Benjamin avoided answering the question, his eyes darting away. He had a sinking feeling Wren already knew exactly whose pheromones were responsible. After all, on the day of his severe heat symptoms, Wren had been there and was turned away by Charles.
"I think we're both a little over our heads right now," Benjamin said, chuckling nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm just... truly grateful you're willing to take my blood samples and help me navigate this. Honestly, I feel as if I've failed as a doctor..."
"Nonsense," Wren interrupted gently. "You've given us a chance to learn something new. And learning something new, that is never a failure."
I'm sure it's that brat, Wren thought, sneering internally. His Highness, Prince Charles Ione Asterion.
That name always left a bitter taste in his mouth, and the memory of being turned away at the door when Benjamin's heat had struck was burned in his mind.
Ugh. What does a brilliant mind like Benjamin see in that immature child? Without that crown he'd be nothing. Wren suppressed a scoff.
Benjamin looked at him, struck by the man's quiet grace. He deeply appreciated Wren's patience. There was a maturity in his gaze that made Benjamin feel safe, even when discussing something so difficult.
He deserves more than a vague excuse, Benjamin realized. He deserves the truth. Because of the unwavering understanding Wren had shown him throughout all the time he had known him, Benjamin felt he could be honest about his feelings.
"Wren… the thing is," Benjamin began, his fidgeting revealing his nervousness. "I've been meaning to talk to you about… about what you brought up the last time we had dinner."
"Ah-ha," Wren said softly, a quiet, knowing chuckle escaping him. He had seen this coming from the way Benjamin had been avoiding him in the past weeks, but he welcomed the conversation.
If we talk about this, we can finally clear the air, and he'll stop avoiding me like the plague, Wren told himself.
"I'm glad you're finally talking to me about it." He smiled with an attempt to ease the tension.
"I look up to you, Wren. I respect you as a mentor and a colleague. And… I hope I can call you a friend. Truly," Benjamin said, finally looking up.
"The kindness and patience you've shown me… it means everything. You're a brilliant doctor, Wren, and kind. I see parts of myself in you, and I'm honored that you think so highly of me. It flatters me that you could see us as partners, and I almost think you could be right. It's just that… I have feelings for someone else. It's… well, it's complicated right now."
Wren nodded slowly and forced a small smile to hide his dejection. He could see the struggle in Benjamin's eyes, the desperate need to be understood, and also how hard he was trying to let him down gently.
"I understand," Wren said softly. "I appreciate your honesty, Benjamin. It takes courage to be straightforward. I will always be here for you as a friend. But, I am a patient man. If you ever change your mind, I'll be right here."
Benjamin let out a small sigh of relief. "Thank you, Wren. That… that truly means a lot to me."
"But, Ben…" Wren added, with a concerned expression. "A word of caution regarding this person you have feelings for. If they don't appreciate you and cannot see you for the incredible person you are right now, then they don't deserve you."
Wren continued, "You must consider the possibility that they're just… toying with your affection. If they won't claim you publicly, at least… Well, just… Be careful, Ben. Don't get too involved with someone like that… I hope I've not offended you with what I've said."
In that moment, Wren felt a desperate urge to grab hold of Benjamin to protect him. He had heard the rumors.
The rumors about the Prince had been impossible to ignore. And while Wren usually disregarded rumors, he also knew that where there was smoke, there was almost certainly a fire. He didn't want Benjamin to get burned. It was clear that Benjamin was not aware of these rumors.
Wren's warning stung, largely because it had hit close to home. These thoughts had crossed Benjamin's mind already. But, Benjamin knew that Wren had told him from a place of care.
"I appreciate it, Wren. Really," Benjamin said softly and earnestly. "Thank you for the advice. I'm truly grateful to have a friend. Friends have been… few and far between for me."
And with the air cleared between them, they finished their meal and Wren insisted on taking him home. On the carriage ride, they exchanged pleasantries, but Wren's mind was elsewhere. He looked at Benjamin and felt contempt towards the Prince. He seethed quietly.
That royal brute. Does he not know his own place? Wren thought bitterly.
He's certainly bound to be married off, a union for political alliance. If he knows this and still pursues Benjamin, he's cruel. If he ignores it, he's a coward. Ugh. Just the thought of Benjamin realizing this too late… I can't imagine what he'll go through…
When they arrived at the clinic, Wren walked him to the entrance. Before stepping back up into the carriage, he turned back and blew a kiss in the air, following it with a wink to show that it was a playful gesture.
"Goodnight, Ben. I'll see you this weekend for rounds. And for those blood samples."
"Goodnight, Wren. Thank you for everything. Get home safe!" Benjamin waved with a bright smile until the carriage pulled away.
Once the carriage had driven off, Benjamin turned to the door. He made a show of unlocking the door, but the door was already unlocked. This meant that Charles was inside. He had given him a spare key.