12 The Princes Of Steins - First Prince

A few hours later when Hanson and his party returned to the castle, the first thing they saw was two exquisite dark brown thoroughbred horses and a group of guards surrounding them, standing before the castle's main entrance.

What caught their eye the most was the golden shield, embroidered on the dark blue flag flapping in the wind as it was held by the soldiers.

Hanson led his steed forward towards the group. The rare but familiar blue roan stallion caught the eye of the young man standing at the head of the party. His lips quirked up slightly, which softened his otherwise cold countenance. His dark eyes regarded the prince who just stepped down his mount with a hint of happiness as if meeting a bosom friend after a long time.

"Your Highness Prince Christian"

Hanson nodded at him with a smile.

"Prince Hanson" Christian nodded back as Hanson stopped before him.

"I see you've just arrived, let me lead you to your chambers so you could rest a while before the banquet."

Christian nodded back as he and Hanson began walking towards the castle.

Stefan who was following the two with Calvin at the back was scowling. "We insignificant lackeys aren't even considered as existing beings; see him get all chummy with his Highness and treating us like air"

Calvin could only smile helplessly. "If anyone saw your behaviour they'd think you have a crush on Prince Garnet."

"Hah!!" Stefan exclaimed.

"Me, him?" he pointed between him and Christian before resolutely exclaiming "Never!" with an expression full of repugnance.

Christian glanced at the two youngsters walking behind him. He heard their complete conversation loud and clear.

"Forgive my discourtesy for forgetting your existence, Knight Rodriguez, Lord Longweid. Though you can't blame me for your, oh so little presence."

It would have been better had Christian ignored them, but now even Calvin had a nerve throbbing on his forehead.

"I take back my words, Stefan you were right."

Stefan who almost burst out like a volcano calmed himself just a tiny bit. He just gave an 'Hmph' and glanced at Calvin with a face that said 'I told you so.'

Before they could start another bout, Hanson changed the subject. "Come to think of it, Prince Christian, I haven't seen your brother. Did he not arrive with you? But then that steed...?"

Christian gave a rare grin and exclaimed as if he just realised it. "Ahh! he did come with me, but as soon as we arrived he went ahead to see your wife."

"Oh, I see." Hanson nodded perfunctorily.

Christian gave him a side long glance. "Aren't you letting your guard down too much? My brother was someone completely willing to marry your fiancée before despite liking men, that's how charming your soon-to-be wife is."

Calvin and Stefan who were following from behind had to agree that in this department, even the ever taciturn Christian is much better than their ignorant prince.

"It's not that I'm not aware she's attractive, I just don't find anything interesting." Hanson responded with a straight face.

"Keep up that attitude and your wife will run away with another man, it's not like she lacks in suitors." Christian warned jovially thinking of how obtuse the little prince was.

"If she runs then she runs. Feelings can't be forced Christian."

"But if you don't try you won't experience anything kid." Christian couldn't help but pat Hanson's shoulder.

"Hmmm... You seem to have a lot of opinion about my fiancée's attractiveness. Does your fiancée know that her husband-to-be has quite the interest in other women?" Hanson glanced at Christian with a smirk.

"You really do know to hit it where it hurts huh? But too bad that Victoria knows about Kaia and also that I only investigated her for my brother."

Hanson just clicked his tongue, disappointed that his taunt was rendered useless.

As the two bantered while heading down the corridor, Stefan who was following them watched the older prince with eyes as cold as frost. His eyes flashed as he remembered what he witnessed in the past.

Although their Prince seemed cold on the surface and was hard to understand, his heart was incredibly kind and he was awkward with people making him come off as a cold hearted person. But anyone close to him would know he has a warm heart and was innocent like a child.

Prince Christian on the other hand... He has an innately cold personality and his heart has very little space for kindness and its only reserved to people who he cares and those are even fewer than Hanson.

Stefan knows Christian doesn't really like Calvin or him and only acts as if he does for Hanson. It's surprising that he actually cares for Hanson but that's the only reason why he and Calvin tolerated his presence. It's most probably because he had known Hanson ever since the latter was born and had cared for him just like his younger brother.

Stefan knows Christian cares even more for Hanson than Florien and it was mostly because he was already attached to Hanson before Florien was born.

But then, It's also surprising that he did not hear any disdain from Christian when he talked about the princess, as if he approved of her. Stefan knew anyone Christian approved of must be really good because as much as he did not want to admit it, that black haired yeti has a good eye for people, even more than Hanson.

They soon reached the guest quarters in the North wing and Hanson had arranged Christian one of the best rooms. Just as the three younger men were about to leave, Christian called out to Hanson.

"I know you don't trust people easily, but don't be too quick to judge either."

Hanson was confused as to why Christian would warn him so. He just nodded. "All right"

Christian watched as the younger prince walked away. He had no place to interfere and the younger ones have to overcome the tribulations by themselves. He just hoped, that boy would be finally happy and also hoped that he could make that poor girl happy.

Although he knew his sins and with what he was hiding, what he helped his mother do, he had no right to wish for that girl's happiness.