what they were.

"Oh, I know this flower!" Sion exclaimed. "Cinderella brought it to me last week." As Sion chatted happily about the flower Nezumi clenched his teeth and fought back his annoyance. his and Cinderella's relationship had gotten worse over the couple months they knew each other. They did their best to hid this from Sion. The prince would be disappointed if he knew they were fighting. Nezumi and the girl had made a pack that while they were at the castle, they would act respectful of each other. After they returned home, however they ended up fighting. Nezumi almost always won the battles but Cinderella was persistent and worn him down. Once she dragged an argument on for so long that Nezumi retreated and hid in Sion's library. He wished he could perinatally move there but there was to many problems attached to it. First of all, it was hard to get on and off the castle's grounds. Nezumi hated using the front gates. The guards were always hesitated to let him in, and they watched him the enter time. Lucky his rat instincts helped him find different ways to sneak in. Sion found it fascinating, but the queen, Sir Williams, and the rest of the staff regarded him with suspicion every time he appeared on the grounds. Not that he really cared what they thought but their watchful eyes were the second reason he couldn't stay at the castle's library.

"And Cinderella said these flowers were her mother's favorite." Sion jabbered on. Nezumi grimaced. Cinderella had opted out of visiting the castle today in order to take care of a sick neighbor or something. This meant that he had Sion to himself and he was not going to waste their time together talking about her.

"Hey Sion." Nezumi cut him off. "It looks like it's going to rain. Do you want to go for a walk?" Sion stopped talking and looked out the window. The sky was filled with dark clouds even though it was sunny that morning. The prince's eyes glistened excitedly.

"It looks like it's going to be a storm." He whispered a grin slowly crossing his face. The while haired man glanced over at the clock. "I still have a few hours before I have to get back to work." He jumped up and grabbed Nezumi's hand. "Let's go!" Sion threw on his coat and pulled Nezumi to the door. Nezumi copied him and allowed himself to be dragged into the hall. A few weeks after they started meeting at the castle Nezumi had learned about Sion's love of storms and wild weather. Sion told him that he used to love walking in the storms, but Sir William had disapproved of it. Nezumi noticed that Sion tended to give in to Sir William's requests. The dark-haired man had pointed out that if they got out of the castle unnoticed then Sir Williams couldn't stop them. After that they began going on storm walks. Cinderella was horrified when she heard. She had told them that it was dangerous and refused to go with them. This worked for Nezumi since it meant that, even with her visiting, he always got Sion to himself.

"Hey Nezumi." Sion whispered eyes gleaming. "Can we use the passage that leads to the harbor side of the castle?"

"That entrance is near Sir William's study." Nezumi pointed out. "We'd probably get caught.

"Sir William's training the new knights, so we won't run into him." Sion looked at the dark-haired man. "Please Nezumi, if we take that entrance then we can go to the beach and watch the sea." Nezumi paused for a second then smiled.

"As you wish Your Majesty" he said with a flourish bow and Sion giggled. Nezumi took the lead and lead the prince down the hall. They traveled for a little while before coming to a halt.

"Close your eyes." Nezumi said softly. Sion smiled and complied. It wasn't that the dark-haired man didn't trust Sion, but he wanted to keep passageways a secret from everyone. It was just something he retained from instincts as a rat. You never let anyone know you secrets, even your friends.

Nezumi took the white-haired man's and guided him down another passage until they came to a tapestry of a woman playing in a stream. He pulled it aside and pushed in one of the stones. A section of the wall moved backwards leaving a space big enough for them to enter.

"Duck you head." Nezumi commanded as he pulled Sion through. The prince obeyed him and once they were safely through, he closed it behind them. The passage was dark but Nezumi had good eyesight. He was used to the dark after all. He let Sion down the rocky tunnel. Sion help onto his arm so he wouldn't fall.

"Can I open my eyes now?" he whispered.

"Sure, if you want." Nezumi said. "But you won't be able to see anything." He heard Sion gasp.

"It's so dark! How do you know where we're going?"

"I like the dark." Nezumi said amused. They followed the passage until they came to a dead end. Nezumi had Sion close his eyes again and pushed open the entrance. He crawled through and told Sion to do the same. Once they were through Nezumi closed it.

"Alright you can open your eyes again." The dark-haired man said. Sion's bright red eyes popped open and he started at Nezumi in wonder.

"That passage was different then the last one we took. I feel like every time you bring me out of the castle it's through a new passageway." He surveyed Nezumi with awe "How many do you have?"

