CH - 4 -

Zilias rolled his eyes again, a small scoff leaving his lips. "Yeah, sure." He muttered sarcastically. "He'll be absolutely bewitched by my pale face and my twig-like limbs."

But even in his sarcastic words, there was a hint of insecurity. No one had ever really paid him much attention, other than ogling him from afar, like a rare object. He had never experienced someone being actually attracted to him, let alone falling in love with him. It seemed so ridiculous. Alby huffed softly, rolling his eyes at the princes stubbornness. "Oh, shut up. You know you're attractive. You may be a bit pale and skinny, but you got a pretty face, those cute plump cheeks, and those slender thighs and legs-" Alby spoke, punctuating every other word with a squeeze to the princes thighs for emphasis.

Zilias felt himself blushing again, trying fruitlessly to squirm out of the others grip. "Hey, hey stop this already-" he protested, his voice a bit flustered. Alby ignored the youngers protest and continued, his voice lowering again. "And you got those little freckles on your cheeks that are downright adorable. Not to mention how soft your hair is. Your lips look like they were made to be kissed..." He let one of his hand trail up to the princes face, running a thumb over his lips. Zilias felt a shiver go through his body at the touch, a small gasp leaving him as the other continued. "Just imagine that dragon trying to resist you. Impossible, don't you think?"

"You're being ridiculous," Zilias muttered weakly, averting his gaze and trying to control his blushing. But he couldn't deny the way the servants words made him feel. His heart was racing, his skin tingling where Alby touched him. He felt his breathing getting heavier and he subconsciously bit on his lower lip, drawing the other's attention.

"No, I'm being completely serious, your highness." Alby said, still holding the princes face. He leaned closer, their lips almost touching, before continuing. "You're stunningly beautiful. The dragon will have absolutely no chance against you."

Zilias could feel his self control slipping away. He swallowed, his gaze glued to Albys lips, before he spoke up again, his voice barely above a whisper. "I highly doubt that..."

"I think you should stop doubting yourself." Alby said, his gaze shifting from the princes lips to his eyes, his gaze intense. "You're an absolute catch, not just because of your looks, but because of your personality, too. You're smart, adorable and kind. You'll absolutely turn that dragon into a lovesick puppy, that's a fact."

Zilias couldn't help the small snort that left him at those words. "As if. A scary, old dragon, falling for me? Sounds like a bad fairytale." Alby chuckled and he suddenly moved, pulling the princes face away from his shoulder and directly in front of him, placing a hand under his chin. "It might sound like a bad fairytale, but that doesn't make it any less true. That dragon doesn't stand a chance against you." With that, he leaned forward, their faces only inches apart. Zilias' breath hitched as their faces grew closer, his heart pounding in his chest.

But before their lips could touch, there was a loud knock on the door, startling both of them. They both jerked back from each other, both of them startled and flushed. Zilias quickly jumped up from the others lap, straightening out his clothes and hair. Alby coughed a little to gain composure and rose from his seat as well, clearing his throat.

"Yes?" Zilias called out, hoping that he didnt sound as breathless as he felt. The door opened, and a guard stepped inside, looking at both boys with a serious expression. "Your highness, the King is requesting for you in his study." He announced, his gaze staying on the prince.

Zilias felt a bit of uneasiness rise in his chest, wondering what his father wanted to talk to him about. "Thanks, I'll be right there." He replied, straightening his back a bit, trying to regain some composure.

The guard nodded at the princes reply and left. Zilias let out a sigh, running his hand trough his hair. He then noticed Alby standing next to him, looking a bit worried.

"You alright?" the servant asked, placing a hand on the princes shoulder.

Zilias nodded, trying to put on a brave face. "Yeah, I'm fine. Probably just my father wanting to talk about the wedding again." He replied, although he couldnt help the slight tremble in his voice. Alby gave the prince a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder, before replying. "I'm sure it's just that. I'll clean up this place while you're gone, alright? You have your sword with you?"

Zilias nodded, patting the sheath of the sword that was buckled around his hip. "Yeah, I got it." Alby nodded as well, looking a bit relieved. "Good. Don't let the old king talk nonsense to you, okay?" Zilias managed a little smile at that. "Don't worry, I won't."Alby returned the smile, his hand sliding from the princes shoulder. "Alright, off you go then."

Zilias gave the other boy one last glance before turning around and leaving the room, his heart still pounding in his chest. The walk to his father's study felt like an eternity. Each step he took made his anxiety grow more intense, and before he knew it, he reached the large door that led to his father's private quarters. The young prince took a deep breath and knocked on the door, hearing a gruff "come in" from inside. He hesitantly pushed open the door and stepped over the threshold, his father sitting behind a desk, looking at him with a stern expression.

"Sit down." the king said, his voice cold and commanding, gesturing towards the chair opposite of him. Zilias obeyed, trying his best to not let the intimidation show. As Zilias sat down, he could see the king's gaze on him, as if he was sizing him up. He resisted the urge to squirm in his seat, instead keeping his gaze trained on his father.

"I wanted to talk to you about something important." The king said, leaning forward a bit in his seat. Zilias felt his heart rate increase a bit more.

"What is it, father?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.