By the time the group reached the camp the sun was already starting to set. Travelling would have to wait until tomorrow, Narsus and Daryun decided.

Arslan and Elam received a warm welcome when they returned. Even Alfreed had pushed aside her dislike of Elam to give him a strained hug, punching him lightly in the shoulder almost immediately afterwards and reprimanding him with a sharp "You worried Narsus."

Dinner was made for them, extra portions for both the boys. Arslan had tried to sneak of with Elam to do the dishes, but they were caught by a stern looking Narsus, who ushered the boy into the largest tent.

"You both need your rest. Sleeping in a cave isn't the ideal place to recuperate from a cold." He looked pointedly at Elam, who looked down at his feet.

After Narsus left Arslan began to prepare for bed. Elam tried to look anywhere but at the changing prince. "I can take Daryun's bed." He offered. The tent was most used just by Arslan, with a makeshift bed tucked away so Daryun was always close by incase the camp was attacked.

"Don't be silly." Arslan smiled. "My bed is big enough for both of us. Come on."

"Arslan." Elam protested. Arslan ignored him, instead trying to wrestle Elam's tunic off of him. "Arslan, stop."

Arslan looked at Elam. "I'm not letting you sleep on Daryun's pitiful excuse for a bed. Either we share mine, or I sleep in his."

"I can't let you sleep in Daryun's bed, it wouldn't be right, you're a-" Elam was cut off. Arslan's mouth was on his, kissing him, gentle yet firm. Before Elam could realize what was going on, it was over.

"If you say it's because I'm a prince, I'll force you to sleep in my bed." Arslan said with a devilish smile.

Elam took a moment to register what had just happened before asking. "If I slept in your bed with you, would you do that again?"

"Would you like me to?" Arslan asked. Elam nodded slowly. Arslan complied, his lips quickly found their way back to Elam's, only this time, Elam kissed back.

Arslan pulled away a few minutes later, only long enough to say. "Let's go to bed."

Elam grinned. "Yes, Your Highness." He teased. Arslan swatted his bottom lightly and Elam yelped while laughing.

As they cuddled in the bed together Arslan thought back to the night before, and how they had huddled together there. It was silly to think, but it had felt like so long ago. He smiled as Elam shifted in his sleep, giving him one last kiss on the cheek before snuggling up close and drifting off.