The inn was crowded, and the rich aroma of stew hung in the air. The patrons were eating and chatting cheerfully, and the atmosphere was still calm.

It was nothing like the chaos that usually filled inns after sunset.

Alex looked around and spotted William at a table in the back, near the windows. He gazed out, as if building a wall between himself and the rest of the world. What a strange guy...

The prince stopped a waitress, ordered food and drinks, and sat beside the mage.

"I think you should drop the formalities from now on. We're traveling incognito."

William shot him an annoyed glance. "Should I call you by another name, too?"

"Alex will do."

The mage pressed his lips together and shifted a little farther away. "Why couldn't you just sit across from me? The chair is free."

"If anything happens, this is the best place to guard your flank."

"I don't see why someone should attack me."

Alex pretended to think about it, then gave him a sly smile. "Because you've got a terrible temper and you're as moody as a storm cloud. I bet you could even make a priest angry."

"You really are annoying."

"That's what everyone says."

He turned toward the room, scanning the crowd for potential threats. A couple of burly men in leather vests glanced their way but didn't seem interested. The others ignored them.

His father had feared it might be a trap, but so far, the journey had been peaceful. Maybe he was just becoming paranoid.

The waitress approached and set a tray on the table: two bowls of vegetable and pork soup, two still-steaming loaves of bread, and a jug of water.

"Can I bring you anything else, gentlemen?"

"This is fine, thank you."

Alex winked at her. She blushed, turned on her heel, and walked away.

William pulled the bowl closer and glanced at the girl. "You're good with… people."

"You were going to say women, weren't you?"

"That too."

Alex shrugged. "I'm just polite to everyone. When you are, people tend to be kinder in return."

"So it's all an act."

"No, I just like treating people well."

William looked at him. "Why do the nobles think you're an idiot? You don't strike me as one."

Alex dipped his spoon into the soup and blew on it. "Haven't you heard the rumors about me?"

"I heard you often sneak out and stay out late."

"Those are my favorites."

William frowned. "Do you enjoy drinking that much?"

Alex raised his eyebrows. "I don't go out just to drink. Well, not only to drink."

"What else is there to do in an inn?"

"That depends on the kind of inn."

He gave him a knowing look, but the mage only seemed confused as he swallowed a spoonful of soup.

Could he really not get it?

"I go to brothels. You know, those places where people drink and fuck."

William's eyes went wide, and his spoon slipped from his hand. A deep flush spread across his cheeks, neck, and ears. "Your Hi—!"

Alex clapped a hand over his mouth before the mage could blow their cover. That tingling sensation ran through his palm again. "Don't say it."

William pulled his hand away and recoiled, looking utterly scandalized. "You're joking, right?"

"No. It's the only freedom I have. At least until my father decides to interfere." He tore off a piece of bread, and the flavor melted on his tongue. "No one knows who I am, and that's just fine."

"I hope you're not… entertaining yourself with women."

"Don't worry, I'm not that careless. I only sleep with men, so there's no risk."

"Do you… like men?"

"I prefer men." He rested his elbow on the table and his chin on his palm. "What about you?"

William flushed and buried his face in the bowl. He didn't answer, but Alex hadn't expected him to. From the way he reacted when Alex teased him, he'd already figured out the mage didn't like people, let alone intimacy. He was probably still a virgin.

"When we're back home, I'll take you to my favorite brothel. Consider it my farewell gift."

"Absolutely not."

The prince let out a half-laugh. "Just because people have sex?"

"Certain things should be done in a bedroom."

"Well, we do it behind closed doors there, too." Alex gave him an amused look. "What did you expect?"

William's ears turned even redder. "You shouldn't mock me like that."

"I'm not." The mage shot him a glare, and Alex raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, maybe a little. But not out of malice."

"It doesn't seem that way to me."

William frowned and looked down at his soup again. For a fleeting moment, Alex felt that faint sadness again—the one that came from knowing they'd soon part ways.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You shouldn't ask for permission."

"True. So, why did you slap my hand?"

William stopped with the spoon in midair and looked hesitant. "You were too close, and I don't like it when people touch me."

"It was an incident. I didn't do it on purpose."

"I know. But you're a powerful man, and I'm no one."

The mage returned to eat, and Alex fell silent. He never thought about how his actions might be perceived by others. William was right; he was a prince, and a prince could do whatever he wanted—even hurt people.