By and by // Auggie & Colter
The light trickled through the window and onto the prince’s face. it’d been the first time in days anyone had dared to draw them. Not on any official orders that was anyway. It was common practice among his staff. Though this time was the longest any of them had allowed Colter to remain in his room. The threat of a visit from .... well, from his dark mind was not something he could afford at the moment. Angering the King in times like these were not wise. And especially not for the Prince. He had been skating on thin ice for a while now. Had it not been for most the people now tidying his room, and a soft face that he hadn’t seen in some time, Colter would be leading a very different life. If he even had one to lead that was.
“Come your Highness, your bath is drawn.” His long lashes fluttered open and Colter took in his surroundings and simply sighed. They didn’t seem to hold his attention the same way at the moment. Nothing could actually. And so he blinked a few more times, his eyes focusing on a book left on the small circular table just a short ways from his bed. A collection of fairy tales that had been being read for what he was sure was the hundredth time. But the voice animating them, breathing life into the words was not there to accompany it. His eyes started to well at the thought of how long his ... how long Auggie had been away from him. Colter couldn’t even recall what day it was. The last thing he’d remembered was his eyes growing heavy at the retelling of a lost little girl and the riches she’d gained simply from asking for them. It wasn’t his favorite but he’d listen to anything so long as that doe eyed man would read it. The sound of his voice alone would have calmed him without the story.
“He’s due back this afternoon.” The voice was soft, a whisper really. Part of the prince thought it was his mind playing a cruel, cruel trick on him. He’d promised that this wouldn’t happen. That he wouldn’t sink into his own head but it was harder than he’d remembered. It’d been so long since they’d been separated that Colter had forgotten what this dark place felt like. “Come now.” The blankets and furs were tossed off his body, leaving him to shiver against the mattress at the coolness in his room. He’d always hated how cold the castle felt and how empty his bed truly was at that moment. With a grunt and a kick of his feet, the brunette forced himself upright. His cold eyes glowering something fierce into the eyes of the maid that was standing so rudely before him. “That isn’t your place to tell me what to do.” He spat, eyes lowering into slits so tight his cool hues nearly disappeared. “Forgive me your majesty, but we all were under the impression that when Master August came back, you’d want him to be pleased.” Her words swam in his mind for a moment. This isn’t a cruel prank? His feet touched the cool cobblestone and the prince pushed himself upright. Colter did apologize but instead gave a nod and began to strip himself of his bed clothing before entering into his wash room.
Colter didn’t allow anyone to assist him but instead scrubbed himself until his skin was damn near raw. If August knew he’d been in bed the whole time he was gone ... well, he couldn’t keep his father from giving his secret away but at least if he looked well enough then perhaps he could keep the questions at bay. Colter dabbed on a bit of this French perfume they’d been gifted by their last vistors. A faint scent of lilac flower and spices. Auggie always said how it brought out something in him. Something he wasn’t sure he understood but if August thought it then ... well, it had to be so. A knock came to the heavy wooden door and he exhaled hard. “Finished.” He called, the door opening soon after and three of his staff coming in with garments and the like to dress him with.
His hair hand been combed and clothes placed so perfectly on him when Colter checked his reflection in the gold serving plate that held his tea, he wasn’t entirely sure he did spend the last two weeks or so holed up in his room. A soft sip from the china cup and Colter cleared his throat, taking a seat at the small table in his bedroom. The voices of the rest of his court members could be heard just on the other side of the door. It seemed that they’d missed Auggie like Colter had. Though not nearly as much. He knew that beyond a shadow of a doubt. One by one they came to join the prince in his chambers. A quick bow by each before they’d found themselves a seat somewhere around the room. It really did look as though nothing had been out of place. Like he’d been just as they were every day they were at court.
“Master August Pritchett escorted in by carriage!”
The call through the castle grounds could be heard up in Colter’s room. His heart skipped several beats and he felt the tighteness in his chest almost instantly disappear into thin air. He’s here. It was only a matter of time before he’d be escorted back. Where he belongs. Auggie’s face would be coming through those double doors and all would be right in the Prince’s world once more. Perhaps he might even look over what his duties were for the coming weeks. At least there wasn’t a rush on that. When you were the King’s son things happened on your terms, for the most part.
“Not a word.” Colter spoke loud enough for everyone in his close vicinity to hear. He knew they wouldn’t, the cost was too great for going against him. But it gave him greater sense of self reminding them of his own power. At least it gave him something solid until that man was back in his air.
