Chapter Text
This was the worst. This was the absolute worst fucking thing that could have happened.
Virgil sulked glaring at the offensively white cloth of the knight’s uniform with a look so intense he should have been able to burn a hole in it. It had been two full days since the dreaded fight that had rendered incapable of using his dragon form. And while the three royals had been kind enough not to kill him in his sleep, his anxious mind couldn’t help thinking itself into a hole while they jostled on horseback towards the castle.
It was two whole days travel there from where they started. Virgil was a half a day’s travel from his home in the woods when he was attacked. Assuming it would take a full day for the moron mage with the dumb glasses to change him back it would still mean three whole days of leaving Dee and Remy alone. God he could only dread to imagine what they were doing now that he wasn’t around. He just hoped Remy didn’t party too much while he was away- the last time Virgil wasn’t around with his sacred hangover cure Remy ate a king, and almost started a war between the woodland gnomes and the fae folk. Not to mention the last time he had traveled to the village for half a day they had gone and pissed off a wizard and got themselves cursed. Gods, if that could happen while he was gone for only a few hours he loathed to think about the mess they must have made now that he’d been gone for several days. He swore to the goddess if Dee touched his mandrakes again he was going to eat the snake alive.
Not that he actually had the heart to really punish Dee whenever he did do something stupid. Or Remy for that matter (though Remy didn’t manage to get into as much trouble as Dee did.) Those two idiots were practically his brothers, and after a few centuries he found himself going soft on them, and worrying after them. He would never say it aloud, or to their faces- but a large chunk of him was already missing them dearly. It just didn’t feel right doing things without those two anymore. They were, after-all, the THREE great evil witches- they had become something of a packaged deal. Virgil wasn’t used to going off on adventures on his own. He was the responsible one- the one who actually did his duties as a witch in the woods that separated the kingdom folk from the magical world. If he went on long escapades it was usually WITH Remy and Dee.
“You alright back there, my midsummer’s night-mare?” The knight’s melodic voice cut through Virge’s thoughts like his sword would his head. The witch’s eyes snapped up to meet the vivid green eyes that had once burned at him with fury, and now burned with something else Virgil was very aware of but refused to acknowledge. Remy would have adored the knight. For once a human put a feat that Virgil didn’t think was possible- quite possibly being even more extra, and flirtatious than Remy. “You’ve been pretty quiet for a while. Dragon got your tongue?”
“How long until we reach the palace?” Virgil hissed, ignoring all the knight’s attempts at witty banter. He wasn’t in the mood for such pleasantries. He just wanted to get there, get fixed, and get back to his fami- his friends.
The knight didn’t even try to hold back on his disappointed look, as he turned and sighed. “Less than a half an hour out at the most. We should be there by high noon.”
“Oh, just in time for lunch!” a chipper voice called from the horse next to them. Virgil didn’t need to turn to know it was the little king, but did so anyway. His bright blue eyes were shining as sun kissed freckles dotted his smiling cheeks. King Heart wasn’t anything like Virgil had imagined him to be. When he thought of human kings he thought of haggard old men, despising all of magical folk, and hardened by their years of being a ruler. King Heart wasn’t any of those things. The king was practically a boy- loud, and full of unrelenting energy. That almost sense of naivety was something that reminded Virgil of their littlest witch Dee. Sure he was tough, and sharp-tongued, but at heart Dee was still rather childish, just like the king.
It was this similarity that made it hard to bring himself to be outwardly nasty to the king. He slunk back behind the knight, but not before catching the somewhat concerned look the mage shot at him.
Now he was someone Virgil could be outwardly nasty to. This was the idiot who cursed him and started this whole mess. Virgil wanted to swipe a claw at him and scratch that look off his face. The mage didn’t deserve to be concerned for him, this was all his fault. If that stupid mage hadn’t cast that damn spell he’d be back at home making sure Remy didn’t accidentally kill himself, and Dee didn’t accidentally get himself killed. The only thing keeping Virge from wringing the stupid mage’s neck was the fact that it was this mage offering to undo the curse. That and he’d have to get off the horse. Virgil did not like horses.
The mage quickly dropped his gaze- either with guilt, or metaphorically tabling his concerns for when the two of them were alone. Probably the latter. “You can see the castle on the horizon if you wish to do so, Anx.”
