"In their Hearts humans plan their course,

  but the Lord establishes their steps."

  - Book of Proverbs ESV 16:9

  Nicodemus' legs were both asleep. At first, the tingling sensation was easy to ignore, until it wasn't. His lower back was sore from keeping his back straight, and he was also hungry. He heard his stomach rumble. He was not sure how much longer they would have to ride for either. By now, he would have started to complain, but Micah beat him to it.

  "Ruth, how much longer? My back is cramping and you said we were almost there." He complained. Nicodemus silently laughed to himself. It was almost as if he read his mind and said the words for him.

  "Not long, you've felt worse. The sun is starting to set. There is an inn where we can stay and have dinner." she kept her eyes forward.

  Nicodemus sighed in relief, he was starving and could not wait to finally be able to have a meal. He caught up to Micah and threw a small rock at him that he had carried in his pocket. Micah cast him a sidelong glance.

  "Where is your mutt? I thought it was coming along?" Micah asked.

  "Virgil? He's at the inn. He left before we did. Samyaza sent him off with the inn keeper, along with some of our luggage.” Nicodemus felt a bit upset Virgil was not by his side for the first trip. He had hoped to see him running in the open fields.

  “Why? You never let that mutt out of your sight yet he cannot join you?” Micah did not care, except his voice had a curious tone to it.

  “If we get lost, he would come find us. I have a whistle only he can hear.”

  “We could have just followed your dog.”

  “Yes, however this is also a test. It is my first time leaving Superbia, remember? What good will I be as Emperor if I can’t even find an inn?” Nicodemus had a lot of patience when it came Micah's questions.

  Nicodemus enjoyed the view; they had crossed many empty fields of grass, and stopped a few times to let the horses drink water. The sky was his favorite part of the whole journey. It was pink with blue streaks, he saw the birds fly and small little bees landing on flowers. He had once loved being outdoors, it was his safe space. He had never really traveled further than the acres of land his parents owned. Crossing the big gates of the palace felt foreign to him. The palace was located in a wooded area, to the west it had a small beach with a dock, now he refused to go there ever again. He still hated the beach, yet his love for the forest was one that slowly would return.

  Nicodemus pulled back a little and got off his horse.

  “What are you doing?” Micah asked, he whistled at Ruth who turned her horse around.

  “My legs hurt. I want to walk for a bit.” He said.

  “Your Majesty, it won’t be long—“ Ruth began to say.

  “I know, I just want to walk.” He interrupted Ruth. Micah and she looked at each other and got off as well.

  There was a light breeze, and the sun was starting to set. Nicodemus’ hood came off, and his hair became undone in the wind. Micah froze and took out a small hair tie. He walked over to him and pulled his hair to the side to tie it into a small braid.

  “You did not have to—“

  “I know, merely getting tangles out later would be a pain. You have a lot more to worry about.” Micah said. He grabbed Nicodemus’ hood and covered his head, lastly tying the little ribbon on the end so it would not come off.

  “Thank you,” Nicodemus said. He made eye contact with Micah, his lips curved upward.

  “Yeah, come on your Majesty. It will only get colder.” Micah grabbed his wrist and pulled him forward. They caught up to Ruth, who had an eyebrow raised.

  “We are in luck! If you look east, there is a village, I can see the smoke from chimneys.” Ruth got back on her horse, “If we ride we will get there faster, let’s check into the inn and have dinner.”

  Micah and Nicodemus nodded and got on their horses. He did not expect for them to be so close now. He was excited to finally see Virgil and have a nice dinner. He had a small snack on their way over, although nuts and berries were not enough to fill him up.

  Nicodemus took his map out and read the signs. They had finally made it to their designated location. Once they found the inn, they would be able to settle down for the first night. He pulled out his whistle and blew on it. No sound detectable to humans came out, however it was not long before he heard barks and saw a white cloud running towards them. He smiled and got off the horse, opening his arms wide. There Virgil ran to him and tackled him right on the floor. Nicodemus held on to his dog and petted him, scratching behind his ears. Micah got off the horse and helped Nicodemus up. Ruth took the leads of the horses and guided them to the nearby inn.

  A few of the villagers stared at the four of them, whispering among themselves. Nicodemus pull his hood forward, hiding his face. Micah looked over and walked in front of him. Many people did not know what the emperor looked like. It was still better to be safe than sorry. All they had to do was make it to the inn, have dinner and get rest before they set out for the Twin Ghost Cities. Ruth tapped Nicodemus’ shoulder, checking to make sure he was okay. He nodded and she knew it was better for her to take the lead for now.

  Ruth handed Micah the horses, and she went inside to check them in and grab the keys. Nicodemus crouched down to pick at Virgil’s fluff. Micah hooked the horses to a small fence and crouched right by him, also plucking the fur.

  "This is oddly satisfying." Micah said.

  "It is! I love getting the big chunks of fur." Nicodemus pulled one out, showing it to Micah as if it was a trophy.

  "Nice!" the two of them went around Virgil, who stood there allowing it to happen.

  Ruth came out with two keys in hand and watched them. "..."

