Rengyotsu's eyes flew open to lock eyes with Ramses,who was leaning far too close into his face next to him,his breathing steady and warm againt his skin.
"Finally,you're awake"the prince said softly as he moved away.
General Ren averted his gaze.
His eyes widened in alarm when he noticed he was bare chested and he abruptly shoved the sheets down to check.
He was completely stripped bare but most importantly how was he alive?
Back then he had thought this was the end and was grateful that he was at least able to die in Tyrans arms.
"You've been out for four days".
Ren wordlessly pushed himself upright slowly,his whole body felt numb and stiff but he forced himself to walk over to where his shirt was hung.
He swung it over his body,tightening the knot sluggishly.
His fingers were not an exception,they were so stiffened that his joints snapped with every movement they made.
"I saved you"
Ren froze.
"The physician my father had come here poisoned you again"Ramses said.
He eyed him over his shoulders,his brows knitted together in irritation.
"What do you want?"the general's hoarse voice rasped.
"Lend me some money".Ramses replied."I need your help with something".
"And what is that?".
"There is a girl I want to help"the prince muttered in a voice almost like a whisper and Ren raised a brow.
"I need your help getting out of the palace—".
"No!"Ren snapped, cutting him off as he resumed tightening his knot."Think of something else".
"Please general...I made a promise"Ramses pleaded as Ren approached the barrier.
"Pleaseeeeee".
Ren paused to glance his way.
"How do you know this girl?...where is she?"he asked.
"I don't know her but I can smell her blood all the way from here,I'll lead the way,I must help her".
Ren didn't reply,and for what seemed like forever and Ramses could only stared at his back.
He knew too well he had made a difficult request from the general.
There were many out there for his head and his father would be enraged if he found them outside the imperial palace.
He was only safe inside the barrier but he could not help thinking about the physician's daughter.
Her father was gone and his debtors could sell her off or do something even worse to her.
Since he was with the general his safety was guaranteed.
"Fine"Ren muttered wryly before turning fully to face him"How much?"
"Eight hundred taels of gold perhaps".
Ren eyed him.
He had never purchased anything in his life and had no idea how absurd that amount sounded.
"My birthday presents must be hidden away somewhere,I—I have a lot of gold and i will pay your back for sure...I'm rich,yes princes are very wealthy people"Ramses stammered, rushing his words."I'll even add some extra money".
"I don't need your money"Ren sat at the edge of his bed then crossed his arms,his brows twitching faintly.
"Get dressed".
Ramses gleefully ran into the hallway to return moments later accompanied by Carolene.
He was dressed in an elaborate purple and gold outfit,one unfit for the occasion while Ren had morphed into a casual white hooded outfit,holding his shirt in one hand and the prince's sword in the other.
They had to fix that first.
He tossed his shirt over the prince's head to conceal his unusual hair colour.
She curtsied.
"Greetings My lord"Carolene muttered watching them both.
He had almost forgotten about her and had to make sure not a word about this reached the emperor's ears.
Ren raised his hand her way,muttering a command.
"Sleep!".
The prince watched bewildered as Carolene crumpled to the ground,before his gaze returned to the general.
Ren teleported her to the bed then grabbed Ramses's hand to appear at the imperial stable.
The prince was unable fly yet so a horse was their only option.
He quickly sent a telepathic message to the stable manager who approached him with a horse and Ren threw in three gold coins into his hand as a bribe for its unauthorized use.
Then he teleported them into an empty room his mansion.
"Wait here...Do not touch anything"He ordered in a firm tone.
Ramses's eyes darted around the vast space.
The walls were painted a pristine white with a single couch resting at its center.Musical instruments lined up against the wall and a large shelf of earthened designed pots stood directly opposite the couch.
Towering windows stretched upward,lined by gold embroidered curtains completely concealing the sky above yet they were sheer enough to allow just the right amount of sunlight to brightly illuminate the room.
Ramses couldnt smell anyone,not even a speck of dust disturbed the air.
The entire building was completely neat and void of any life form.
"What is this place?"he asked but the general was gone from sight.
He sat tapping idly on the chair as he eyed the earthened pots.
The pots looked ancient but were so perfectly crafted,the designs were so unique that he couldn't help but stare.
Ramses found himself approaching it,he picked a pot his eye level and stared into it,his fingers tracing its intricate patterns as he admired the areas they intertwined.
"I told you not to touch anything!"Ren barked from behind him.
Ramses nearly jumped out of his skin.
His heart lurched violently,the jolt of shock travelled down his frame that his fingers sprang open before he could stop them, releasing their hold on the delicate vessel.
It was too late when Ramses realized he had dropped it.
He shut his eyes and with his heart in his throat,listening for its shattering sound.
But none was heard.
Ramses opened his eyes to see the jar suspended in air for a brief moment before gliding safely back to its position on the shelf.
His head lowered as he faced the general.
"Am sorr—"Ramses didn't finish when the world shifted.
In the next second,wind tore past him as he found himself galloping atop a horse, the ground blurring beneath them, with the general riding behind him.
"Lead the way"Ren muttered as he held the reigns with his other hand wrapped firmly around the prince's waist.