" I'll take the boy to his room. " Idowu said quickly when he noticed the kid dozing off on his seat, his head bobbing over his bowl. Leading the kid to his room, he could not be more happy and relieved to escape the sharp atmosphere at the table. The boy practically stumbled against Idowu's side, and Idowu could not help but smile— taking care of a child was far easier than sitting between two grown men who were trying to get on each other's nerves- determined to tear at each other with words alone.
Once the door closed behind them, silence filled the room.
Adrian and William were left staring at each other, their thoughts running wild in different directions. The air between them grew heavier by the second— unspoken things pressing down, lingering looks exchanged, both of them trying to read the other but unwilling to speak first.
Finally, Adrian broke the silence. He leaned back slightly, his lips pulling into a thin smile. " Thank you for your kindness Mr William. I will enjoy the food." Adrian said faking a smile. His tone was light, polite, but the smile did not reach his eyes. He turned his attention to his meal.
William smirked, mirroring him almost mockingly, and lifted his cup. "By all means. Enjoy."
The scrape of utensils against bowls filled the void for a while. After a few moments of silence, Adrian's fingers drummed lightly on the table before he glanced up again. "So?" he pressed, his voice calm but firm. "Tell me the truth this time."
William met his gaze and let out a small sigh, setting his cup down. "I was asked by someone to take the boy to his father."
Adrian raised a brow. "You know his father?"
" No. Not exactly." William admitted, shaking his head. " But he is at Irele and that's why we are heading there. "
Adrian nodded slowly, digesting the information. He stirred the food in his bowl absentmindedly, then asked, "And his mother?"
William's eyes dropped to the table. His reply was short, almost clipped. "Gone."
Something in Adrian's chest tightened. He released a quiet sigh. "I hope you find his father. It would be hard for him… growing up alone."
The weight of those words lingered between them, heavy and real
After a pause, William's voice broke the silence.
" What about you? Why are you heading to Irele ? " William asked.
" I am looking for someone. " He said with a more calm voice.
William tilted his head, studying him. The way Adrian's expression flickered, the softness in his voice— it stirred a thought William couldn't help but entertain. His brows lifted slightly, wondering if Adrian meant that kind of someone.
Adrian caught the look immediately and scoffed. " What is on your mind? I don't mean someone like that. Silly." His lips curled faintly as though mocking the assumption.
William chuckled low in his throat, caught but not ashamed. "Mm. If you say so."
Adrian shifted in his seat, placing his chopsticks down. " I'll go to bed first. Thanks for the meal. "
William did not respond, only stared— his gaze following the man as Adrian rose from the table, tall and poised even in his faint weariness
Adrian turned to leave but after taking a few steps he stopped. He glanced back, his voice softer now, almost reluctant. " Thanks for your help today. The name is Adrian. " Saying that, he left- walked to his room, door closing behind him.
For a long moment, William sat in silence. Then a slow smile spread across his face, genuine and unguarded. "Adrian." he repeated under his breath, savoring the sound. "So I have finally learned your name." He leaned back in his chair, the corners of his lips curling higher. "What a beautiful, rare gem you are."
.
.
.
Far from the quiet inn, in a dimly lit tavern, two men dropped to their knees before another figure.
" Dide- Rise." The prince muttered impatiently, his eyes dark and sharp. He placed a small box on the table. "I'm running out of this. Bring me more."
The men stood up quickly and one reached to take the item on the table.
" What about what I asked you to get? " The prince asked.
One of the men reached for his pocket and brought out a purse. He placed it on the table. The prince picked it up, loosening the strings to peer inside. A satisfied smile spread across his lips. "Good. Very good. Are you certain no one saw you?"
" We are sure prince. " the men said together, bowing their heads.
The prince nodded his head. He tucked the purse into his robes and leaned back in his chair
One of the men cleared his throat nervously before stepping forward with something wrapped in cloth. "And here…" he said, offering it with both hands.
The prince's heart gave a sudden leap. Could it be? -
" Our spy in Irele has finally gotten his hands on the first prince portrait. " He said.
Quickly, he snatched it away, fingers trembling slightly. He unwrapped the cloth— and froze.
A portrait.
The first prince.