Idowu shifted uncomfortably, glancing from his master to the bold stranger who had planted himself at their table. Realizing the atmosphere was getting hotter and hotter as the two men stared each other down- neither willing to look away, he finally spoke up.
"Okay, okay… we know who you are now. Kí ló fẹ́?" he asked William.
(Kí ló fẹ́ - What do you want)
At the sound of his voice, the two men finally pulled their eyes away from each other. William turned from Adrian to Idowu, his lips curling into an easy smile.
"Why the hurry to chase me away? We have not even introduced ourselves. I'm William."
Adrian's eyes lingered on him for a few seconds, sharp as a blade, before he looked away. His reply was curt.
"Okay, William. Thanks for the unasked introduction. You may leave now."
Though Adrian's tone was sharp, William caught a softness lingering beneath it. He smiled as though he'd uncovered a secret.
"No. That would be rude of me to just walk away. I don't want to be like someone I know… a goddess with a rude personality." He smirked.
He turned his gaze to Idowu, his voice deepening slightly. "You. What is your name?"
"Idowu." he answered too quickly, and immediately regretted it when Adrian's glare cut into him like fire. He swallowed hard, shrinking into his seat.
William's attention slid back to Adrian. His grin was wicked, his voice lower, almost teasing. "Áréwà, it's fine if you do not want to tell me your name. Calling you this is better anyway— it suits you perfectly."
(Áréwà - Beautiful one)
Adrian gave no reply, so William leaned forward, voice dipping with exaggerated drama.
"Témi, this is my first time at this famous inn. I heard they had the best meat, so I came here. But when I got here, they told me they had run out. It broke my heart. Truly, I was crushed."
(Témi - Mine; belonging to me. )
Adrian sighed, frustration tugging at his patience. The last thing he wanted was to listen to this strange man's unfortunate tale of meat. But his ears caught the word.
"Témi?" His eyes narrowed. "Did you just call me yours?"
"…but then I caught sight of you.." William continued, ignoring the interruption. "..It was as though the world shifted, and I stood in another universe, just staring at you. Truly, I forgot about the meat altogether."
Adrian resisted the urge to scoff. What exactly did this man want? To cry over meat— or to woo him? Which one?
"And.." William added, tapping the table with a satisfied nod, " You owe me a thank you."
"A thank you? For what?" Adrian arched a brow.
"For helping you kill that rabbit."
"I never asked for your help. Why should I thank you?"
Williams raised a hand as though to calm him. " It's fine, it's fine. You don't have to thank me. But I will accept a bowl of meat instead."
Before anyone could stop him, he drew a plate closer and plucked up a piece of meat, chewing happily.
.
Adrian's eyes widened. His chest tightened with disbelief at the man's audacity.
"Hey, you can't just eat from our table!" Idowu protested alarmed at his master's expression.
"Why not?" William asked innocently, before turning back to Adrian. "Why not, Arewà?" He repeated.
Adrian closed his eyes, dragging in a deep breath. He had been in good spirits before this stranger's arrival. Annoying as William was, he would not let him ruin his meal. Clearly, this man was too bored for his own good. So he opened his eyes, ignored him, and began to eat again.
Idowu blinked in surprise at his master's calmness. Taking the hint, he lowered his head- he stayed quiet and ate too.
The table fell into an uneasy peace— until William spoke again. He wasn't done.
" Where are you both from? Are you locals? Where are you coming from?What are you doing in the Central Kingdom? Where are you heading?"
Adrian lifted his gaze, his patience running thin. The curiosity in William's eyes unsettled him. His voice turned cold.. "I owe you nothing. Finish your meal and leave."
But William pretended not to hear. His sharp gaze studied Adrian's features. "Hmm… you don't look like your are from here. Perhaps Ikoro Kingdom? Yes. Men from Ikoro are famed for their beauty. Their prince especially- he is said to be the most beautiful man in the empire. Judging from your face.., your fair skin, you must be from there. Am I right? "
Adrian's grip tightened around his cup, knuckles white. His eyes narrowed, sharp with warning.
This man- Something about this man was dangerous— too perceptive, too bold. Did he know who he truly was?
Who exactly was he? A harmless fool? A spy? A foe in disguise?
Before Adrian could speak, Idowu leaned forward, his tone defensive. "Why assume we are from that horrible kingdom? And even if we were, that's none of your business. You are ruining my master's meal.
Wherever we are is none of your business. Have your meal and leave! "
But William only tilted his head, muttering to himself. "Am I wrong then…?"
That was enough.
Adrian stretched out his hand. "Idowu. The purse."
Quickly, Idowu placed it in his palm. Once it was placed in his palm, he drew out two coins and set them in front of William.
"For the rabbit. We part ways here. Enjoy your meal."
Without another glance, he rose and walked out of the inn.His cloak brushing against the floorboards. Idowu followed swiftly.
William watched him go, his smile fading into thought. His eyes lingering on Adrian's graceful stride. There was something different about this man- more than beauty. His manner of speaking, the softness beneath his sharp words, the way he carried himself, the quiet nobility in the smallest gestures…-
this was no ordinary man.
"Who are you?" William whispered to himself. His eyes lingered on the door before he shook his head, returning to his plate with forced laughter.
"Forget it."
.
.
They parted again but it was clear- this was not the last time fate would draw them together.
The story continues..