The carriage creaked to a halt on the outskirts of town, just at the marketplace.
Prince Ignareth disembarked, his features hidden under the hood of a dark cloak. He strode down the cobblestone path, his icy stare sweeping across merchant stalls and whispering villagers. The whispers of "the man from the Empire" pursued him, yet no one dared get near.
His eyes landed on a small tavern nestled between two closed shops.
He entered without a word.
The bartender looked up, startled. Then his voice dropped to a respectful murmur. "Prince Ignareth… you're here."
Ignareth removed his hood slowly. "I heard a dark magic user is hiding here".
The bartender glanced around nervously. "I've heard the same, Your Highness. Said he harmed some local boys — but no one dares speak the name."
Ignareth rested against the counter. "Is James present?"
"No," replied the bartender hastily. "Departed hours ago. No word where he was headed."
Ignareth's brow flickered with annoyance. "Where in the devil did he go this time…"
"I'll locate him, Your Highness," said the promise man. "I'll let you know immediately."
"Is there a church in the vicinity?" Ignareth suddenly queried.
The man nodded. "North side of the village. Beyond the fields."
Ignareth departed without further comment.
He strode until the chapel came into view in the distance, but did not see James anywhere.
Rather, as he walked by a small stone dwelling, his vision detected movement.
A young man stood by the entrance, arms laden with vegetables. His stance was casual, his black hair touching his cheek with the breeze. He was plain… yet beautiful.
When the young man turned, Ignareth's senses awakened.
He advanced and took the boy gently by the wrist.
Sebastian stared up, startled. "Sir? Do you need something?"
Ignareth glared at him in quiet intensity. "What's your name?"
"…Sebastian," he said hesitantly.
Ignareth's lips curled slightly into a smile. He looked down at the vegetables. "You're cooking?"
Sebastian blinked, then nodded. "I was going to."
"I'm a traveler," Ignareth said smoothly. "Would you mind making something for me?"
There was a long silence. Then, for some reason, Sebastian nodded.
"…Alright. Come in."
The house was still and dark. A bit dusty. A bit hollow.
Ignareth sat at the kitchen table, his cloak folded neatly to the side of him, eyes on the boy behind the counter. Sebastian washed the vegetables in silence, periodically looking back at his surprise visitor.
He's a stranger… why did I let him in?
Nevertheless, he kept chopping and slicing the ingredients, his hands not wavering.
Ignareth remained silent and drew closer, approaching the counter. He observed Sebastian prepare, not touching but simply watching, his presence undeniable.
Sebastian felt him standing behind him — that still heat, that strength.
He swallowed, cheeks flushing. Why is he standing so near?
But he didn't shift.
"Sit down, please," Sebastian spoke softly. "Lunch is ready soon."
Ignareth—still keeping it a secret by using the name Leo—gave him a lovely smile and went back to sitting in his chair at the little wooden table.
Sebastian put the meal down a moment later: two plates, a jug of fresh water, and a bowl of vegetable soup for both of them. Steam rose from the bowl, heavy with the smell of herbs and heat. Ignareth gazed at it, taken aback by how welcoming it smelled.
"Thanks," he replied, lifting the spoon.
He drank cautiously.
It's good… good.
Simple ingredients, but somehow it tastes like home. Like quiet peace… something that I don't have.
"You reside by yourself here?" Ignareth asked, looking around the small house nonchalantly.
Sebastian did not look at him. "No. My master resides in the outer village. He travels frequently."
Ignareth continued to observe him. The boy sat across from him, sipping his soup in silence, a few dark strands of hair falling into his face as he leaned forward over the bowl.
There was something… fragile in the way he moved. But not weak. Guarded. Like someone accustomed to solitude.
"Oh," Ignareth said abruptly, as though recalling. "I didn't mean to not say hello. My name is Leo."
Sebastian glanced up. "Leo?"
Ignareth smiled once more, this time more gently. "Mm."
They ate their meal in easy silence.
When Sebastian started to gather the dishes, Ignareth rose and shook out his cloak.
"Thank you for the meal," he stated, his voice lower now. "It was… better than I anticipated."
Sebastian flushed slightly. "Oh—it's nothing. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Ignareth nodded once, his smile still in place.
And then he went out into the sun.
The carriage waited on the path. As he climbed in, he paused, looking back toward the quiet little house.
That boy…
The wind played gently with his cloak as he whispered to himself,
"Beautiful… mysterious… what an interesting guy."
He leaned back in the seat, expression unreadable.
I think I've fallen for him.
Before the driver urged the horses forward, Ignareth glanced out the window one last time.
"I'll be back," he murmured. "Just wait for me."
And the carriage rolled away into the fading light.