Leaning around the massive frame of the knight, Virgil’s breath hitched at the view of the arising castle. It was beautiful, a tall warm stoned structure that was artfully crafted by what he assumed were the most talented architects in the kingdom. When he had last visited this place him, Remy, and Dee had been chased out by a mob with torches and pitchforks leaving a ruin of the former cities. This version seemed to be built up stronger and more glorious than ever- an astounding testimony of what a few hundred years of scientific advancements could do for a structure.
But with that thought came a wave of anxiety burning in his stomach. He was feared by all who inhabited here; a ghost story they told children to keep them from wandering too far. Even if he was with the king and his consorts, he couldn’t imagine the citizens being pleased with one of the ‘Great evil witches’ parading around the square and into the castle.
Sensing some of Anx’s discomfort, the mage cleared his throat. “Roman, Patton, I believe it would be best to take the hidden tunnels to the east entrance… So as not to arouse any excitement from the citizens.”
“Ohh, good thinking Lolo!” The king chirped from his place behind the reigns of his, and Logan’s horse. Patton seemed to quite enjoy horseback riding, rivaling even their captain of the royal guard himself, Roman in speed. He just had a way with the creatures that went unseen by everyone else.
Logan’s face flushed, as Patton beamed up at him, and Virgil rolled his eyes. These antics had been going on for the entirety of their trip, and Virgil couldn’t seem to figure out what exactly the king’s relationship was to the knight and mage. At first he suspected maybe they were just a party sent out by the kingdom, but they all seemed to have a bond that was a little too close for that. Then he thought potentially they were brothers, but if that were true they didn’t seem to act the same way that he, Dee, and Remy did.
Then again they weren’t brothers, and maybe this was just a human thing he’d never truly understand. As long as Virgil got his dragon form back he didn’t really care either.
The rest of the ride was done in relative silence, only the clip-clop of the horse’s hooves interrupting the peace as the travelers made their way to the eastern tunnels. The tunnels themselves seemed to be nothing more than a walled-in pathway to the royal stables, most likely being used to evacuate the royal family in case of emergencies. Regardless, Virgil was slightly relieved that the only stares he got were by some slightly intrigued guards at either ends of the tunnel. Once they had made it into the barn, the king and mage dismounted their horse and handed it off to the stable keepers. The knight followed soon after, offering a hand to the witch to ease his decent. Virgil scowled at the offending appendage, but reluctantly took it as the horse shook it’s head and stepped unevenly. Curse these untrustworthy creatures and their large stature.
“So, I was thinking we all could have lunch in the gardens and then we’ll show you around, Anx!” The king prattled on, practically skipping his way out of the barn and out into the courtyard that lead to the castle. “It is such a lovely day after all.”
Virgil sighed, "That won’t be necessary, your highness-”
"You can just call me Patton, kiddo.” The king interrupted, smiling in a way that was akin to the sun beaming down on a warm day.
“Al-alright, your highn- Patton,” Virgil gripped his cloak around him tighter, ignoring the confused glances from the guards as they entered the castle. “Once the curse is lifted I shall promptly take my leave. I’d rather not hang around a place where I am unwelcome.”
The king- Patton, took pause at this, turning around to face the witch. "Who said you’re unwelcome here? This is my kingdom, and I welcome you!”
"Well-” Virgil made eyes towards the guards. Patton’s face softened.
"Don’t worry about them, they’re my guards, and they won’t hurt anyone I deem a guest.” Roman announced, softly placing a hand atop Virgil’s head between his horns.
“I can assure you, you’re quite safe here, Anx.” Logan reassured from a respectable distance, as Virgil hissed at Roman for touching him without explicit permission. "The knights would never defy the wishes of the king, and the two princes.”
“Two pri- ah, so you are brothers then?” Virgil wondered aloud, once again following Patton as they wandered down the halls towards the kitchen. Roman audibly snorted, Patton giggled, and an amused smile pulled at the corners of Logan’s lips.
"No, we are not related.” Logan hummed, "We’re in a romantic courtship with each other.”
“You and the king?” Virgil arched a brow at the mage, and pouted slightly as he heard Roman bite back another laugh.
“Uh, no. All of us are- together, kiddo.” Patton beamed back at him, earning an incredulous look from the witch.
"L-like all three of you? At the same time?”
