Patton jerked awake, taking a huge gasp of air.

He sat up, frowning. That was the fifth time this week that he’s had that dream.

He could never recall it when he woke up, but he knew that it was the same as the one he had yesterday, and the day before. Patton was sure about some details, though. People sat around a table, a flash of light, and five babies lying around him. 

He brought his knees to his chest, releasing a sigh. He looked out the window, taking in the lights of passing cars. A few moments later, he laid back down and went to sleep.

Patton Hart was a simple boy.

Eighteen years old, and the adopted son of Nicholas Hart, the best baker in the city.

He was content with his life. He had a family who loved him, he loved baking almost as much as his father did, he spent most of his time caring for the children at the orphanage. 

Still though, something was missing. It was frustrating, since Patton wasn’t exactly sure what he was missing. He confided in his father about this feeling, but he insisted that it was completely normal, being a young man now.

Perhaps he was right. Patton had never been the type to seek adventure, but maybe that changed with him growing older. 

Maybe he was in need of a romantic partner? He had never really thought about that, but perhaps it was the reason he was feeling so restless. 

Patton sighed, mixing the cookie batter in the bowl. “What’s wrong with me…?” He murmured to himself. 

“Pick up the pace, Patton!” His father huffed, walking into the kitchen. “I need these cookies done before we open!”

Patton blinked, before flushing in embarrassment. “Sorry!” He exclaimed, mixing faster. 

“What is up with you lately?” His dad frowned, ruffling his hair. 

Patton bit the inside of his cheek, eyes flicking away from his father. “I’ve been having these...dreams.”

A strange expression crossed his father’s face. It was oddly blank. “Dreams?” He echoed. 

“I can’t remember what they’re about, it’s really bothering me.” Patton sighed. “There are these...people. I dunno. And there’s babies too. Five of them.” 

His father didn’t say anything for a minute, that strange expression still on his face. “...how long have you been having these dreams?” 

“A few years now.” Patton pursed his lips, placing the bowl down and grabbing a metal tray. 

His father nodded, looking away from him and staring at nothing. “Get those cookies done soon.” He murmured, before turning and exiting the kitchen.

Patton furrowed his brow. That was kinda weird. 

Well, he could think about it later. He still had to put the cookies in the oven, wait for them to cool down, and then put them up for sale. A lot of work had to be done.

---

Patton swept the floor of the bakery an hour later. A customer had dropped an entire batch of sugar cookies and Patton had to clean it up.

"--prince!"

Patton perked up.

The voice had come from the radio, some random talk show that his father liked to listen to. 

“I just don’t get it!” One of the hosts was saying. “I mean--we’re all going to see him when he becomes king, right? What’s the point of hiding him away?” 

“Maybe they want their kid to have a normal life?” The other host offered. “I mean, with him being Prince of Vigne, I don’t think he’ll get to just be a normal guy.” 

“Maybe he’s butt ugly!” The first host laughed. 

“With the king and queen’s genes?! No way!” 

“But there are rumors going around that he’s adopted. Imagine that! Prince Roman Vigne, adopted heir of Vigne!” 

Patton sighed, they were talking about him again.

Roman Vigne.

Prince Roman Vigne.

The prince of the country that Patton lived in.

Patton thought the idea was kinda magical when he was younger. A prince that’s been locked away his whole life, waiting to be rescued by his true love. It was something right out of a fairytale. 

As he grew older, though, it sounded less like a fairytale and more like a nightmare. He couldn’t imagine it, the thought of being trapped in his house for his whole life was terrifying. It was probably so lonely.

The king and queen gave no explanation as to why they locked away their son. When asked to make public statements, they just said that it was for his own safety, and moved on.

No one even knew what the prince looked like. Interviews with the guards detailed that they didn’t even know what he looked like, only what his voice sounded like. 

Beautiful singing, the most charming laugh. He sounded like a lovely person. 

The prince was probably around Patton’s age now.

“Excuse me?” Patton looked up, finding a boy in front of him. 

He wore a dark green jacket, with a black shirt underneath. His head was bowed underneath a black hat, blocking Patton from seeing his face. He could see brown hair beneath the hat, though.

“Oh, hello!” Patton smiled politely. “How can I help you?”

“I need something to eat that’s good for travel.” The boy said shortly. 

“I mean, I always like a good cookie when I’m on the go!” Patton giggled. It was true! 

The boy sighed. “No, I mean--” He looked up at Patton, who inhaled sharply. 

Dark rings underneath his eyes, the beginnings of a mustache beginning to grow on his upper lip, a pale complexion. 

That's not what struck Patton.

It was the fact that his hair was the exact same shade as Patton’s, as was his eyes. It was that he had the exact same nose shape, and the exact same lip shape, and eye shape.

The two of them were identical.

Something clicked inside Patton, and he suddenly felt like he had found what he was looking for his whole life.

A/N:

First Patton centric book ever 😩