The tension left Bazel leaving the prince with trembling limbs. He hadn't expected Emris to agree, he'd hoped but he'd not expected it. No, he'd expected to be punched in the face. Or beaten. Or any of the million horrible things he'd heard had been done to those with his tendencies.<br/><br/>It's why he'd never said a word before, afraid of what would happen.<br/><br/>Now he didn't have that luxury.<br/><br/>"No, the others are quite sane by comparison," The gaping and avoiding Bazel's gaze had been expected but the brief flash of panic, that had been something he hadn't expected, "If it's any consolation, when this is over, if we succeed, I doubt you'll see much of me,"<br/><br/>Even if his father didn't throw him out or...he couldn't think of his father and brothers wishing to hurt him. They'd never minded any of his other eccentricities. The studying magic, witches, fantastical beasts. The locking himself in his room for hours or days only to duck out and go ridding then locking himself away again. The avoiding balls and parties. But he didn't know.<br/><br/>At the least he could keep Emris from meeting the same fate. No one in the castle would breathe a word, they barely breathed as it was, and so long as Emris kept to the story of being the Royal Huntsman, his family should be none the wiser.<br/><br/>Bazel shifted his weight and reached into his pocket, pulling out a necklace. The chain was thin, delicate looking, but it held a large stone. The colors ever shifting, changing, as though it was alive. He held it out to Emris, taking a step closer, "Wear this, keep it hidden under your clothes but keep it on you. It will prevent the witch's magic from affecting you...it should also keep those affected by her magic from enacting her will against you,"<br/><br/>He glanced away, "I truly am sorry for putting you in this position. I will do everything in my power to ensure you don't suffer for your kindness,"