The soft amber light of a lantern cast long shadows across a vast study. A young prince sat hunched over his desk where piles of books and scrolls surrounded him, each meticulously organized by subject matter and importance. His quill moved deftly across some parchment, while a few papers were set off to the side, their half drawn arrays left for a time when new inspiration would strike.

Twin ruby eyes, narrowed in deep concentration, speedily swiped left to right over his document. 

Unbeknownst to the prince, the door to the study was silently pushed open, and a broad-shouldered older man carefully poked his head inside.

Observing the way the prince's shoulders hunched forward as he poured over his work, the man strode purposely into the room, a calm smile set upon his features as he made his way over to the drawn curtains. He abruptly threw them open, letting sunshine cast off the dour shadows, with the bonus effect of comically startling the prince into nearly falling off his chair.

“Bartoooon!” Prince Laurence groused, fixing the glasses that had been left askew on his face from how dramatically he’d jumped in his seat.

"Your Highness," Barton greeted in return, his tone unapologetically jovial. "It’s so early in the day and yet you've already been at this for hours. I believe a break is in order."

Laurence sighed, setting down his quill and rubbing his temples. "I know, Barton, but there's so much to learn before my journey. I can't afford to waste any time."

Barton made his way over to the desk, placing a reassuring hand on the young prince's shoulder. "I understand your dedication, Your Highness, but remember that you're not alone in this. You will have the support of your people as well as your knights—myself obviously included."

Laurence looked up at Barton, his eyes trembling under the weight of responsibility soon to be set upon his young shoulders. "I appreciate your concern, but there's still so much I don't know about my own kingdom, let alone the wider world beyond its borders."

"Your Highness, you have a lifetime to learn and grow into a great leader," Barton reassured him. “Do not think that because you have now reached the age where others will better acknowledge your opinions, means we all expect you to have suddenly developed all the wisdom that comes with adulthood.”

Laurence looked away, unsure, but Barton squeezed his shoulder to call back his attention.

"For now, trust in your abilities, and in those who stand by your side. We'll face whatever challenges come your way together." 

Laurence managed a small smile, his tension easing ever so slightly. "I suppose it wouldn't do for me to burn out before my journey even begins." 

"Exactly, Your Highness," Barton replied with a grin. His tone turned mischievous as he added, "I know just the way you can take some time off from all this studying. Meet me at the rear of the palace by the kitchens in twenty minutes.”

*****

The electric brightness streaming through the stained glass windows of the palace hallways glimmered upon the flurry of activity within. Servants scurried about, hanging vibrant streamers of lilac and gold that seemed to dance in the light. The sound of laughter mingled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries and rich spices as chefs prepared a feast fit for royalty. In a nearby corner, musicians strummed their instruments, the melodic hum of tuning strings weaving seamlessly into the symphony of celebration.

"Your Highness," a servant called out, bowing deeply as Laurence tried to hurriedly pass by. “We hope the decorations are to your liking!”

"I wish you the happiest of birthdays, Your Highness!" Another servant urged, presenting him with a delicate pastry. "I hope you’ll enjoy the party this evening!"

"Thank you," Laurence replied politely, taking the treat and nibbling at it absentmindedly. Though he appreciated their kindness, his mind was plagued by self-doubt despite Barton's earlier reassurances. 

Was he truly ready for his upcoming journey? What if he was forced to come crawling back early as an utter failure? 

He was soon able to reach the corridors that lead to the kitchens, walking past them toward the back entrance, where Barton was waiting as promised.

Laurence blinked in surprise to see that the knight was no longer in his uniform, but instead had on much simpler clothing one might wear to peruse the marketplace. He held a similar bundle of clothing under one arm, which he then held out to his prince with a sly grin.

“How about we sneak out and enjoy the festival being held in town?"

"Are you serious?" Laurence asked, arching an eyebrow at Barton, even as he reached out to accept the offered outfit.

"Absolutely," Barton replied, grin widening. "It's been ages since you've had some proper fun, and what better time than your birthday? The festivities are in your honor after all."

Laurence knew he shouldn’t, but couldn’t help the spike of intrigue that filled him. The idea of escaping the palace walls and experiencing the festivities firsthand would certainly be more thrilling than the formal party he was dreading his required attendance to later.

"Alright, let's do it," Laurence ultimately agreed, nodding decisively

His excitement grew as he quickly exchanged his royal attire for the simpler clothing and donned a hat, tucking his signature dark plum hair beneath it, for that would give away his identity before anything else. 

Thanks to Barton’s knowledge of all their patrol routes, the two easily slipped past the guards. 

However, unbeknownst to the two absconders, an intense amethyst gaze stalked their trail from the shadows.