“Yup!” Patton chirped back with a brighter grin. The confused puppy look on Anx was just too precious.
"Huh, well that must be confusing for the kingdom.” Virgil commented softly.
"Yup!” Patton giggled back, bounding through the kitchen doors.
The kitchen maid jumped a bit, startled by the sudden intrusion. But her face softened as she recognized who came through. “Ah, welcome back your highnesses.”
"Thank you Calypso, it’s good to be back.” Logan hummed from beside Virgil, who eyed the stranger warily. “If you don’t mind, we’ll be taking lunch in the courtyard guardens today.”
“Yes, your highness.” Calypso said with a slight head bow.
“Yay, thank you!” Patton beamed, before tugging Virgil along out of the kitchen and towards the west wing of the castle towards the gardens.
For a moment, Virgil took time to really appreciate the grandeur of his surroundings. The architecture of the building was as beautiful as it was excessive. High arches lined the ceiling, and pattern cut widows of stained glass lined the walls. Everything in it was warm, clean, vibrant, and was nothing like his cottage in the woods. He could easily picture Dee exploring and finding all the best hiding places for his hoards, or Remy lounging around on the lavish furniture like the oversized cat that he was.
Another pang of sadness, and worry struck Virgil and he quickly snapped out of his thoughts- tearing his hand from Patton’s grasp. “Your highness-”
“-Patton.”
“Patton, while I appreciate your hospitality I really have things I must attend to back home, so if I could just get the curse lifted-”
"What kind of things?” Roman interrupted, with a slight pout. “Surely they can’t be so important that you’d miss a meal.”
"That is true, Anx. Maintaining a regular eating schedule is quite important to one’s health.” Logan instructed, while Virgil ground his teeth in frustration.
"Kiddo, please. It’s just one meal, and then we’ll go directly to Logan’s study and work on lifting the curse! I promise!” Patton pleaded, interlocking his fingers together, and drawing his eyebrows up. Virgil wanted to scream ‘no.’ He wanted to demand that they get the curse lifted immediately so he could go back home to his two idiots and make sure that no nearby villages were on fire. But, as he held the watery gaze of bright blue eyes he felt himself ensnared. Bewitched by the warmth that they held, and the earnest feelings they conveyed. The witch was no fool- for some unknown reason he had attracted the attention of the king, and quite possibly piqued his curiosity. Maybe on the naive notion of friendship, or purely because Virgil was the first of magical folk to be welcomed into the kingdom. Whatever the reason the king wanted him there, Virge couldn’t bring himself to deny Patton.
Virgil let out a defeated sigh, "Fine. One meal, and then we lift the curse.”
A look of pure glee bloomed across Patton’s face, and Virgil found his face feeling warmer. He quickly forced himself to look anywhere other than the king’s loving gaze, only to find it coming from all sides curtesy of the two princes. A fluttery feeling quickly spread across the witch’s skin like wildfire, only amplified as the king took his head again and led him towards the garden once more.
The garden was beautiful, with spreads of vibrant flowers in all colors neatly arranged in swirls, and covering every available growing space. Their healthy plumes perfumed the wind as it blowed, carrying along soft, pleasant scents passed the castle and into the kingdom’s cities. Butterflies and pollinating insects alike found refuge and habitat amongst the blossoms, giving the whole area an etherial look that was only rivaled by the Fae kingdoms themselves.
Virgil’s awe glossed over his face, so enamored with the beauty of the sun-kissed gardens that he didn’t notice Logan slightly puff up with pride. The gardens were all his doing, as he found great pleasure in planting and watching things grow.
Patton giggled at the adorable actions of his husband, and his newly found infatuation. Cooing at them softly, he led them to a shaded picnic area underneath some lavish apple trees.
“Y-your garden is lovely.” Virgil stammered slightly, eyes still gazing out upon the vast spread of flowers.
"Thank you,” Logan answered warmly, a fond smile gracing his face. "Tell me, Anx, how much do you know about flowers?”
Virgil’s attention was snapped back to the mage. Of course it had to be the mage. There was no excuse besides magic to have a garden this lovely. “Um,” Virge bit his lip. Admittedly, he wasn’t well versed in flowers, seeing little to no need to learn about them. Most of his gardening expertise was applied more to herbs and such. ”-not much.” He admitted.
