The Shadows Between Us

Lake

"Rowan Donovan, crown prince of Máville Kingdom is standing in front of you now." He emphasized each and every word with his clear voice so that he can hear each word clearly in this hectic situation and loud voices overs covering grunts and shouts for situations ranging from dominants to submissives.

The authority in his voice was flowing like a prince, indeed he is a prince thought master to himself before gritting his teeth. Of course, he can't fight the prince now, does he? Looking around when all of his fellows were on the ground like him, he thought to beg for his life.

"Fight with me now." Rowan smirked after saying the word 'fight' how entertaining it would be to fight this person with whom he was controlling his anger just for the plan to succeed.

"Forgive me, my Lord." He kneeled in front of Rowan.

"Forgiveness isn't for the person who dares to harm my kingdom. You deserve death." Master just stared at him silently and the other thieves who are still alive were still in shocked to see the prince in the clothes like them has stayed between them and had slept with them the whole night and went to their secret places and was hearing their plans is a prince of Máville. It not only shocked the thieves but the customers who were there hiding for their beloved life so the guards wouldn't mistake them for these thieves.

"Take these thieves to the prisoner and dark cells of the dungeon. King will decide their punishment in the royal court." He ordered the guards and they dragged the thieves out mercilessly. Two guards hold the master from his arms and dragged him away.

"Stop!" Rowan voice roams in the club louder and the guard stop in their spot. He stared at the master for a second before ordering.

"I want that painting." He tapped his bag with his sword. "Open his bag and give me that scroll." The guard instantly obeyed his order and put the scroll in their prince's hand. His lips turned in a smirk with satisfaction. He signalled them with his hand and guards take all the thieves out. Rowan smiled and hold the scroll tight like a treasure which someone would steal from him but no one will dare, will they? Someone hit his shoulder from behind harder.

"Who dare!" His words stuck in his mouth.

"I dare, any objections?" The man said raising his eyebrow and Rowan shook his head in denial. Alvis stare at him before smiling, when he saw Rowan is alright.

"Brother... Hi." There was a sweet smile on his face while he knew how badly he had made Alvis, his elder brother worried because of him and now he felt guilty for making him worry, but not capturing the thieves.

"You told me that you were going to catch them but you didn't tell me that you had a plan to be a thief in these clothes and join their group. huh?! You know how dangerous it is!" He said with fury as his features held no softness in them he furrowed. While Roman gulped nervously.

"I killed two of their thieves and changed my appearance. I become the son of one of the thieves and enter the group. I trace all of their secret places and plans." He told excitedly he felt somehow proud of himself for coming out for his people, who just rely on the royals for help.

"Any guard could do that." Alvis stare harder at Rowan with annoyance.

"Why not me brother? Prince should enjoy and have fun too." He said with a smirk.

"Putting your life at risk is not fun. Rowan." He tries to make him understand as a big brother it's his responsibility to guide him correctly. If anything happened to him it has not just come to him not that he cares if the king has to slice his neck, but he doesn't want to lose his younger brother and best friend.

"It's an amazing adventure. Now stop scolding me, brother. At least, Appreciate me for catching the thieves." He said slowly making a sad face as he look away like a kid which was successful because Alvis finally smile at him.

"Good job buddy." He hugged him and let go of the breath in relief. Letting go of him Rowan said.

"Now let's go back. I didn't have breakfast yet. Father must be worried. And stop appreciating me like I did something big. A prince must make his kingdom peaceful and clear from any danger." He smirk and Alvis crumpled when he understand now he is praising himself, both start laughing and walked out while the guards were cleaning the dead thieves.

Rowan and Alvis walk out of the club it was not a sunny day yet the weather is cool; not so hot. One of the guard pulled a horse for the prince as Rowan patted the horse's neck and back, so he can remember him. His silky brown shiny tail moved in response It is one of the soldier's horses, he lifted one leg and jump to sit on it. He wielded the curb of the horse looking at the club one last time, the horses started walking in the northeast direction.

They were walking through an umber-brown, ancient forest. It reeked of age. Its woody incense was from centuries of snapping branches crashing to the forest’s floor and rotting silently. Every sprawling tree they passed under reminded him of a watchful guardian, a silent sentinel of the groves. He decided to venture deeper into the tangled heart of this primeval forest.

Suddenly, Rowan pulled the curbs off the horse and stop it as the horse make a loud 'uhh' sound and stop. He jumped to the ground as he stare at the forest. Alvis and the other royal guards stare at him as to what was going on. He was thinking something which Alvis don't understand as he also looks around and found no one before asking him directly.

"What happened?" He walks near Roman who is still looking at trees and the right or left. Alvis signals the guards to stay alert here. Not getting any answer he asks again. "Is everything okay? You already selected a long forest way to reach the palace." He is curious and was suspecting that something is strange.

"Those thieves were talking about their forest secret hiding place here in the east. That's why I came this way. We captured all of them but still, I think there is more. We should check here for any thieves left. I don't want a single of them in my kingdom." He adds, "They talk about the middle forest, tall trees and near the lake. I guess they were talking about this place."

"You are right, Guards! Check this area and catch if you found someone suspicious. Be careful." He sends the guards to the west forest.

"The rest of the guards should check the lakeside. I can hear the water sound it near." Order roman. The rivers all flowed north, from the mountains to the cold sea. Follow the river southwards, against the current.

"What sound!? Oh no." Alvis said in complete shock. He abruptly shocked his head as he looked around him.