Chapter 1

In the throne room of the Heiling castle, behind the two thrones was an elegant silver weaved tapestry. Woven thread by thread in shiny, flowing lengths was a long, noble family. And with loving detail was each face stitched.

Save for a singular dark stain that tainted the artwork.

And this is where careful fingers caressed as if fearful of the man behind it. Sammy turned around knowing that no matter the lies he told his thoughts he would be back here again. He recalled the first time, as he watched the seamstress omit his face. Believing such a dark, mourning time to be over.

Sadly the memories like scars, would never truly fade. They would remain. Marring an otherwise happy childhood.

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Outside the room another boy stood faithfully, waiting as duty and image desired of him. Like the prince, Tyler was dark haired and now wore elegant clothes of red and silver. Yet ever watchful eyes and knife-like claws hinted of a less than honorable past.

The last sort to be given such covetous command of a royal's life.

Finally, the doors opened revealing his royal friend. "Are you alright Prince Sammy?" he asked taking note of his dejected posture.

"I'm fine," he replied, hiding behind a smile but still unable to conceal the haunted look of his eyes. "Besides I told you, don't be so formal."

Tyler persisted just a little longer. Until Sammy reminded him of a dirty secret, equally occulted, and likely much, much more vile.

"Very well," he surrendered, dropping the matter. "What's next on the schedule?" Was his next formal inquiry.

"My history lesson and then we're going to the village," he answered catching Tyler quite unawares and off guard. Sammy had grown notorious for his isolation. For mysterious reasons he held a deep mistrust of even his own people. That to suggest such an outing... was simply ludicrous.

"Why?" Tyler asked, suddenly suspicious himself. Of what, he conceded to not know for certainty.

"I still owe you a sword and a belt I believe is my costs," Sammy answered lightly.

Tyler was reminded more sharply of that by said item's absence. Meaning no sheath, and no touch of cool metal silently vigilant and silently grounding.