The princess did not let him go one step away from her, demanding his presence next to her day and night. He realized that he was in captivity under strict control, flying out only in the evenings into the sky to stretch his wings: Tarmio kept an eye on him and even flew nearby during a walk.
Zarmina did not demand love pleasures every night, only gently clinging to him in his sleep, and this eased his slave fate.
Gedeon, when everyone fell asleep, often looked for a way out of the tower, wandering through endless corridors and dead ends to escape, but the building was so equipped for the safety of the princess that it was impossible to find a loophole. The main entrance to the tower was carefully locked using magic. It was also impossible to get in from the outside.
Musicians often came to visit them, throwing noisy parties, and other princesses who did not hide their interest in Zarmina's unexpected favorite.
The girls did not take their eyes off Gedeon, feeling his attractive vibes, and tried to get attention to themselves with all their might, but the singer in love made it clear to everyone that the young man belonged only to her and suppressed any attempts to be alone with him.
Her friends threw hysterics at her about this.
"How selfish you are!" - Mirsea scolded her. - "Such a luxurious guy is meant for all women, because he is rarely born. You have no right to keep him near you."
"I was the first to find it, so until I play enough, I won't give it to anyone."
"You're indifferent to men, you've never had lovers, but here you are, clinging to this handsome guy and not sharing it with anyone. This is not friendly. This means he is very good in bed."
"He doesn't pay attention to you, you're trying in vain,"- Zarmina fought back.
"When I danced in front of everyone, he looked at me with admiration," - Mirsea argued. "I think he wouldn't mind leaving with me."
"He was forcibly separated from the Zarian princess and is very worried, so it's better not to interfere with your harassment."
"It's a strange reason for such a refusal; on the contrary, the prince needs a lot of love and affection," Mirsea insisted on her participation.
Gedeon noticed the inviting glances of the princesses, and no matter how beautiful they were, he did not at all want to enter into a relationship with them. He was also alarmed that the guys also looked at him with lust.
"You are always very sad, my love," Zarmina caressed him. "Tell me what you're missing. Maybe you want to spend time with another princess."
"I want freedom! Imagine that I have always lived outdoor, and now I am a prisoner in a stone tower. Tarmio also always watches me."
"But you understand, these are troubled times and a change of power. We can't put you in danger. If you run away, you will be caught by agents and brought to the Rulers. But they can execute you or exchange you for your father. It's not my fault that you're imprisoned, I just love you."
"I need to talk to Avilena, do you know how to find her?" Gedeon asked.
"I don't communicate with her, but Irinel sometimes sees her. Do you want to call him?"
The musician quickly responded and rushed to Zarmina's tower, sitting down on the sofa in the living room opposite Gedeon.
"Why do you need Goddess of Freedom?" A long-haired, slender blond man, dressed in an elegant blue suit with delicate ornaments, asked ingratiatingly.
His crystal blue eyes on his gracefull face peered inquisitively at the handsome guy.
"I want to talk to her about why she left me on Xantari and didn't return me home. I only went to visit my sister with her, but stuck here in the unknown when she would come for me. I can't get out of here, Tarmio won't let me go."
"I thought you wanted to stay here because you fell in love with Zarmina. Your rapid passion at the party turned us all on," Irinel grinned. "After you, everyone got really excited."
"Avilena left me here on purpose, and I want to find out why she did this to me. We have always been friends and here is such a trick from Goddess of Freedom. You communicate closely, maybe you can explain her behavior?"
"Well, not so close! What makes you think that? We kiss only sometimes and nothing more. She is stronger than me in terms of energy and I am too young to withstand her power."
Irinel continued to look at his interlocutor with obvious pleasure, as if he was admiring him.
"Yes, she left you here on the orders of the Master. You are stubborn and would not agree to come to us voluntarily. And we are very glad to see you, in fact. Do you feel bad with us? Imagine that you are like God, who has been waiting for a long time, but not an assistant in military, but in love affairs."
"Such a strange thought would never even have occurred to me," Gedeon said indignantly. "I'm not at all good at these things, who came up with this? Why do you all think that I am an expert in this? I'm too young!"
"And despite your age, you are very attractive. This is, of course, unusual, but you won't fool us: your strength speaks for itself. Everyone knew who you are when see you. Your seductive gaze immediately attracted the princess. By the way, you can choose another one if you are tired of Zarmina, or..."
He lowered his eyes and, after a pause, quietly added:
"...one of the guys."
Gedeon didn't know what to be surprised at, either the musician's awareness, or the possibility of gender choice, and stared at the wall in deep prostration, eyes wide open.
Irinel, seeing his reaction, insinuatingly continued the conversation:
"You understand, we all adore you and dream of your attention. No one will want to help you escape from us."