His Highness’ Late Night Summons

After a few moments, she finally spoke, "Mr. Acker and Ms. Baker, please write the equations on the blackboard." 

Elias's heart raced as he rose from his chair and made his way to the front of the room. He reached for the chalk, his hands shaking.

Elias took a deep breath, trying to steady his trembling hands. He felt the weight of the classroom's eyes on him as he approached the blackboard. He picked up the chalk and started to write the equations, trying to remember the lessons he had learned from his father.

As he wrote the equations, Elias couldn't help but feel a growing sense of anxiety. What if he made a mistake? What if he embarrassed himself in front of the whole class?

With great effort, Elias managed to write the equations on the blackboard. His handwriting was a bit shaky, but the equations were clear and correct. He stepped back, feeling a sense of relief.

Ms. Somerset examined the equations and nodded, "Well done, Mr. Acker. You've demonstrated a good understanding of basic arithmetic."

Elias couldn't hide his grin as he returned to his seat. It seemed that he had passed another test, and the nervousness that had gripped him began to fade.

Now it was Ezra's turn to face the blackboard, and she was more nervous than Elias was.

Ezra took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she approached the blackboard. She could feel the eyes of her fellow students and Ms. Somerset on her, and the pressure was intense.

With as much composure as she could muster, Ezra picked up the chalk and began to write out the equations. The numbers seemed to dance on the board, and she prayed that she was getting them right.

As she finished the last equation, Ezra stepped back, her heart pounding in her chest. She stole a quick glance at Ms. Somerset, whose expression remained unreadable. The suspense was almost unbearable.

Ms. Somerset nodded approvingly, "Very good, Ms. Baker and Mr. Acker. You have a solid foundation in basic arithmetic. Now, can you both tell me how to count from one to ten?"

Ezra and Elias, relieved that they had given correct answers so far, now faced a new challenge. They exchanged quick glances and then began counting together, "One, two, three…"

As they reached the higher numbers, they gained confidence, and their voices grew steadier. The other students watched and listened, some nodding in approval as Ezra and Elias successfully counted up to ten.

Ms. Somerset smiled warmly, "Excellent. You both have a good grasp of numbers and counting. I'm impressed. You'll fit right in here at the academy."

Ezra and Elias couldn't help but feel a surge of relief and pride. They had passed the first test and were one step closer to pursuing their education at the academy. As they seated together, Ezra was the first one to slump on the desk as if she's a sort of dried out plant.

She sighed pathetically, "..I don't think I wanted to go to the academy anymore.."

Elias chuckled softly at Ezra's dramatic declaration, "Come on, Ezra," he teased, "We've come this far. It would be a waste to back out now. Plus, think of all the adventures and stories we'll have to tell once we graduate."

Ezra managed a weak smile, "You always know how to make things sound exciting, Elias."

They were exceptionally dismissed early under the written permission of Ms. Somerset that allowed them to leave the dame. They received congratulations and many goodlucks from Ms. Somerset. They arrived in Elias's house as Ezra made herself home than Elias. 

It was already dusk when they entered the empty house, as always, Tobias was out for work while Elias made his way to prepare the ingredients for dinner. 

Ezra watched Elias bustling about in the kitchen, her curiosity getting the better of her, "What's on the menu for tonight?"

Elias grinned as he chopped some vegetables, "Well, tonight, I'll have one of my specialties: vegetable stir-fry. It's simple, quick, and delicious."

Ezra leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Elias with interest, "You really seem to have it all figured out, don't you? Cooking, academics... you're like a jack of all trades."

Elias chuckled, "I will try my best. Cooking is just one of those things I learned from my father. It's therapeutic, in a way." he added, "Do you want to eat here? I'll add more." 

Ezra shook her head, "No thanks, I'm good. I have a cousin at the bakery, so I'll just share my dinner with her."

Elias nodded, understanding, "That sounds nice. Give my regards to your cousin then. And remember, anytime you want to try my cooking, just let me know."

As they finished dinner preparations, Elias set the table, and they sat down to eat. The stir-fry was indeed delicious as Ezra took a bite to taste, she said teasingly, "You know, you'd make a great wife to the Grand Duke." 

Elias nearly choked on his food, surprised by Ezra's comment. He coughed and sputtered, trying to regain his composure, "What? Why would you say that?""