"Who knows?" Nezumi said casually enjoying Sion's amazement. A roll of thunder boomed overhead, and Sion turned his attention to the sky. There was a flash of lightening and sudden a down pour of rain drenched them.

"Looks like we got here just in time." Nezumi said. It was a fairly warm day and Nezumi noticed that there wasn't any snow or ice on the ground. This was good since Sion could be a klutz sometimes.

The prince stared up at the sky few minutes before closing his eyes. He looked content to stand there getting soaked. Finally, he opened his eyes again and laughed loudly. It wasn't like his normal laugh; this one was wild and free. Without another word Sion took running across the grounds. Once he was a safe distance from Nezumi he spun around and around, arms out. Nezumi watched him. This was a part of Sion that only Nezumi knew existed. The wild free part of him that he hid in the castle. Sion spun around again until he fell to the ground. Nezumi walked over to him and looked down.

"Enjoying yourself?" he asked. Sion looked up at him, joy in his face.

"Yes," he laughed jumping back to his feet. He grabbed Nezumi's hand his eyes burning with happiness "Let's go to the beach!"

"As you wish Your Majesty." Nezumi said as he followed the prince down a narrow side path, half running half walking. They continued until they go to a cliff edge overlooking the sea. The water tumbled and thrashed wildly below. Most people would be terrified or overwhelmed by the sight. Sion however seemed to draw energy from it. He let go of Nezumi's hand and jumped on a bolder near the edge. He through back his head, arms open wide and bellowed out into the endless turning waters. Despite how loud his voice was it was lost in the sea's own roar. When they had first started their rain walks Nezumi was startled when Sion had started yelling. Now however he was used to it though he still sometimes teased the white-haired boy about it. Yelling was Sion's way of letting out his pent-up emotions, to let free his frustration, joys, and sorrows.

Sion bellowed again before looking up at the sky. As Nezumi watched him a thrill of excitement went down his spin. Sion looked magical. His white hair blew around his head, illuminated by the flashing lightning. His red eyes sparkled wildly and dangerously. His arms outstretched and his sleeves blowing in the wind. Nezumi suck in his breath and tried to memorize the scene before him. This was as meaningful and powerful as reading one of his books. He found himself lost in the details of Sion's excitement, enjoying the pure beauty and wonder of it all. Nezumi didn't know how long they were standing when Sion let out his breath and his arms fell to his side. He turned around and looked at Nezumi. The wildness in his eyes faded, replaced with gentleness as he gazed at the dark-haired man. He stepped away from the cliff and walked back to Nezumi.

"You look cold." He yelled over the roaring waves. "We should head back." Nezumi blinked in surprise. A few seconds ago, he was fine, now however he found himself shivering.

"Speak for yourself." Nezumi yelled back. "Your lips are turning blue." Sion brought up his hand in surprised and touched his lips. Then his eyes rose to meet Nezumi. For a second another emotion filled them, one that Nezumi felt was dangerous. The dark-haired man grabbed Sion's hands.

"Come on, before you freeze to death." As he led Sion back, Sion's hands closed tightly around his.

"Ok," Sion's voice was almost inaudible over the sound of wind. Nezumi started walking without looking back. He knew that Sion was watching him with a strange expression on his face. It wasn't the first time he made that expression. Nezumi knew what it meant. It was the expression of someone made when they were in love. The last thing Nezumi needed was the prince to like him. It would end badly.

He shook his head. This wasn't something he wanted to think about. He didn't want to think of how Sion's eyes glittered when he looked at the dark-haired man. Nezumi also didn't want to think of how that look caused his heart to beat wildly. He was a rat; he couldn't love a human. These emotions were too complicated. Nezumi didn't like complicated things so he chose to ignore Sion's feelings. It was better for the both of them.

.

.

.

Sir William did not like Nezumi. The man was extremely suspicions. To start the dark-haired man's history only began a couple of months ago when he mysteriously showed up at an audition of Romeo and Juliet. When the knight pointed this out to Sion, he waved him off and said Nezumi probably just moved from another country. Sir Williams was not convinced so the prince went to ask Cinderella. The young woman was usually an open person, but she was oddly reluctant to talk about Nezumi. Even so she swore that the actor was harmless and that he was not a spy nor an assassin. If it was anyone else Sir Williams would not believe them. Cinderella however had won him over. She was extremely honest and was always was looking out for the prince's best interest. Sir William believed she would make a good queen. If he thought, she could be the queen then he would trust her opinion.

And with that Nezumi gained access to the castle.

