The warmth I’d fallen asleep to had started to fade. I reached my arms out on either side of me. The bed was cold. My heart nearly stopped and I flung myself up.

Where are they? I thought frantically. They were just here! Where did they go? Why did they leave me? I felt the room getting smaller and smaller; the clothes I wore felt too tight; the bandages on my arms felt too itchy. I absently dug and scratched at the bandages and made my way around my room.

My heart was beating in my ears. I could barely hear myself whisper, “Locke,” as I peeked inside the bathroom door. I flung myself around and dashed toward my closet. “Casey?!” I shouted, this time, into the empty room. Only, the folds of the dark clothes seemed to glare at me for disturbing their peace. But, at that moment, the person whose peace was most disturbed, was mine.

Running to the door, I flung it open with a resounding bang!  With a dash down the halls, my head swiveled this way and that, looking for any sign of my missing companions. Why was it that every time I needed someone to be by my side the most, they either antagonized me or left me abandoned? I rushed past the kitchen entrance and skidded to a halt, panting in the doorway.

“Y-you! Miss!” I gestured to the maid who had made me toast a few days prior.

“Why, your highness! Is everything alright? Are you hurt anywhere?” She fretted over me. I wouldn’t blame her. My hair was disheveled, my breathing was a mess, and I still wore my pajamas.

“Yes, ma’am,” I said quickly. “Have you seen Casey and Locke?” My eyes darted quickly around the room; I had thought they might have come here for breakfast. 

“Sir Casey is training with the knights, and I believe Sir Locke has taken a walk in the garden. But, Prince Angélo…are you sure you’re alright?” She started toward me with her hands forward, as though soothing a terrified child. I paused, taking a slight step backward. Does she think I’m a kid? My nose scrunched disdainfully as I contemplated how pitiful I must seem. No, I can’t get distracted. I have to find them.

“Yes, everything’s fine,” I responded, trying to reassure her, but utterly failing. As much as I’d have liked her to see me in a less pitiful light, I didn’t have the time. “Sorry, I’ve got to go. Thank you!” I turned away from her and fled to the garden, feeling a bit guilty for leaving the maid when she was so concerned, but…

He has to be there, I thought and burst through the doors. The sunlight stung my eyes and made them water. I blinked the tears away and scanned the area. No one was in sight. Then, ever so softly, I heard the sound of faint humming.

“L-locke?” I whispered and drifted toward the sound. I rounded the wall of roses and ignored Lynch as I walked past the koi pond. Exiting the garden, I followed the humming blindly. I worked my way into the forest ahead and found myself before a recognizable creek.

Please, please, please…

A broad silhouette sat on the bank of the small river. I walked hesitantly, slowly, trying not to startle them.

“Locke?” My voice was barely a whisper.

The humming stopped and a blinding grin was shoved my way; it was Locke who sat with his feet in the brook. My heart dropped and I felt my feet move on their own. Before I knew it, I was in his arms.

“Locke,” I sniffled. “Why are you out here?”

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close to his chest. “Well, Casey had to leave early this morning to train with the knights. I mean, I probably should have gone with her, but I figured you wouldn’t mind if I stepped out for a bit,” he babbled on. Finally, he looked down and took in my appearance.

“Where did this clingy Koala come from? Where’s my best friend Angélo?” Locke hummed in fake consideration. I turned my face into his chest and breathed in his scent. A sense of calm immediately overcame me. “Seriously, Angie. Are you okay?” He pulled me back and held my face. I looked to the ground.

“...You promised you wouldn’t leave.” I glanced up to gauge his reaction. I knew I was being ridiculous, but I couldn’t help it. He left me there. Alone.

“What do you mean?”

“What do I mean? What do I mean?? You swore it! You pinkie-promised me! You said you wouldn’t leave me alone…” My breath hitched and I laid my head on his shoulder, my hands fisting in his shirt.

Locke chuckled. “Buddy, that was years ago. We were fourteen.” 

I pulled back with tears in my eyes. Locke’s hands, calloused from training, brushed the salty sorrow away. “I won’t leave you alone again. I’m sorry I did. I shouldn’t have let you be in that frail state.” He held out his pinkie invitingly. 

I glared at it and turned my head away. I could tell Locke was smiling without needing to look at him. “I, Locke Moss, solemnly swear,” he began in an overly formal voice, “Never to leave the side of my Prince, Angélo Gratzi.” His words hung in the air. I inhaled deeply and exhaled with a smile.

“...I, Angélo Gratzi, agree to these terms, and swear to be held to the same conditions.” I accepted his pinkie promise. Locke smiled softly; the corners of his mouth not quite reaching his eyes, but I saw the happiness within them. The two of us leaned closer towards our joined hands and sealed the promise with a kiss on either side of our fists.

A few minutes had passed as we sat in silence, basking in the warmth of each other’s words. The sky was overcast and the clouds hung heavy. I moved off his lap to sit next to him cross-legged on the damp riverbank.

“So, Locke, why are you sitting by the creek? Why not just hang out with Lynch, by the pond?” I asked the question probing my mind.

“Well, for one, I can’t communicate with him like a certain somebody,” Locke snorted. “A fish doesn’t make all that great company. Secondly, don’t you like it here? The trees are beautiful. And while it’s not far from the castle, this gorgeous scene of nature…” He exhaled wistfully and took in the area around him. 

I had to agree. Squirrels swung from the branches above us, and the sun-speckled the ground, ever so slightly peeking out from behind the graying clouds. The brook before us babbled brightly as if to chime in on our conversation.

How odd… I thought as I gazed about, Isn’t this the same clearing I woke up in a few days ago?

“So?” Locke encouraged, “Isn’t it wonderful? Besides the library, this is my favorite place to go.”

I nodded absently trying to piece the puzzle together. So, it was Locke who dropped me off here? I mean, it makes sense he would run after me, he must have been worried. And, when I woke up, my arms were bandaged. I gazed absently at the yellowed bandages, a stark contrast to the baby blue silk I wore. Was this his handy work?

“Anyway, we should probably head in now, don’t ‘ya think? I’m sure Casey and the others are still training. Shall we go watch?” Locke asked and stood before offering a hand to help me up. 

I nodded and took the offered hand, being pulled to my feet. “Only if I get to watch you spar with them.”

He groaned, “This early in the morning?” I watched him scowl as he laced his boots.

I grinned mischievously. It had been ages since I’d seen him practice.