It has been quite a while, hasn't it, old companion?

As the sun casted it's final glow through the pebbled stained glass, it expressed it's brightness upon the velvet red carpet, a gentle yellow glow that contrasted beautifully through the castle halls.

A gentle harmonic melody soothed the nobles that chatted amongst themselves. Diligently tilted chins and firm posture. Nothing quite out of the ordinary.

Prince Avian settled into position above the very ledge that kept those at the very head of the stairs safe. His arms locked in place behind him as his silky gloved hands layered over the other.

His observant gaze meticulously analyzing every noble unbeknownst to them. A scowl threatening to pierce through his unmoving expression.

Slowly, he descended the stairs. Taking each step with utmost elegance and percision. As he transcended forward, towards where the current king and queen of his eventual kingdom remained.

Also widely known as the young prince's parents.

As he proceeded through the river of viscounts and nobles, suitors and such, they reflexively created a pathway. Though, not out of respect or humble devotion.

Their snared glares and resentful scowls were like feral beasts awaiting in the darkness, preparing for attack to overthrow the undeserved crown that will eventually be placed atop his head.

It was the harsh reality that you could never truly believe anyone is on your side that caused what once felt as warm and free as feeling the breeze grace one's smooth skin to shift into something that felt almost suffocating.

Being that as it may..

As appalling as it may seem, that was not the entirety of the reasoning behind Avian's unyelding stoicism. But.. far long ago, before he could recall everything in it's entirety, he remembered. A beautiful silhouette of a person, dressed to perfection. A royal such as himself.

Though they... you were far more divine than he could have ever aspired to become.

He would recall several days of freedom spent simply by your side. Truly, Avian never regretted anything more than allowing his final words to you be emphasized with envy and hate.

Because that was the last he ever saw of you since.

Or so he presumed.