Patton curled up besides Roman, as the prince slung an arm over his king. The two getting comfy for the lecture that was about to ensue.
“Well,” Logan began, “Each plant has been given a sacred meaning that has been passed down for generations in the ancient tomes. The apple tree behind you is a symbol of good health and future happiness, and the yellow flowers next to you are called 'Freesia’ and symbolize innocence and thoughtfulness…” Logan went on, detailing the various different plants that grew, their meaning, and why he put them there. Much to Patton and Roman’s delight, the little witch seemed to be attentive, asking questions and overall enjoying the conversation so much he didn’t even notice as the kitchen staff approached with their food.
Virgil stayed quiet as the staff laid out a spread of sliced cheeses, cured meats, and glistening buttered bread before the royals and their guest. Brightly colored fruits of various kinds were set before Virgil along with a bottle of mead. One of the servants made a move to place Virgil’s napkin on his lap for him, but Virgil made a hissing sound as they got in closer.
“It’s alright Anx, they’re just setting the napkins. They’re of no danger to you!” Patton soothed, as Roman beamed.
"No need to be so defensive, Taming of the rude, they’re just doing their job.” Roman chortled.
Admittedly embarrassed, Virgil hid back inside of his cloak a bit and picked at some of the fruits set before him. It had been such a long time since any humans had gotten so close to him without meaning harm, so his defensive actions were warranted somewhat.
Still feeling doted on like this was….nice. He could understand why kings liked to live this way.
Clearing his throat and drawing attention away from the awkward silence, Virgil’s attention was brought to another flower, in a purple hue that he rather enjoyed. "Mage, what about that flower? What does that one mean?”
Logan’s eyes traveled to where the witch was gesturing too- a familiar flower that was easily within grasp. “Ah, that’s an iris. Irises symbolize eloquence, but the purple once specifically are a symbol of wisdom…” With languid, graceful movements, Logan reached out and plucked one of the vibrant flowers from the base of the stem. Virgil’s face went a bright pink, as the mage held it out to him. ”-and when gifted it is a symbol of high compliments to one’s beauty.”
That fluttering feeling was back again, weaving it’s ways through Virgil’s fingers and into his chest as he took the flower. He gazed at it’s perfect, delicate petals and pushed away the endless chants in his head that he wasn’t worthy of such a gift. His face felt hot, and it grew even warmer as he looked up to meet the mage’s deep ocean blue eyes. They held such a quiet fondness, and such adoration- like the mage was looking at the finest piece of artwork. Virgil’s heartbeat tripled in pace.
“Uh- um, than-thank you, Mage.”
“You may call me Logan if you wish.” The mage- Logan, purred making Virgil’s palms feel all kinds of sweaty.
“And while we’re at it, you may refer to me as Roman.” The other prince called out, breaking the tender moment. Virgil only spared him a glance, before averting his eyes. With the king curled up in the other’s lap, it felt like intruding on an intimate moment. “Not that knight, or your highness isn’t a worthy title for my nobility. But we can drop the formalities for now.” Roman winked and somehow Virgil could feel it in his pulse.
“Anx, sweetheart, why don’t you take off your cloak? You’re looking a little flushed there.” Patton hummed, as Virgil’s anxiety went up.
“I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? It is fairly warm out today, and I should warn you about the dangers of overheating. Especially since you’re at least part dragon in this state, you’re more susceptible to dehydration caused through-”
“Okay fine, but what if the guards see me?” Virgil cut off Logan’s lecturing, shooting him a wary glance.
Roman leaned forward and gently placed a hand on Virgil’s, “Anx, you have my word as captain of the royal guard. No one will hurt you unless you prove yourself to be an imminent danger to the king.”
Despite the electric pulse coursing through his veins from his contact with Roman, Virgil wasn’t convinced by his words, and gripped the cloak tighter.
“Anx, trust us. You’re safe here.” Patton encouraged, with a warm smile that could charm practically anyone into doing what he wanted. Needless to say, with a sigh, Virgil caved.
“Fine, fine. I’ll take off my stupid cloak.” He grumbled, undoing the ties at his neck, and still turning to survey the area before he let down the hood.
