Prince Dark was surprised Wilford knew his way around the palace so well. His directions weren't so good, seeing that his mind was currently swimming around along with his vision. He could hardly keep his head up. He would have gladly takeen Wilford up on that offer to carry him, had he not noticed that they were already so close. Had he lost a few moments of time? It felt like they had just started walking.

Dark was so tired.

Wilford pushed the door open, closing it behind him with his foot before helping Dark to the bed. "There we are, your gracefulness." He chuckled, watching the prince groan and remove the delicate feline mask. Wilford's breath hitched.

Dark's cheeks were flushed, lips parted with each breath he took. They twitched, corners of his mouth turning upward, a giggle escaping him. "Hah-ha, I-I'm terribly sorry you have to see me like this." He covered his face, the fabric of his gloves feeling offensive. "It's unbecoming of me." Oh what a joke of a first impression.

His giggling prompted Wilford's own, "Don't worry about it."

Dark closed his eyes, shaking his head. "No... no, heh. This is awful." He was quiet, lying there across the bed with his legs dangling off the side. The world was in a whirl, he felt like he was standing out on the deck of a ship, fighting to sail through wicked waves in a nasty storm.

Hands were felt on him and his eyes snapped open, jerking up despite his body's protest. "What are you doing?" He blurted out, grabbing Wilford's wrists.

"I'm just taking off your coat." He told him, hands froze over the buttons. "You can't fall asleep all gussied up. It just isn't comfortable."

Dark's face was red, "... Oh." He let him continue, sitting up to pull his arms out of the coat as Wilford helped him. This put them closer together, and for that moment Dark's heart was pounding in his ears.

The other prince caught on, chuckling. "Were you thinking I was going to take advantage of you?" He sucked his teeth, draping the coat over Dark's end table. Dark's silence gave him his answer. "No, I would never. I prefer for my bed... mates to be little more lively and aware, and you look like you could pass out any second."

"Good to know you're a decent fellow." Dark said, lifting his foot when Wilford returned to him. Swift fingers undid the laces of his boots, pulling them off one at a time.

"Of course, I'm not a monster. But I still wouldn't say 'decent'." Wilford stood, "Now, I should get going before someone comes snooping and finds me here. That'd be indecent. You just get to sleep now. You look sick as a dog."

Dark nodded, laying back among his pile of pillows. "I'll do that, thank you, Wilford." He brought the blanket over him, sighing. He felt exhausted, eyes so heavy. His body felt like a stiff lead weight.

As he closed his eyes he heard the words, "Just let the Sandman take you away now."

He did not sleep for long, something had clearly woken him. He couldn't pinpoint what it was exactly, it was far too dark to see. Moonlight filtered in through the window, through the lace canopy. The soft glow gave him just enough light to make out a tulip on his chest.

A tulip?

Now where could he have gotten that? He had a good guess.

But as much as he'd love to think about Wilford, he felt like shit. His limbs felt as though they were attached only by thin thread and spit. As though he wasn't fully in control of them. Or like he was trying to swim through molasses.

"Ugh." He forced himself to sit up, wisps of red and blue flowing lazily from him to go light his lamps. That act alone felt like a feat. Nonetheless he had light. And that's when he noticed the figure at the foot of his bed.

The window was open, that's how they must have gotten in. Wilford must have left it open to get him some fresh air. Dark froze up, staring straight into a glowing green eye. He should be yelling for a guard. He should be doing anything. But he wasn't, because he couldn't.

Dark couldn't move, not any faster than a sloth, he didn't have the energy to jump up and get some distance between them. And it showed. Sitting up had been difficult enough, and he was trying, but dammit he just. Couldn't. Move.

Like trying to run in a nightmare.

"Oh? You're awake." The stranger cackled, "Boy, don't you look like shit." He watched him reach for something under his coat. "That'll make this all the easier." He smirked, standing up tall. The air crackled around him, prickling at Dark's skin as green sparks bounced off him.

Dark opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't find the words. He rasped, unable to even grab at his throat or the blankets under him.

"Aw what? Glitch got your tongue?" Dark's eyes snapped up, his own magic struggling to manifest in self defense. What the hell was happening to him? This has never happened with one of his hangovers before. His eyes followed the stranger's hands, chills running through him as he caught the glint of the blade the closer they came.

He stared, fighting to do something. Anything. Why wasn't his body cooperating?

Focus, take in the details. Green. Green hair, glowing green eye. Green magic. Pointed ears. Facial hair. And a scarf, wrapped tightly around his neck. All black clothing.

He didn't recognize this man.

The knife wielding stranger was standing just a foot away now, blade brought up to his cheek so he could turn Dark's head to face him. "Man, you are out of it." He snickered, flicking his wrist.

The prince hissed when the blade pierced his skin. And through clenched teeth he finally managed to get out. "What... do you want...?" He growled.

"What do I want?" He pulled away, laughing, "You really don't know?" He turned, fiddling with his knife and twisting it around in his grip. The foul grin he next gave him made his stomach twist and turn.

"There's a price on your head, little shadow prince." The knife was raised up, pointed right between his eyes. He brought it back, and Dark prepared himself for the blow. Was this how his tale ended? Was this how he went out? Sudden, without a warning. Like a flame extinguished without a wind to cause it.

"And I'm cashing in."