Hoping for Changes

The river water was freezing and the cool night air was not helping make the cross through the river easy at all. The worst was the strong current that could easily sweep anybody away, and it took a lot of strength and stamina to be able to make one’s way against it. It also didn’t help that Aiden and Mason not only had to keep themselves from being swept away, but that also had to keep their two weaker companions from being taken away from them by the river. Sare held onto Mason tightly. His trembling wasn’t making the cross any easier on Mason, but he couldn’t help it.


“Hang in there blondie. The camp is not far from the river.” Mason said. He feared that Sare might suffer hypothermia from this crossing. In reality they were all in danger of such a thing happening if they did not get out of the river and their wet clothing soon. He held the blond closer to him in an attempt to make him feel warmer.


Lei refused to be carried across the river and instead held onto Aiden’s hand as he was being helped across. Aiden being slightly physically weaker than Mason, one would think they would have a harder time crossing the river; however, they were doing well. Aiden was actually surprised by just how well Lei was able to resist the current. The black haired beauty was actually a lot stronger than he seemed.


After they crossed the river, it was almost unbearable to continue their journey to the camp with their wet clothes and cold air, but just as Mason had said, the camp wasn’t far from the river.


The camp was nothing more than a small group of military tents and camp fires set up. By the number of tents and horses around there couldn’t be more than twenty men at the campsite. Even before they arrived at the camp, soldiers were already out happy to find that their prince was well and alive.

“Prince Aiden! You’re alive!”

“Are you hurt my lord??”

“I’m alright gentlemen.” Aiden assured them. He himself was glad to see his men again.

“Stop smothering Prince Aiden. His tent better be set up like I had told you and prepare a new one for your guests.” Mason ordered. The general and prince then headed into the campsite. All the soldiers were stunned to see the two beautiful creatures that followed them.

**~~**
“These things are hideous.”Lei said as he looked down at himself with a very unhappy expression.


“They aren’t that bad Lei.” Sare said looking at his friend getting more irritated by the second because he was wearing soldier’s clothes.


“You apparently will wear any ugly thing then.” Lei rolled his eyes and sat down on a stool next to Sare as he continued to silently bitch about having to wear such horrible attire.

The men at camp were instructed to set up another tent for the two former slaves but in the meantime they were both in Aiden’s tent.

“You should have at least brought some extra clothes or something Sare. You didn’t even bring your medical journals.”Lei said.


“I just wanted to leave as soon as possible.” Sare responded, “Thank you for doing this for me.”

“I give in to you too easily.” Lei sighed and looked up at the entrance of the tent as Aiden came in, himself already changed out of his wet clothes.

“I just came to see how you two were doing. Holding up well I hope?”

Sare smiled and nodded while Lei rolled his eyes and turned his back to Aiden.


“We will rest up tonight and tomorrow. We will head out then, but we will take the longest route back to my kingdom just as a safety measure to make sure Ghazi’s army won’t find us in case they did set out a search for you two.” Aiden informed them. “We will be crossing a couple of towns on our way back, and I promise to supply you both with the clothes and necessities you require.”


“Whatever,” Lei said standing from his seat, and walked past Aiden to head outside, “I am going to take a walk,” he turned back to Sare before exiting the tent, “Please come get me when he is not here anymore.” And with that he left.


Sare stood for his seat and looked at the prince with a worried expression, “He is just mad right now. I promise his attitude will get better.” At least he hoped it would.


Aiden waved a dismissive hand at the whole matter. “It’s alright. I am sure he will come around.” He wasn’t offended by Lei’s behavior towards him, if anything, it amused him just how bold Lei was to demonstrate his dislike for someone of Aiden’s rank so easily.


“You must be very exhausted from such a journey we just took.” Aiden said. He took a seat on the empty stool next to the one Sare had stood up from. “You are welcomed to sleep in my tent for tonight if you are unable to wait for your tent to be ready.”


Sare sat down as well. He blushed a very bright red at Aiden’s request and he quickly shook his head, “Oh no…I am not that tired…I can wait!” he exclaimed nervously.

“No, no…I didn’t mean with me.” Aiden chuckled at Sare’s reaction. “I am sorry if I scared you with my offer. I meant I could find another place to spend the night.”


“I am alright…I can wait.” Sare looked down. He was now terribly embarrassed and mortified from having jumped to such a conclusion and it showed.
Aiden reached out and took Sare’s chin into his hand, forcing the blond to look up at him. “Sare you have to try and stop being so bashful. I’m worried your face is going to stay permanently red.” he teased.


That just made Sare’s blush even darker, “You’re just horrible.” He pouted slightly at the prince’s teasing.


“I am sure you will find it in your heart to forgive me.” Aiden smiled giving Sare a kiss on the cheek.
The kiss surprised Sare and he brought a hand up to his cheek where Aiden’s lips have previously been.


Their first kiss.


“I am sure I will be able to.” The blond smiled back at the prince, already feeling less nervous and embarrassed about the whole situation.