You are No Different

The thief dragged the prince by his wrist through the garden. Once they were deep enough to not be found or heard, Cassius released Prince Ian’s arm and pushed him against the bench.

Ian looked up at the looming figure highlighted by the moonlight. “This isn’t a good idea. The ball is still going, and I have to get back…” He shrank slightly when he received no reply and the man’s shadow seemed to grow darker.

The man leaned down, grabbing the back of the seat with one hand and the prince’s shoulder in the other. “You’re just like all the other pompous nobles.”

Fear began creeping up Ian’s spine. “I don’t understa- urk-” Cassius gripped his shoulder tighter. The noble grabbed the thief’s arm with a grimace. “Stop, you’re hurting me.”

He leaned even closer so their faces were only a few inches apart, ignoring the prince’s plea. He growled in a dark voice, “I’m hurting you? You hurt me. You who promised to help the starving. You who said he would help the poor people and bring down the aristocracy.”

“That isn’t what I-”

Cassius clasped his hand over Ian’s mouth. “I’m not finished.” Ian quivered under the man’s piercing gaze. “You are here. Throwing a party for the nobles while your people suffer.” Tears welled up in the prince’s eyes when Cassius whispered into his ear, “This is not the man I came to love.” He released Ian and backed off. “I don’t ever want to see you again.”

Ian gasped, “Wait! Cassius! This isn’t-” He moved to go after him.

He turned around and hissed at the prince, “Don’t follow me. I won’t hesitate to kill you.”

The prince froze and could only watch helplessly as Cassius walked into the darkness.