Dave doesn't understand this at all. Everytime he goes out with Rupert, they have to go to private places so people don't see them. What was he so afraid of?

One day, while walking to their secret hangout area, Dave stopped in his tracks.

"Rupert" Dave said.

"Yes Dave?" Rupert said.

"Are you embarrassed to be around me?" Dave said. Rupert's heart sank.

"No… of course not Dave" Rupert said. "Why do you think that?"

"It's because…" Dave said. "You're always trying to hide me from everyone. You only take me places where no one can see us. Am I really that much of a bother to you?"

"No Dave-" Rupert said.

"I get it. I'm nothing but an annoying commoner. I should've around someone as royal as you. I don't deserve you Rupert" Dave said, sounding extremely hurt. Rupert put his hands on Dave's face, placing a small kiss on his lips.

"Dave, I don't think you're annoying or embarrassing to be with. You are the cutest and kindest person I've ever fallen in love with" Rupert said. "If you want the truth, I'll give you the truth. Let's just keep walking"

They make it to their secret area and sit down on their special bench. It was an old bench but still safe enough to sit on. Rupert carved their initials on the side so it felt more special. At this point, the sun was setting

"I'm scared Dave," Rupert said. "Being a castle guard is the only thing that's helping my family survive. I'm scared that the king will find out about me dating you. Who knows what he'll do? I could lose my job"

"So it's my fault then" Dave said.

"No, not all Dave. None of this is your fault" Rupert said. "I would never blame you for whatever happens to me. I deserve whatever is coming"

Rupert shouldn't have said that because another castle guard was walking around that area when he saw Dave and Rupert.

"Rupert?" The guard said. The two of them froze. "What are you doing with that village boy?"

"Wait, it's not what it looks like," Rupert said. The castle guard frowned.

"The king would hate to hear this."

The next day, all castle guards were called to the throne room to meet with King Galeforce. He looked upset.

"The Prince is missing!" Galeforce said. "I need everyone to search the entire country until he's found"

"Yes sir" All the guards said. As they turned to leave, Galeforce suddenly spoke.

"Rupert, stay here. I need to have a talk with you" Galeforce said. Rupert froze as everyone else left. He didn't move from his spot once everyone was gone.

"Face your king when he's talking to you Rupert" Galeforce said. Rupert slowly turned around. Eyes glued to the floor.

"Now Rupert, there's nothing to be afraid of" Galeforce said. Rupert slowly faced the general.

"So I heard that you went out with someone else in town," Galeforce said. God, Rupert had never been this nervous.

"Yeah…" Rupert said.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of Rupert" Galeforce said. "Just don't let it get in the way of your duties"

Rupert sighed in relief. Now he just has to be very careful next time he takes Dave out.

Galeforce goes into his room once Rupert leaves. He's staring at a photo of him, a ripped out Dimitri, and baby Charles. A brief flashback plays. It's Galeforce and Toddler Charles after Dmitri left.

"Daddy" Charles said. "Why are you so sad?"

"Don't worry about it Charlie" Galeforce said picking him up. "Your father is just thinking about things"

"Well.. I don't want Daddy to be sad" Charles said. Galeforce let out a laugh.

"Well Daddy isn't sad when you're around Charlie" Galeforce said.

"I love you Daddy" Charles said.

"Love you too Charlie" Galeforce said. The flashback ends.

"Charlie," Galeforce said. "Please come back to me safely"