Chapter 78: 78: Shy Prince
Lysander stiffened. Subconsciously holding his breath as Eden’s hands met his face, cleaning off the dust that was on his cheeks.
It was a casual gesture, but to Lysander it made him flutter. He felt his heart running as he avoided meeting Eden’s hands,A sharp gasp as he bit his lower lip.
"Done" Eden stepped backwards as he turned to continue what he was doing.
Lysander was still there. Standing, stiffened. He had questions and thoughts. He was anxious.
Eden had turned to him "What’s wrong?"
Lysander hesitated. He didn’t plan to ask anyways. But he ended up doing so anyways.
"You and My brother..." he started off, his words hanging.
"Huh? What happened to me and your brother?" Eden asked, meeting Lysander’s eyes that were now on him.
"You..." Lysander seemed to be looking for the perfect words to convey his thoughts.
"What?" Eden was curious.
Lysander swallowed and he closed and opened his eyes "Are you two close?" That was the closest.
Eden blinked "I guess we are"
"How... How close?"
Eden sighed, running a hand over his chin "I can’t tell. Maybe really close?"
He understood what Lysander was feeling. And he could tell what was running through his head. At least to a good extent. "Why are you asking?"
Prince Lysander wanted to say nothing. As always. And brush it off. But this time he found himself adding. "I’m wondering ...if it’s normal to do that with someone you’re close to..."
His words seemed to be trialing off. But Eden heard that and understood what he meant. He smiled within but asked "Do that?"
His eyes are closely on Lysander now.
Prince Lysander hesitated. "That..." he said again. Not knowing the right words for it.
Eden couldn’t take his eyes off him. He found himself smiling at his words. At his expression and all. It was a bliss to see.
Before Lysander could even come up with a word for it, Eden approached him. Extremely close to him now as he placed a hand over his chest. Standing on his toe, he brought his face close to Eden’s face. Close enough that a kiss wouldn’t be a shock.
Eden smiled, staring right into Lysander’s trembling eyes. His heart was probably going to explode soon.
Eden smiled "This?"
Lysander said nothing. He casually stood there, staring at Eden. His heart skipping beats as though it was a daily routine.
Eden stood there for a while, a smile lingering on his face as he slowly brought up his other hand to pat his hair. "Cute"
Eden commended and then he pulled backwards and continued with making the other pizzas.
Lysander stood there, frozen.
"Don’t think too much about it. If you’re close to someone, then I guess it’s normal" He smiled.
He now stared at the frozen Lysander with a smile "If you want, I can do it to you as well Your Highness"
Lysander swallowed. He felt as though he was going to explode if he stood there any further "I have to.. to go.."
"Huh?" Eden stared at him, raising an eyebrow.
"I have something important that I forgot to prepare for. So I have to go. Sorry. See you later." He was off. Even with the apron on.
Eden smiled. He could see Lysander’s flushed cheeks even before he left. He knew what was up with him.
It was probably his first romantic awakening. So he was bound to be this awkward. Especially since it was with a guy.
Eden felt sort of proud being the source of someone’s gay awakening.
With a shrug, he continued the rest of the cooking. Preparing the pizzas while the cooks observed in amusement while helping out as well.
********
It was already time for the General Meal. The 20 Young Men who were to participate in the haunting Event had already arrived.
They left their horses and men outside while they stepped into the Palace, sitting around the large rectangular dinning table while waiting for the meal as per tradition.
They were all noble men. Some were sons of dukes, marquis, counts and perhaps of some noble relation. They were all off class.
The Grand Duke Leo and Grand Marquis Adrian were there as well. Seated while waiting for the meal with others.
The King and two Queens were there. Along with their sons, Lysander and Elvis.
At first they all had engaged in chats. Talking about various topics while waiting for the meal. But it had been thirty minutes and there still were no signs of any meals.
"I wonder what’s taking so long" A noble pointed out.
"I wonder too. It’s been a while now and nothing. Isn’t this the first time there’s been such a delay?" A duke’s son observed.
The King felt awkward as he looked around, his eyes meeting with Elvis who nodded at him. Signaling him that everything was fine. But king Edward still wasn’t at ease.
"Calm down everyone. There’s been an unusual delay. Which is unusual and I apologise, but it’ll soon be here" He assured.
But they were still skeptical.
While they sat there, mumbling in confusion, Eden stepped into the dining chamber.
As soon as he entered, all eyes fell on him.
"Isn’t that the wizard?"
"It’s him. What’s he doing here?"
"I heard he stays here. Didn’t you hear what happened in the banquet a few days ago?"
"But Why’s he here? He shouldn’t be here"
"Is he joining us?"
Eden smiled as he announced "The meal is ready and will be served now"
"..."
They all blinked in shock. They couldn’t believe that the meal they were having was being prepared by Eden! The wizard.
They all stared in shock as the maids walked in with covered plates on trays. Diapering the meals to them all.
"What’s happening here? Why is the wizard preparing food for us?"
"What madness is this? Why would such a monster serve us meals? Isn’t that directly asking for our deaths?
"How outrageous"
The young men were in an uproar.