Despite the other shortcomings of his health, Augustus was as strong as any soldier that ever lifted a sword. He held the horse in place while soothing it to keep its thrashing body from injuring the rider further. The horse stilled as Dresden backed the crowd away and knelt down next to the royal. He glanced at Dresden, all the while continuing his shushing and cooing at the horse. It was evident he was listening as he continued on his task of reassuring both horse and rider. Augustus listened to the entirety of the man’s speech before nodding calmly.

“You handle the horse. I’ll get the rider.” Augustus wasn’t squeamish about blood or necessary slaughter. His interest was in keeping up appearances. The rugged royal safely lifting the injured rider to safety made a far better visual than a savage, blood-soaked prince. His voice was still low and even, as if there were nothing out of the ordinary, as to keep the horse as relaxed as it could be before they made their move. Augustus shifted his body, keeping one hand on the horse’s neck. The rider’s eyes were hazy with pain. He looked up at Augustus who gave him a momentary reassuring smile. Then, he looked up at Dresden and the assembled men, before giving the command:

“Now.” Augustus would loop his arms under the rider’s armpits, pulling him just far enough that he could pick him up entirely. Augustus backed away, letting the men deal with the animal, carrying him as easily as one would a market basket. Once far enough away, Augustus lay him down gently on the cobblestones.

“Someone fetch a healer.” Augustus said, not needing to look up to know that someone would follow his command. Any word that left the prince’s lips was just that: an order. “You’re going to be alright,” He assured the man, pulling a flask of whiskey out his breast pocket, “Here, help me with him—“ 

A bystander stooped down and lifted the man’s head before Augustus poured a spot of whiskey into his mouth. The man sputtered, recovering before Augustus gave him another. He watched for a moment as the man’s breathing slowed, seeming to calm somewhat.

“Stay with him until the healer arrives,” Augustus said quietly to the man cradling the rider’s head. The man nodded, murmuring “yes, your highness” as Augustus handed him the flask from his pocket. 

The prince stood and turned to survey the damage. The crowd had started to disperse, but Augustus’s eyes searched for the man who had first stepped in on the scene. Once Augustus found him, he’d wave him over.

Augustus’s eyes scanned the blood-soaked man with curiosity. The man carried himself with confidence, though he looked like no one of importance. Augustus respected that in a man, no matter their station. He waited to speak for a moment, eyes going to the horse then back to Dresden with a sigh.

“A shame indeed. I’ll see to it the beast is replaced, though I dare say our friend won’t be riding anytime soon.” Augustus’s manner was easy as if he were speaking to an old friend and not a man infinitely beneath his station. He smiled at Dresden’s question, lighting the rugged handsomeness that had served him well so far.

“You could help my telling me your name, sir. So I know who to thank.”

Dresden was right in thinking the prince wouldn’t shake hands. As much as a man-of-the-people Augustus fancied himself to be, the man never forgot that he was a royal first and foremost. “No disrespect at all,” Augustus countered with a glistening smile, “There were other matters to attend to.”

He glanced back at the man moaning in pain on the ground. Augustus’s brow furrowed with concern. He itched his beard, contemplating, before he turned, jerking his head for Dresden to follow.

“How long have you been in the legion, soldier?”

“Nine years…” Augustus repeated with impressed contemplation, “And how would you describe your career thus far, Master Drake?” Despite the horror they had just witnessed, Augustus found himself in a surprisingly good mood. There was nothing like a little peril to get the blood pumping. His cheeks were warm in the late summer air, and his stride carried a little spring in its step.

They’d turn onto a side street. Augustus clearly had somewhere in mind, but wherever that was he neglected to share that with his new companion.

“That’s good to hear,” Augustus said with an affable grin, “Too many people have complaints nowadays. Always wanting to know what can be done for them instead of what they can do for others.” His tone was one of sincerity, for the words were deeply felt. Augustus considered himself a man of service, whether others would agree or not.

The street they turned onto was empty. Though they’d been following at a distance, Augustus still waved off his guard as he took a key out of his pocket. The nearest guardsman looked disgruntled, but he knew better than to disobey the prince’s commands. They took up places on the side street outside of the door as Augustus beckoned Dresden to follow.

If Dresden did, up a narrow set of stairs they’d find themselves in a modestly sized but luxuriously furnished apartment. Augustus shot Dresden a mischievous look, one that might exist between two partners in crime rather than a royal and commoner. “I’ve been keeping this little place to myself for some years,” Augustus said with all the smugness of a child revealing a treasured secret, “As you can imagine, it pays to have somewhere to escape. Somewhere no one knows where to find you. I trust you’ll keep it that way.”

Augustus had no concerns about a commoner knowing such things. If this apartment was compromised, he’d simply acquire another.

The prince went to the wardrobe in the corner and started pulling out clean clothes for Dresden. They were bound to be finer than anything the commoner had ever worn, but to Augustus, it was no great loss.

“Think nothing of it,” Augustus waved his hand as he held the clothes out to Dresden, “It’s the least I can do. You’re welcome to change in the bedroom beyond. I have a few things I need to retrieve and then we can depart.”

Augustus would go to his desk, expecting that Dresden would obey his wishes. If he did, the prince would have time to sort through some things before pulling a small box out of a compartment in his bottom drawer. When Dresden returned, the prince would hold it out.

“What do you think?” Augustus asked, “Fit for a lady, eh?” If Augustus looked inside, he’d see an extravagant opal necklace—the kind that only substantial wealth could buy.