Ezra grinned mischievously, "Well, you're a good cook, you're neat and organized, and you can handle a house. Sounds like the perfect qualities for a nobleman's wife, don't you think?"

The more Ezra talked, the more Elias coughed and coughed, his face turning slightly red, "What? Where did that come from, Ezra?"

She chuckled mischievously, taking another bite, "I'm just saying, your cooking skills are impressive. You cook better than an average lady. Anyone would be lucky to have you as their wife."

The thought of himself being the Grand Duke's wife is actually.. one of his fantasies since he loves the Grand Duke. But nevertheless, he still needs to grow up and do certain things to improve himself.

Elias couldn't help but blush even deeper at Ezra's playful teasing, "Ezra, please," he said, his voice a mix of embarrassment and amusement, "I appreciate the compliments, but let's not get carried away with fantasies, shall we?"

Ezra burst into laughter at his reaction, her teasing spirit not relenting, "Why stop when you're literally enjoying it, look how red you are, Mr. Loverboy!"

Elias couldn't deny that his cheeks had turned an even deeper shade of crimson, and he tried to hide his embarrassment behind a playful smile. 

"Alright, you win this round." he conceded, giving in to the good-natured teasing.

They continued to enjoy their meal, the playful banter adding a touch of warmth to their evening.

After dinner, as they cleaned up together, Elias couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the friendship he had with Ezra. She had become like family to him, and he knew he could always count on her.

Ezra had already left his house right after she helped Elias to clean up the table. Elias did the dishes and decided to clean his father's room and his for tonight. His room seemed more unorganized than before, and quite messy to look at, so to save his eyes, he'd clean it all up so nothing could bother him anymore for the following days.

Elias meticulously organized his desk, neatly stacking books, arranging papers, and setting his quill and ink in their designated places. He couldn't help but think about the future and the possibility of attending the academy. The thought excited him, but it also brought a sense of responsibility. He wanted to be prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

After finishing with his desk, Elias moved on to the rest of his room. He made his bed, straightened out his clothes, and tidied up the small space. As he worked, he couldn't help but think about his conversation with Ezra earlier. Despite her playful teasing, he knew that his dreams and aspirations were what truly mattered to him. He was determined to work hard and make the most of the opportunities that came his way.

With his room now in order, Elias turned his attention to his father's room, ready to tackle the task of cleaning and organizing it as well.

His father's room was not that messy, so he tidied up what's been disarray from its destined place and precious materials and tools that his father used to make a glove. He put those tools in the drawer and to his surprise, there's a red box with a black glove that's missing four of its fingers and only has the pinky. He thought if it's unfinished or was it the style.. 

He grabbed the box and placed it on top of the desk and opened it. He first examined the glove for how he should put this first. Soon enough after a long time of figuring out how to wear it, Elias carefully put on the black glove with the missing four fingers, leaving only his pinky covered. The glove, though incomplete, felt like a piece of his father's legacy, a symbol of the craftsmanship and dedication that had been passed down through generations.

He flexed his hand inside the glove, marveling at how perfectly it fit. Despite the missing fingers, it felt surprisingly comfortable and snug. Elias couldn't help but smile as he imagined his father working diligently on this glove, pouring his skills and love into every stitch.

Upon closing the red box, he saw a small paper in it, Elias held the small paper with the words "For my beloved" written on it, and his mind raced with questions and uncertainty. He knew very little about his parents, especially his mother, who had disappeared from his life when he was very young.

As he pondered the meaning behind the message, a mixture of emotions welled up inside him. Was this glove intended for his mother, a symbol of their love and connection? Or could it be meant for him, a token of his father's affection and a reminder of their bond?

He carefully put back the small paper inside the box, but as planned to remove the glove, a sudden urgent knock heard downstairs so he quickly sprinted, almost stumbling while rushing down the stairs. 

"Y-Yes?" He replied to knock as he opened their poor door, yet unexpectedly, it was the imperial guards. 

"Elias Acker, the Grand Duke asks for your presence." The guard said.

Elias felt a mixture of surprise and nervousness at the unexpected visit from the imperial guards. The Grand Duke himself wanted to see him? What could be the reason behind this summoning?

With a nod of acknowledgment, he replied, "Of course. I'll come with you." Elias quickly grabbed his coat and followed the guards as they led him through the streets of Handun Broch, his mind racing with questions about what might have prompted this sudden request from the Grand Duke.

