“Sire, I’m sorry that I -” Ruven had been stuttering apologies for a good few minutes now, even if he were helping Alfred navigate through the forest due to his non-existent vision.

“I’ve told you, it’s alright,” Alfred huffed impatiently. “Are we out of the forest yet?”

“Only a few more minutes now, Sire,” Ruven assured, taking the prince’s elbow and leading him onto the dirt path.

They walked in silence, and soon Ruven announced that they could see a village’s gates up ahead. They continued into the village, and Alfred asked him to describe the surroundings.

“Er, well, there be a small cottage with flowers around it,” he said, not too helpfully.

A small thought sparked in Alfred’s mind, and he jolted from surprise. It was one in a million, but it was worth a shot.

“Are any of the flowers red rose bushes?” he asked, eager.

“Why, yes. How’d ya know that?” Ruven asked.

“Sioni’s house!” Alfred exclaimed.