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.
Benjamin didn't look up and didn't bother to respond.
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, self-doubt piercing his composure. 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 with this new, protective instinct. 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 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.
Both women settled onto the inner edge of the right-hand couch, positioning themselves close to the prince. The woman in the green dress stood and offered a respectful glance toward the Prince. "May I approach the doctor, Your Highness?" she asked, her eyes shifting toward Benjamin.
Doctor? Charles thought, but he masked his surprise. He folded his arms across his chest and gave a slow, stiff nod.
The woman walked around the table to the left side of the room. As she drew near, Benjamin stood up to give her space, sitting back down only after she had settled beside him.
"How are you, Doc? I'm surprised to see you here," she whispered, her face lighting up with a genuine, excited smile.
"I'm surprised myself," Benjamin chuckled, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. He had no idea how he'd ever explain this situation. "I'm doing well, thanks for asking. How are you, Anna?"
"I'm good, thanks to you! It feels like forever since I've seen you," Anna said playfully as she clung to his left arm. "I wish you'd visit us more often. You're still coming next week, right?"
"I wish Madam River would call me over more often, too," Benjamin replied with a gentle, reassuring smile. "But you know you can all come see me whenever you want."
"I always mean to, but we get so unexpectedly busy."
"I understand. Just come by whenever you can."
"Thank you, Doc. You really are the best," she beamed. She stood, offering him one last smile before regaining composure. She bowed to him once more and returned to her seat by the Prince.
The Prince watched the silent warm exchange with a growing curiosity. He wondered how they knew each other and what they had said in those hushed tones.
"So, you're a doctor?" Charles finally spoke. His voice was steady and cool with a sharp edge of curiosity beneath the surface.
Benjamin hesitated, the silence stretching uncomfortably. He didn't want to say anything that might lead to trouble for Madam Wagner.
Seeing Benjamin's hesitation, Anna couldn't contain herself. "Please forgive my intrusion, Your Highness. Yes, he is a doctor. Truly the best around. He's kind, patient, and gentle," she spoke calmly, her eyes shining with genuine admiration.
"And he's just so handsome, too. Everyone at my house wants to marry him," Anna added with excitement. When she had realized she had said too much, she immediately covered her mouth and looked down in embarrassment.
Benjamin's eyes widened.
"Anna," Benjamin chuckled, embarrassed and concerned at the same time. "You shouldn't talk so informally to His Highness. It's not polite," he reprimanded her gently.
Benjamin stood up and offered a deep, apologetic bow towards Charles. "Please forgive her, Your Highness. She is still young and lacks discretion."
"My deepest apologies, Your Highness," Anna said calmly and bowed deeply. "Please forgive me, Your Highness."
Keeping her head lowered, Anna stole a glance back at Benjamin and offered a small, sheepish smile. Benjamin simply shook his head in a silent, exasperated sigh, yet the warmth of the moment caught up to him and he couldn't stop a fond smile of his own from forming.
To Benjamin's surprise, the Prince did not admonish her. Instead, he calmly shifted his gaze towards the two women and said, "Please excuse us. I'd like to speak with the doctor alone."
Both women rose instantly, offering one final bow before making their exit. Just before she reached the door, Anna lowered her head one last time toward Benjamin and cast a quick, bright smile.
A doctor? Was there some kind of mistake? Lan said he paid double for this man. What kind of trouble is Lan stirring up now? Charles was puzzled.
Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Charles leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing with a sharp, interrogative focus, and he proceeded to question the doctor.
"If you're a doctor, can you please explain how you've ended up in this situation?"
Benjamin kept his head lowered, his gaze fixed on the floor as he spoke with a calm, quiet resolve.
"Please let me explain, Your Highness," he began. "But... I ask for one condition. Promise me that if you feel the need to punish anyone for this, you will only punish me. If you can give me your word, I will tell you everything, Your Highness."
How brazen, Charles thought, and smirked. "Sure, you have my word."
Benjamin settled back into his seat and recounted the chaotic events of the evening.
"I see," Charles said once the story concluded. "I don't see why anyone should be punished."
"That's good to know. Thank you, Your Highness," Benjamin replied, a genuine look of relief washing over his face.
"What's your name?"
"It's Benjamin, Your Highness."
Charles tilted his head, his purple eyes fixed on him. "You didn't give me your surname."
"My full name is Benjamin Nystrom, Your Highness."
"And where did you study?" Charles leaned back, crossing his legs. "How long has it been since you've been licensed and working?"
"I've been licensed and working for about six years now. A little over six years, actually."
Charles' expression showed indifference, but he was skeptical. That doesn't seem possible. He looks far too young. There's no way he's been a practicing doctor for six years. I'll just have to expose him. It wouldn't be the first time someone has tried to get close to me with such lies.
"Well, then," Charles said, reaching for one of the small vials on the table. He held up the medicine bottle. "Do you know what this is? I want you to administer this to me."
He watched Benjamin closely for any sign of hesitation or panic. "I was going to do this tomorrow with my doctors, but since you're here, why not do it now? I'll have my guards bring in the proper medical equipment for you to work with."
At least no one is in trouble, Benjamin thought, exhaling a breath he felt like he'd been holding for an hour. Giving an injection is simple enough. But if only Anna hadn't spoken up... he would have never known. I'm supposed to be keeping a low profile. And now, of all people, I've managed to get tangled up with the Prince of Isadora.
Benjamin sat hunched over on the edge of the couch, his elbows dug into his thighs. He pressed his thumbs against his temples, massaging the throbbing tension there as he tried to process the mess he was in.