At the end of the streets of Handun Broch, there was a carriage that awaits them. Elias already knew what to do so he stepped in the carriage to the moment it opened its door. 

Elias stepped into the carriage, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The interior was luxurious, with plush seats and fine upholstery. It was a stark contrast to his modest home in Handun Broch. As the carriage began to move, Elias couldn't help but wonder about the reason for his summons by the Grand Duke. He hoped it wasn't a matter of grave importance or trouble.

The journey was relatively short, and before long, the carriage came to a halt. The door was opened by a footman, and Elias stepped out, finding himself in front of an elegant grand mansion. The guards gestured for him to enter, and he walked towards the grand entrance, his heart pounding with uncertainty about what awaited him inside.

The Grand Duke lay in his opulent chamber, shivering under a heavy quilt as feverish dreams haunted his restless slumber. The room was dimly lit by a solitary lamp, casting eerie shadows on the grand tapestries that adorned the walls.

In his fevered nightmare, the Grand Duke found himself in a pitch-black abyss. An eerie chill permeated the air as he stood alone in the suffocating darkness.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierced the silence, causing him to whirl around. Out of the inky blackness, a figure emerged – it was Estelle, the hybrid he couldn't save. But something was horribly wrong. Estelle's eyes were hollow voids, his body grotesquely mangled and bloodied. He advanced towards the Grand Duke, his gait unnaturally twitchy and disjointed.

"Please help me…" Estelle's voice, once plaintive, now echoed through the void, filled with malice.

The Grand Duke's voice quivered as he tried to apologize, his words strained, "I'm sorry... I couldn't save you…"

But Estelle's spectral figure refused to relent. His grotesque form contorted, and with a deafening screech, he lunged at the Grand Duke. The scream was piercing, and for a moment, the Grand Duke felt as if his very soul was being torn asunder.

Then, with a jolt, he woke up in his dimly lit chamber, drenched in sweat, his heart pounding wildly. He could still hear the echoes of Estelle's anguished cries in his mind.

Without thinking, he reached out beside him, his hand finding purchase on the warm presence of Elias, who had been sitting vigil by his side. Startled, Elias turned to face him, his eyes wide with concern.

"Your Grace, are you all right?" Elias asked softly, his voice a soothing contrast to the nightmarish echoes.

The Grand Duke clung to Elias, trembling from the lingering horror of the dream, "Thank the heavens it was just a dream…" he muttered, running a hand through his raven-black hair.

Elias, his concern deepening, gently disentangled himself from the embrace, "Your Grace, you're burning up," he murmured. "You should rest and recover. I'll take care of you."

The Grand Duke, still shaken by the haunting nightmare, nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Elias. I appreciate your care."

As the Grand Duke blinked in confusion, Elias continued, "According to the butler, I was summoned because you were calling for me in your sleep earlier. You've been ill since you arrived from Feigan."

Then a sudden knock resounded in the Grand Duke's chambers, its knob twisted open, it was the butler, Nery, holding a basin filled with water and a towel, "Your Grace, you're awake now." He said as he placed the basin to the nightstand, "I summoned Elias because you were calling for him in your sleep earlier. And the moment you stepped out of the carriage from your long journey from Feigan, you collapsed, it turns out, you have a high fever." 

The Grand Duke nodded in understanding as he listened to Nery's explanation. He appreciated the butler's quick thinking in summoning Elias. It seemed his fever had taken quite a toll on him, leading to that distressing nightmare.

"Thank you, Nery," the Grand Duke said with a weak smile, "You did the right thing. I appreciate it."

Elias, still standing nearby, moved closer to assist. He dipped the towel into the water and wring it out gently, "Your Grace, let me help you cool down," he offered, approaching the bed and carefully placing the damp cloth on the Grand Duke's forehead.

The cool sensation provided some relief, and the Grand Duke closed his eyes, sighing softly, "Elias, you're a comfort." he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.

"Elias, we need to wipe the Grand Duke's sweat from his body." He said, "Your Grace, if you are willing to let Elias help you to cool down, would you allow him to touch you?" 

The Grand Duke, still feeling unsteady from his fever, nodded slowly, "Yes, Elias, please help." he murmured, his voice weak. The Grand Duke sat up straight, but a pang of headache immediately washed up in his head.

