First: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/881637225/ Next: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/881903553 Previous: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/881857592 Chapter 5: He didn’t need much to travel. After all, he who travels lightest travels fastest. He was already dressed for anything, he just slipped on a leather jacket and combat boots. Crossbow at his shoulder. Stars in his pockets. Hidden He knew the drill. Keep all the advantages. And take them by surprise. Trust no one. He looked in the mirror and saw his aqua hair tips fading. Sitting down, he began to dye them again. He looked normal. Which was good. He had no need for Niko or Lucer to figure out what he was going to do. As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. “Prince,” a voice called. Hunter cursed. Niko. Of all people.
Chapter 6: Hunter spared the door a derogatory look before continuing to dye the ends of his hair. Everyone thought it was just for show. But then again, they didn't know any better. It was definitely not for show. It had a very practical and very deadly purpose. Niko knocked on the door again. When it was clear there would be no answer, he opened it himself. Spinning around, Hunter looked at him, anger evident in his face. “Just who gave you permission?” he growled. “I am the King, Prince. I need no permission.” Niko responded suavely. King. Suddenly he turned legitimate. Hunter had zero respect for Niko. Not for his morals, not for his strength, and certainly not for his wisdom. Niko was just another wannabe king trying to take advantage of the vacant throne and sway the Prince to his side. But as long as Hunter was Prince, there would be no swaying to anyone's influence. Niko apparently thought everyone in the world would fall for his smooth talk and empty promises, but not Hunter. Hunter had learned long ago not to trust words, especially not the words of a man who wanted to be king. “Going to find the Storm Prince?” Niko asked, leaning on the bed arrogantly as if he owned it. “No,” Hunter responded shortly. He was not lying. After all, Ryder was dead. He couldn’t look for a Storm Prince who was dead. He was simply looking for his message. And his killer. Not that he would feel guilty lying to a liar. "Good. Because I absolutely forbid it. We don't need to be meddling in Stormer affairs. If they can't protect their own prince, that's their problem." Sure, he must have been very knowledgeable. His meddling in Rippler affairs had ended in the death of their previous princess, Riyana, and a huge scandal. But Hunter just shrugged. Hide the emotions. Hide the thoughts. Hide the truth. Show what you want. That was how you got your way. That was how you survived.