I chuckle softly, relieved that they aren't here for the bounty on my head. The villagers at the bottom of the mountain caught wind of my existence and every once in a while, bounty hunters and collectors will make the journey up the mountain to try and claim the head of the taboo hybrid. “Can I ask one yes or no question, my prince?” I say to them, and try to gauge their reactions to verify my suspicions.

The older three don’t seem to comprehend exactly what I said, while the younger one seems very surprised, “I don’t see why not.” the oldest replies, and I fight back laughter. They must be so accustomed to being called my prince, that they don't register it immediately.

“Was it your uncle who took over?” I ask curious to see if they were chased out or if they ran away, and I can physically feel it when the older three finally realize I know what they are. They panic and start silently arguing with each other.

The youngest asks, “What gave us away?” he seems suspicious and the others are still trying to get their thoughts together. I think for a moment and pin point the biggest clues that they weren't just travelers.

“You,” I say and I can hear them go over our conversation with each other, also trying to pinpoint my clues. When they draw a blank, I continue, “The fact that the youngest was the only one aware of my presence in the beginning, gave away the fact that you were guarded as children." I start and can hear them shift. "I also noticed that you weren't prepared for the weather in the mountains, suggesting that you weren't used to traveling, or you would have studied beforehand what to expect. I noticed that Blondey thought smiling at me would make me swoon, suggesting a pampered background and the fact that when I called you a prince, you didn't register the word as abnormal.” I say in a calm voice as if talking about the weather. They sit in stunned silence for a while, before the youngest starts laughing. When they get over the initial shock that it was their own fault the older two sigh and await my next move while the water mage is upset that I addressed him as blondey. “So, was it your uncle?” I ask again, genuinely curious.

The youngest stops laughing and responds with a smile in his voice, “Yeah, now it’s your turn. Why are you out here?” they all get serious.

I chuckle without humor, “There’s two parts to that answer, and I’m not sure you’re ready for one of them, so.” I stand up and walk into the cave, ready to bolt out of the cave if they show any move to attack.