This probably wasn't the best idea he ever had.
It definitely wasn't the best idea he's ever had.
He couldn't quite explain why he thought of it in the first place. But here he was just the same.
It had probably been one months time since his father announced that he was now in an arranged marriage. And while Cillian always knew, growing up as the crown prince, that would most likely be his fate, it was altogether a worse thing than expected when it became a reality.
And so he ran away.
That part wasn't planned.
It was impulsive and dumb. But in his twenty four years alive he had never felt more free. And he wasn't going back.
But then he was faced with a problem. No where in Arthro was safe. He would be recognized anywhere he went.
After much thought he decided, and this is where the plan came in, that hiding away in enemy territory would be his safest option. No one would recognize him and his tyrannical father would never think to search for him there.
It made sense at the time.
But after many weeks of perilous journey he entered the kingdoms capital only to realize that his plan had many flaws.
One being that he stuck out like a sore thumb.
He swallowed, his throat suddenly dry as he dismounted his midnight black stallion. Head down he tried not to not draw attention to himself as his eyes swept back and forth observing the local people.
One thing he noticed was a large majority seemed to be of short stature. At least in his opinion, as he was a head taller than even the tallest of men walking past. Fair color seemed to be common, so his shock of black hair was a stark contrast, and very eye catching if all the stares were any indication of that.
Opening the door to the nearest inn, he slapped a gold coin on the counter.
"One room please. For however long this will allow me to stay." The inn keeper nodded eyes wide as he slid the key across the counter.
Cillian tilted his head in thanks and hurriedly walked to his assigned room.
Closing the door quickly behind him he leaned against it and began taking deep breaths, unaware that he had not been breathing.
Slipping out of his filthy clothes he collapsed into the bed and immediately fell asleep.
***
It took three days for him to work up the courage to venture out of the room. He walked to the dining area and sat down, feeling all eyes on him once again.
He was famished, and the food disappeared the second it was set down on the table. Appetite satisfied he nearly sprinted back to the room, where he paced back and forth wondering what in the hell he was going to do. No where to go. Funds running low and no practical skills to earn more, he was beginning to see all the holes in his plan.
With no glaringly obvious idea in mind he groaned resting his head against the window that looked out over the local market place. Admittedly being part of the royal family he had no need to ever go to one, so the gathering of people was quite entertaining to watch. He mused that he would most likely need to visit as the few clothes he had were filthy, torn and barely fit to be worn.
His eyes came to rest on a figure cloaked in brown. The persons back was towards him so he couldn't even discern if they were male or female. The attire was plain for sure, but unlike the wardrobes of all the surrounding people, there was not a shred of dirt or any sign of wear anywhere on the garment. Not particularly odd in of itself but catching to the eye all the same.
He watched the figure slowly walk by the stands. They seemed to be looking at each and every vendor intently. Cillian determined by the height and fluid movements of the person that they were most likely female. As they walked slowly through the market place Cillian noticed that they dropped a small dark satchel. He assumed it was a coin purse of sorts.
Hesitating only momentarily he darted out the door grabbing his coat in the process and in less than a minute found himself scooping up the little bag and shoving it in his pocket.
He was conflicted inside. From a moral stand point he knew he should track down the rightful owner and return it. From a survival stand point his meager supply of money was dwindling quickly. And here it was falling practically in his lap.
He stood there battling his conscience when a voice directly behind him caused him to jump guiltily.
"I believe you have something of mine."
Cillian whipped around to meet the coldest pair of green eyes he had ever come across.
She barely came to his chest but the tiny woman in a dark brown cloak struck such an imposing figure that he felt just about an inch tall.
"I'm sorry I-" his excuses were cut short when she pushed back the hood of her cloak to glare at him more thoroughly and the air left his lungs entirely.
Loose golden curls tumbled every which way, framing a round soft face. Full pink lips frowned in displeasure as Cillian stood there gaping like a fish out of water.
If fairies existed surely he was seeing one in the flesh.
"I was wrong." He stammered suddenly shoving the small bag at her. Tearing his eyes away from the most beautiful creature to ever grace his presence, he spun on his heel with every intention of crawling into a hole.
A soft hand suddenly wrapped around his wrist.
"Wait!"