Chương 82: Dulcet and Duplicitous - Part 9

The prince only slept for about two hours before rising once again, and in that time, not much in the way of constructive thoughts found their way into Cele's mind. The dream had left him numb, shell-like. If he had the ability to experience any form of frustration, he would've, but all he seemed capable of was staring into the small fire and listening to the sounds of the forest surrounding them.

Only when the prince beside him began to stir was he able to shake free from the unbidden trance.

"Go back to sleep."

Cele's own voice sounded distant to him.

"Another hour, at least. Rudolf and Kaifin are still sleeping, anyway."

Heiko shook his head, pushing himself up. For moment, he simply watched the dancing fire, slowly waking himself. His hair was half-disheveled, eyelids heavy with lasting traces of sleep.

And then he inhaled and straightened his back, bringing his arms over his head for a full body stretch.

"How are you?"

Cele furrowed his brow.

"How am I?"