Chapter Text
Nervousness and excitement were a very fine line. One he never had to face before. All of his life, George had to follow strict rules that dictated exactly what he was supposed to do each second and every moment. Maybe sometimes it meant life was easier, that knowing what to do in any situation he might be caught in would be beneficial in someone's eyes. Unfortunately most of the time he found choking atmosphere of his home to be restricting and himself unable to escape it. Nervousness was familiar. That was something he lived with. But excitement? Even though he thrived something new, he couldn't stop a nervous breath that tightened his chest.
But he wasn't a scared kid anymore, even if his narrow frame and curious eyes seemed to say otherwise. Many years passed since responsible teachers and maids had a watchful eye over him at all times, as the young prince was known for his countless escapes. To his displeasure he had been caught trying to leave many times and without a second thought has been dragged back within the walls. Never the outside world has been available to him.
The rules were as clear as they were strict and haven't really changed. He wasn’t allowed to leave the castle grounds. Ever. Only after many years and carful preparations he menaged to bent it. As in, he wouldn't get caught breaking the rules. He won't be! The freedom to see the city was granted. Or rather... Aquired.
He never would do it without a knight present at all times though. Even he, with his infinite trust of the world and the people in it, knew he couldn't just go to the city without someone to protect him. His father, aware that his son wasn't exactly a fighting type, made sure George's guard was present at all times. Although the King wasn't informed of the forming friendship between the boys and that the knight would jump into fire after the prince rather than stop him from jumping in in the first place.
So after long preparations George was now outside of the castle walls, walking side by side with his knight. He has been annoying enough with his incessant talking to be let go on this escapade. Now the excitement was clearly taking the reins as George started to skip rather than walk and his bright eyes jumped all around the street. Which sadly was a contrast to his usual attitude.
“I wonder if they would talk about things other than royal meetings or... Would they talk to me...? Oh my gosh - that would be so cool, Dream!” He exclaimed, giving the masked knight a look.
One problem with being in the village, that the excited prince overlooked, was the fact that George knew absolutely nothing about proper etiquette with the townspeople. Or rather... He didn't know how normal people talked or behaved. Poor prince was naive and with his sheltered mindset, knowing only about the life in the castle, he could easily say something completely wrong and have no idea.
Even his clothing was a not too well executed attempt of hiding his identity. Maybe he wasn't instantly recognizable as the prince but George wasn't exactly blending in. His cape with wide hood could be inconspicuous but the too rich dye and clean sleeves of his worst jacket were a league over usual attire of a regular townsfolk.
Dream sighed fastening his belt that hold the sword around his hips. He checked if it's in its right place and let his hand rest on the handle comfortably. Even though George wasn't exactly... aware of their current situation, Dream had a bit more leveled head if it come to that. So he only shook his head, covered by a bit more appropriate green hood that was worn around the edges and surveyed the street with his gaze.
His prince was adorably annoying today. He wasn't sure when exactly he started calling George 'his' prince in his head but he couldn't help it. He was protecting George since he could raise the sword correctly. Happy to return the King's favor, taking him in into the castle and giving a purpose. It was better then withering away on the streets either way. But today his prince was nearly unbearable as his ideas were... let's say it made Dream uneasy. He didn't like when George was in any kind of danger but walking through the city flooded his head with many possibilities. And he didn't like any of them.
He nodded slightly at anything that his prince said, not really able to focus on the words now. He felt uneasy without his protective shell of a knight's armour but it was way too flashy to wear in the streets. Dream rather not bring anymore attention towards them. Even with George's clumsy disguise and his more than unusual mask the could be seen as foreign travelers.
Dream shook his thoughts off, needing to focus on the matter at hand and easily fell into a step by George's side. He couldn't stop a simile when he looked back at his prince who almost bounced towards a stall with enough glass trinkets to cover at least half of his room. Dream's green eyes again jumped around the place, carefully scanning darker alleyways, knowing exactly what could be find in them. Watching George exploring the city might be delightful but it'd never stop the knight to lack at his job.
Which would soon become much, much harder.