Being left alone with Lucian was like a dream come true to Simon, yet it was also the most torturous moments of his life. He had no idea how to act and behave when the prince's eyes were on him, and all he ever did was make a mess of himself. He caught Lucian snickering a couple of times, but he could tell that the prince was just as tense as he was, if not more. The only difference between them was the fact that Lucian was perfect in keeping his cool, while he wasn't as talented as the prince in the art.
"You don't have to be so nervous around me, Simon," Lucian said, his voice soft but steady. He turned from the window to face Simon, his gaze gentle yet piercing. "We've been through too much together for there to be such awkwardness between us."
Simon swallowed hard, trying to summon the courage to respond. "It's not that I'm nervous, Your Highness," he began, but his voice betrayed him, wavering slightly. "It's just… everything feels different now."
