"What are you here," one of them spits

Three more guards step up behind him. "We are looking for a boy named Nick."

The guards shot each other looks. "We don't know anyone by that name."

The main guard chuckles, shrugging. "Mind if we look in the cottage then? We've heard he should be somewhere in this forest."

"Yeah, sure," the guard challenged. The other guard backhands the stupid one

He nods, walking in. The other two guards stay in front of the door, watching the group. "If anybody moves, they shall be finished on the spot." One of the guards states in a bored tone. Suddenly guards surround the group, holding sharp swords up. Some guards are checking the perimeter

One snarled curses at the foolish one. Nick was in his room, not making a sound at all

The guard searches through the cottage, soon stepping in front of Nick's room and opening the door slowly. He peeks in, his eyes lighting in triumph when he sees Nick. "I assume you are the prince's mate?" The guard states, standing at his full height as he closes the door behind him and nods in greeting.

Nick just gazes at the guard, his eyes not showing any emotion. "I assume you've come to kill me for betraying the kingdom or whatever?" he said flatly. "Just get it over with if that's what you're here to do."

The guard shows no emotion when he says, "Nope, I'm here to take you back to your mate. Hopefully without a struggle?" He asks, raising a brow.