The Oath
"We've heard, and we...TYPE!" Fong stopped on track. Phuak and Ohm looked at the menacing figure in front of them in alarm.
Type glared at them. "The 3 idiots," he scoffed.
"Never mind that," Ohm said anxiously. "So, any news on Tine?"
"Nothing," Prae said.
"We have to find Tine," Sarawat said anxiously. "He could be in danger."
"We do," Type said softly. "I am worried," he paced and looked around. "I don't care that this is Maleficent," he looked out the window. "Tomorrow, I'll head to the forest."
"I'm coming with you," Sarawat said sharply. Type narrowed his eyes.
"You don't have to. I don't like you," he said. "Tine is too good for you."
Sarawat looked at him, determined. "Tine is way too good for me," he agreed easily. "Tine is a most wonderful person, and I don't dare hope that I can match him. But somehow, against the odds, he seems to hold me dear, and I will protect that."
Type sighed. "Idiots." But then he gave flat smiled. "We will ride there at midday, when magic is at its weakest. The rest," he frowned. "Will stay here. I don't want a big crowd."
Murmurs of discontent was quickly quashed by Type's icy glare. One by one, they started leaving the room until there was only Type and another man there.
"Sir," the man called. Type turned to see him smiling eagerly at him.
"And you are?"
"Man! I'm with Sarawat."
"Oh joy," he rolled his eyes. "What do you want?"
"Have you eaten? Will you let me buy dinner for you?"
Type looked at him, gobsmacked.
Sarawat woke up before dawn.
There was a comfortable pressure on him, but his fighting instinct alerted him, and he quickly grabbed the dagger he kept by his side, even before opening his eyes.
"TINE?"
The missing prince was sleeping soundly on him. He was still in the white shirt and black pants he wore during the disastrous breakfast. His face was pale, and covered with grimes.
But Tine is safe and in Sarawat's bed.
"Tine," he shook the other man gently. "Tine, wake up."
"It's too early," the younger man mumbled and stole the blanket. Sarawat smiled.
"Tine, how did you get here?" he asked again.
"I scaled the wall," he grunted. "Can you lie back down? I'm freezing."
"Tine...we need to talk," he nudged him.
He opened his eyes slightly. "We have to," he whispered. "But not today. Please, Sarawat."
Sarawat could never deny him anything. Tine happily cuddled against him. Sarawat brought his arm around him, pulling him closer.
"Sleep well, my darling," he stroked Tine's hair as he drifted off to sleep himself.
Outside the window, a raven stood still.