An Outing

Though his words were ambiguous, there was no other construction site as important as the one being managed by the imperial palace. In the nine days since Veridin was unofficially crowned, he had been unbelievably busy. He had; Not removed, but rather intimidated the corrupt officials in the palace; reduced tax on basic necessities due to the ending of the war; begun the process of implementing laws that limit slavery; started planning for his official coronation ball; memorized the most notable nobles; begun official etiquette lessons; planned for the upcoming debut ball and spring hunting event; and began funding the construction of the transfer circle to connect the two capitals. Even though he did not feel the need to sleep, being so busy was certainly taking a toll on his mind. He rubbed his temple. He also needed to approve of Rowan as a military instructor. He was visibly drained as he stepped out of the carriage. A moment later he fixed his expression on Anaroth.

"I didn't expect you to stop by. Aren't you busy?"

Anaroth's satisfied grin turned Veridin's expression dark. He was clearly enjoying the suffering Veridin was experiencing. Veridin simply glanced to the side.

"You've been busy in the past few days as well."

"That's right. But why are you here? Don't tell me you're neglecting your duties. I know, running a kingdom is hard. If you need my help, you could always just ask."

"The kingdom's affairs are my own. Haven't you said something similar?"

"Then perhaps you should find a queen to share them with. You should take better care of yourself. That face is the only thing that will attract one."

The jaws of Veridin's attendants dropped. The construction workers also stopped what they were doing. No one else would dare to say that about his majesty. They anxiously turned towards Veridin.

Veridin raised an eyebrow, then put his hand on his chin. "Are you saying I'm handsome?"

"I suppose." Anaroth looked to the side, irritated by the bland response.

"What a relief. I was worried your eyesight had dulled from looking in the mirror." He grinned as Anaroth glared at him in confusion. "So, how long will the construction take?"

"No more than two months," Anaroth sighed.

"That's quite a short time."

"In my opinion, it couldn't be any longer. Shouldn't you be doing work now? Don't forget about our agreement."

Veridin's shoulders lifted as he tilted his head. "I haven't. I've already drafted the new laws with the help of the current minister. Everything has its due process. There would be no use in rushing. Shouldn't you be the one worrying about upholding our agreement?"

"No need to repeat yourself. Just go."

"Accompany me."

"What?" Anaroth turned around with a befuddled glare. "I have to oversee the construction."

"Do you really think I wouldn't know you were using this as an excuse to get away from me? There's no reason for you to be here if the workers have the plans. Your playtime is over."

Anaroth's expression darkened beneath his parasol. "Do I really have a choice?"

"No." Veridin smiled as he held his hand out.

"I can get on a carriage myself, thank you."

Veridin watched Anaroth board the carriage. He turned to his attendant and stated an address before boarding himself. He sat across from Anaroth with a slight smile.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise."

Anaroth looked out the window. He knew that Veridin wouldn't answer. It was just a hopeful daydream. He watched people pass by on the road. Many stopped and admired the imperial seal on the side of the carriage. Some pointed, others hollered "long live the king." Anaroth couldn't help feeling somewhat saddened. He wondered if they knew he was inside the carriage; if their attitudes would change if they knew. He turned back when the carriage came to a stop. Veridin exited first, and once again held his hand out.

"What are you trying to do?" Anaroth stepped down on his own and looked up.

He regretted coming here in an instant. In front of him was a building he had seen a few times before: A large, bright white, gilded building. Posh people could be seen behind the windows and on the balcony above. He turned to Veridin, exasperated.

"It's a popular restaurant. I figured you might be hungry. It's nearly lunchtime."

Anaroth pulled a pocket watch out swiftly. It was a sort of dull bronze color with patches of gold. One glance would be more than enough to see how well worn it was. Veridin's eyes watched it until Anaroth tucked it away again.

"Next time, ask me before you take me somewhere like this."

"Didn't I?"

Anaroth gave him a blank stare before they walked inside. The eyes of others bore into him. He shivered while Veridin spoke with the host. He felt out of place, even more so than outside. No matter where he looked, he was met with stares of hostility. Reflexively, he opened the pocket watch again.

"What are you standing around for?"

Anaroth quickly stuffed the watch back into his pocket. He briskly followed Veridin and the host upstairs. It wasn't until they had sat down that Veridin spoke again.

"You're thinking about useless things again."

He looked up. A sense of comfort mixed with irritation washed over him. Sharp violet eyes stared at him with amusement from behind strands of gold. His look hadn't changed from the first time they met. Even after becoming a king, even before the war had ended, his eyes remained the same. However, there was a difference this time. He seemed concerned.

"You're awfully quiet. You were like this on the way here. What are you thinking about to make an expression like that?"

"I should ask you instead. What were you thinking, bringing me here? Did you want to see my discomfort?"

Veridin stayed silent for a moment. "I merely wanted to spend time with you. We are close enough for that, are we not?"