Over time Nezumi changed the knight's opinion of him. Before he thought that Nezumi could be a suspicious figure. Now however he KNEW Nezumi was suspicious. The actor had a sneaky quality to him. It was almost rat like which fit his name. He would get in and out of the castle without any detection. Once inside, the dark-haired man strut around as if he owned the place. He once spent a week in Prince Sion's library and refused to leave. Sir Williams had almost commanded the guards drag him out if the prince didn't stop him.

The thought of the prince made Sir Williams grimmest. He hated the influence Nezumi had over Prince Sion. The white-haired man became more reckless when he was around Nezumi. He knew Nezumi snuck him out of the castle plenty of times to go on rain walks. Prince Sion loved walking in bad weather. It was a habit the knight has been working to eliminate on for many years. He had almost completely removed them from Prince Sion's mind when Nezumi appeared and started them up again.

Of course, the changes in Prince Sion's behavior weren't all bad. Now that he was taking off time from work to see his friends, he seemed more relaxed. He had made up for his absents by doubling down on his work when heh had the time. Prince Sion became more efficient and efficient than before. The prince also started branching out in his hobbies. He now loved reading and was planning a garden for the spring. These hobbies had a positive effect on Prince Sion's social abilities. Before the prince was polite but removed from guest. Now however he eagerly engaged in conversations with nobles and knights. Then there were the prince's trips to the theater. With him out in the public so often his people were getting used to seeing their prince. This was causing a spike in his popularity.

Sir Williams however doubted that Nezumi's presents influenced these positive behaviors. Other than the theater, the knight believed that the changes came from Cinderella. She was good natured and pleasant, so it made sense that Prince Sion was influenced by her. Whenever the prince and the young woman were together Sion always looked calm and happy. The thought of them together made the old knight smile. Young love was a beautiful thing.

A clap of thunder shook Sir William from his thoughts, and he paused. He had just finished training the new knights. The training room did not have any windows, so he didn't notice the storm. Any sound of thunder was drowned by the loud yell and clashing of swords. Now that it was quite Sir William could hear the storm's raging. The knight's heart sank. If there was a storm, then Nezumi and Prince Sion were probably in it. The very thought of the dark-haired man alone with the prince made his heart pound. If anything happened to Prince Sion... The knight glanced at the castle's clock tower. Prince Sion needed to get back to his work soon. That meant he would probably be returning soon. Sir Williams took off at a brisk pace towards the prince's bedchambers. The boys would need to change from their wet clothes once they returned. He would not give the prince time to dry his hair and pretend he was inside the whole time. The prince used to respect of the older knight's requests. Now however Nezumi's influence was causing the prince to act out. If Sir Williams truly wanted Prince Sion to stop his dangerous behavior he would have to talk to the cause of the problem. The knight gritted his teeth. That would mean talking to Nezumi again.

"Let's get some dry clothes." A voice said from up ahead. "Then I'll have the cook make us some hot chocolate." Sir Williams turned the corner and saw Prince Sion and Nezumi walking down the hall. They stopped when they saw the knight. Sir Williams surveyed their drenched clothes and messed up hair.

"So, you left again." He folded his arms frowning. Prince Sion looked down like a child in trouble and shuffled his feet. Nezumi started at Sir William, refusing to break eye contact.

"It wasn't that long." Prince Sion muttered. "We just went to the ocean. There's nothing wrong with that." He glances at the clock. "I still have a few minutes until I need to get back to work."

"Prince Sion." Sir William said tiredly. "It's dangerous to wander around in a storm, especially near the ocean. What if you fell in? You would have downed! Of course, wandering in a storm is always dangerous. You could get hurt or sick or Someone could use this opportunity to harm you." He glared at Nezumi. The dark-haired man raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"I was safe!" Sion protested looking up. "I was with Nezumi." Sir William bit his lip. It was no use telling Prince Sion that Nezumi was the danger he was referring to. It would just get the young man angry.

"Alright, it doesn't matter. After you change, I'll meet you in your office to help you." He finally said. The prince nodded gloomily, and two boys started heading off. Sir Williams stopped them. "Nezumi. After you change, I would like a word with you." Prince Sion spun around to face the knight, a look of shock on his face.

"Why?" he asked.

"I merely have a few things I need to discuss with him." The knight said calmly. Nezumi smirked.

"This should be interesting." He said. Prince Sion looked between Nezumi and the knight.

"I'm the one who wanted to go outside in the storm. I convinced Nezumi to go with me." Sion said upset.

"I know that." Sir Williams said gently. The prince didn't budge. The three of them stood there in silence.

"You really should change before you catch a cold." Nezumi pointed out. "I'm not visiting you if you're sick." Prince Sion huffed and glowered at Nezumi.