The others could only watch in awe as the dark fabric slid down Virgil’s pale shoulders and off his two tiny wings. With the filtered light peeking through the trees above them they could see the vibrant purple membranes that looked so delicate, and beautiful. His white skin seemed so flawless, Roman was expecting it to sparkle at any moment. His purple locks were slightly tussled in the wind, between the two large horns on his head, and his breathtaking amethyst eyes were no longer obscured by view. He was lean, and elegant, and mysterious, and the trio could only wonder if it was possible to fall even more for the dragon they accidentally turned into a boy.
Virgil flipped his views from the three star struck faces, feeling small, and embarrassed under their gaze. "Paint a picture, it’ll last longer.”
That snarky comment shook them out of their metaphorical siren song, and Roman offered a cocky smirk. "Sorry, The light of my iris, you’ve been hidden in that should for so long we almost forgot how beautiful you were.”
Virgil rolled his eyes, writing off Roman’s words as sarcasm and teasing. He sighed, reaching for some of the cured meats, and plopping them in his mouth. “Yeah, well, I’ll be twice as 'beautiful’ once I’m in my dragon form again.’
The trio shot each other a look, and Logan cleared his throat. “Ahem- about that, Anx. Uh-”
Virgil narrowed his eyes at the mage in suspicion, as the other gulped. “It-it may take a few days to get the ingredients we need ready. And then actually preparing the potion needed to lift the curse is very precise, and might take more time than-”
"What do you MEAN a few days?! You expect me to stay here while you gather herbs? How hard is it to lift a stupid curse?!?” Virgil hissed back, as Roman put a cautionary arm between the dragon and the king. Logan raised his hands up in a surrendering gesture.
“I promise you we’ll do everything in our power to get them as quickly as possible, but there’s only so much we can do. Some of the ingredients are exceedingly rare, and if the potion is brewed correctly than-”
"No no no no- I can’t be here for a few days!!! I need to get back home!!! I need to- I need-” Virgil’s breathing was picking up, as he panicked. Remy, Dee, they were going to get killed without him. If they died then it’d just be him guarding the forest and the dragons all alone again. He needed to get back to them, but he was all but useless without his dragon form. He couldn’t protect them as this measly pest! Then he’d be killed, AND they’d be killed and no one would be there to protect the magical world. The dragons would die, the whole ecosystem would be thrown into chaos, war would rage, and an apocalypse would start all because he was stupid and tried to pet a sheep. This was all his fault, he shouldn’t have gone to the village. Now he was going to lose his brothers, his family and-
"Anx, I need you to calm down.” Logan’s words tried to cut through the noise but Virgil was already spiraling. It was getting harder and harder to breathe, and this sickly tingling feeling was spreading itself from his stomach to his body rendering him numb. He couldn’t dig himself out of his thoughts. He just couldn’t be alone again!
“Anxiety. Breathe with me.” Roman spoke firmly, but softly. Taking Virgil’s hands that had been raking at the side of his head and placing it on the knights chest. The touching feeling startled Virgil who had started sobbing at some point, he didn’t exactly know. But it got his attention on the knight long enough for him to notice the exaggerated breathing. Virge tried to follow suit as best as he could but it didn’t seem to be working. The sky was still crashing down around him.
“You’re doing good, kiddo. Keep at it.” Patton hushed from beside him as Roman held firm to the steady deep breathing techniques. Slowly, but surely, Virgil started to calm down. His form was shaking, but together, and he could breathe again.
"Thanks.” He croaked, trying to will himself away from leaning into the comfort of Patton softly rubbing his back. Humans were warm.
"Don’t sweat it, The comedy of Terrors. I’ve coached many of my bravest knights through panic attacks in the heat of battle. It happens to the best of us.” Roman’s voice was soft, barely above a whisper. But soothing all the same, as the knight tussled the witch’s hair. This time Virgil let him.
“I-I’m sorry Anxiety. If you truly have other matters to attend to we could set you up with a horse, and send a raven for you once everything is prepared.” Logan offered, a look of regret and sorrow written on his face. Virgil took a long breath.
"No, that won’t be necessary. I’m as good as dead as I am now. I’ll just-” Virgil felt another twist in his gut as he watched a small, black garden snake poke it’s head out of the flowers before diving back in again. ”-I’ll just have to hope for the best, and help you find everything you need as quickly as possible.”
