Chapter Text
Far beyond the reach of Pelican Town and even beyond Zuzu city lay a kingdom, one of the few places that actually had royalty to rule over it nowadays. It was called Stork and known throughout for its many exports…or at least to begin with. Rumour began to circle before it hit the news. Stork’s prince had gone missing and right in the middle of planning for his wedding at that. The bride was heartbroken and an entire kingdom had begun to mourn as the days passed and the likelihood their prince would be found began to dwindle day by day.
The story would be repeated again and again over the news ‘STORK’S MISSING PRINCE’ even when months had passed with no new information. Some residents of the valley felt for the family, they’d lost a son and a bride had lost her husband to be. Others however were not as sympathetic. Not because they couldn’t understand how Stork’s people were feeling but because the kingdom was so far away and there wasn’t much that they could do to help either.
As the report played again, going over what few details had been reported and a brief description of the prince, the various patrons of the Stardrop Saloon continued to go about their business. Shane had a good view of the newly added TV from his usual people watching spot. It was the same story. What did they expect the people of Pelican town to do? It wasn’t like a prince or anyone of even distantly royal blood would ever step foot in their quiet corner of the world.
“Are they ever going to stop with that? It’s been months now…” It was intended to be a mutter to himself but as it would seem, Emily heard him speak as she collected abandoned glasses nearby.
“Well, that prince is still missing. They’re still hoping someone will come forwards with information. Even if it has been months, he might still be out there somewhere.”
Shane looked from the TV to Emily, sipping his beer. “Yeah, but he could also be long gone. If he isn’t found soon, I don’t think they’re going to find him.”
“Don’t say that. There’s always hope.”
“Not this time but hey we’ll see.”
Before Emily could reply, a new voice joined the quiet noise of the bar. It wasn’t tough to work out who it was with how they spoke. They’d make their way through, greeting all they came across before finally settling near Shane.
“Well hello Shane. I do hope you’ve had a good day. Have you been keeping busy?”
It was Elliott. He’d moved to town a while ago and since then had been thoroughly enjoying the life he’d made for himself there. Shane still didn’t know what to think of the guy, far too cheerful about…well…everything for his liking. At first, he didn’t seem to want to bother with a reply but upon noticing the look Emily gave him, he spoke up.
“Yeah. Really busy. Been working. How about you?” He often preferred letting others do all the talking if he had to be dragged into a conversation.
“Oh, I’ve had a fantastic day. I’ve found source after source of inspiration! My newest book will be done before I know it.”
“What’s it even about this time?”
Elliott lit up. He was always eager to describe his latest work. “It’s a dramatic romance of my own creation. A prince finds himself falling for someone new, right in the midst of his own arranged marriage. He has to go into hiding, protect himself and his new love and hope desperately that they can both be together.”
“Huh. Maybe that’s what ended up happening to that guy.” Shane briefly gestured to the TV hanging on the wall. Apparently, there was already an entire program about what ifs concerning the prince.
Elliott was suddenly tense as he watched the program play for a moment or two.
“Elliott? You okay?” Reaching over, he poked the writer’s arm. He definitely didn’t expect the way the other jumped in surprise.
“I’m fine. I’m fine. Honestly! I’ve just realised how late it is so I really should be going!”
Before Shane could get another word in, Elliott had fled the bar.
His footsteps quickened over the pathways, then the bridge and finally the sands of the beach. Elliott had hoped people would’ve stopped talking about it by now. He’d been so careful and yet, they hadn’t stopped. Elliott wasn’t sure if they ever would and if he were honest with himself, it was starting to make him panic. If he was found, he’d be shipped back to Stork without a second thought and then forced into that damn arranged marriage all over again. He fought to calm himself down, leaning against the outside wall of his cabin as he took a few deep breaths. He focused on what was around him. There was the smell of the sea air, the sound of the waves and the sight of the odd crustacean. Then…a voice?
“Damn, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” It was Shane. It was ridiculous how often the two found themselves in each other’s presence.
“Well…I…it’s ridiculous really. I’m getting myself worked up over nothing.”
“You sure about that?”
Elliott paused for a moment before he spoke. “I’m completely sure. Honestly. I’ll be fine.”
Often, he’d be the one pushing feelings deep down and bottling them up, so Shane knew the signs. “Somehow I don’t think you are.”
“Shane, trust me. I probably haven’t been getting enough sleep lately and I’ve allowed my thoughts to run wild. That’s all. The panic came from some silly made up situation my mind conjured up.”
At first, he seemed reluctant to believe it but eventually Shane would shrug and accept it before then bidding his goodbyes. There was no point in sticking around if the writer was indeed completely fine. Right?
Said writer would watch the other man leave across the bridge before heading inside his cabin, muttering to himself. “You have got to be so much more careful…”