"Fine." He sniffed. "I will." He paused and his expression softened. "Are you planning on leaving soon or will you still be here when I finish working?"

"Hmmm," Nezumi looked thoughtful. "I'll probably stay. This storm doesn't look like it's going to let up any time soon and I don't want to get wet again." Prince Sion visibly cheered.

"Alright then see you later!" He said. The prince glanced once back at Sir William and clarified. "And it's still my fault that we left, not Nezumi's." The knight smiled and nodded. Prince Sion hesitated before starting off again. Sir William's let his smile fall. It alarmed him that it took Nezumi to convince the young prince to leave. Now that the knight thought about it why did Nezumi convince Prince Sion to leave? Usually he would just use this opportunity to slink out while the two of them bickered and hid in the library. Sir William turned to Nezumi; his eyes narrowed.

"You seem awfully compliant today." He accused. "I heard that the last time one of the knights asked to talk to you, you disappeared." He voices lowered into a growl. "What are you up to?"

"Me?" Nezumi said with fake innocence. "Why would I be up to anything?" he dropped the act and smirked. "I merely wanted to talk to Sion's babysitter" Sir William bristled.

"Prince Sion." He snarled through clenched teeth. "Is the crowed prince of our country. He is practically an adult. In a couple of months, he will come of age then it' just a matter of time until he gets married and becomes king. The prince does more work for this country then anyone. How dare you suggest he's a child."

"Really?" Nezumi said dryly. "I couldn't tell by the way you were chastising him." Sir William's eyes bulged. How dare this man suggest that he belittled the prince. He was looking out for his prince's best interest unlike the dark-haired man. Before he could retort Nezumi turned away and headed down the hall.

"If you excuse me, I have to change." He threw a look over his shoulder. "I'll be in your office afterwards." With that he was gone. Sir William stared after him. The arogenates of that man new no end. He tried the knight's patience like no one else.

Nezumi arrived at Sir William's office twenty minutes later. The knight took the chair behind his desk and Nezumi took the chair across from him. Despite the piercing glare that the knight shot him Nezumi seemed quite comfortable. He lounged on the chair and mildly observed the older man.

"So, what can I do for you." He asked

"I would like to ask you to stop spending time with the prince."

"Isn't that for him to decided?" Nezumi asked. "Or is this because I'm a "bad influence" on him?"

"Your presents cause the prince to act in ways that could cause him harm. These rain walks are a danger. Of course," his stern look intensified. "I'm also not convinced that you mean no harm to the prince." Sir Williams said. Nezumi's eyes lit up and rested his head on his hand.

"Oh? So, you think I'm planning on hurting Sion." His voice was light and oozing with amusement. "So, does that mean you think I'm a criminal?"

"I think." Sir William said his temper rising. "That you're an assassin."

"My, how flattering." Nezumi said leaning back. "You think that highly of me." His smirk turned into an amused grin. "I'm merely just a rat."

"And what does that mean?" Sir Willems snapped.

"Just as it sounds." Nezumi said plainly.

"Don't play games with me." Sir Williams said slamming his hand on the desk. "You think your actions go unnoticed? You think I don't see how you treat the prince. He could have you executed for your actions. You break an entry. You refuse the prince's request. You talk back to him and mock him. You lie and hide secrets. You clearly are up to no good." Sir Williams leaned in toward the younger man. "What are you planning? Are you trying to lead the prince father away from the castle so you can kill or kidnap him?"

"You're reading way too much into things." Nezumi said "But please continue, how are my random actions an evil plot to kidnap and kill Sion." He tilted his head to the side. "I'm actually interested to hear this. Your fantasies are more creative than a lot of books I've read." Sir Williams jumped to his feet his temper rising.

"I'll only to say this once more. Stay away from the prince!"

"And I'll say it again, he gets to decided that not you."

"Then tell me who you are."

"Nezumi"

"Rat isn't a name nor a job nor what you are." The knight roared. Nezumi chuckled.

"You think so?"

Sir Williams took a step around his desk. He usually didn't loose his temper like this but Nezumi was pushing him to far. He needed to know if his prince was going to be safe.

Bang!

Sir Williams paused and turn to look at the door. Nezumi did the same. Standing in the doorway looking upset and out of breath was Prince Sion.

"I thought I heard fighting." He panted glaring at the knight. "Sir Williams stop interrogating Nezumi!"

"Your highness." Sir William said, his anger falling away. "You have to understand-"

"I trust Nezumi and that should be enough for you." Prince Sion cut in "Besides Cinderella already told you he wasn't a spy or assassin. If you can't believe me then believe her." Sir William's reply died in his throat as he saw Sion's hurt expression. He was causing his prince grief by not believing him.