The trio shared a look between one another, eyes filled with equal parts guilt, and pity. Virgil didn’t want their pity, he just wanted to go home.
He picked at his meat, but he had long since lost his appetite. This was the worst. The absolute worst fucking thing that could have happened.
He might have spoke a little too soon about this being the worst. The picnic had wrapped up in relative peace, the knight cutting through the awkward silence with some silly tales of odd things he’d seen while he went ‘adventuring’ to other towns on the outskirts of the city. One such tale even got Virge snicker a bit at the pure dramaticism of the knight.
Once the others were finished with their meal, Logan and Patton offered to show Virgil around the palace. Roman wanted to join in, but his attentions were needed at the training grounds to supervise some fletching knights in their sparring. So, that left just the king and the mage to show the witch around the massive expanse of the castle.
“And this is the library! Logan’s personal favorite room.” Patton chortled, pushing open a pair of heavy oak doors to reveal an expansive room with every available wall covered in books. The top of the room was covered in windows, allowing the sunny day to shine off a large statue of a Raven as the centerpiece, and from it came a spiral staircase that lead to the upper levels that were filled with even more archives of books.
“Wow, do you think it’s big enough?” Virgil shot, but he couldn’t hide his bewilderment. His eyes lit up with excitement as his eyes scanned the rows, and rows of books. He always loved reading, but it was so difficult to get his hands on good literature without having to interact with the common society that saw him as a menace. Plus between his two fellow witches, and tending to the magical world, he was kept rather busy.
“Do you like the literary arts, Anxiety?” Logan hummed, watching Vigil with amused eyes as the other twirled around the room looking at all the shelves.
“When the mood strikes me.” He half-truthed. Virge could spend the rest of his days reading if given the opportunity. There was just something so enthralling of being able to immerse yourself in another world. To escape all the bonds of this reality and live the life of a hero in another.
"Fascinating. Tell me, how familiar are you with the works of Veronica Franco?” Logan mused. Patton giggled, and took a seat at one of the nearby tables. Logan always brought up Italian poets when he was trying to be charming. It was so cute, Pat couldn’t help but beam as the scene unfolded.
“I’m not.” Virgil responded back, eyes finally through with scanning the library, and drawn back to the admittedly beautiful mage.
“Really? Her works are genius.” Logan quirked his lips, taking Virgil’s hand and coming a step closer.
”We danced our youth in a dreamed of city. Venice, paradise, proud and pretty. We lived for love and lust and beauty-” Logan, locked eyes with Virgil’s. He stepped closer and brushed a strand of hair out of the witch’s face, and that tingling electric feeling found Virge again. “-Pleasure then our only duty. Floating them twixt heaven and earth and drank on plenties blessed mirth. We thought ourselves eternal then, our glory sealed by Goddess’s pen.” Just as Virgil thought he’d all but stopped breathing, Logan pulled away in a swift, smooth movement that rivaled only Roman’s in dramaticism. “But paradise, we found, is always frail. Against man’s fear will always fail.”
The silence that followed Logan’s reading was so thick you could hear a pin drop from across the castle. Virgil found his eyes affixed to the mage in a new way. His heart beating faster in a way that suggested panic but was much more pleasant and warm. The fluttering feeling permeated itself across the witch’s body through the connection of their hands. For a brief moment, he wondered if the princes were poisoning him through their touch alone.
It was like watching a tragedy unfold. He just couldn’t tear his eyes away from the mage. The witty blue eyes, the perfect curve of his cocked grin, the contrast of his flawless skin against his dark hair. The strength in his brow bone and jaw- Remy always said one must find a man with a strong enough jaw so you may sit upo-
The moment was interrupted by the sound of Patton bursting out into cheer. Clapping merrily and giggling. "Lolo you always know how to impress. You’ve left me speechless yet again!”
All at once Logan tore his gaze away from the witch, freeing him of whatever spell that was casted between the lines of poetry. As Logan turned to the king Virgil finally was able to let go of the breath he didn’t know he was holding. What was with it and these fucking princes anyway? Did they pull these suave of moves with every monstrosity the accidentally cursed? Was being stupidly beautiful and charming just par for the course of becoming a prince?
Virgil forced those thoughts away, as he caught a glimpse of Logan kneeling down before Patton, and kissing his hand. “I always aim to please you, my king.” He purred softly against the king’s skin, causing Pat to giggle and blush.
