Granting Favors (Twisted Wonderland | Azul x Jamil)

Chapter 7: Business and Priorities

Summary:

Rielle wants to talk. Azul is determined to ward him away until the prince brings up a business proposition. Jamil takes on the unexpected of an advisor in the process.

Author's Note:

Word Count: 3,816

The first scene is a direct continuation of the last scene in the previous chapter.

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"Good evening."

The new guest who was apparently Prince Rielle greeted Azul, and Jamil could still see the nervous excitement in his eyes despite the formal air about him.

"And to you as well..." Prince Rielle nodded politely at him and raised his eyebrows questioningly.

"Jamil," he answered. "Your Highness," he quickly added with a polite nod of his own.

"Please," the prince held up a hand and shook his head. "Just Rielle would be fine," he smiled.

People around them had stopped dancing, and some looked like they wanted to approach the prince.

"I wasn't certain if it was really you," Prince Rielle turned back to Azul, paying no attention at all to the crowd. "I came closer for a better look, I hope I haven't interrupted anything." He looked at the both of them.

Jamil felt warmth rush to his cheeks, suddenly remembering what had almost happened before the prince arrived. Great Seven, did I really just... Did I almost...

"We were just leaving," Azul said curtly. "Let's go, Jamil," Azul turned to address him but avoided his eyes. Then he proceeded to weave through the crowd and headed straight for the exit.

Jamil hurriedly gave another polite nod to Prince Rielle before following, still processing the whiplash of the sudden change in situation.

He had just caught up to Azul's brisk pace and they were walking away from the building when the sound of hurried footsteps came up behind them.

"Azul!" Prince Rielle called out. "Wait, please." He appeared in front of them and Jamil heard Azul scoff as they were forced to stop in their tracks.

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" Azul barely hid the irritation in his voice. "I'm sure that many of the other guests would like to talk to you. You mustn't keep them waiting."

"I don't have any appointments there," Prince Rielle replied. "And I was hoping I could talk to you."

Jamil squinted; eagerness was seeping through the prince's formal tone, and he was wondering just who exactly Azul was to him.

"I didn't come here for pleasantries, Rielle." Azul spoke coldly. "This was a business trip."

Jamil caught the slight movement in the prince's throat as he swallowed nervously.

"I— y-yes," Prince Rielle blinked rapidly for a few moments before clearing his throat. "That is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. I have a business proposal."

Jamil had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. It was becoming obvious now what Prince Rielle really wanted with Azul, and it had nothing to do with business. He should have known from the way the prince was looking at him ever since he confirmed that it really was him at the party.

"I'm afraid this isn't a good time," Azul replied in the same formal tone, and Jamil couldn't tell whether he believed Rielle. "My business meetings are usually conducted at Mostro Lounge, and it's too late in the evening for outsiders to make appointments at NRC. Now if you'll excuse us—" Azul moved to step around the prince.