Prince Charles was famed for his striking looks and his rare purple eyes. He was the only member of the current royal line to possess these purple eyes, a genetic legacy rumored to have skipped two generations since his great-grandmother.
Not only was he physically striking, Prince Charles also possessed such unwavering charisma that men followed him not out of duty, but devotion. He was a leader with the vision to see the path to victory and had the raw capability to carve it himself.
At only sixteen, he had already led a successful campaign to protect the borders of Xenos. By eighteen, he received the honor of serving as the Ambassador of Isadora. In the halls of foreign courts, his silver tongue and magnetic charm became his primary weapons. By twenty, he returned to Isadora with a promotion to Commander of the First Guards. Now, he stood as both a seasoned soldier and a refined politician.
This was precisely why Benjamin's mind raced with disbelieving confusion. What is someone like him doing here? Has he no shame? Benjamin thought, getting flustered.
Yet his indignation was quickly overshadowed by a cold, sharp anxiety. I've got to be extremely careful. I've sacrificed too much to get caught now, he reminded himself.
Charles didn't look up as Benjamin entered. He didn't bother with a greeting or acknowledging the guest who had just been tossed into the room. His attention remained fixed on the documents in his hands. A second stack of papers lay spread across the low table.
Benjamin walked quickly to the couch on the left, perching at the very edge, the furthest possible point from the Prince. He sat rigid, hands interlocked tightly on his thighs, tilting his head away from Charles and toward the door.
Charles finally looked up. He despised this recurring ritual. Every time he met with Lan Zhou, the man insisted on sending in attendants, as if he was intentionally testing his patience.
Who did he send this time? Charles wondered, annoyed. His cold, purple eyes finally shifted to the figure perched at the edge of the couch.
When Charles looked up, he was surprised to see the quiet profile of a man whose face remained partially obscured. From his profile, he could make out the curve of his jaw and the long, elegant line of his neck and shoulders.
Unlike the others who had been paraded before him, this man did not approach him to seduce him. Instead, he remained in a tense, dignified silence, looking almost frightened, and his gaze fixed downward at his own feet.
Well, I guess this is good. I can get back to work, Charles thought.
The room was silent except for the sounds of paper rustling from Charles flipping through his documents.
At least he's leaving me alone, Benjamin thought. This silence is uncomfortable, but it's better than having to do other things.
"You didn't like him? I even paid extra."
"Maybe you're not into men," Lan continued with a dismissive shrug. "After our meeting, I'll send some girls up. It's a shame, though. He's so handsome! I might just take him for myself."
Lan stepped toward the couch and gripped Benjamin's chin, tilting his face up to inspect his prize with a greedy, predatory smile.
"I'll take a closer look at him after our meeting," Charles interrupted.
The Prince's deep and resonant voice caught Benjamin off guard. He finally looked up, and his eyes locked with those legendary purple irises. Charles did not look away. His gaze was steady and unreadable, pinning Benjamin in place. Benjamin finally broke the contact and looked down, turning his head sharply to the right to hide his blushing face.
"Calix," Charles said, addressing the guard. "Please escort him out for now. I'll see him after this."
Why does he want to see me after? Benjamin was confused as he walked out escorted by the guard.
** ** ** ** ** **
A half-hour passed before the heavy door swung open and Lan stepped out.
"Don't worry. I wont let him eat you up. I'm sending in back up. If you're not tired afterwards, come find me," Lan said, shooting a devilish grin at Benjamin.
Ugh, I can't stand men like that, Benjamin thought. If he weren't such a well-known figure, I'd beat him to a pulp.
One of the guards escorted him into the room again. Upon entering the room, Benjamin noticed that there were several small medicine vials arranged in front of the prince. Benjamin knew exactly what they were: medicine intended for injection.
That's why he must be here. I wonder what medicine he's come to get, Benjamin wondered as he quickly sat back in the same seat he was in earlier.
Once again, there was only silence, but this time, he could feel the prince's gaze was solely on him. Charles was inwardly surprised at his own reaction. In all his dealings with Lan Zhou, he had never spared a second glance for the attendants brought before him. But there was something undeniably different about this man.
The man was strikingly handsome. Charles found his gaze lingering on the man's hazel eyes, the shape of his lips, and the pale, lean, yet clearly fit physique beneath his refined exterior. There was an intriguing gravity to the man's presence, a quiet dignity that felt misplaced. When those hazel eyes had briefly met his own for the first time, just before the meeting with Lan Zhou, Charles had felt a sudden, irrational urge to reach out and touch his blushing cheeks.
What am I thinking? This is so unlike me, Charles thought. Perhaps I'm only intrigued because he hasn't uttered a single word. Is this his first time in such a position? He looks... frightened.
He felt a strange impulse to speak, to offer some form of reassurance. Should I tell him I don't partake in these activities? That he's safe from me? He hesitated. Wait, why do I feel the need to explain myself to a stranger, and to an attendant nonetheless?
Charles's characteristically calm and collected mindset was so disturbed by the presence of this man before him that he hadn't realized he had been staring intensely at him from the moment he entered the room. By the time Charles had collected himself to speak to Benjamin, the door swung open and two young women were escorted in by the guards.
The attendants were both in long, silky gowns. One in a vibrant crimson and the other a deep emerald. The gowns clung to every curve, and the fabric strained over their chests. Daring slits ran high up their thighs to show off their long, slender legs.
Both women bowed to the prince, "We're honored to serve you, Your Highness. Please let us approach you."
When Charles did not respond, as they were told by Lan that he would not, they walked up to the right side of the couch carefully.
Charles watched with a keen, observing eye as a hint of surprise flickered on Benjamin's face. One of the young women had stepped forward and offered Benjamin a respectful bow. A wave of embarrassment washed over Benjamin, but he quickly regained his composure and lowered his head to return the gesture.
This is dangerous, Benjamin thought, alarmed. I can't afford any attention. I don't want to be found out. I don't want Madam Wagner to get in trouble either.
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