[WMMaP] Elias de Alger Obelia

Elias 6.9

After his talk with Claude, the guard had announced Duke Alpheus's plea for an audience and Claude allowed it. Elias was glad to not have found or hear Felix and Lucas anywhere near Claude's office. Elias was free to go anywhere he wanted. Deciding that he would take a breather in his gifted garden, the prince made his way to Alexandrite Palance.

Claude had given him the palace but Elias did not use it much and only went over whenever he was "upset" with Claude or when he wanted to enjoy a quiet day. So, believe him when he says he was quite surprised to see the back of a noble stranger standing in the middle of the garden when Elias had arrived.

He had golden hair similar to Claude's and a wide back. He seemed slightly taller than Claude. The difference was that a dark aura or fog seemed to be encircling the man which gave an ice cold omen that ran down Elias's spine.

"Who... Who are you?"

Elias spoke up. He was afraid and wished to run but for some reason, his body would not move and his heart begged him to call the man out. The man turned around and he did not seem surprised when Elias had called him out but the prince was the one who got surprised.

The man had two blue jeweled eyes that eerily stared at him.

The only people who could have jeweled eyes were the Obelian Royal Family which meant, this man was part of the royal family. Everything screamed wrong to Elias. Elias was about to reach out but suddenly heard an unknown but familiar voice from far.

"Your highness?"

Elias turned to look at a platinum haired teen coming out of the corner. He looked very familiar but that was not much of his concern. The prince quickly focused back on the man but the man was nowhere in sight. Unease rested on Elias's chest as he was looking around hoping to see the man.

"Your highness? Is there something wrong?"

The platinum haired young man asked in worry as he carefully approached Elias.

"I..."

Elias began as he gave the spot the man stood one last look before giving his undivided attention to the angelic looking teen.

"Nothing is wrong, but who might you be?"

The teen stilled for a moment and Elias saw a hint of broken belief. It was only for a moment before the teen was back smiling.

"My apologies, your highness. I am Ezekiel Alpheus."

"Mm... Yes, nice to meet you but I would like to know how you were able to pass the guards stationed at the entrance of this garden. This is private property."

Elias did not forget to glare at Ezekiel. No matter how handsome the young master of Alpheus was, it was a serious matter to trespass private property of the royal family without permission.

"Please forgive me."

Ezekiel apologized with ease and no trace of worry in his stance.

"I followed my father to the palace to learn but unfortunately, I got separated. While trying to search for him I got enraptured by the beauty of this garden. There were no guards when I got here so I believed it was allowed to the public."

Even hearing Ezekiel explain the situation, Elias could not let his guard down.

"I do remember having heard about Duke Alpheus requesting an audience with father. Very well, I shall lead the way to your father. Make sure you don't stray away this time."

"Of course your highness."

Elias turned to starting their journey the emperor's study and missed the way Ezekiel's cheeks slightly tinted themselves pink.

***

After escorting Ezekiel near Claude's office, Elias mindlessly made his way to his shared room with Claude. His mind just could not drift away from the man he saw in his garden. Time seemed to drift on as he was kept busy thinking about that man and he did not notice the door open or hear it close.

"Elias."

"Huh...? Oh, dad."

The little prince replied a few seconds later.

"What's in your mind?"

Claude laid down on the bed and Elias quickly followed after him while still being deep in thought. He wondered if he should tell his father about the mysterious man who could possibly be someone blood related.

"Elias."

Looking up at Claude, Elias decided against telling the emperor. Seeing how the mysterious man had disappeared in a blink of an eye, the man would not be easy to find. Since he would not be easy to find, then he must have had a specific reason to show up in front of Elias. Whatever the motive was, the man would someday once again stand in front of Elias.

"It's nothing. I was just thinking about the angel I saw today."

It did not escape Elias's watch how Claude frowned at the mention of angel. Clearly displeased that Elias did not grow out of ogling at beautiful people.

"Don't worry, Claude!" Elias began energetically. "You're the most beautiful and handsome human being I have ever met!"

"And it better stay that way," Claude added to which Elias nodded in agreement. There really was no one who could beat Claude in terms of beauty.

Finally, having decided to tuck in for the night, Elias could not help but wonder about the future. The mysterious man would appear not sooner but not too late either. At that time, Elias wondered how he should deal with the mysterious man.