Hansel walked through the village market, his basket tucked under one arm. Despite the cold the market was flooded with vendors from all over the kingdom. The scent of spices and herbs curled through the air around him as the rumble of the crowd droned on in the background. Despite all the noises and bustle of the market one loud voice still managed to rise over the others.

“HEY! HANSEL!”

Hansel turned to see a young man bounding towards him.

“Hello Franz,” Hansel said as his friend pulled him into a tight embrace, flashing him a perfect smile. It was quite obvious many of the girls populating the market that day had turned to stare at Franz, not that anyone could blame them. He was tall and handsome with golden hair and a face that looked like it was out of a fairytale. He was dressed in a heavy woolen cloak made of a deep blue fabric that seemed to perfectly compliment the ice blue of his eyes.

“I haven’t seen you for awhile,” Fanz said, slinging one arm over Hansel’s shoulder.

Hansel gave him a polite smile. “I’m sorry. I found myself rather busy as of late.”

“Don’t apologize,” said Franz, giving him a hearty slap on the back. “I assume you must have a ton on your plate with the hunt coming up. It seems the village is going to have a big festival to celebrate it this year.” A sly grin spread over his features. “It’s rumored even his majesty's sons, crown prince Augustine and prince Rupert, will be in attendance.”

Hansel arched a brow. “Really, prince Rupert? I’ve never heard of him making a public appearance before.” He grit his teeth. “Prince Augustine on the other hand…”

Franz chuckled. “I know, he can be a bit of a show off. He’ll most likely be leading the whole event since he’s the grand general of the Wolf Hunters.”

“I’m sure it was his idea to have the festival to begin with,” Hansel said with a little huff, crossing his arms.

“Oh, most assuredly.” Franz let out a little sigh. “I always wanted to go on a wolf hunt but alas, I was born with a weak heart. I got lucky my talents turned out to lie in research and books.” He smiled thinly. “I hope they bring back a live wolf from the hunt this year. I really want to continue my research and experimentation on them since we know so little of their origins. We still don’t even know how they’re created.” Franz’s gaze suddenly fell to Hansel’s basket. “Say, Hansel,” Franz said, a slightly mischievous expression drifting over his features. “Are these new clothes I spy?” He grabbed for the basket, yanking it out of Hansel’s hands. “I keep trying to get you to spice up your wardrobe. I can’t believe you’re finally doing it! Let’s have a look!” Hansel quickly shook his head. “Uh...I would prefer it if you didn’t…”

But it was too late Franz was already unfolding the clothes. When he held them out he gave a little laugh. “Hansel, what were you thinking? This is going to be way too big for you…” that’s when something came over his gaze, something unreadable. “Wait a minute. These...aren’t for you, are they?”

Hansel tensed. This was exactly what he had been worried about. Franz was smart, and closer to Hansel than anyone else. If Hansel slipped up even for a second Franz might be able to see right through him. Franz had always been his best friend but he had also always been extremely loyal to the crown. If he found out that Hansel had rescued and was currently hiding a wolf there was no doubt in his mind he would report him for treason.

Hansel forced a laugh. “Looks like you caught me. They’re a birthday present for a friend.”

Franz furrowed his perfect brow. “For a friend? Who do you know that’s this tall?”

“You don’t know all my friends,” Hansel said as cheerfully as he could manage, bopping Fanz on the nose.

His friend’s expression didn’t change. “I always thought I did.”

“Well,” Hansel said, snatching the clothes back from Franz, “who says you know everything about me.” He quickly folded the clothes back up, placing them neatly inside his basket. “Now, I really need to get going.” He flashed him a smile though there was no emotion behind it.

Franz’s gaze had become uncharacteristically dark. “Going to see this mystery friend?”

“Come on Franz, don’t sound so grumpy,” Hansel said, trying to bite back his nerves. “I just have some errands to run. We can catch up soon. Come over for dinner some time, I’ll bake you something delicious.”

“Right, I will,” Franz said slowly, his gaze still dark and unwavering.

“Okay...I need to go...tata!” Hansel waved to Franz nervously before sharply turning on his heels, making his way back through the bustling market. He could still feel Franz’s gaze piercing into his back. It was just clothes, there’s no way Franz could know anything about Gilbert just from that. So why had he reacted like that? Could Franz really be on to him? Hansel swallowed hard. That had to be impossible, right?

So then why did he still feel so uneasy?