Long time no see! I'm starting school in a few days *wish me luck* and I'll try to post as much as I can, but my updates might be all over the place, I apologize in advance. Now enjoy :)!

*I don't own TDP*

DRAGON PRINCE

Rayla was skeptical

The moment that Averice had intruded on the meeting that was so carefully planned, a feeling of uncertainty had filled the room. Ezra's face had shown it, Opeli's wide eyes had shown it, and her own feeling residing within her chest had proved it.

Averice was not the girl she said she was

And Rayla was entirely convinced that Averice needed Callum in ways that were quite harmful and beyond anything Callum has ever been used for

Which wasn't a lot

And it should stay that way

"Callum!"

The mage turned around and raised an eyebrow. "Yes Rayla?"

"Can I come with you?" Rayla asked. "Just to provide extra protection? You never know when a riot could arise." She gave an uneasy smile which left many on edge, but the point was taken across.

Callum should not go alone

She saw the determination in her boyfriends eyes as well. And going by experience, there was no stopping Callum from finishing his ultimate goal.

"I'll be fine Rayla," Callum responded as he waved Rayla off, "I'll be sure to have Soren near me at all times of the day."

But the reassurance didn't do anything but activate her worry, which lead to more accusations that would've escalated the situation.

So, Rayla stayed silent except for biting her lip, which couldn't have been avoided.

She looked down, than back up as a small idea popped into her head. "Don't you need to prepare for your long journey? I believe you've forgotten to pack some delicious jelly tarts!"

"Oh yes, Prince Callum," Barius stood up, "I'll get some started right away!"

"No, its ok Barius. I-"

"Please Prince Callum, I insist." He gave a small bow. "Anything for my prince."

Callum took a deep breath, knowing that it was inevitable. Though…a few extra treats didn't hurt anyone.

"Fine, I'll wait around until the treats are delivered. But then I'm leaving without anyone stopping me."

-0-

The treats had taken longer than Callum hoped

Although he couldn't have complained about it all, it was rather a nice sediment from Barius, who always enjoyed to send off the prince – or king – with a small pastry. It was the least he could've done to show Barius his gratitude.

But with all the extra time, there wasn't much that needed to be done except pack a few shirts and pants. Considering how bad Avarice had made it sound, there was a possibility that he would be gone for a few days.

He was about to place a few essentials into his backpack, when a knock interrupted him.

"Come in."

The door opened slowly, revealing a certain moonshadow elf that Callum had grown to love dearly.

"Rayla," Callum straightened himself up, "What can I do for you?"

"Can't I just have a few moments with my boyfriend?" She joked, but the need was still there.

Callum smiled as he walked up and grabbed Rayla by the waist. "Of course not." He reached down as he kissed his love, who wrapped her arms around his neck.

It was a good minute before they pulled away

"I'll miss you," Rayla whispered, her fingers traced the outline of Callum's shirt.

Callum leaned into her touch. "I'll miss you too, but I'll only be gone for a short while." He kissed her on the forehead. "I promise."

"You better, or I'll come find you myself."

"Maybe that wouldn't be so bad," Callum growled as he pulled Rayla closer to him. Expecting to get swatted but smiled once he noticed Rayla melting into him.

"I love you Callum," she whispered. "Promise me you'll be safe."

The prince kissed her cheek softly. "I love you too Rayla, so much more than you can imagine. And I promise to be safe. Always and forever."

"I'm counting on it."

A moment passed before the duo broke, but not letting go of each other's hands.

Rayla looked over at Callum's backpack, she raised an eyebrow. "Is this all you've packed Cal? You don't know how long you'll be gone."

"I don't plan on being gone for very long, that I can assure you."

"Oh you," Rayla swatted his arm, "Did I even mention that I love you?"

Callum wrapped his arms around her waist once again, as he smiled at his girlfriend. His pretty, perfect, amazing girlfriend, who he was lucky to love.

He pecked her cheek. "Don't forget me?"

Rayla kissed him.

"Never."

-0-

Callum hated to say goodbye, even if it was temporary.

Which made leaving so much harder than it was supposed to be.

"I'll miss you Callum," Ezra had said once they embraced each other. Neither of them wanting to let go for the time being. But there were many who were counting on him.

"I'll miss you too Ez."

Ezra pulled away. "Promise to keep me updated on everything?" He held out his pinky.

Callum laughed to himself, knowing that some childhood habits never died. But obliged when he twisted his pinky around Ezran's. "I promise."

"Good. Now where is Barius?"

Within the next second, Barius appeared by King Ezran's side, which made Callum bit his tongue to refrain from jumping a few feet in the air.

Though it was clear that the cook had ran all the way, as the quick breathing and sweat dripping down his brow had any indication of it all.

"Sorry to keep you waiting Prince Callum, but these treats took longer to cook," Barius held out a box. "They finished not too long ago. It's a new recipe."

Callum grabbed the box, and gently opened the lid. Inside the box were four jelly tarts, with dark purple centers.

"I like to call them Berry tarts, as they are made from a few different berries. Raspberry, cherry, and the best berry of them all, blackberries." Barius almost jumped from glee. "Hopefully you like them, I didn't have time to taste test them before coming out here."

The treats looked divine, and the prince had a hard time telling himself that he would need these desserts later in the journey. Instead of slipping one into his mouth, he placed the treats into his backpack.

But promised himself that he would eat one once he was out of view.

"Thank you Barius, I bet they'll be delicious."

"Anytime my prince," Barius gave a small bow which had Callum sucking a small breath.

He never loved the whole bowing thing

"No, thank you. Though I bet that Soren will steal a few," Callum glanced at Soren, who was off minding his own horse for the time being. "Are you ready to leave Soren."

Soren looked up and smiled. "If you're ready to leave, then so am I."

But before he got onto his horse, Rayla grabbed his arm.

"Protect him Soren, don't let him out of your sight."

Soren nodded. "I promise to protect him with my life Rayla. No harm will come to him."

Rayla nodded as she let go of his arm and stepped back. Soren and Callum gave one last nod as they took off, Averice not too far behind them.

Ezra and Rayla gave a small glance between each other. But the meaning had been clear.

'Protect Callum, no matter what'

DRAGON PRINCE

I don't write romance very much, hopefully it was good :)