Five Half-Princes and Their Quest for A Kingdom

Damian pressed closer on impulse, pulling Catori into a full on hug in order to steal away warmth.

"Are you always cold?" Catori asked, blushing harder.

“Always. Definitely.” Damian smiled, his face starting to grow pink.

"Let's-um, get you back, and I can stick to making the tent warm, instead of trying to warm the whole forest." Catori offered, biting her lip.

Damian stood up, reaching for Catori’s hand again. He yawned involuntarily, trying and failing to stifle it.

"Come on." Catori gently pulled him along, following a grumping Copper.

Damian followed willingly, amused that he had won the argument with the bird. That’s right, bird, fly along. She likes me better.

They reached the clearing soon after, and though she wouldn't admit it, Catori was relieved. She hated being lost.

Damian intertwined their fingers, happy to be back at the campsite now that night had fully fallen. “We should leave early tomorrow.” He noted, looking up at they sky.

"Duly noted." Catori squeezed his hand, and continued towards the tent. "How far are we?"

“It’s usually a four day’s ride, but we may be able to make it in three based on today.” Damian replied. “I’d say a third of the way, but that may be stretching it.”

Catori held up the tent flap for Damian, nodding thoughtfully. "If were're making good time, we might be able to stop for a little fun in one of the towns along the way."

“What exactly do you consider fun?” The thought of stopping to socialize hadn’t even occurred to the prince.

"Exploring, meeting new people…oh, and dancing!" Catori said happily, eyes lighting up.

Damian raised an eyebrow, trying to hide his horror. “Socializing? Dancing? I don’t know how… skilled I am at those things, Tori.”

"But dancing is fun!" Catori was grinning like a kid, a hopeful look in her eyes. "I can teach you?"

“I…” Damian was having trouble resisting Catori’s hopeful gaze. “You may teach me. But there is no promise of me doing such in public.”

"One dance." She said, widening her eyes slightly, a trick she had learned young. "That's all."

It was Damian’s turn to get flustered, a deep red flush spreading across his cheeks. “Princess…”

"Please, Dami?" Catori squeezed his hand. "Just one?"

“Yeah… Yeah, alright. Just one.” Damian looked away, throughly embarrassed.

Catori smiled brightly, leaning forward to hug him. "Thank you!"

Damian smiled bashfully, a little dazed as he wrapped his arms around Catori.

"It'll be fun, I promise." Catori happily upped the heat, excited at the prospect.

“Whatever you say.” Damian mumbled, melting into the hug. He closed his eyes, feeling himself start to heat up.

"I do say." Catori said softly, resting her chin on his shoulder.

“You have really pretty eyes.” Damian murmured softly, releasing her to lie down again.

"U-um, thank you?" Catori's cheeks darkened as she looked at her hands.

“Your welcome.” The prince muttered, curling up like a cat.

Catori huffed a quiet laugh at the sight, laying down on her back and staring up at the top of the tent.