Primal Fear

The moment Alder's shoulder was touched, he recoiled instantly. In his heart, was a primal fear which raged inside off him. The image of the man who touched his shoulder flickered with that of the one who had attempted to grab for him at the canal.

His breathing became heavy, and his vision clouded. He was terrified, so utterly terrified of that figure. The figure of a slim older man draped in jewelry, extending towards his body.

But no, the intent was different this time, and Alder could feel it. He forced himself to relax his body and curb the panic that had begun to build.

"A-Are you a prince?" He asked meekly. When he asked that question, there was no particular intent behind it, no focus nor meaning. It was simply the first thing he could conceptualize with his innocent, simplistic mind. He uttered the words shakily, uncertain of the response it would bring.

To his relief, the man smiled, a genuinely warm smile, and took back his hands so Alder could lay eyes upon his face. I