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Hunter sat up in his bed reading a book about wild magic with wide eyes. Reading was probably his favorite thing in the whole world! …Besides Flapjack. Hunter loved reading and learning about the history of the boiling isles. He loved learning about magic and wild magic and how it all worked. It was a good thing his uncle Belos came along to set those savage witches on the right path with the coven system!
Hunter was startled by a knock on his door. “Hide!” He whisper-shouted to Flapjack. The palisman flew to hide behind a stuffed animal hidden behind his pillow.
“C-Come in!” Hunter called.
The door opened and Darius walked in. Hunter breathed a sigh of relief. He knew he was probably going to be in trouble for being awake so late, but at least Flapjack wouldn’t be in danger. Darius promised he’d keep his palisman a secret from Belos.
“You should be sleeping, little prince,” Darius scolded.
Hunter blushed at the nickname. Darius knew it made him feel little. “How did you even know I was awake?” He asked.
“Your light is the only one on in the entire castle. Now. Abomination,” Hunter’s eyes widened slightly as Darius summoned an abomination, “put him to bed.”
“No!” Hunter shouted and slapped at the abomination. “I’m not even sleepy! I wanna finish my book!” Hunter stifled a yawn.
“Little prince….”
“Not a baby.”
“Little prince, what did we say about repressing your little side?”
Hunter looked down, blushing. He glared at Flapjack when the bird said he agreed with Darius. But he allowed himself to go into his headspace.
“Good. You can finish your book tomorrow, prince. For now, abomination—”
“No!” Hunter whined. “Wan’ you! Please?” Hunter’s lisp was more pronounced when little, which Darius thought was adorable, though he wouldn’t ever admit it. He had a reputation to uphold, thank you very much. So did Hunter.
Darius rolled his eyes fondly. “Fine. Come here. Let’s pick out your pajamas.” Darius held his hand out for the child. Hunter took it and followed him to his dresser where he picked out his ‘emperor’s coven’ sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt. Darius helped him get changed and get ready for bed. (Hunter’s motor skills weren’t very good while little.) Finally, he was all ready for bed.
“Goodnight, little prince,” Darius said once he was in bed under his blankets and went to turn off the light.
Hunter pouted. “Book?” He pointed to the book he’d been reading before he was forced to go to bed.
“Let’s see.” Darius picked up the book and looked at the title. “‘ A History of Wild Magic and Covens .’” The cover had a picture of a witch screaming while another witch was using wild magic behind them. “Hm. How about something a little more age appropriate?” Darius used his abomination magic to grab a new book from Hunter’s bookshelf while he sat down next to the child on his bed. “Otabin! That sounds good, doesn’t it?”
Hunter crossed his arms. Flapjack chirped at him from where he’d made himself a nest on his pillow. Flapjack told him that he wanted to hear the story ‘ Otabin the Bookmaker !’”
“Okay,” Hunter agreed, snuggling down into his blankets. He pulled out his stuffed toy from behind his pillow to hug.
Hunter was fast asleep by the time Darius finished reading. “Goodnight, little prince,” he whispered, moving a piece of hair from his eyes. “Sleep well.”