Chapter 3

*Six years later*

[Victor's POV]

He was gone.

My only friend... gone.

Not for much longer though.

At the ripe age of 53 years, my father passed on. My mother is too ill to take the throne any longer, so the job was left to me.

That means I am King and I will to make my own decisions. That means I finally get to search for Elias. The one person I care for.

I am beginning the search today. I will find him, and I will convince him to return. I must. If I cannot, then I will take him by force. After all, how I can leave behind the one I love?

You heard right, indeed. I am in love with Elias. I always have been. Well, ever since I was old enough to understand the concept of love.

"Tell Sir Edmund to begin the search. I'll be down momentarily. I also want an announcement sent out to the village that I will be in attendance. I will find him." I commanded my footmen.

With a curt nod, he left to find Edmund, the very best War General a King could ask for. He had a certain sense of humor that queried concern at first, but I've gotten rather used to it.

He can be quite rude when in the wrong presence... which is why I usually refrain from having him help me. Though, this matter would have to be different. He may be old and ludicrous, but he has trained the finest men, which I will use to my advantage.

This sounds rather ominous the more I think about it. It is only a search. I will not detain Elias, nor will I accuse him of doing anything by wrong. I only want what's best for him. He must be living horridly. The village isn't very... stable, let alone sanitary. I can't imagine the hardships he's endured living a peasant's life... that is if he's still living in the village.

Elias was always a dreamer. I liked that about him. He once shared with me a dream he had. A dream of him and I traveling past the mountains. I found it amusing at the time, but recently I've been thinking that it could happen.

What if my Elias is gone?

What if my Elias is long past the mountains?

If he is, then at least I know I have not failed him.

"Sir, the men are ready, and they've prepared the hounds. Shall we began the search?" The footmen returned. "Tell them to put the hounds away. I do not wish to frighten my people, especially Elias."

He nodded once again. I do wish the servants would talk more...

"Ah, King Victor; lovely day, isn't it?" Sir Edmund

Chuckled. "Yes. It is." I replied blandly. I just wanted to begin this search. I hadn't the time for such nonsensical topics.

"Let us begin now. I cannot wait any longer." I demanded. Edmund sent out a few small search groups of three or four men. That would be enough. I didn't need the entire kingdom to know what was happening.

I mounted my horse and brought it around the bend of the castle. I took a dirt path that lead to the village. It was the fastest route, and I could wait no longer. My mother always said I was an impatient one...

I hadn't been to the village since I was 11 years old. Things had changed a lot. I would not let it stop me, though.

As I dismounted my horse, a young boy approached with his mouth wide open. The announcement must've already gotten out. "Hello. Would you be so kind as to take my horse to the stables for me?" I asked him. The raven-haired child nodded wildly and took the reins of my horse, leading the ebony-colored steed away.

I frowned slightly and began to walk towards the clusters of houses and buildings. There were many people out today. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but this was going to be like sorting through the amount of people in hell.

So... I began asking around. People were reluctant in giving me answers, but that was expected. It was easy to assume that Elias had allies. He was a sweet and charming boy after all.

But, not everything is meant to be shared. I have come to claim what is mine, if you will.

***

I've been searching for half the day, and still, I have found no sign of Elias. It is almost as if he does not wish to be found.

I came upon a small stone house. Perhaps this could be it. I gave the door a few sharp knocks.

A women with grey hair and wrinkled skin opened the door slowly. "H-hello?" "Good afternoon. I'm looking for a young man about my age, with blond hair and pretty green eyes. He is my dear friend Elias. Have you any idea where I can find him?" I asked with the most politeness I could muster.

"You mean the sheep boy? I haven't seen him since Sunday. He's probably out in the fields across the way." She answered. "Thank you ever so much, madam."

She shut the door as I turned around. There was a small barn on a hill, and what seemed to be endless green pastures beside it. There was an excellent view of the mountains just beyond the fences.

I knew he was here. He had to be.

Hopefully, I knocked upon the last wooden door of the day. There was no answer. I knocked again. Perhaps they hadn't heard. Again, no answer.

"Hello?" I called. Nothing. I recalled what the old woman had said. He must be in the fields. I didn't want to barge onto property that was not mine, but I suppose I am the King, after all. I can do what I want.

I slowly walked around the house and barn, and found myself on the field.  I could see sheep frolicking on the horizon, munching on grass to their hearts content.

Suddenly, the sound of laughter and talking filled my ears. It was a wonderful laugh. It was lovely. Perfect in every way...

"Elias."

I turned to face the lovely sound. There he was. Still lovely as ever, even frolicking among sheep.

I started towards him, still mesmerized by his playful nature. I had gotten so close to him, and he didn't even realize. I cleared my throat, causing him to turn around sharply with a gasp.

There was no doubt about it, this was Elias. He still wore the little gold locket I gave him all those years ago.

He was so... beautiful. Wild, golden curls covered his head, and his green eyes were as bright as ever. The only difference was... filth. He looked as if he hadn't seen a bath in years. I suppose dirt wouldn't hurt anyone, though.

"V-Vic- I mean, your M-Majesty!" His face went as red as the royal curtains. I chuckled. "No need for formalities. You are still my best friend, and you'll call me by my name." I gazed softly at his face, scanning over his features.

His full, rounded lips were by far one of his most lovely physical features. "I finally found you after all this time. I've missed you." I stared into his sea green orbs.

