”Just keep breathing.”

He kept a steady pace as he walked along through the halls. He didn’t say a word to anyone, didn’t look their direction, or even hint at what it was he was doing. The urge to take his pent-up frustrations out on someone was overwhelming but he knew a walk would do him some good. Fresh air could clear anyone’s mind. He just had to get out of the palace first.
All he had to do was simply walk out and walk out he would but it wasn’t quite the purpose of running off. No, there was too much on his plate to simply pick up and go and one of those heavy decision items was Kai…. Possibly his--- no. HIS child. He wouldn’t abandon them even though he knew that it coming to a factor of the walls quickly closing in on him. It wouldn’t be long, he imagined, that word would be snaking out. His mother was a very resourceful woman and though she may act like she didn’t have a keen hand on how things worked around the castle…. She did. She had ears and eyes everywhere. To be honest she was probably the scarier of his parents. However unfortunately for her, he wasn’t all that necessarily easy to scare unless your name happened to be Kamaria. That was probably the only person right now that could send his head into a whirlwind.

Giving one more quick glance around him he stepped out of the castle and out into the courtyard. He probably should have called for his steed but what was the point of taking a breather if he didn’t walk? Didn’t start wearing out that incessant worry with exercise. As he passed through the gates the guards immediately bowed their heads to him and one of course asking if it were wise he left the safety of the walls due to the rather tensions between the humans and the immortals. Ezra didn’t answer that question, he didn’t have to. Even though he was raised properly and spoke when answered to this, however, would not be the case. He passed by them as though he didn’t hear them.

His mind kept roaming over topics as he walked. He kept out of crowds and remained aware of his surroundings. One couldn’t be too careful these days but walking around the courtyards and gardens of his home was enough to continue to bog him down.

He kept his head low and hood up over his eyes. He made sure to wear more casual crowd blending clothing but even those were still nicer than half the people he walked with. Some knew though and some pointed him out and whispered to another but thankfully they at least they were smart enough to keep their mouth shut. Walking a little further there was a conversation that caught his attention and he looked towards the direction of two women. The crowd had thinned out though was still busy and bustling a little further down the road. His brows furrowed as he listened to one call the other a whore and talked about turning her in until the woman attempted a fast shift that failed. The other screeched in horror of a hybrid but soon grabbed the pale woman’s arm again and demanded she gets up.

It was not his place to get in the middle of such squabbles. Really he probably wouldn’t have if he hadn’t been nearly looking for a fight that day. Pent-up frustration had the Prince on edge. Now with a new focus at hand, he parted his lips. ”Release her.” his voice boomed. The woman looked skeptical at him and his hand placed itself on the hilt of his blade on his hip. Since a youngster, he had been trained in the art of swordsmanship and he would have no issues cutting this poor woman to size…. Though he would prefer not to. It would look bad and probably even more so once they find out the prince was meddling in commoner affairs.

Still, he couldn’t keep his tongue tied.

The woman narrowed her eyes with determination. ”This one is mine so go find yer own, laddy. I’m getting my payment.” she sneered as she gave one sharper tug on Larkin to yank her up on her feet. His blood began to boil though perhaps for the wrong reasons. It wasn’t even this situation that got him worked up but he supposed taking it out on something else wasn’t that bad of an idea. Once more he planted his feet and spoke with more authority. ”You have no grounds here. You are to release that woman or I will force you to.” his tone was sharp and stern but the woman seemed completely unphased. ”You aren’t my boss, boy.” she laughed.

”Release her now by order of the immortal prince.” Fingers gripped around the hem of his hood tugged it off of his head. His gaze was unlike any other. This, of course, put him at risk but he, for the time being, didn’t care. Immediately she released with a gasp and a deep bow, bending at her waist as low as she possibly could. ”My Liege. I am so sorry. I didn’t recognize you nor did I know you had any interest in a little hybrid.” her words were seething but as respectful as she could manage as she backed off. Once she was away from the both of them he tugged his hood back upon his head but he didn’t move towards Larkin. He stood there shoving his sword back to where it rested safely against his hip. ”You should probably keep that covered if you don’t want another similar scenario.” His had a very off the cuff sort of tone as his eyes wandered from her. ”What’s your name?” he asked after a few beats of silence.

