A.N. Trigger warning, verbal self abuse

Kade stood up and walked over to Tyel. They began talking about something, well more like arguing about something. Every once in a while they would glance at Ledus as he continued quietly munching on his breakfast, watching the two men go back and forth. Eventually they seemed to come to an agreement. Tyel walked over to Ledus and began taking all of his jewels off. Although he didn’t mind having the jewels removed, he was still confused as to why. They stood up and Tyel wrapped Ledus in his cloak and flipped up his hood. “Just follow Kade, try not to look up too much.” Ledus nodded his head then trotted over to Kade gently pinching the end of Kade’s tunic.

“It-it’ll be easier to follow you this way. Seeing as I ne-need to keep my head down.” he mumbled out, blushing shyly. Kade smirked at Ledus and removed his hand from his tunic. Ledus began to pout but quickly cheered up when Kade intertwined their fingers together.

“I think it’ll be easier like this.” Even though he tried to keep his emotions under check, Ledus could still see Kade’s happiness grow as they walked hand in hand out of the room.

Upon reaching the courtyard, Ledus noticed a carriage and grew excited. He was about to ask where they were going but noticed Kade place a finger to his lips and slightly shake his head. So he remained silent and climbed into the carriage while the others climbed on their horses. As they made their way through the town Ledus quickly recognized the path they were on and grew even more excited. “I can’t believe I get to go back to the oasis so soon!” he whispered to himself.

He continued looking out at the world eagerly. “Would Kade actually want to follow me around the oasis? Wouldn’t it be boring, I mean he’s traveled from his country 11 times now, I doubt a small oasis will be anything special to him.” Ledus turned his attention from the town and watched Kade’s back. “I really don’t match him, maybe it’ll be best if I just tell him I don’t feel anything. He’ll leave me, find someone else to take my place and live a happy life without having to deal with my insufficiencies.” Despite his thoughts, his heart didn’t feel the same way. “That’s right, no one would want a broken piece of garbage like you.” A quiet, slithery voice whispered to him. Silent tears slid down his cheeks dripping softly onto his lap.

Ledus covered his ears shaking his head to and fro. “That’s not true, Tyel and Jarin want me.” “That’s because they haven’t seen how useless and pathetic you are. If they knew the real you...Well let’s just say being lashed with a poisoned whip would be a vacation in comparison to how they would treat you.” He squeezed his eyes tightly closed. “No, you’re wrong, you always are!” The voice didn’t reply. He dared to open his eyes only to see that he remained alone in the carriage. He couldn't stop his body from trembling, at least not until his eyes landed on Kade’s back, longingly watching him from behind. “I should tell him that I feel nothing, but why? Why do I not want to do what I know is best for everyone?” He let out a deep sigh as he softly wiped away his tears.

“Ledus? What’s wrong?” His eyes shot up and came to rest on Tyel’s face. He hadn’t noticed that they stopped moving much less that the door had been opened. He quickly wiped at his face and smiled at Tyel.

“I guess I was just too excited to be back at the oasis.” Tyel could tell that Ledus was lying through his teeth but he didn’t want to pressure him so he let the subject go.

“Come on, We’ve arrived. Let’s go into the tent first.” He led Ledus to a small tent that had been set up just on the edge of the oasis. Immediately after entering the tent, Tyel wrapped a plain brown cloak around Ledus and pulled the hood over the one he already had on. He then sharply turned to Kade, an intimidating look on his face. “Be back by 3.” his tone left no room for negotiation so Kade just nodded his head.

Kade wrapped his arm around the boy’s shoulder, gently leading him out the back of the tent. They walked up to his light grey and pitch black spotted horse. “Have you ever been on a horse before?” Ledus shook his head quickly causing Kade to smirk at the boy. “Let me help you up then.” He lifted Ledus onto the horse then climbed up behind him. Ledus tried to sit straight but the instant the horse took off he was pressed back against Kade’s chest.