Alex could not help the chuckle that erupted from his lips because he knew that behind that calm expression, John was being conflicted on whether to accept or refuse this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Meanwhile, John was smiling broadly internally. That was his plan from the start. To get something big for helping Alex
"Okay I would help you, but you would first have to share the truth bond," John said. He wanted to make sure that he did not get duped by the mischievous Alex. The truth bond was a bond that was shared between two or more people to ensure that a promise was fulfilled.
Alex stretched his hand forward and used the ice dagger he had created himself to cut his palm to draw blood. John also did the same thing. The two young men shook each other's bloody palms. Blue lights began to encircle both their hands and it was done. The bond was made.
The playful expression on Alex's face disappeared and was replaced by seriousness. He wanted to get out of the palace walls and experience life to the fullest. He carefully narrated the plan to John, making it as detailed as possible to make sure the was no space for mishaps. John had to admit that this was the most carefully planned plan Alex had ever made. His part in the whole plan was just to make sure that nobody came to look for Alex and also to provide them with commoner's clothes.
"I'll be right back," John said and exited Alex's room. After a while, he came back with a 13-year-old boy behind him.
"This is Nick. He would be helping us escape from the palace" John said. Nick, who was standing behind his master was feeling nervous.
"Your highness" he bowed down to show his respect to the Crown Prince of Hansonia.
Alex just waved his hand at Nick, indirectly telling him to relax. Alex was the kind of prince that did not like formalities. Nick's shoulders subconsciously dropped down. When his master told him about the prince's bizarre plan to escape, Nick thought his superior, John, was messing with him. He remembered going into a daze when he was informed that the prince wanted to escape from the palace. His expression was priceless when he heard the reason why. The prince called his life tough.
"If Imay asks, why do you want to escape from the palace. You could just ask your father for permission to go out."Asked Nick. Truth was, Alex could ask his father, the King, to allow him to go out, but that would come with the condition that he would be escorted by his father's guards. Alex could already imagine what would go on when that happens. [Alex's imagination.
Alex: Can I go to that store there?
Guards: No. It's too crowded.
Alex:Can I try that?
Guards: No it is too sweet for you.
Alex: But you haven't even tried it yet.
Guards: I can tell simply by looking at it.
Alex:But...
Guards: No buts
Alex: (:T^T:)]
Alex shook his head. That was something he never wanted. He is treated like a kid. He looked at Nick calmly and was about to explain, but John beat him to it," The prince doesn't want to be escorted. He wants to be free." said John patting his curious knight's back.
Nick simply nodded, it wasn't like he had any say in this matter. He was just the guy who was to distract the guards and get them some commoner's clothes. That was basically John's job, but well who cares. He was under John so he would do as his master pleases.
Alex carefully explained his plans again, making sure that John and Nick heard and understood him.
When Alex was satisfied with how things were he began to discuss other matters with John. Escaping was not only the thing he had to do, he had his coming of age ceremony to worry about. Alex knew that his father would literally kill him if something was to happen out of plan. His father, like most kings, liked to keep a good reputation.
"Do you know that you are the talk of the town?" John asked. When he was in town he had heard many people, (mostly maidens) talking about their bachelor prince. Even though the prince was just 14 years old, he was expected to be engaged or at least be in the state of courting a maiden.
"Oh yeah I noticed that I have been the talk of the town since I have been going outside now and then," Alex said, his voice sarcastic as ever. John forgot that this beauty before him was no less than a caged animal. Thinking of teasing this caged prince se more, John said, "Oh I forgot that prince charming is like a beautiful caged bird. Well, then I'm sure you haven't tasted old man Willie's shortbread cakes. They simply are superb." John licked his lips like he was missing the taste of the cake on his tongue. Truth was, even though old man Willie's shortbread cake was delicious, he did not like sweets that much. John only said that because he knew Alex was some kind of a foodie.
Alex glared at John coldly. What Kind of friend was he. Trying to make him distracted with food.'That shortbread cake would be nice though. FOCUS ALEX!!' Alex scolded himself.
Pretending as if he was not being affected by John's words, Alex continued to ignore John who was grinning like a mischievous fox.
"Too bad you don't know how it tastes. I'm starting to doubt if the saying 'Ignorance is bliss.' because the is nothing blissful about not being able to taste such divine delicacies." John said. Alex's eyes narrowed at John. John began to notice that the temperature of the room was dropping at an alarming rate. Nick who was still there watching the two bickerings like old men, also started to notice the dropping temperature of the room quickly excused himself, "I'll be taken my leave now" he said and bowed, he walked towards the door with hurried steps. He tried to turn the doorknob but to his dismay, it did not turn. After further inspection, he noticed it was ice.
"Shoot. Why didn't I go when I had the chance? Curiosity does kill the cat. But I'm not a cat so does that mean I might live to see the next day?" Nick's voice began a little hopeful. If not for his gossiping stomach he would have left a long time ago.
Nick: CURSE YOU GOSSIPING STOMACH
Gossiping stomach: "..."
So just like that Nick cursed his poor gossiping stomach for his curiosity.
Meanwhile, another group of people was busy making plans to also escape.