'I am so exhausted. Walking is so difficult. I want to close my eyes and not wake up…'
Shuu complained in his mind as he somehow managed to keep himself standing on his feet. His body ached in places he did not even know existed.
He also did not know how to look the owner of the bathhouse in the eyes after what he had just done in the bathhouse.
"Sir, was everything alright? You did not have any problems during the bath…?"
The bathhouse owner looked nervous, and he kept glancing at the crown prince. He knew that well-dressed person was someone of high standing, and he did not want to offend someone like that.
"I am fantastic. My partner is also doing amazing. Here, this is your money. Does it cover the clothing cost? If you need more, then tell me."
Kaiden replied happily. He was glowing at the moment and seemed to be ignoring Shuu's discomfort with too much cheer.
He also handed over way too much money to the owner of the bathing house. The man's eyes widened as soon as he looked at the stash of money…and then he frowned.
"Sir, you can't honestly expect me to—"
"It's fine. This bathing house deserves all the money. Now, I would like to take my leave. My honey is not in the best condition."
The crown prince wrapped his arms around Shuu's middle before he tugged Shuu close. The sudden action made Shuu's muscles twitch, and he groaned out in pain before he averted his eyes even more.
The bathhouse owner seemed to have understood the hidden meaning behind the crown prince's words, and his smile froze…before it came back.
"I see. In that case, I would like to gracefully accept the money. I hope you have a beautiful future ahead."
Shuu felt like dying would be better than facing…
"Don't think dramatic thoughts, honey. Come, let's head back."
The crown prince smiled as he tugged Shuu. But it did not take him long to notice that they were not heading back to the temple.
In fact, they seemed to be heading toward the city gate instead.
"Prince Kaiden, this is not the way to the temple…"
Shuu finally asked once they reached the gate.
"Of course not. I told you that we would be running away without the saintess. It's time for us to go."
The crown prince sounded far too happy with this, but Shuu could not help but still ask him questions.
"But our luggage—"
"Has already been delivered. Don't worry too much. This is not my first time running away like this. I am sure things will be fine."
The crown prince sounded way too carefree, and before Shuu could question him anymore…or convince him to head back, he was picked up and placed on a soft and comfortable seat.
He quickly noticed that they were not alone in the carriage either. Two other people were already inside.
"Prince Kaiden, you are late. Didn't you tell us you would be arriving two hours ago?"
The female asked, pushing up her tinted glasses and looking at Shuu with undisclosed curiosity. She had brownish-blond hair, and her clothes…left little to one's imagination. She was clearly not a local person.
"Come on, Reina, cut our dear crown prince some slack. Just because you are not from our kingdom does not mean you get to say what you want to. Remember, you are no longer a princess, but a fugitive."
The easy-going man sitting beside Reina reminded her. But Reina just scoffed at his words.
The easy-going man just smiled before he turned toward Shuu next.
"Please don't mind Reina's words too much. She was raised in a sheltered environment and does not know how to mind her words. Ah, if you need anything, you can tell me instead. My name is Liam, and I am the chief guard of Prince Kaiden."
A hand was extended toward Shuu, but it was quickly pulled back before Shuu could reach out and shake it.
Liam's pale face made Shuu look in the direction he was looking as well, but he only saw Prince Kaiden's impassive face.
"Honey, would you mind giving me some space? Hmm, but maybe this is better. I can be close to you…"
Shuu instantly skirted over, giving the crown prince the space he had asked for.
"Ah, bummers. And here I thought I would get to stay close to you. My honey is so cruel to me, isn't he?"
Shuu did not look at Crown Prince Kaiden. His attention was stolen by the pair in front of him…who were cringing and trying to keep their expressions in check.
An awkward silence filled the air as the crown prince took his seat. And after almost a full minute of this silence, someone finally spoke up.
"Prince Kaiden, what about the saintess? She has already sent a letter to the royal palace that she will leave on the journey with us tomorrow. Are we not going to take her?"
Liam asked in a hesitant voice. His eyes kept looking over Shuu in wonder and concern, but the crown prince quickly noticed this and decided to take out a cloak from who-knows-where and put it over Shuu's head.
"We don't need her. The problem I needed the temple for has been resolved. Because of this, we will be leaving for our journey right now."
Crown Prince Kaiden's voice sounded certain, and Shuu tried to push the cloak away from his head, only for the crown prince to pull it back over.
"Hmm, are you sure it will be fine? A saintess will come in handy against various situations. Besides, that kid you brought…he's a little weird. I cannot see his powers—"
Shuu tensed at that question, wondering how the crown prince was going to answer and how everyone else would react.
His grip tightened around the crown prince, begging him not to tell the others about his situation.
But the crown prince did not seem to notice his signal (or it was ignored).
"This kid is special. He's someone whom I have marked, and that's all you need to know. Just make sure to protect him as you would a newborn. My honey is rather…delicate."
Shuu finally pulled down the cloak from his face, only to see two pairs of sympathetic gazes fixed on him.
His face flushed as he waited for someone to speak up.
"I see…so you ruined a poor man's life after all. I always knew you would do that. Anyway, kid, since that lunatic chose you as his partner, you are welcomed in our team. Don't come to me if you need help."
Reina waved her hand as she spoke. Magic swirled around her hands before a pillow appeared behind her, and she leaned against it.
Liam let out a nervous laugh and tried to cover for Reina's rude behavior.
"Don't mind Reina. She might say harsh words, but she's a gentle person at heart. She's just…a little hard-headed, but I am sure she would help you out if you need it…probably."
Shuu tried his best to smile, but he was too tired. His body ache and mental exhaustion finally took over, and he closed his eyes.
__________
Next time I update (on 5th), there will be new link for this story. I hope you all would add it to library and show me support. Also, things are going to get dark...and I mean, DARK.