"I- Prince Sion, I just want to protect you…." He attempted to say. The prince shot him another look and grabbed Nezumi's arm. He pulled the dark-haired man out of the room leave the knight behind.

.

.

Sion pulled Nezumi down the hall and into his study. He slammed the door behind them and fell into a chair. Nezumi watched him uncertainty. He found the knight's interrogation amusing. His accusations were something the dark-haired man could mock. Sion on the other hand seemed extremely upset by it.

"If he starts interrogating you again come find me." Sion muttered. "I'm sorry you had to put up with that." He rubbed his forehead warily. "He already approved of you when you first came here. He can't keep on acting this way."

"Does it matter?" Nezumi asked. Sion glared at him.

"Of course, it matters! He exclaimed. "He's implying you're a lowlife and that's horrible. We had to deal with assassins before. They're terrible people. To think after approving of you he still treats you like that." To Nezumi's horror Sion's eyes started to water, "It's appalling. It's frustrating. You're my guest. They should treat you better." Nezumi was lost of words. He slowly went over to Sion and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey," he said gently. "There's no reason to cry about it. I've been called worse things. Trust me he was mild." As a rat, Nezumi was used to being chased off or attacked by humans. It wasn't unusual for him. His comment didn't seem to help Sion who looked appalled.

"That's horrible!" the white-haired boy exclaimed. "I didn't know that!" he rubbed his eyes in frustration. "And that's no excuse! My men should know better." He started and Nezumi seriously. Nezumi glanced away from his gaze. Sion was the only person he couldn't win in a staring match. There was something honest in his gaze; something that seemed to see him in a way other human didn't. It unnerved him but he wasn't sure if he liked it or not.

"It's not like I don't give them reasons to be suspicious." Nezumi shrugged. "Besides you have to see it from their point of view. I literally lived in your private library for a week. You wouldn't even let Cinderella in there overnight. I know how protective you are of that library."

"You're different." Sion muttered. Nezumi stiffened and looked up. That look had returned to Sion's eyes. Nezumi licked his lips nervously.

"How am I different?" he asked knowing that he would regret the answer. Sion looked away and fidgeted. Finally, he turned back around his eyes dead serious.

"I'm in love with you Nezumi." He said "I haven't liked anyone this way before. I-"

"Alright I get it." Nezumi said looking away again. He shouldn't have asked. Why didn't he just ignore him? Why did part of him want to confirm how the prince was feeling. He hated how his heart pounded when he heard those words. It was not possible for him to fall in love with a human. He tried to reason with the feelings. He was just flattered that Sion felt that way. He felt a bond towards the prince. He would be lying if he said he didn't feel anything for Sion, but he refused to acknowledge it as love.

"Nezumi?" Sion asked worriedly. Nezumi swore and ran a hand through his hair.

"Sion you don't know anything about me." He finally said when he could look at the prince again.

"That's because you refuse to tell me about the past, beyond when you helped Cinderella come to the ball." Sion said softly. Nezumi swore again. It should be easy to laugh this off. Mock Sion for his naivety and carry on but for some reason he couldn't right out reject him.

"Give me time to think…" Nezumi said. Sion's expression softened and he nodded.

"Take your time." He said. Nezumi paused and looked outside.

"It's still raining." He said. "I'm going to the library…I would rather you not bug me."

"I understand." Sion said in a small voice. Nezumi hated how sad he sounded, like a hurt puppy. He couldn't take it anymore. The dark-haired man turned and left the room. His heart was racing with unwanted feelings.

He pushed them down angrily. He was a rat for god sake! He couldn't get into a relationship with a human. He was still holding onto the faint hope he be could turn back into a rat someday. If he did start something with Sion it complicate things. He didn't want to hurt the white-haired man, but he also didn't want to be trapped as a human. Nezumi swore again loudly scaring some maids who were cleaning nearby. Life was simpler as a rat. He wouldn't let it get complicated just because Sion had some stupid crush on him. He wasn't looking for a mate. The feelings he had for Sion were just platonic. It was stupid. This whole situation was stupid. He was stupid. Sion was stupid. The fairy godmother was stupid. Cinderella was really stupid. Magic was stupid. He hated everything.

His mind kept on ranting until he got to the library. Once inside he began to calm. The smell of books reminded him that he had a way to escape. He went to the bookcase and grabbed a book at random. He didn't care what it was, all he needed to do was to get away. Escape Sion and his confession. Escape his own confused feelings. With that he sunk into the world of the book and was lost among the words.