Work Text:
Custard Cookie the Third is eight years old when he runs away, footsteps echoing through the woods as they hit the forest floor.
He is eight years old when a hand is held out to him, a grinning face of triumph, a brother.
He is eight years old when he learns what kind of things he’s getting into- it can’t hurt, can it?
He is eight years old when he meets The Woman in Green, watching his brother eyes flicker with curiosity.
He is eight years old when the glass shatters in front of them all, as the Overlord steps out of the shards- White Lily is no more.
He is eight years old when he meets the only family he knows of. A King of Kings, a Hero anyone could aspire to be.
He is eight years old when he sits in a darkly lit room, food spread across a table. The Enchantress sits herself at the front.
The Paladin Faction gives him, a child of eight, a joy he’s never experienced.
He finds himself wandering through the cold of The Brothers of Snow, witnessing betrayal after betrayal.
He is nine years old when his brother leaves for the Creme Republic. His eyes aren’t as bright as they used to be on return.
He is thirteen years old when he sees The Woman in Green again, but she’s changed. Traces of the Overlord etch across her body.
He is thirteen years old, and lives through loneliness in the Kingdom of Light.
He is fourteen years old when he’s officially crowned as Prince.
He is sixteen years old when his heart flutters at the sight of the Royal Mechanic.
He is sixteen years old when he is crowned King. He learns only intimidation gains you respect in a world left in ruin by war.
He is seventeen years old when he sees those haunted blue eyes again.
He is seventeen, and maybe that’s all he needs. He realizes his true family was always with him- a mother, and a brother and a sister. He smiles to himself at the sight of the reunion, knowing his brother is proud of him.