Sworn to Devotion: Chapter 4 - Part 4
(Art by @lovelyladylavie)
April chews her bottom lip, thumbs rubbing back and forth against the soft leather reins.
While she longs to be back in the safety of her kingdom, her limbs feel heavy at the thought of her father interrogating her. If it wasn’t for the horse, she might have collapsed on the road, causing her loyal knights to panic, no doubt. Everything in her loathes the idea of returning home at this moment.
Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Donnie’s hand drift closer to hers, and she looks over at him. His drawn-on eyebrows furrow as he tilts his head, as if asking what her final decision is.
The princess hums, “Well… I’ve seen enough of these mountains, so the town market sounds nice.” A smile graces her lips as she looked between the two knights. “Think y’all can help me blend in?”
A smug smirk spreads across Leo’s face as he places a hand on his chest. “Of course, princess! We can make you look like a regular ol’ townsfolk in no time.” Leonardo reaches underneath the horse's head to playfully smack his brother’s shoulder. “Right, Dee?”
Donnie glares at his brother briefly before returning his gaze—albeit a lot softer—to April. “Yes, we can assist in making you blend in like a totally normal, regular townsfolk that isn’t the betrothed princess of Old York.”
She giggles. “Well then, let's get going! We’re losing daylight here, and I wanna spend as much time at the market as possible.”
Donnie bows before reaching underneath the horse and punching his twin’s arm. “Lead the way, Nardo.”
“Ow! Hey!” The slider shouts, and the two start quietly bickering underneath their breaths while leading the horse forward. April rolls her eyes with a smile, finding their antics humorous, especially after the last twenty-four hours.
Just before the town comes into view, Leonardo guides his horse off the road and into the trees, saying they need to disguise themselves before getting closer. The trio scouts their surroundings, and after a few minutes, April spots a pile of fallen trees haphazardly lying on top of each other.
“How about that?” She points toward her discovery.
Donnie and Leonardo look at the site before nodding to each other and guiding the horse toward it. Once tucked away and out of sight, Donnie assists April off the saddle while Leonardo starts rooting around in one of his packs.
“While I didn’t come fully prepared for daring escapades, I think I have just enough to make ya blend in.” He pulls out two rolled-up articles of clothing and holds them out to her. “Will you need assistance putting them on?”
April takes the clothes, running her hands across the fabric. It’s not smooth like the silk or velvet she’s so used to wearing, but it’s still soft. She tucks one piece under her arm while she unrolls the other, inspecting it. The top is a nice shade of green, sporting a weaving pattern April didn’t recognize. She inspects the other, unrolling it to reveal a set of large, brown pants she knows won't fit.
“Hmm, well–” she looks down briefly at what she’s wearing “–I think I’ll take just the top.” She hands the pants back to Leonardo. “Alright, I’ll change real quick.”
However, neither twin moves, both still looking at April.
April glances between them, tilting her head. “You… you gonna–” She makes a circular motion with her finger “–turn around?”
With a blush on their cheeks, both knights turn around, their posture rigid and unwavering as they give the princess privacy to change her top.
April brings a hand up to her mouth to stifle a laugh.
She shakes her head before focusing on the task at hand. She gets changed, removing what remains of her dress and slipping on the top. It’s a bit baggy, but nothing that a few ribbons and some skillful knotting can’t fix. In no time, April’s sporting a new look and, in her opinion, looking cute.
“Alright! Don’t think anyone will be expecting me to be wearin’ this, though how do I–” she motions to her face “–hide this?”
“Oh, right! Well, lucky for you, I also have–” the slider dramatically pauses to rustle through his bags again and pull something else out “–a hooded green cape! Perfect for a disguise, am I right?”
He hands the cape to April, and she puts it on. It’s a bit large, with the edge of the fabric stopping just short of her ankles. But it covers her from head to toe, so she can’t complain.
“Hey, Donnie! How do I look?” She twirls around, the cape flowing around her.
He offers a smile. “Like a totally normal, everyday-looking civilian! You’ll blend right in.”
It’s… not the response April was fishing for, but she doesn’t let her disappointment show. “Thanks! Though… what about you two?”
Donnie turns to Leonardo, who blinks and sucks in a deep breath.
“Riiiight, we all kinda need disguises...”
The slider turns around and rifles through a few more packs. Both April and Donnie look on in curiosity, catching glimpses of what clothes he’s pulling out. He pauses, grumbling and muttering something under his breath. But as his eyes meet his brother’s, a mischievous smile spreads across his face, and he turns around to look at April.
“Soooo, I don’t have enough for two disguises, but I have enough for juuuust for one.” Leonardo holds a garment in each hand. “Princess April, what should Donnie wear?”
The softshell frowns, reaching to take the clothes away. “I think I am more than capable of deciding what disguise I’ll wear.”
Leonardo pulls the clothes away. “Ah-bup-bup! You’re accompanying the princess on her market adventure, so it’s her decision! So princess–” he waves the garments toward April “–what’s my brother wearing?”
She smiles awkwardly. Why does she need to make this decision? He’s up to something if the mischievous glint in his eyes is anything to go by. However, she finds herself more curious than concerned, so she looks over what he’s offering. In one hand is a clean white tunic, while in the other is a simple purple coat.
April…
>> Picks the white tunic.
>> Picks the purple jacket.
April...
Picks the white tunic.
Picks the purple jacket.
Voting ended onApr 12, 2025