All at once Virgil felt like he was intruding in on another intimate moment between two in wedlock. He gazed up to the skylight windows, and attempted to think louder than the pair’s hushed whispers to one another with memories of flying. In the two days since he’d been changed it had fully hit him how much he missed soaring through the air. Everything was so much more peaceful up there- so clear and vibrant. From the sky he could see everything, the rolling expanse of hills folding into the forest, and the tree lines that petered out into the fields peppered with small clusters of villages. He could remember the smell, and the feeling fo wind brushing through the mane of fur that wrapped around his neck. How strong and dependable his wings felt as they glided on the clouds and took him far away from his worries.
“Would you like to see your room next?” Patton’s voice called from next to him, making Virgil jump. He had been so enamored with his thoughts he hadn’t even noticed the two had long stopped flirting and made their way over to him.
“My…my what now?” Virgil stammered back. For some reason or another he wasn’t expecting to be given his own room. In most situations he would have been more than just fine sleeping on the roof of some barn- he liked higher up spaces anyway. The air up there always calmed him more than the air on the ground.
“Your room, kiddo! Did you think we were going to make you sleep in the stables?” Patton tutted, hooking arms with the witch and tugging him along, “What kind of hospitality would that be?! You’re a guest in my kingdom, and so you will be treated with the highest respect and nobility.”
“I-erhm, what?” Virgil choked back, still not processing Patton’s words passed the 'your room’ part. "Respect? No-Nobility? Have you forgotten that I am quite literally a dragon, your highness- Patton?”
Patton giggled, but continued to merrily tug him along. For a creature of such small stature, the king was surprisingly strong. “Yes, but while you’re here, you’re an honorary noble. It’s the least we could do for wrongly cursing you in the first place.”
Logan grimaced, but made and agreeing nod. And Virgil didn’t have the will to fight the king on the matter, not that he would have won if he did.
Patton had just finished pulling Virgil up a flight of stairs in the northern wing, when a guard called out to him, “Your highness, your presence is needed in the throne room.”
Patton turned to the guard and pouted slightly, “Can it wait, I’m just seeing our guest here to his room.”
“I’m afraid not your highness.” The knight stood firm. "The royal chairman, Emile expressed that I must fetch you as soon as possible.”
Patton let out a small, sad sigh as he dropped Virgil’s arm. "Duty calls, I suppose. Logan, can I trust you to take our guest to his room safely?”
Logan’s face twisted up into a small, snarky grin, as he bowed before Patton. “Absolutely, your highness.”
Patton rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue at Logan, but as he went to follow the guard he had a smile on his face once more. If Virgil’s ears weren’t so large, he wouldn’t have caught the breathy chuckle that escaped Logan as he watched his husband leave. “Shall we then?” He spoke, offering a hand for Virgil to take.
Virgil looked at the offending hand, before arching a brow up at Logan’s face. “I am quite fine with following. I do not see the incessant need for you all to lead me around like a horse on a lead.” He sniped at the mage, who’s grin only seemed to light up more with amusement.
“It was merely so you didn’t get lost. The halls of the castle are vast, and can be quite confusing to newcomers. I personally don’t doubt that you could find your own way if you needed to.”
Virgil wanted to hiss, and spit at the audacity of the mage, but his words were accompanied by the warm fluttering feeling and his face heated up once more. Whatever this feeling was it snuffed his anger in his throat, and made him turn away from the mage’s stupid, pretty face. "Whatever. Take me to my room your highness.”
Logan’s face pulled slightly at the sneered title, he dropped his hand and pulled at his clothes slightly before clearing his throat. "Very well then. Follow me.”
They moved in relative silence, the awkward energy brewing between them quickly filling Virgil with anxiety, and dread. For a brief moment he wondered if maybe he shouldn’t be so nasty with the prince- he was a dragon witch after all, and in his vulnerable state it would be relatively easy for them to execute him. Maybe not the mage on his own, but accompanied by the dramatic knight and his army, Virgil wouldn’t stand much of a chance.
The witch was just beginning to suspect the potential that all of this was an elaborate trap to lure him into a false sense of security so he’d let his guard down and be killed, when Logan finally broke the silence. “So what was it?”