The young woman seemed surprised he had even considered dropping in to save her. She started to speak and he stared at her with calm cool eyes as she fought for the right words. He didn’t need to hear them. He got the picture from the sigh of relief when the other woman had taken off. He gave a quick glance at their surroundings but none seemed to eager to step towards him or acknowledge that he was there. That was fine with him. He wanted to be left alone anyways and didn’t need to be flocked by gaggles of people. After all one couldn’t breathe when people surrounded him like a sea of water. Finally it seemed the words decided to form after all. He gave her a small crooked smile. She gave her name as just Larkin and so he would do the same. First names were less businessy anyways and he wasn’t in the setting for ‘business’. ”Ezra.” he could tell she wasn’t from the city else she would have known his name. It was a hard thing to keep from his people after all. Her next question caused him to chuckle softly. ”What? No.” He shook his head. ”Despite what the law may say you are as much of a person as I am.” He gave a shouldered shrug. ”What type of hybrid are you?” he asked curiously.

It wasn’t everyday he got to meet neither a hybrid nor many different races. It was most human and other immortals. He could clearly see she had some elf but he wasn’t sure on what else it was that made up who she was. ”If you don’t live in the city then what are you doing out here?” He asked her. Surely she knew the city could be a bit rough and rowdy especially when you got lost in the bigger crowds. Some people would also steal you blind if you weren’t careful. ”Are you lost?”

A very intricate mind she had. His gaze didn’t show as much amusement as he felt however as it remained rather observant. Had he been in his usual environment he would have kept his friendly atmosphere because unlike his parents he was far more open and approachable. His father wasn’t that hard if one wasn’t easily intimidated but his mother was the harder of the two. Her mind worked in mysterious ways. One would almost think she was out for blood if they didn’t know her well enough. He supposed that was where he got his critical thinking and guarded observation. When she spoke a hint of a shadowed smile could be seen briefly.

”Interesting way to think about it. it’s close to sounding like the Spanish word “Mesa”. Though it doesn’t even mean desert rather it’s a flat-topped hill with steep sides.” He gave her an inquired smile as he paused for a moment, keenly watching her expression. ”However my name is Hebrew and the meaning for my name means “Help or Helper”. I supposed I just moments ago lived up to that.” he winked at her as he chuckled. It was amusing how that worked out since when he first came out here he hadn’t any intention of getting into commoner affairs.

However, the little woman was clearly distressed and clearly unequipped to deal with such a matter. It reminded him of his Kamaria who was in a dire situation and he has little to no way helping her out of it.

She was quick to cover up the fact something was bother her. His brows furrowed as he watched her but he knew it was not his place to ask such questions. So he would have to write it off and take her word for it. ”I know you don’t know me but if there is anything I can do to help you with your troubles. Let me know.” he said giving her at least the opening if she decided to take it. He wouldn’t think she would however as he was a complete stranger. His ranking in the world wouldn’t get him everything nor the desire to have people trust him. Still, he wasn’t as foul as the human King. She, however, did pick up on that for his next comment got his brows to raise a bit. ”Thank you?” he said not sure if that was actually a compliment. ”You are fine, Miss Larkin. I don’t take offense as I think I get where you are coming from. Most royals can come off snooty. I try not to be.” There were enough of those royals in the world and he didn’t want to add to it.

Stepping forwards as she showed the tattoo on her wrist, he carefully took her arm in his hand as he looked it over. ”Where it’s placed is a dangerous place indeed.” he ran his thumb over the mark for a moment before looking up at her. ”I’m sure there is some sort of magical way to do it. I’m sure one of the mages back at the castle might know of a way.” He let her arm go. ”Unless you have somewhere else to be?”

He wondered though why his mother had given him such a name. She didn’t bond with him when he was younger if anything she found him to be more of a nuisance. Motherhood didn’t sit well with her apparently and it was only when he got older did she even attempt to really bond – though not strongly. From the way, she acted the idea of pregnancy horrified her. ”You probably should be careful if you do.” he said offhandedly. ”Most aren’t as kind so you are right in your assumption.” Not all were cruel but most weren’t as open as he was especially to a hybrid. He, however, wouldn’t tell her that. She seemed like a bright young woman who could figure that out on her own.