"I've missed you too, Victor." The blond haired boy replied. "Is there anywhere we can talk that isn't.... a field?" I half-chuckled. "Sure, follow me. I'll introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Wendell." He said cheerfully.

I followed him like a puppy following it's master, slowly getting closer to him just to feel valid. We had gone back to the little stone house near the barn. It was quaint, but still nice. "Hello Mum, Hello Da." Elias said as he walked into the house. "I've brought a guest. I hope you don't mind." He called out. The woman whom I presumed to be Mrs. Wendell, was just serving lunch as we'd walked in.

"Oh dear I don't mind at all. Is it a gir-" She turned to face us and suddenly dropped the dish in her hands, allowing it to shatter upon the hard, stone floor. "Oh my! I-I'm so terribly sorry, I didn't realize the King was going to be in our presence!" She stammered.

"It's quite alright. Allow me." I offered my assistance in picking up the shards of porcelain, which had scattered about the floor. "Elias didn't tell us he was chummy with the King!" Mr. Wendell shouted as his eyes widened with concern.

Elias giggled and helped pick up the broken bowl. "W-we were friends long ago... when we were just boys." He explained. Mr. and Mrs. Wendell exchanged looks while Elias and I did the same.

***

"Lunch was lovely, Mrs. Wendell, Thank you." I complimented her cooking, as it was the best thing I'd ever eaten. She laughed and flicked her hand as if telling me to stop flattering her.

I realized that I had still not talked to Elias. "Can we talk now?" I asked. I hope I did not sound impatient. The blond young man opened his mouth to speak, but paused. "Yes. We can speak in my room." He stood silently and led me by my hand to his chambers.

By the way he grabbed my hand, you would think he was trying to make sexual advances on me. I felt myself being pulled through a doorway, and then he abruptly closed the door. He looked back at me and chuckled.

"By God, what in the name of all that is good, are you doing in a filthy place like this?" I asked. My eyes darted around the room for a moment.

Elias laughed angelically. I always did like that laugh... it was so sweet and tender, just like the blonde young man that stood before me. It seemed that the only thing that had changed was his position in society.

"I could ask you the same, old friend." Elias' sweet voice carried through the stone walls. "I've come to collect you, of course." "Well isn't that sweet of you. Though, I'm afraid I rather like living as a farmer. It suits my lifestyle better."

I could feel my pulse heighten as into the sea green eyes of my comrade. "I see... well my lifestyle is better suited for two, dear friend, and I was hoping to have you in it."

Elias stood still. "I- you are two kind, Victor... but I am not suited for a castle. These are the only stone walls that can keep me." He chuckled, laying a hand on the cold, smooth surface of the rock.

I knew that it was risky, but I wanted- no, needed to convince Elias to come with me. If he would not comply, I would never have a chance at telling him how I feel.

"Please, Elias. I need you in my life. Those six years without you were torture. I need my best friend." I begged him. "I am truly sorry, Victor... but these years which I have been away from the castle have been quite the opposite for me. I am free now... and I don't have to go through that horrid whipping anymore. I know it was not your fault, but the memories still hurt." He looked like he was going to cry.

I needed to think of something, quick...

"I'll take you past the mountains. Just like in your dream. We could build a new castle. A better one. And you'll never, and I mean, never, have to go through that horrible torture again." I blurted. I was usually not one for speaking without thinking, but this time was different, I suppose.

Elias was stunned for a moment. "Y-you mean it? You'll take me past the mountains?" He seemed to not believe in me. "Of course I will. We can start the journey tomorrow... if you want." I added.

"I... I think I need time to take this all in. I was only just reunited with you, and it seems a bit much to begin a journey so soon. Can we not catch up with each other first?" The tears had finally fallen. Oh how I hated them so. No tears should ever stain the face of perfection.

My heart softened when I was around him. "Of course, Elias. However, the Chief Minister and my mother would not allow me to stay here in the village, even if I wanted to. Is it possible for you to come back to the castle with me?" I hoped that I was not asking too much of him so soon.

"I suppose... but I do not want to stay in the castle forever. I like living as a villager. It's peaceful and rewarding. The sheep need someone to watch over them." He stated quietly. I wanted to envelop him in the most warmth-filled hug one could offer... but perhaps now was not the time.

Instead, I smiled and laid a hand upon his shoulder. "It will be alright, Elias. I am not going to force you into anything you do not want to do. I mean, I thought about it, but you're just too precious." I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

Elias laughed too. "You haven't changed a bit since I left..." "And neither have you, Princess." I teased him. "Ugh, again with that silly nickname. I am not a female, nor am I of feminine nature, so stop calling me that!" He pouted. I loved to tease him.

I almost forgot how much is missed it...

"Would you like help packing your things?" "No, thank you. I've got it under control. I haven't much to pack anyways." He brushed my help aside, but I didn't mind. "Alright. I shall gather my men and we will ride back to the castle at a quarter past six."

Elias nodded and began grabbing his essentials. "I'll see you soon. I'm so glad I've found you..." I added. "As am I, Victor." He smiled softly.

I left soon after our touching moment. Of course, I thanked Mr and Mrs. Wendell for their hospitality and for taking care of my Elias all these years. I went to the stable to find my horse, and began galloping off the find my men.

I didn't want to be any longer than necessary, since time was of the essence. I wanted Elias to be able to see his dreams come true, and I wanted it now. It was not just his dream anymore. I wanted it as well. This valley will not hold me back from making Elias happy. The Kingdom of Beldare would have to wait.