Elias carefully unbuttoned the Grand Duke's shirt, his touch gentle and deliberate. The soft candlelight cast a warm glow on the Archduke's chest, revealing the defined contours of his physique.

With a damp towel in hand, Elias began wiping away the sweat that clung to the Grand Duke's fevered skin. He moved slowly, his touch soothing and cool against the Archduke's heated body. Each stroke of the towel traced a calming path from the Grand Duke's neck down to his abdomen.

The Grand Duke's breathing grew heavy as Elias continued his ministrations. He could feel the contrast between the cool towel and the warmth beneath it, sending a shiver down his spine.

Elias's movements were graceful, his fingers gliding over the Grand Duke's skin with a delicate touch. The air in the room seemed charged with an unspoken tension, an intimate connection that pulsed between them.

As he worked, Elias stole glances at the Grand Duke's face. The Archduke's eyes were half-lidded, and his lips parted in a sigh of relief. In that moment, Elias felt a desire to offer comfort and solace in the most simple and intimate way.

Nery discreetly stepped back, granting them privacy in the quiet room. The attraction between them hung in the air, unspoken yet unmistakable.

As Elias continued to tend to the Grand Duke, the room remained filled with a gentle hush. The Archduke's fever had made him vulnerable, and Elias's care was a soothing balm for both body and soul.

Elias occasionally glanced up, meeting the Grand Duke's gaze. There was a warmth in those eyes, a silent gratitude that transcended words. The intensity of the moment, charged with desire and affection, was palpable.

With each pass of the towel, the Grand Duke's body gradually cooled. The fever's grip on him loosened, and he began to relax under Elias's touch. He could feel the tension that had plagued him for days slowly ebbing away.

Elias's hands moved with precision, his focus solely on providing comfort to the nobleman. He paid attention to every detail, ensuring that no trace of sweat remained. It was a simple act of care, yet it held a profound intimacy.

As the last of the sweat was wiped away, Elias carefully buttoned up the Grand Duke's shirt. Their fingers brushed during the process, sending a jolt of electricity through both of them. The moment was fleeting, but it lingered in their thoughts.

The Grand Duke finally spoke, his voice low and filled with gratitude, "Thank you, Elias. Your care has eased my discomfort."

Elias smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting the sincerity of his actions, "You're welcome, Your Grace. Rest now, and let your body heal."

With a final, tender look, Elias stepped back, giving the Grand Duke the space to rest. The room was once again filled with a quiet serenity, a shared moment of intimacy that would remain etched in their memories. Elias met the butler outside, Nery smiled as he spoke, "You could take the guest's room like where you settled before, If you go home tonight, It's more likely dangerous since some imperial guards have to take their rest."

Elias nodded in agreement, appreciating Nery's concern, "Thank you, Nery. I think it's best if I stay here for the night. I'll make sure the Grand Duke is comfortable, and I'll keep watch if his fever worsens."

Nery smiled warmly and patted Elias on the shoulder, "You're a responsible young man. I'll prepare the guest room for you. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

As Elias settled into the guest room, he couldn't help but reflect on the events of the evening. The unexpected intimacy with the Grand Duke had left a profound impact on him. He knew that he was just a commoner, and the Grand Duke was a nobleman of the highest order, but at that moment, their differences seemed to fade away.

With a sigh, Elias lay down on the comfortable bed, his thoughts filled with the enigmatic nobleman who had become such a significant part of his life. At the moment, his mind tormented him by repeating what the Grand Duke looked like earlier as he wiped him off. It was oddly erotic for no reason. Then the next thing he knew.. he's hard. 

NAPPEN'S EXTRAS:

Kaiser: Nappen, what the heck did you just write?

Nappen: [Nappen glanced up from his messy notes, a mischievous smile dancing across his face.] Hey, Kaiser! Just throwing in some unexpected excitement and flavor to the story. You know, a little twist.

Kaiser: Unexpected excitement? More like an unexpected fever dream! Why is Elias wiping my sweat in such detail?

Nappen: Oh, you know, just adding some tension and intimacy to keep the readers on their toes. It's all about creating a connection between characters.

Kaiser: [shivers] Sometimes I think you're writing erotica.

Nappen: [sweats]