He held her thin wrist in his hand and examined the tattoo. Not necessarily the intricate pattern but more of where it was placed and how dangerous it would be to remove it. To him, it looked like they picked the most vulnerable spot. If one were to play around too much with it they could easily bleed out such as if they destructively attempted to scratch it off. Man veins laid beneath the thin skin layer and it was absolutely dangerous. He supposed the next step could be either magic or merely keeping it wrapped and covered. He let go of her wrist and invited her back towards the castle which she seemed hesitant. He didn’t mind. ”Expecting someone?” he asked her. Though if he remembered right she made it seem like she was alone but the look on her face stated otherwise…. Almost like she was expecting something or someone. ”If you are looking for that woman. She’s long gone.” he smiled softly offering his hand towards her. ”And if she was daring enough to try and stick around… she wouldn’t like the outcome.”

It was then she seemed to make up her mind with very hesitant wording. So that was why she looked expectant? She lived with a friend close by. ”No worries. I understand.” he nodded with an assured expression and it was then she grabbed her hand with her own. ”I wouldn’t suspect it would be that hard to find. Just look for the large building.” he gave her a small laugh as he gave her hand a small tug and started to lead her back towards home. It didn’t in the least cross his mind that it would look terrible. The king's son leading what would be considered a whore back to the castle even though she was hardly a come-hither type of woman.

He led her through the streets, his strides much longer than hers but she seemed to have no problems in keeping up with him. The hood set low on his face covering his features in a cloaked shadow as he peered from beneath the hood with keen grey hued eyes. No one really paid them much mind as they strode passed but every so often would glance at the cheerful gaited young woman beside him. He glanced down at her as she spoke and he gave her a soft look. ”I sure hope so.” he said. ”Or at least give recommendations on what you could do until you found someone with strong enough power to get rid of it.” His shoulder rose but he had hope for her. The young woman looked like she could use some as it were. No one should have to wear a mark of desecration on their arm for the rest of their life. ”We immortals – royals at least – have just about everything at our fingertips so I am sure we can find something for you.”

Even though he didn’t quite stop to think about how it may appear when he waltzes her in and asks the trusted mages their opinion. He didn’t see the problem in helping someone though even if it were probably high not recommended. Her next question caused him to laugh. ”Honestly no.” he shook his head as the castle was getting closer and only having to stop a few times when a large group of people passed. As he stood on the corner with her awaiting their turn to get through she seemed to hide more behind him than standing in front of him. Keen eyes followed the blond man as he strode passed with a walk of a king. If only he knew how much trouble that could get someone like him in. However, he was not here to press laws down on anyone’s head. IN fact, he wasn’t even supposed to be out of the safety of the walls. ”Who is he?” he asked her looking down with a concerned look on his face. The man did look like he was up to no good just by the mere passing gazes to a few people around him. He walked like he was some kind of importance and it was that kind of thing that made the Prince scowl. He wasn’t one to rub his authority in anyone’s faces but people who stunk of foul intentions.

Tugging on her hand again he carefully led her crossed the street and now down the path towards the castle gates. The looming building stood tall and proud. One should be happy to call it home but he, unfortunately, couldn’t state that. It felt more like a jail to him. It held a lot of secrets and a lot of unhappy moments primarily ones of Kai and his father. He never meant to fall so hard for the man’s mistress but he had and now living there without being able to have her was absolutely unbearable. The sneaking around and the secret of his possible child that grew in her womb. Shaking his head and getting out of his thoughts he directed his gaze down to the woman. ”Have you eaten?” now that he thought about it he was kind of starving himself. Worrying about someone else was far easier on his brain, he should do it more often. ”We can eat first if you wish otherwise we can head straight to the mages.” He shrugged again as he led her to throw the large doors of the castle and stepped in.

