Sebastien swayed slightly, a faint dizziness washing over him. His grip on the glass loosened, and his eyes struggled to stay focused.
James noticed immediately. "Hey, Sebastien—are you alright?"
Sebastien blinked slowly, not quite able to respond.
Noah, still nearby, let out a soft chuckle. "Already? It was just one drink."
James shot him a look before standing and quickly moving to Sebastien's side. "Come on, let's get you to your room."
As James helped Sebastien to his feet, Noah raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Take good care of him," he said. "Didn't know it was his first time drinking. I suppose some people can't handle even a single glass."
James didn't reply. He just muttered, "It's fine. You don't need to worry," and led Sebastien away, supporting him carefully.
They reached the guest room, and James gently helped him onto the bed. Sebastien lay back, disoriented and pale.
"I'll get you some water," James said, pouring a glass from the nearby pitcher. He brought it to Sebastien's lips, but the other man could barely drink. His body felt heavy, and his head was spinning.
Something's wrong, Sebastien thought. I feel sick… really sick.
His vision blurred, and within moments, he slipped into unconsciousness.
James frowned. Setting the glass aside, he moved quickly, placing a hand over Sebastien's chest. A soft glow pulsed from his palm—an advanced healing spell, steady and calm.
When the spell was done, James sat down on the nearby sofa, eyes fixed on the sleeping man. He leaned back, brows drawn together in concern.
"I don't like this," he muttered to himself. "That drink… something's not right."
And so, he waited in silence—guarding Sebastien until he woke again.
Noah stood alone in the hallway, the shadows curling around him like old friends. A devilish smile played on his lips as he turned into an empty side corridor, quiet and unlit.
Leaning casually against the stone wall, he tilted his head back, opened his mouth, and let a small trail of blood slide from his tongue. He licked it slowly, savoring the taste.
"Mmm," he murmured, licking his lips. "I didn't know Lord Sebastien's blood would be that delicious..."
His eyes flickered suddenly—first glowing red, then shifting into a sharp, radiant gold. Something ancient stirred behind those golden irises.
"He's special," Noah whispered to no one, his voice laced with hunger. "More than he knows."
With that, he straightened and walked down the hallway, his footsteps soft and measured. He opened a door quietly and stepped into another room—dimly lit, quiet. Kaereth lay on the bed, now dressed in clean robes. K, the silent royal knight, stood watch beside him.
Noah approached slowly, still wearing that unsettling smile. "He's still asleep, huh?" he said softly.
He leaned over Kaereth and gently touched his forehead to Kaereth's, watching him in silence. After a moment, he pulled back, straightened, and looked at K.
"The tea party is almost over," he said calmly.
K nodded. "The Crown Prince has invited us to stay at his palace."
Noah chuckled, but there was no warmth in it. "Is that so?" His voice turned sharp. "Does he plan to use my little brother more? If he does... Kaereth might not even be able to walk after."
K stood quietly, expression unreadable.
Noah placed a hand on his shoulder, grip firm. "You're my royal knight," he said coldly, "so you'll do as I say."
His golden eyes glinted dangerously.
"Now come," he said, stepping back. "Let's go to Prince Ignareth's palace."
—
Sebastien lay on the bed, slowly blinking his eyes open. Everything felt blurry. His head throbbed dully as he sat up, rubbing his temples. A groan slipped out. "Ugh… my head."
Across the room, James had been sitting quietly on the sofa. As soon as he saw Sebastien stir, he stood up and walked over quickly.
"Careful," James said, gently placing a hand on Sebastien's back to support him. "It might be the drink from earlier."
Sebastien gave a small shake of his head. "I'm fine now," he murmured, trying to steady himself as he stood. "Let's go."
James nodded and stood as well. "Alright."
As they stepped outside the room, they were met by K, who was waiting at the door. His expression was calm but watchful.
"Prince Ignareth has invited Lord Sebastien to his palace," K announced politely. "You are also invited, Prince James."
James raised an eyebrow, then gave a small nod. "So the princes of Lunaris extended the invitation themselves?"
K gave a slight bow. "Yes, that's correct."
James reached for Sebastien's hand without hesitation. "Then let's go," he said with a warm smile.
Sebastien blinked but didn't pull away. They began walking down the hallway together, hand in hand.
K watched silently from behind, his gaze lingering on their linked hands before quietly turning to follow.