Sebastian and James finally arrived in Dravencia.
Sebastian's eyes sparkled as he took in the massive palace, its intricate design, and the elegant grandeur that made it feel like something out of a dream. It was too much — beautiful, intimidating, and completely foreign.
James stepped beside him, gently removing the hood from Sebastian's head.
"Listen," James said in a soft but serious voice, "once we're inside, don't talk to anyone unless I tell you to. And if someone asks about your magic, just say it's basic elemental — earth magic. Understand?"
Sebastian nodded quietly.
Just then, a knight approached them. James turned toward him.
"Is the Crown Prince in the palace?""Yes, Your Highness," the knight replied, eyeing Sebastian curiously in his plain travel clothes.
James, dressed similarly, waved a hand. "Prepare my room and get a set of clothes for him too," he said, signaling toward Sebastian.
The knight nodded and left to carry out the orders.
"Come," James said, glancing over his shoulder. Sebastian followed him as they made their way through the long, regal corridors. The knight continued watching them until they disappeared from view.
When they reached James's room, Sebastian froze at the doorway. It was huge — luxurious and shining with gold accents. A royal room, no doubt.
"You can take your cloak off now," James told him gently.
Sebastian hesitated but slowly pulled the cloak from his shoulders.
James smiled. "Make yourself at home."
"You must be hungry," he added just as a knock came at the door.
"Come in," James called out.
The butler entered with several maids, all carrying formal suits.
James picked out one for himself, nodding toward Sebastian. "Get him ready too."
The maids glanced at Sebastian, whose hair was a little messy and clothes a bit dusty from travel. Still, they couldn't help but notice — he was handsome.
Before he could protest, they guided him to the bathing room. The butler followed to assist.
"I'm not taking off my clothes in front of anyone," Sebastian warned.
"Just relax," one of the maids said with a sigh.
Despite his resistance, they undressed him carefully and helped him into the large, steaming tub. One maid gently scrubbed his back, another washed his hair, and a third cleaned his feet with care.
Sebastian sank into the water, red-faced and embarrassed — but secretly, a little grateful for the warmth.
—
Sebastian stood in front of the tall, gold-framed mirror as the maids and butler finished dressing him in a fine royal suit. One maid gently adjusted his collar while another brushed through his damp hair.
"Aww, your hair is so soft," one of them cooed.
"And your skin is like silk!" another chimed in, lightly touching his cheek.
Sebastian blushed deeply, his voice soft but flustered. "P-Please stop touching me like that…"
Just then, Prince James leaned casually against the doorway, arms crossed and a teasing smile on his lips. "Alright, don't scare him off," he said with a light chuckle.
The maids quickly stepped back and bowed. "Apologies, Your Highness. We got a little carried away."
James laughed. "It's fine. He does look… well—surprisingly good, doesn't he?"
One of the maids giggled. "Prince James, you're too kind."
Sebastian, now fully dressed in the refined royal suit, looked like someone born into nobility. His messy charm had been replaced by a quiet elegance, and even James seemed momentarily stunned, a light blush coloring his cheeks.
He cleared his throat. "Let's go. It's time for lunch."
As they walked toward the dining hall, Sebastian followed behind, still flustered. Why did they dress me like this? he wondered. This suit feels too formal… too luxurious.
When they entered the grand dining room, James politely pulled out a chair for Sebastian next to his own seat at the head of the table. Sebastian sat quietly, glancing at the feast before them—dishes upon dishes of royal cuisine covering the table from end to end.
Isn't this too much for just the two of us? he thought. This could feed an entire village…
"Go ahead," James said, nodding. "Eat as much as you like."
Sebastian folded his hands in front of him. "Thank you for the food," he whispered before starting. James watched with a faint smile and echoed the same prayer.
As they began eating, Sebastian took a bite and his eyes widened slightly.
Wow… this is actually really tasty.
James looked at him from across the table, pleased. "Good, right?"
Sebastian shyly nodded. "Mm… yeah."