”Guardians?” that was an odd name for a keeper of women. His eyes had followed the blonde man as he listened to Larkin, his features becoming unreadable. Well, for now, she was under the protection of the Immortal Prince and there was little that man or any other could do about it. It was when she was on her own that she would have trouble. They moved through the crowd, his fingers entwined with hers as he led her along to keep from losing her. If he lost her there was no telling if he could actually locate her again and so he made sure to keep a firm grip so they couldn’t be broken apart. Upon arrival, though his hand loosened until eventually falling away from her own. She seemed at first very excited at the sound of food but immediately brushed it a no thank you. ”Nonsense, Larkin. It’s rude to eat in front of someone who is hungry.” he brushed away her refusal. ”We’ll see what the cooks have made up.” he tugged his hood down from his head and moved down one of the long corridors being sure she was still tightly in tow. ”Whats your favorite thing to eat?” he questioned softly. ”Whatever you want.”

They headed towards the kitchen area and moved into where a few cooks busied with whatever it was his parents had ordered for the day. He asked for a bowl of stew that had been made up for that day and glanced at Larkin awaiting to hear her decision. As she asked about the tattoo, he shook his head a bit. Taking a bite of the stew he leaned back on one of the tables and chewed thoughtfully before starting to speak once he swallowed. ”Depends on how they deem it safe to remove it. “ he said. ”As I said before its in a dangerous spot and I nor they would want to endanger you. It’s risky. But we will see what we can do about it.” he nodded and took another bite of the stew. They had gotten a few glances their way but Ezra paid them no mind. He could visit with whomever he chose. At the very moment, he was this sweet young lady who seemed entirely lost to the world. He envied her view on things. She almost seemed innocent. ”Since you appear elven, I presume you aelfmenn?” he asked. Her appearance at least suggested it. If one didn’t stare too hard she looked full-blooded elf. ”Or is that just me being presumptuous?” he cracked a small grin at her. ”Tell me about yourself.” he was curious.

Food was such a comfort to anyone. It was the way to one’s heart and sometimes soul. So when she said anything with Strawberries he gave a passing glance to one of the cooks who immediately bowed and backed out to go scrape up something for the young maiden. ”Done.” he said with a smile as he leaned back with his bowl in hand. He eyed her with regard as she soon made her way over and sat down on top of the table. Made sense since she was a ton shorter than he was. He could catch her though eying what was in his bowl rather discreetly. ”Wasn’t sure if you would like it. It’s bit of acquired taste.” He said and grabbed a big spoonful and held it out for her to try. It’s got little spice but mostly sweet. Three different types of meats plus a ton of odd veggies. He liked it it was one of his favorite things to eat when their world was steadily getting colder. ”In a way, it’s like veggie soup but not.” He shrugged.

He was steadily finding himself liking this young maiden. Her sweet nature made it comfortable to be around and in a way made him want to shield her so she didn’t get defiled by the cruel ways the world worked. So he asked this charming creature of who she was, what made her Larkin. Naturally, she answered modestly and said the usual short answers and the whole I am not interesting. Ezra found himself shaking his head. ”nonsense. Everyone is interesting.” he pointed out. ”Doesn’t matter who they are or where they come from. Everyones got a story.” He eyed her with curious green-hued grey eyes. ”Whats your favorite thing to do? Your pass-time?” he asked. But it was her last statement that caught him a little off guard. A baby in her? His head tipped slightly and he set the bowl down in between them as he stood now in front of her. ”You are pregnant?” The sudden urge to keep her hidden away in the castle and away from those fiends who tried to drag her back to the camp of the lady of the nights was strong. She didn’t belong there. ”And this Felix? Is he the father? Why do you think he left?” He was perhaps too curious for his own good. He was getting far too invested already with trying to get the tattoo off of her.

She turned it on him and he chuckled. ”If anyone's life is boring. It would be mine. I grew up a sheltered prince with a mother and father, I don’t really know them all that well. My mother is a savage and comes off cruel but deep down she loves. My father is an arrogant air head who uses his temper in his reign and sometimes I don’t think he thinks about the things he does. I grew up among nannies. I did the usual prince things of learning fencing which is to fight with swords…. Both on the ground and on a horse. I have learned how to take my father’s place since I was age 5.” he shrugged his shoulders. It’s boring. He wanted to tell her about Kamaria but well that was more of a touchy subject that no one else really needed to know. The last thing he wanted was someone overhearing his conversations. As it were he was doing his best to not keep under suspicion with this new pregnancy.