Elias followed Prince Aedric back to his lavish chambers, the young prince gripping his hand tightly as if letting go would summon the earlier dangers anew. The air between them was heavy with silence, Prince Aedric's usual sharp tongue replaced by an unusual stillness. Once they reached the prince's room, Aedric hesitated at the door, his grip tightening.
"You're not going back alone," Aedric declared, his tone brooking no argument. His piercing eyes fixed on Elias, leaving no room for protest. "You'll stay here tonight."
Elias blinked, caught off guard. "Your Highness, I don't think that's appropriate—"
"I don't care what's appropriate," Aedric interrupted, his voice firm but edged with something softer—fear, perhaps? "You're staying. That's final."
Elias felt his system's intrusive thoughts bubbling up.
< Prince Aedric's favorability has increased. Accept this opportunity to strengthen the bond.>
The system's encouragement didn't soothe Elias's growing unease. He wasn't sure how far he could push the boundaries of his role, but disobeying the prince outright wasn't an option.
"Your Highness, I really shouldn't—"
"You will," Aedric snapped. His cheeks flushed slightly, though whether from embarrassment or frustration, Elias couldn't tell. "You saved me. You're staying."
Before Elias could muster another excuse, Head Maid Sasha appeared like a storm. Her sharp gaze locked onto Elias, and she gestured for him to step aside. Her tone was quiet but laced with steel.
"Elias, may I have a word?"
Elias reluctantly let go of Aedric's hand and followed Sasha a few steps away, her posture rigid as she kept her voice low enough that only he could hear.
"Do you know what you're doing?" she hissed. "You're crossing a line. Servants do not stay in the prince's chambers. You're not special, no matter what Prince Aedric seems to think right now."
Elias dipped his head, feigning innocence. "I didn't ask to stay, Head Maid Sasha. His Highness insists."
"And you're just going along with it?" Sasha's eyes narrowed. "You're not a child anymore, Elias. Don't think for a second that you're indispensable. If anything happens—"
"Head Maid Sasha," Elias interrupted softly, tilting his head just so, a practiced gesture of naïveté that often disarmed adults. "I'm only doing my job—protecting His Highness. If it bothers you, perhaps you should tell him directly."
Sasha's expression faltered. Prince Aedric's fiery temperament was no secret, and his insistence could not be easily overridden. With a heavy sigh, she straightened her posture and glared at Elias one last time before leaving.
"Don't overstep," she warned. "You may have the prince's favor now, but it's fleeting."
Elias kept his gaze low and nodded solemnly, though inwardly, he was relieved she hadn't pressed further.
When he returned to Prince Aedric's side, the boy was already scowling, his arms crossed as he waited impatiently.
"What did she say to you?" Aedric asked, his voice sharper than before.
"Nothing important," Elias replied quickly, offering a small smile. "She was just worried about propriety."
"Propriety is useless," Aedric declared. "She's always worrying about things that don't matter. Come in."
Elias hesitated for a brief moment, but the system's persistent nudges and Aedric's impatient glare left him no choice. He stepped inside, and the prince shut the door behind him.
The room was grand, with heavy curtains framing tall windows and a bed that looked far too large for someone as small as Aedric. Aedric sat on the edge of the bed, motioning for Elias to sit on a chair nearby.
"I don't want to sleep yet," Aedric said, his tone defiant. "What if something happens again?"
"Nothing will happen, Your Highness," Elias assured him, though the earlier events still left a knot in his stomach. "You're safe here."
"But what about you?" Aedric asked, his voice softer now. "You're the one who always runs into danger."
Elias blinked, surprised by the concern in the prince's tone. "I'll be fine, Your Highness. It's my duty to keep you safe."
"That's not good enough," Aedric said firmly. He paused, then added, "You're not allowed to get hurt anymore."
Elias chuckled softly. "I don't think I can promise that, Your Highness."
"You have to," Aedric insisted, his brows furrowing. "You're mine, aren't you? That means I'm supposed to protect you, too."
The words caught Elias off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless. Before he could respond, Aedric stood and grabbed his wrist, tugging him closer.
"Just stay," the prince said, his voice quieter but no less commanding. "I'll feel better if you're here."
Elias sighed but nodded, settling into the chair. "Only until you fall asleep."