  Nicodemus finally noticed when he bumped into her legs, he looked up and quickly pulled Micah up by the cloak. She sighed and handed Nicodemus a key.

  "You and Micah can share a bedroom. I will take the king suite." She said.

  "King suite? Would it not make more sense if I got that room?" Nicodemus stiffened. "Besides it's in the name... King Suite." he reached to steal the key from her hand, except she pulled it close to her chest.

  "It has only one bed, and besides I am a girl. If anything, Virgil can stay with me." She patted her lap and Virgil ran to her.

  "Traitor." Micah said. "Would it not make sense if I got my own room? I am the emperor's prisoner after all."

  "???" Nicodemus looked over at Micah, his reason made even less sense. The three of them discussed it outside the inn for a moment before finally giving in to Ruth having her own room and Nicodemus being Micah’s roommate.

  The two men opened the door and settled in a small living area. They removed their cloaks and put their bags down on chairs. While organizing their belongings, they realized they must have taken the key to the wrong room, as there was only one bed. Nicodemus laid on it, claiming his territory, and felt his body melt into the mattress. His muscles relaxed and his eyelids became heavy. The sun had fully set now and only a small fireplace lit up the entire room. He could hear the cracking of the wood and Micah setting up for a bath, the other must have decided to argue about the bed later. He laid in bed waiting for his turn to bathe. He was in much need of a bath and to wash his hair. The plan was for them to clean up before having a small meal in the dining room, they would rest for a few hours and as soon as dawn came, they would prepare to ride for their second day.

  Micah came out and woke Nicodemus up. He handed him a towel and walked close to the fire place, Micah dug into Nicodemus' bag and pulled out a new pair of pants and shirt for him to wear. It was all linen, perfect for the weather of the south. Nicodemus headed to the washroom and took off his clothes, he undid his braid and prepared some hot water. Once the water was warm enough he sat in the tub. He had alway enjoyed taking a bath, he could feel the dirt melt from his face after being outdoors all day. He allowed himself to sink in a little, bubbles of soap covered his hair. He felt like a child again.

  He did not know when he had fallen asleep, until there was a knock on the door. Nicodemus woke up and noticed the water had gone cold. He got up and finished washing the remainder of the soap. Grabbing a towel, he wrapped it around his waist and met up with Micah by the door.

  "I thought you died." Micah said, making sure to keep eye contact.

  "Do not get too excited, I just fell asleep." Nicodemus passed by and grabbed his clothes, he went behind a small room divider to finally change. Nicodemus walked out with his hair down.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  "Shall we go eat?" He asked.

  "Yes, I was waiting for you." Micah got up and opened the door when a inn keeper nearly scared them both to death.

  "Ah! You must be His majesty!" She said smiling, she grabbed Micah’s hand and kissed his palm. "We have been looking for you!"

  "..."

  "Yes, he is also very hungry. Mind showing us the dining hall?" Nicodemus asked. Micah slowly turned his head to face Nicodemus who had a serious and deadpan expression.

  "Yes! Gladly! We actually have set up a bonfire for you. Your majesty we heard about you staying for the night, we have never had a special guest like you stay, it’s a huge honor to host you for the night!" She led the way to the bonfire.

  Nicodemus and Micah looked at one another as she continued to talk, she mentioned a brief history about the location and what food they were best known for. They both seemed to not pay much attention, however they quickly got excited seeing the food spread out. Ruth sat with Virgil on a log already dining and sneaking small pieces of what seemed to be chicken to the dog. Nicodemus walked over and sat down with them both.

  "What is she telling Micah?" Ruth asked.

  "Just introducing his majesty to the other employees."

  "Micah? Still-"

  "Do not burst his bubble, Ruth. Besides I was never much of a talker." Nicodemus petted Virgil and got up to grab some food.

  He looked over at Micah who had miraculously gotten away from them. There was a small frown on Micah’s face, and he slightly pushed Nicodemus with his hip, grabbing himself a plate.

  "Had fun?" Nicodemus asked.

  "No. Why did you not say it was you?"

  "You seemed to be better at it than myself. Anyhow, she was so sure it was you. Your majesty, learn to have some fun."

  "..." Micah glared at Nicodemus, he filled his plate and headed straight for Ruth. The three of them finally sat down together and began to eat. Nicodemus was pleased with the wide selection of food options. He had enjoyed the desserts and different drinks. The three of them looked up when they saw a few men with instruments coming out. The taller man spoke.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, may I please have your attention! We have a special guest here tonight, for that we will play some music and celebrate!" The crowed cheered and looked around to see who the guest was. Micah tried to hide himself behind Ruth. A small servant girl ran to Micah and pulled on his arm.

  "Your majesty, can we please dance? Once you get out I am sure many will join us!" Micah was about to decline, however Nicodemus pushed him forward.

  "Do not be rude! Go." He said. The girl had a huge smile on her face and guided Micah along with her. Micah placed his plate in front of Virgil—who seemed more excited when he noticed how much meat remained—and went along with the girl.

