Hoping for Changes

“After we cross this river, we should be at the camp where I had our men wait in about a couple of hour’s time.” Mason stood at the edge of the river, observing and planning the best way to get across the very dangerous waters. When he crossed it the first time, the general found the cold water and the strength used not to get swept away painful on his body. He couldn’t imagine their two little “rescues” being able to cross the waters safely.

“We should probably rest for a bit and let them catch their breaths before we attempt to cross .” Aiden said, standing next to the formidable general, trying to also figure out the best course of actions.

Mason nodded, “Even if they did send troops after us soon after we left, we can afford to rest for a couple of hours at most. Just to be safe, I say we move in about two.”

“Are we going to have to swim?” A worried, higher-pitched voice joined the conversation. Sare walked up and stopped in between Aiden and Mason looking at the water.
“We will have to.” Aiden nodded, “Why? Can’t you swim?” he asked turning to the blond, who had his head covered by his red scarf, holding the end of the fabric that fell past his shoulders close to his body as if he were cold.

Sare looked up at Aiden and shook his head, “No. It won’t be a big problem…will it?”

Aiden smiled and shook his head, “Don’t worry, I will make sure you cross safely.” Sare blushed and looked down, “I just don’t want to make things any more difficult.”

Mason rolled his eyes. “Other than being the cause to why your King will declare war on our kingdom, I don’t see how you could be any more trouble.”
Sare looked up at Mason with a surprised and hurt expression, his gray eyes tearing up instantly before running away to where Lei was laid down, still unconscious under a tree not far.

“Mason…”The prince said sternly turning to his general and glared at him. “Watch your words.” He warned him.

“Look Aiden, I cannot deny your requests but you have to admit, bringing those two back with us is probably one of the most stupid and selfish things you have ever done. Your father will definitely not approve of this.”

“I will deal with father. But don’t go making such comments again and upset Sare.” Aiden still glared at Mason. Mason just arched an amused brow at the prince’s annoyance.

“Fine, fine,” the general waved his hands dismissively, “I will not upset your little kitten anymore.”
Aiden then made his way over to Sare, who had his back turned to them as he was sitting next to Lei and stroked the sleeping beauty’s hair.

“Sare,” Aiden walked infront of Sare and kneeled down infront of him, “Don’t listen to what Mason said.” The prince reached out and wiped some of the tears that stained Sare’s cheek. “Will you join me for a little walk? I want to talk to you.” Aiden offered a hand to Sare. Sare looked at Aiden’s hand before taking it and felt himself being pulled to his feet by Aiden. After the prince pulled him up, Sare noticed that he didn’t let go of the blonde’s hand as they walked away from Mason and a sleeping Lei.

Mason just sat down beside Lei and shook his head. He better be damn worth it….he thought. Mason looked down at the sleeping form beside him. His head still hurt from where Lei had struck him the night before. For such a small and delicate looking person, Mason was surprised he was that physically strong.

The general then reached down and pulled the yellow scarf covering his head away from Lei’s face to get a better look at him. He couldn’t believe that this person was a male. As beautiful as Lei was, Mason would have probably killed himself if he looked so much like a woman. He reached down and gently touched the side of Lei’s face that was bruised, and as soon as he did so, Lei’s eyes slowly opened.

“Sare…Keiran?” he asked confused, but when he saw Mason he instantly sat up moved away. “Who the hell are you??” he asked glaring at the general. “Where is Sare???”

“I don’t know.” Mason responded, not caring that Lei was glaring daggers at him and just closed his eyes as he leaned against the tree to rest, “He went off with Prince Aiden somewhere deeper in the forest.” He then opened his eyes and smirked at Lei, “Maybe he is re-paying Aiden for our help in getting you two out of Viera.” As soon as those words left his lips, Mason felt a very strong sting on his cheek and his head moved to the side by the force of Lei’s slap.

“Don’t you dare speak of Sare in that manner again…you filthy, disgusting beast.”

Mason took Lei’s wrist, “Hit me again and I will make your hand permanently useless…understand?” he threatened and squeezed Lei’s wrist, stopping short of snapping it in half. Mason was sure he was hurting Lei, but Lei didn’t show any pain in his face nor any fear of his words.
“You disrespect us in such a way again and I will render you useless, period. Understand?” Lei threatened back.

Mason let go of Lei. He became visibly amused at being threatened by someone who most likely wouldn’t be able to break a single bone on him. This one was feisty. Now it doesn’t surprise him how he got such a bruise on his face.

Once Mason let him go, Lei just sat back and hugged his hand. He just wanted this nightmare to be over.

“I suggest you don’t go and do something stupid like run off. I honestly don’t care if you go back to your King but I doubt you know your way back to your kingdom.”

“Don’t talk to me you ogre.”
**~~**

They didn’t go too far away from where Mason and Lei were, but Aiden led Sare far enough to give them some privacy. He did not want anybody getting in the way of their conversation and influencing Sare in any way.
“Now that we’re alone,” Aiden stopped walking and faced Sare, still holding his hand, “Before we go any further, if you have any regrets about doing this, you can still go back.”
Sare’s expression became worried and he mistook Aiden’s words. The blond began feeling that maybe the prince was starting to have regrets on his own. “I do not want to go back.” He looked away sadly, “I know that leaving with you is most likely going to cause us…cause you…big problems. And…I know we haven’t known each other for long, but I don’t think I would have been able to bear not seeing you ever again.” Sare explained as if he feared he needed to convince Aiden. “I just want to be by your side Aiden.”

Aiden smiled at Sare’s words and he pulled him in for a hug, “I want you to be by my side too. I just want to make sure you are completely certain with your decision because after we cross that river, there is no turning back. I am not going to give you up that easy.”

Sare hugged Aiden back nodding. Sare felt relieved that Aiden didn’t have any desire to take him back to Ghazi. He relaxed in Aiden’s embrace feeling so secure and at ease despite the problems and hardships even he knew were bound to occur. “I promise. I will obey you.”
**~~**

@lividfire: I will so keep everything you said in mind and thanks a lot for the advise. I hope I don't disappoint you ^_^

Thanks for the reviews!!! Any criticism, advise or opinions greatly appreciated.