Aedric didn't argue, though his small smile suggested he'd already won. He climbed into bed, watching Elias with an intensity that made the older boy feel self-conscious.
"Why are you always so calm?" Aedric asked after a moment. "Even when things are scary, you're always...like that."
Elias shrugged. "I guess I'm just used to it."
"That's stupid," Aedric muttered. "You shouldn't have to be."
Elias didn't reply, unsure how to respond. Instead, he sat quietly as Aedric's eyes grew heavier, his stubborn resolve to stay awake faltering. Eventually, the prince's breathing evened out, and he drifted into a peaceful sleep.
As Elias watched over him, the system chimed again.
< Prince Aedric's trust in you has increased. Favorability +5.>
Elias sighed, leaning back in the chair. His life had taken so many unexpected turns, but one thing was clear: he was far more entangled with Prince Aedric than he'd ever anticipated.
______
Elias stirred in the chair, still half-asleep. The soft sound of movement nearby roused him, and a presence at his side made him tense instinctively. He opened his eyes groggily, blinking in the dim light of Prince Aedric's room. His head still heavy with sleep, he muttered, "Who's there? If you're trying to mess with me, cut it out."
His tone, though groggy, held a sharpness that was entirely out of place for his supposed age. As he shifted to sit up straight, his balance faltered, and he tipped over onto the floor with an unceremonious thud.
"Elias!" a startled voice exclaimed.
Elias pushed himself upright and found himself face-to-face with Lady Selene. She looked down at him, wide-eyed and surprised, clutching the edges of her dress nervously.
Elias blinked in confusion, his mind struggling to catch up. "Lady Selene? What are you doing here?"
Before she could answer, Prince Aedric stirred in his bed. He rubbed his eyes and sat up, his expression quickly darkening as he registered Lady Selene's presence.
"What are you doing in my room so early?" Aedric demanded, his tone laced with irritation. "Can't you wait until a decent hour?"
Lady Selene, unbothered by the prince's annoyance, crossed her arms and fixed him with a pointed look. "I'm not here for you, Prince Aedric. I came to see Elias."
That statement seemed to catch both boys off guard. Aedric frowned, his gaze shifting suspiciously between Lady Selene and Elias, while Elias, still seated awkwardly on the floor, looked puzzled.
"What do you need Elias for?" Aedric asked, his tone sharp. "He's busy."
Lady Selene huffed, placing her hands on her hips. "Busy doing what? Sleeping in a chair? That's hardly important."
"More important than whatever nonsense you've come up with," Aedric shot back, his annoyance growing.
Elias, sensing a brewing argument, quickly intervened. "Your Highness, Lady Selene, please. Let's not fight." He stood up, brushing himself off. "Lady Selene, why did you come here so early?"
Her expression softened as she turned back to Elias. "I need your help with something. It's important."
Before Elias could respond, the system chimed in.
Elias suppressed a groan. The system had been mocking him mercilessly ever since he'd reacted so poorly to the earlier scare. Now, it was back to giving cryptic advice.
Prince Aedric narrowed his eyes at Elias, as if sensing the silent conversation he was having with the system. "He's not going anywhere," Aedric said firmly. "If it's so important, you can tell me what it is."
Lady Selene rolled her eyes. "It's not your business, Aedric. I need Elias."
"That's Prince Aedric to you," Aedric snapped.
"Stop being so fussy," Lady Selene retorted. She turned back to Elias, her expression pleading. "Please, Elias. I really do need your help."
Elias hesitated, glancing between the two children. Aedric looked as if he was seconds away from forbidding him outright, while Lady Selene's earnestness tugged at his sense of duty.
"I'll go with you," Elias said finally, offering her a small smile. "What do you need help with?"
"Elias!" Aedric exclaimed, his tone indignant. "I just said you're not going anywhere."
"Your Highness," Elias said gently, "I'll only be gone for a little while. I'll come back as soon as we're done."
Aedric's lips pressed into a thin line, his frustration evident. He looked like he wanted to argue further but ultimately crossed his arms and looked away. "Fine," he muttered. "But don't take too long."
Lady Selene grinned triumphantly and grabbed Elias's hand, tugging him toward the door. "Let's go!"