  Ruth and Nicodemus couldn't help other than laugh, it was clear Micah knew how to dance, simply his stubbornness did not allow him to look as if he was having fun. There were older ladies and men who each had a partner and danced around the huge bonfire. Little girls and boys brought out more people, and soon the crowed made it hard to see Micah. Ruth leaned her head on Nicodemus' shoulder, enjoying the small bites of cookies she had on her plate. Nicodemus kept an eye out to see if he could find the silver curls on Micah’s head. A few girls asked Nicodemus to dance, except he politely declined. Ruth held on to his arm to ward the girls away. Ruth understood Nicodemus well enough to know that he was not a fan of huge crowds, and he also did not know how to dance.

  He noticed a familiar silhouette making their way out of the crowd, a small push here, there and mouthing apologies. Micah walked over to Nicodemus and extended his hand.

  "It is your turn,” he said.

  "Ruth has me trapped." he replied, Ruth quickly let go. Nicodemus' mouth fell open from the betrayal. Micah covered his mouth in fake shock.

  “Go, your majesty, I should go back to bed either way, make sure you both get rest too. Virgie! Let’s go." She got up and grabbed Virgil's leash then made her way into the crowd. People backed away as soon as they saw the giant dog pass forward. No one would stop her with him clearing the way.

  Micah turned his gaze to Nicodemus, pulling on his arm. Nicodemus got up and followed him. He felt embarrassed. Micah tapped a girl's shoulder, she smiled and nodded. She took Nicodemus’ hands and brought him to the middle. Nicodemus’ eyes widened. 'This bastard set me up!' The girl rested his hand on her waist. He felt his heart flutter. He never let people touch him unless it was absolutely necessary. Nor did he enjoy touching others. He would have felt rude to deny her, so he gave in. She was sweet, she would nod when he did the right steps and would help him correct any misplaced dance moves. Nicodemus figured it out and spun her around. She smiled and leaned into him. They danced a bit before another girl came to steal him away. The first girl handed him off.

  This new girl was also pretty. She was curvy with soft, round cheeks and red hair. She had a more girlish charm and had freckles covering her face almost like Ruth. Because she was a lot shorter, he paid closer attention to her movements. He leaned down and asked her name.

  "Malia, and your name?" she asked

  "Micah." Nicodemus panicked, everyone thought Micah was Nicodemus, and called him so. Micah would not be mad if he stole his name as well.

  "Micah, it is a huge pleasure to meet you. Are you friends with his majesty?" She asked pointing at Micah who was currently dancing with two girls.

  "You could say that." he replied.

  Malia and Nicodemus danced a little longer, he felt comfortable with her and would prefer to not switch partners again. A few ladies came over handing everyone glasses of wine, Nicodemus grabbed one each for him and Malia. She smiled and they toasted. He made a small face as soon as the alcohol went down his throat.

  "Are you not a fan?" She asked.

  "I do not drink much, the wine is good, however because—I have to constantly be on guard for his Majesty… I prefer to stay sober." That was a lie. He had never drunk alcohol before. Even when he was allowed to drink, Nicodemus still preferred to have juice or water. Malia nodded, she did not further question him. The two of them poured their drinks out and replaced it with water.

  Nicodemus felt his arm being grabbed and he turned around frowning. Micah flashed him a smile. He relaxed and introduced him to Malia. She bowed to him, Micah brushed the bow off.

  "No need! We are all friends here. Can I have my buddy back?" Micah asked her. Malia peered at Nicodemus and stepped back. Nicodemus waved goodbye and gave her a quick side hug before walking off. Her cheeks blushed and she waved him goodbye. Micah scanned the area and found more booze.

  “Let's drink together!" he handed Nicodemus a beer.

  "Micah, I do not drink." Nicodemus said.

  "Oh please, just one! Besides, today might be the last day we can have fun. Share one beer with me?"

  "Fine. Then we go back to the room" Nicodemus took a swig of the bottle and chugged it down. Micah laughed.

  One beer turned into two, before eight bottles surrounded them. Nicodemus stared off into the distance and looked at the fire, despite it being lit for hours it was still just as big and bright. People kept dancing and he wondered if they ever even got tired. The band was as lively as before, and a few girls gossiped among themselves as they passed the two of them. Micah grabbed Nicodemus' hand.

  "Dance with me?" Micah asked drunkenly.

  "Are you not tired?" Nicodemus replied. He knew well that he wasn’t.

  "No, I sent you off with the ladies before so you can learn." He got up and pulled him back up again. Nicodemus sighed yet took control. The two of them danced and a group of ladies and other men joined them. Nicodemus was having a lot fun, being left alone most of his life had a lot of perks, nonetheless he slowly started to like a crowd. Micah did not let Nicodemus go, even when others would try to get in-between them. Nicodemus looked up and saw that the moon was high up in the sky. It must be about midnight now. They would have to get up early.

  "Micah, lets’ go sleep." He pulled Micah out of the dancing circle.

  "Race ya?" Micah said, a small mischievous smile spreading across his face. Nicodemus gave him the same look. He loved a good race.

  "First one back gets the bed." they set themselves up by the exit, Nicodemus was determined to get back first so he could get the bed. They had argued earlier about who deserved the bed first. This was the perfect chance to get to win it.

  "Ready?"

  "Go."