Klaus got out of the taxi and looked at the front door, where Sasha was already standing and smiling.
"Your visits always bring me pleasure."
"Sorry, but I can't repay the debt yet and I'm afraid that I'll ask you for a favor again."
'Come on, for me this amount is a mere trifle. You don't have to repay it."
"I'll repay it."
"Okay, okay. Will you come in? Are you hungry?"
"I don't mind a bite to eat."
"I knew it, please."
While the men ate, they talked about trifles. Alexander talked about work and, although Klaus had no idea what they were talking about, it was interesting to listen. After he first came to this world, he was always drawn to return.
Maybe it was because this was an unrealizable desire? Or maybe because here he was a nobody and could build his life the way he wanted. The prince did not know the exact reason.
"So what did you want to talk about?" Sasha asked, putting down his empty plate.
"I need a doctor."
"Are you sick?" the man's eyes widened and he quickly examined the prince.
"Not me, but my mother and not exactly a doctor. I need a good psychiatrist."
"I have several acquaintances. Psychiatrists, psychologists. What's wrong with her?"
"She hasn't had the best twenty years of her life and her mind is a little... Completely clouded. But there is one problem."
"Besides the obvious?"
"Yes. The thing is that she is from my country and some things... let's say, some things that she will say or do may seem like the ravings of a madman, but in fact they are not."
"So you're saying that it will be difficult for a doctor to tell the difference between illness and common sense?"
"Yes, that's exactly it, but I can't tell him all the details. It's hard to explain. Do you have someone you can trust completely?"
"Psychologists, like regular doctors, are bound by an oath, so they certainly won't spread the word."
"Is an oath unbreakable in your country?" Klaus said skeptically.
"Violating it is punishable by law and loss of license. Few are willing to take the risk."
"Still, I would prefer someone you would trust yourself."
"I'm flattered by your trust," the man smiled. "So will you stay here for now?"
"No, I need to go back today. Mother will be left in the care of an old friend. He's Pouoka's neighbor. If you can help, I'll give you his number."
"Good. It's a shame you're leaving so soon. You said the doctor wouldn't be able to tell the truth from fiction. What did you mean? How exactly is your country so different from this one and where is it even located? I'm sorry, I know I promised not to ask questions, but still..."
"Yes, I thought about it when I was coming here. It's unfair of me to ask you for favors over and over again without telling you anything in return. Today I planned to reveal my secret as a sign of complete trust in you. I don't know why, but my instinct tells me that I can open up to you, but..."
"But what?"
"I'm not sure if you want to know everything. Think about it, I won't be able to erase the memories later."
"I've been thinking about this for a long time and have come up with so many different options that nothing can scare me anymore. I want to know more about you. So let's open a bottle of wine and talk."
"I won't refuse wine, but the knowledge won't take long." Klaus smiled, seeing the confusion in the man's eyes.
"Easier to show."
Klaus took a stimulating ball out of his pocket and held it in his hand. Alexander looked in fascination at the light coming out of the ball and stretching like a thread into the prince's hand.
"Wow! I thought your country was far from civilization, but it seems to be very technologically advanced."
"This is not technology, this is magic."
Sasha grinned, considering Klaus's words a joke, but the prince had already approached him and brought his finger closer to the point between his eyebrows.
"Look."
And Alexander saw what he couldn't even think of. Magic, monsters, warriors, slaves. He saw Isorobia, or rather its way of life and laws. The man sighed in surprise and looked at the prince.
"So that's why you like cold weapons - he blurted out the first thing that came to mind."
Klaus laughed out loud.
"Is that all you have to say?"
"Wait. I'm a little shocked. How did you do that? Well, what appeared in my head! It feels like I know all this! No, it's something else, Like I've always known and understood it!"
"It's one of my abilities. I can transmit information that I know and I can also receive it from others."
"It's like a super-sophisticated spy gadget!"
"I can't read minds or pry secrets. This ability only allows me to gain knowledge, not information."
"But this is even cooler! You could get at least ten higher educations just by touching the forehead of a teacher! Why haven't you used this before?"
"There is no magic in your world, and depleting all reserves without the possibility of restoration is fraught. What you counted as technology is essentially a ball filled with magic. With its help, I can use my abilities without spending my reserve."
"It's all so... Unusual, and yet so... I don't know. It feels like I understand it all as if I've spent my whole life with this knowledge."
"It's because of my ability."
"What else can you do?" the man's eyes lit up.
"Well, my elemental magic is lightning," and as proof, the prince created a couple of discharges in his palm.
"Wow! So you fight with a sword and lightning?"
"Yes, I prefer a sword, but I can use almost all types of bladed weapons."
"Listen, I just had an idea. It concerns your mother. How many more times can you do what you just did to me?"
"I have two more stimulators with me, but this supply is enough for one more time and a couple of weak attacks. What are you planning?"
"Attacks won't be necessary, but the opportunity to obtain information... Listen, can you stay in this world? Until tomorrow. I'll try to arrange a meeting with the best psychiatrist and psychologist."
"I don't understand why you need me, Skotsky..."
"Wait, I haven't finished yet. Our doctors won't be able to tell the difference between illness and reality. So."
"Yes, but why are you..."
Sasha raised his hand, calling Klaus to be silent.
"I was thinking that if you get their knowledge and pass it on to the same Skotsky. As you said, he's an old friend, which means he knows everything. Wouldn't that be the best option?"
"Sasha... You... you're just a genius - Klaus exclaimed - And why didn't this idea occur to me! I knew that trusting you with my secret was the best solution!"