"Do you think I can just ignore the stares of others and spend a leisurely time with you?"

"Didn't you tell me before that they wouldn't bother you?"

He bit his tongue. That was something he had said before. He wasn't irritated by the people around him. When he thought about it, he was truly irritated at Veridin. He couldn't figure out why Veridin would do this. He wasn't a person who would do something for no reason. He also wasn't a person who would give you a straight answer, but Anaroth had to ask.

"Why… Are you doing all of this?"

Veridin studied him in silence. He felt compelled to give another snarky answer or to ignore it like usual, but he could tell how much that question meant. Anaroth was visibly nervous and disoriented. His face was confused and irritated. Veridin knew he had to give an answer. The problem was that he didn't have a reason. Not a valid one. He couldn't tell him that it was all just to see what kinds of expressions he could make; for fun.

"If… I told you I didn't know, would you believe me?"

His expression relaxed. He truly hadn't expected Veridin to answer. It took a moment for him to regain his composure.

"If you consider us as friends, you wouldn't lie to me."

The conversation was cut short by the waiter nervously setting down two cups of tea. "Are you ready to order?"

"Give us a few minutes." Veridin gave his signature heart stopper smile, causing the waiter to stutter before retreating. He picked up the menu and examined it carefully. "I see why they're popular."

Anaroth sighed and looked at it as well. "Are you ending the conversation?"

"Yes. I think food will improve your mood."

"Hm. So why are they popular?"

"They sell magic beast meat."

"What?" Anaroth frantically scanned the menu; Veridin was right. "The portion seems quite small…"

"Are you disappointed? I could have a dinner consisting of only magic beasts prepared for you at the palace."

"That's expensive." Anaroth glanced to the side as he set the menu down. "I would rather not increase my debt to you."

"Who said you would owe me a debt?"

"It's a personal notion."

"You're still getting it, aren't you? You do know I'm paying for you, right?"

Veridin grinned when Anaroth quietly took a sip of his tea. He felt relieved to see him more relaxed. This is more like it, he thought, you don't need to worry about what anyone else thinks. He froze when his teacup touched his lips. He had been unconsciously smiling. His violet eyes stared back at him from the liquid inside his cup. Since when did he not have to force himself to smile? Was it because of him?

When Veridin turned his gaze back up to Anaroth, he was captivated. He nearly squinted, looking at the blinding figure in front of him. Sunlight reflected off of his white hair. His red eyes glittered behind white lashes. He was the visage of white rabbit studying its surroundings. The sun shining off of the snow in winter. Icy and cold, but looked as if he would melt from a single touch. Veridin had always been called beautiful. He had heard the word his whole life. He never knew the true feeling behind the word. Yet when he looked across the table, that was the only word he thought of. His snow-like features, blood red eyes; his soothing voice; his irritated expressions; his snarky replies; they were alluring. Veridin turned away to control his breathing. His heart was pounding in his chest and ears. For a moment, he was fearful that Anaroth would know there was something wrong.

Anaroth turned away from the street when he heard Veridin's breath hitch. He studied the stoic man for a moment. He loathed looking at those violet eyes that looked back at him in delight. That perfectly controlled expression and fake smile made him shiver. He could never tell what was going on behind it. Despite that, those eyes never held any disgust or hatred in them, that face was always determined, that voice always sharp and confident. Being near him gave the sensation of comfort. Perhaps it was because there was no one else here who was on his side. They ordered and ate in peculiar silence. It was only when they were getting back on the carriage that Veridin seemed to return to his normal self.

"I have to stop at the church before returning to the palace. Will you be going in with me?"

"It seems like I wasn't the only one thinking about useless things. I have no place in the church."

"If you're by my side, no one will dare say a word."

"I suppose it's fine then."

A glimmer of blue drew Anaroth's eyes to the window. Veridin followed his gaze. "Is this the first time you've seen the lake?"

"That's right… What is that building in the middle of it?"

"That's the Lily of the Lake. A favorite tourist spot; Especially among lovers. They say the sunset view from there is more breathtaking than the imperial palace. The problem is that they only take one reservation a day."

"That sounds expensive and unprofitable."

"Who knows? You can't deny its popularity."

"What about the church? It's the only religion of the Empire, it must be popular as well. You were a knight there, so you must know a bit about it."

Veridin's eyes narrowed as he looked to the side. "It's not worth mentioning."

He didn't ask any more, nor did Veridin say anything more. They simply exited the carriage in silence. They walked up the steps of the church and into the nave. Scattered people sat in the pews on either side, lost in prayer. Veridin froze halfway down the aisle when a figure cloaked in white and pale blue stood up.

"Nevermind. Let's just go back."

Veridin whipped around and began to briskly walk back to the door. Anaroth glanced at the figure, then back at him. He jolted when a high pitched voice echoed through the church.

"VERIDIN!"