Suddenly, Ledus was ripped from Kade’s arms and Kade was kicked away. “I don’t know who you are but you will not get away with this crime!” Tyel snarled out as he pointed his sword at Kade. Kade could only hold up his hands to show that he was unarmed. “Ledus, quickly, go back inside.” there was panic in his voice but his attention did not waver from Kade.

“N-no, Tyel, you ha-ave it all wr-wrong!” Ledus shouted grabbing Tyel’s arm, his body already shivering. Tyel easily shook him off and took another step towards Kade.

“Ledus, get back inside before you free-!” his sentence cut short when he heard Ledus suck in a pained breath. The night air had quickly taken the warmth from his body. Ledus fell to his knees, his lips had turned blue, his hands and feet were numb, his entire body felt almost foreign to him. He looked up desperately at Kade, his hand trying to reach out towards him.

“K-K-Kade…” his small voice was weak and soft, barely audible. He fell to the ground, his body no longer responding to his commands, his consciousness fading.

“Ledus!” Tyel and Kade shouted in unison. Kade tried to get to Ledus but Tyel held him back at sword point. Tyel knelt down by Ledus shaking him gently

“Stay awake Ledus.” He wanted desperately to carry him inside and sit him next to the fire but the stranger still posed a threat.

“Tyel, he needs me. Just let me help him, after that you can throw me in jail or strike me down or whatever you want.” Tyel looked at him suspiciously.

“Why should I have any reason to trust you?!”

“ Do you have any other options? At least this way Ledus will be inside.” Tyel bit his lip but feeling Ledus grow colder made him lower his blade. Kade ran over and scooped Ledus into his arms, cradling him closely as he carried him inside and sat next to the fire. Tyel followed them in, keeping his sword fixed on the strangers back the whole time. It wasn’t until he peeked over his shoulder to check on Ledus that he realized the stranger was Kade. He was confused and wanted answers but knew that this instant was not the right time to question his presence and intentions.

Slowly, Ledus’ body began to shiver, this was a good sign, he was gaining some feeling back in his body. Even still, Kade did not relax. About 30 minutes went by before Ledus clutched weakly at Kade’s shirt, trying to nuzzle his body closer to him, desiring his warmth. It was only then that Kade truly relaxed. He looked up at Tyel with a relieved smile “He’ll be fine now.” Tyel glared at Kade, not responding, just watching as Ledus slowly stopped shivering.

“Place him on the bed.” Kade followed Tyel’s commands without hesitation, trying not to worsen the situation. He gently set the small boy on the bed, carefully unlatching Ledus’ hands from his shirt. Within moments Ledus began to shiver again. Kade wanted to pull the covers over him but Tyel barked out another order before he had the chance. “Now step away.” Kade backed away from the bed and faced Tyel.

They stared at each other, Tyel still holding the sword pointed at Kade. “Just what exactly were you planning to do?” Kade sighed.

“I just wanted to show him the stars.”

“I’m more than certain Ledus mentioned his condition.”

“He did.”

“Then why in hell would you take him out there, were you planning to kill him?!”

“No, I-”

“He could have died, he almost did!”

Kade couldn’t keep calm any longer, “He was fine until you pulled him away!” he shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at Tyel. Tyel flinched, confused by the statement. After all, how could it be possible that Ledus was ok outside in the night air?

“What?” was all Tyel could say. Kade took a step towards him angrily.

“We had been out there for at least an hour before you even noticed Ledus was missing. It wasn’t until you tore him from my arms that he became cold.” Kade’s words seemed like a blade as they sank into Tyel’s heart. Finally, he lowered his sword, staring at Ledus remorsefully. His mind wondering how Ledus had been ok in Kade’s arms.

“How?” Kade motioned for Tyel to sit down on the pillows so that they could have a proper chat. When Tyel began to walk over Kade relaxed. Before joining Tyel on the pillows he pulled the covers over Ledus and caressed his face gently.

They both sat on the pillow pile as Kade explained everything in detail to Tyel, starting with the charm, and finishing with his intentions. “Tyel, I was born for Ledus, he is....he is what makes me whole.” Tyel rubbed his temples. It was a lot of information, practically unbelievable yet he had seen the proof with his own eyes.

“So what do you plan to do? Prince Jarin would never give up Ledus. What’s more, you live very far away from here. Even if you had a facility back in your country to keep Ledus safe and warm, the journey would surely kill him.” Kade glanced to the bed looking at the sleeping boy.

“I’ll do what Ledus wants. If he wants to come with me, I’ll steal him away and make sure he is safe.” he bit his lip and furrowed his brow. “If he chooses to stay, then I will say good-bye. However I will return every year. Once I have passed on my title, I will live here until I perish.” He looked up with honest eyes and a relaxed smile. “After all, who am I to control his life?”

His last words raced through Tyel’s mind. “He’ll give Ledus the choice? This man, who has only just met him, has already given Ledus more freedom than we ever have.” He glanced at Ledus then back, looking Kade directly in the eyes. “Very well, I will also leave the decision up to Ledus. If he chooses you, I will make sure you both escape. However, if he chooses to stay, I will prevent you from trying to manipulate him or change his mind. Do we have an agreement?” Kade took Tyel’s outstretched hand and shook it firmly.