Klaus, in a fit of passion, hugged the man.
"Wow, you're not such an emotional castrate as before," the man grinned, hugging the prince closer.
"An emotional castrate? That sounds a little offensive, you know," Klaus smiled.
"We both know that's not about you," Alexander winked. "So you're staying? Then be my guest until tomorrow. I have so many questions for you!"
"I can't. Pouoka and Egor are waiting for me. But I can stay and answer all your questions."
"Okay, that's not bad either."
***
Egor was sitting in the kitchen. His grandmother had given his room to Lilith, so he was waiting for Klaus, already drinking his fourth cup of coffee. It was late, and Egor knew where the prince had gone. He couldn't do anything about his growing jealousy, but he didn't dare show Klaus his displeasure either.
After what had happened in captivity, how could he demand loyalty from the prince? He couldn't even fall asleep in his arms like before, because he felt dirty. This secret oppressed him, but he was afraid that he wouldn't even be able to see Klaus's face if the prince found out.
If he pushed Egor away completely, he wouldn't be able to accept it. Better that way. Better that he sleep with whoever he wants, but Egor could at least be close than lose him completely.
These thoughts were already giving him a headache. He had no one to consult with. He had no friends here or there. He had no one except Klaus and Pouoka, and they were the most unsuitable people for such a conversation.
The prince quietly opened the door of the apartment, took off his sneakers and thought that he should take them with him. They were much more comfortable than his usual boots.
"Hello," Egor said quietly and looked away, from which Klaus understood that the guy wanted to ask something, but was silent.
"Sasha will help me resolve the issue with my mother, but we will have to spend the night here. I'm afraid that if we go back now, August will not give us the opportunity to use the portal again."
"I'm glad it was useful."
"You have nothing else to say?"
"Do I need to know anything else?"
"I told him the truth. About my country, about magic. He took it all with such enthusiasm and tormented me with questions for several hours," Klaus grinned. "He suggested the perfect solution, I would not have thought of it myself."
"Mmmmm."
"Egor, what's going on? I can see that something is bothering you. Maybe while we have a little break, you can talk to me?"
"I have nothing to say," the guy answered, getting up from the chair "Except that we have nowhere to sleep. Grandma gave the room to Lilith. They are both already asleep."
"There is a motel nearby. Next to the bar where you worked. We can spend the night there. Get ready."
Egor did not want to go to that motel. Klaus was there with Sasha. Maybe they were there today too, that's why the prince remembered this place? But Egor remained silent and followed Klaus out of the apartment.
"You know," the prince started the conversation as soon as Egor came out of the shower. "I've wanted to discuss something with you for a long time, but I couldn't find the right moment. Now we are alone and no one will disturb us."
"I'm tired, let's talk another time."
"No, we'll talk now."
Panic rose inside. Had Klaus really decided to leave him? When did he decide that? Why? He didn't want to talk about anything now. He wanted to quietly fall asleep in the same bed, and tomorrow return to his already familiar life in the underground city and estate.
"Klaus, if I did something wrong, then forgive me. You don't need to leave me here. Please," Egor answered almost in a whisper.
"Leave me here? What are you talking about? I never even thought of that!"
"Then what did you want to talk about?" Egor asked with obvious relief.
"About what happened during the kidnapping."
"There is nothing to discuss. You saw everything yourself and know."
"I know. I know everything, but I want you to tell me yourself."
"Everything?" the young man raised his eyes full of horror to the prince.
"This can't be! Does he know about this? Does he want to talk? What is he thinking? Does he despise me? Does he hate me? Is he disgusted to be near me?" - chaotic thoughts flashed through the guy's head.
"Listen," Klaus sighed and took Egor's hand, realizing that he would not get an answer from his friend.
Egor shuddered, tensed up, but did not pull his hand away. Klaus let it go himself, thinking that the guy was uncomfortable.
"They are all already dead, and I can't take revenge a second time for what they did to you. I dreamed about it all the time. I imagined how exactly I would kill them, but I can't anymore. I understand that you don't like being around me now. After what you've been through, it's hard to let anyone touch you again, but I'm not pressuring you. I just want you to trust me again, talk to me, smile. I swear, I won't let anyone touch you again, and I won't do it myself."
Egor listened to the prince and didn't understand what was happening now. Klaus thinks that the blond guy doesn't like his touch? Does he think that Egor is avoiding the prince because he's afraid?
"No," the guy began hoarsely, "no, it's not like that," he shook his head, "It's me! I'm dirty now! I thought that if you found out, you'd leave me. I couldn't," tears just started rolling down his face, "I couldn't come up to you, because after that... After..."
Klaus hugged Egor and let him burst into tears. The young man poured out all his worries and fears. He sobbed loudly, and the prince sat quietly and stroked his head. When the tears ended and only convulsive sobs remained, the prince spoke up.
"You are a complete idiot. How can you be dirty to me? How could you think that I could leave you because of something like that?" He took his tear-stained face in his hands and looked Egor in the eyes. "I should have told you this a long time ago. Egor, I love you and will never leave you unless you want it yourself."
"What about the crown and the heirs?"
"To fuck with it! Forgot? I now have a brother. He will become my heir. By the way, my godfather also told me this."
"Godfather?" Egor was surprised.
"Forget it, I'll tell you later. Now, let's go to bed."
Egor fell asleep with his nose buried in the prince's chest, and for the first time in weeks he was not tormented by nightmares.