Barton and Laurence struggled not to snicker like school children as they sped away from the palace walls and into the vibrant city of Dondor, surrounded by its pearl architecture and cobblestone roads.

Of course, today there were banners, flags, and other decorations emblazoned with the Loros Kingdom diamond insignia as far as the eye could see. A tribute to the Crown Prince’s eighteenth birthday.

Laurence grinned, his heart racing with anticipation. He knew that this mini adventure was exactly what he needed to clear his mind and help him to better understand the people he would one day serve as ruler.

"Remember, Laurence," Barton whispered, emphasizing his lack of proper title usage with a wink as they stepped into the lively streets. "Tonight, we are just two ordinary citizens enjoying the celebration like everyone else."

"Indeed," Laurence agreed, allowing himself a small smile. "It feels good to be out here among the people, experiencing something like this firsthand."

The two wasted no time in immediately immersing themselves in the festival.

They started by sampling delicious pastries from a street vendor, savoring the flaky crust and rich fruity filling. "I've never tasted anything quite like this," Laurence marveled to Barton, who chuckled indulgently.

"Wait until you try the spiced wine," Barton teased, leading the young prince towards another stall. "It's a local favorite, and you're finally old enough that I don't feel any guilt suggesting it!"

They walked by the acrobats and dancers performing in the town square, pausing to marvel at them. Laurence felt so captivated not only by their performance, but by the laughter and applause of the crowd around him as well. He couldn’t help stepping closer to get a better look.

The sound of laughter and lively music filled the air as Laurence found himself suddenly pulled into the center of a group of girls his age, their hands firmly gripping his arms. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment, not expecting to be dragged into an unfamiliar social circle so abruptly. 

"Dance with me, Handsome!" One girl called out, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she offered him her hand. Laurence hesitated for a moment, but quickly decided to embrace the new challenge. 

With an awkward smile, he grasped the girl’s palms and tried to mimic the steps of those around him, his feet stumbling over themselves in his attempt to keep up.

"Left, right, left – no, wait, that's your other left!" His impromptu dance partner teased him lightheartedly, her giggle infectious. Laurence chuckled nervously, feeling both utterly out of his depth, yet exhilarated all the same. 

From the edge of the circle, Barton stood clapping and laughing, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he watched Laurence struggle to find his footing. "You're doing great, lad!" He called out encouragingly, adding to the chorus of cheers and laughter.

Laurence continued to dance, his movements growing more fluid and confident with each step. 

He focused on the sensation of the cool afternoon breeze brushing against his skin, the warmth of the girl’s hands, and the pounding of his heart in time with the beat.

The music and dancers around them slowed in preparation to transition to the next set of the performance. Laurence took that as his queue to depart, bidding the group of friendly girls farewell, and receiving cheerful waves goodbye in return. 

He rejoined Barton, who elbowed him playfully in the side as they made to continue exploring.

“Excuse me! You there!" A voice called out from behind them. Laurence paused, glancing around curiously for its source. 

Barton took a subtle step closer to his prince and angled his body toward the woman making her way closer to them. She was waving her hand high up above her head to be sure she had their attention as she approached, her face flushed with excitement.

She appeared to be of a similar age to Barton, early to mid-thirties at the most, with glossy midnight hair that practically brushed the back of her knees, and colorfully elaborate skirts that swept the cobblestone road.

“Hello, Your Highness," she greeted quietly with a small curtsy. "The Spirits have guided me to you. Please, allow me to read your fortune," she implored, holding up a deck of ornate cards. 

It caught Laurence off guard to be greeted by his title when he was supposed to be undercover. He quickly felt around the brim of his hat to make sure his hair was still safely tucked inside.

He didn’t know what to make of her strange request. Did he even believe in fortune telling? He’d never had cause to consider it before.

He glanced at Barton, whose expression remained placidly calm as he stared at the woman. Laurence supposed he had no need to be concerned, otherwise the man would’ve already dragged him away.

"Alright," Laurence conceded, his curiosity piqued. 

She offered him a beaming smile and began vigorously shuffling her cards. 

"Your Highness," the fortune teller murmured, plucking two cards seemingly at random from her deck and holding them up to her face to study closely. She then raised her gaze to look upon him with concern. "It seems you are destined for greatness, and not just because of your lineage. Yet, many potential paths to said greatness will be paved with much opposition to your mental and physical well being, as well as your moral character. Some of these obstacles may even come from those closest to you…" 

Laurence looked at her solemnly, absorbing the words and turning over their meaning. It would be foolish to dismiss her predictions simply because he didn’t understand their source. 

Her words would be saved in his memory, and bolster him for the upcoming journey he would embark on in the near future.