"What was what?” Virgil fired back, maybe just a little too quickly. The mage spared him a slightly concerned side-eyed glance, briefly studying the witch before deciding to continue.
"The thing you need to get back to in the woods. It must be pretty important to you to cause such a panic.”
Virgil let out a low growl, “And why, on Gaia’s green earth, would I tell you that?” He hissed, suspicion creeping into his bones.
“Because I asked.” The prince’s voice was cool, and calm. Opting not to enrage the dragon further. “If you don’t want to than don’t force yourself. I was merely curious, is all.”
Virgil let those words settle between them, as their footsteps echoed and bounced between the walls. He turned to watch the windows go by, the view of the city below reminding him of the time Dee accidentally led it to ruin.
Maybe he was being too harsh with the prince. He was, after all, the only one who had the ability to undo the curse. Maybe if Virgil phrased his words right he could humor the mage without endangering his companions.
"My…” Virgil gulped, "…My brothers… I’m worried about them.”
Logan casted Virgil a glance that Virge actively avoided. “I see, and am I right to assume your brothers are-”
"The other two of the great witches.” Virgil finished for him, debating for a moment before continuing. "We’re not, I mean, we’re not actually blood related, but I look after them. An-and without me there they can get into… a fair bit of trouble. So I’m worried about what might have happened to them since I’ve been gone for so long.” Virgil stopped himself there, feeling the warm sting of tears threatening to spill again.
Logan stared at him for a long time, before stopping in front of a large door and pursing his lips. “I see. I’m sorry my actions have taken you away from your family. If it helps- if it helps ease your burdens, I’m sure they’re just as worried about you, if not more.”
Something about that struck Virgil. He had been so worried about what Dee and Remy were getting into since he was away, he hadn’t thought about how they might have taken his sudden absence. He didn’t exactly leave a note saying that he was leaving for several days to get a curse removed. For all they know Virgil just vanished.
Were they wondering about him? Maybe going out and actively looking for him? Did he occupy their thoughts the same way they did his?
Clearing his throat once more, Logan broke Virgil from his thoughts, and gestured to the door. "This will be your room for your stay. I’ll leave you to get acquainted with it. Somebody will come fetch you for dinner at six.”
With that, Logan gave Virgil a courteous bow, and turned to take his leave. Something in Virgil made him want to reach out to the mage. To say something- anything. Anything at all to not have it be left like this. "Wait-”
Virgil’s clawed hand reached out for the prince but didn’t make contact. Logan stopped, and turned to face him arching a brow. “Yes?”
“Uh, um-” Virgil quickly realized that he hadn’t actually thought of anything to say. He panicked. “Um, if-if you don’t mind. I’d love to hear you read more poetry from that author sometime. It-it was really lovely.”
While Virgil mentally kicked himself for sounding so dumb, Logan’s face bloomed into a fond smile. His views on the dreaded dragon witch had drastically changed in these few short days since meeting him. The creature, once feared in the shadows seemed to be just as embarrassed, and confused as they were. Perhaps none of these so called ‘evil witches’ were what the legends thought them as.
“I’d love to. Perhaps we can pick up where we left off after supper.” Logan hummed, his chest rumbling with warmth as the little witch met his gaze.
“S-sure. That sounds great.” He stammered back, and Logan had to stifle a chuckle.
“Alright then, I look forward to it- Anxiety.” Virgil couldn’t help but feel like the name sounded better on Logan’s lips. It floated in the air, and surrounded him like the gentle scents of the flowers the mage loved so much. He wondered if his real name would sound just as good.
Dumbfounded, Virgil let out a small “Yeah.” As Logan finally turned around and continued his way down the hall from where they came. Once he was out of earshot, Virgil let out a long breath, and finally opened the door to his room.
The room itself was large, and beautiful, with lavish furniture and grand windows- but Virgil couldn’t be bothered to truly appreciate all of it. This whole ordeal had taken so much out of him, and the only thing he could think of was burrowing himself in as many soft, warm things he could find and sleeping for ages. The bed was decently sized, and lucky for him, filled with plush pillows and blankets. Virge ripped them off of the mattress and assembled it all in one pile in the center of the bed, before wiggling his way in between it and curling up. It was surprisingly comfortable- far more comfortable than the series of rugs in his hoard he usually slept on. And quickly, the little dragon witch fell asleep.