As the first light of dawn filtered through the leaves, Gregory and Bryce stirred from their much-needed slumber. Their bones were still aching, but they were grateful to be alive. The horrors of the desert seemed like a distant nightmare now, washed away by the soothing sounds of the nearby creek and the gentle rustling of leaves overhead.
They took a moment to drink deeply from the creek once more and gather what meager provisions they could from the surrounding vegetation before setting off. Their path now led them through a sparse forest, a welcome change from the endless dunes they had traversed.
As they walked, Bryce cleared his throat, his expression serious. "Gregory," he began, his voice low despite their apparent solitude, "I need to stress again how vital it is that no one learns of my... abilities."
Gregory nodded solemnly. "Of course, Your Highness. I understand completely."
"It's not just about protecting me," Bryce continued, his eyes darting around as if checking for unseen listeners. "If word got out that the crown prince possessed magic, it could destabilize the entire kingdom. That would empower our enemies. There are those who would see it as a sign that our family has no right to rule, others who might try to use me as a weapon. The chaos it would cause... it doesn't bear thinking about."
Gregory felt the weight of the prince's words settle on his shoulders. He knew, without a doubt, that he would carry this secret to his grave. He just hoped that such a grave wouldn't come too soon. What good could possibly come from revealing such dangerous information? It would only bring ruin - to Bryce, to the kingdom, and undoubtedly to Gregory himself.
"You have my word," Gregory said firmly. "I'll never speak of what I've seen to anyone. Not for any reason."
Bryce's shoulders relaxed slightly, some of the tension leaving his face. "Thank you, Gregory. I know I can trust you."
They walked in companionable silence for a while, the forest gradually growing denser around them. Gregory's mind wandered, considering the strange turns his life had taken. Just weeks ago, he had been a nobody, fleeing from his past. Now he was the confidant of the crown prince, keeper of a secret that could shake the foundations of the kingdom.
But he knew that this knowledge brought him no real power or advantage. If anything, it was a burden - one he would have to bear carefully for the rest of his days. The safest course was to bury the information deep within himself and never let it see the light of day.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Bryce paused, orienting himself by its position. "We should reach the outskirts of Mulrich by nightfall," he said. "From there, we can acquire horses and make for the capital."
"I just want to sleep in a real bed."
"I know what you mean," Bryce said. "And don't worry, I will see to it that you are heartily rewarded for helping me."
"Heartily rewarded sounds wonderful," Gregory said with a laugh. "Though at this point I make take a hot meal and a bath."
Bryce smiled slightly. "Oh come now, I might throw a shave in there, too."
Gregory chuckled, pushing aside his weariness at the thought of the long journey still ahead. They had survived the impossible; surely, they could manage this final stretch.
As they pressed on towards Mulrich and the complications that awaited them in the capital, Gregory silently renewed his vow. Bryce's secret was safe with him, now and always.
Or until a better offer presented itself.
