a Lout and a Prince

Part 11

All bad ideas need to happen sometime. How would the vastness of reality understand that it was a truly bad idea unless someone, somewhere decided to act it out in an impulsive decision that they would surely live to regret?

This bad decision was made by Alberu Crossman.

The awkward and stilted visit to check up on Cale Henituse had left him feeling a bit more worried than before he'd gone. Cale's behavior had been anxious in a way that stuck out starkly from all of Alberu's previous interactions with him.

Of course, as the crown prince they had no deeper relationship so to speak of and thus it would be strange for him to press for more information. And truthfully that should have been the end of it. Alberu really did have no connection to Cale other than the complicated feelings of responsibility that arose due to the kidnapping.

There was nothing else to it.

Restless and unable to let it go at just that, Alberu made what is commonly referred to as a 'stupid decision'.

He couldn't visit any further as Alberu Crossman but that wasn't his only option, was it?

Alberu's feet tapped down gently on the balcony. Despite all of the stealth he currently utilized, he couldn't help but check his surroundings yet again to make sure that he hadn't been spotted. Once he was sure that absolutely no one was paying any mind to Cale's balcony, and why would they? It was the dead of night, he gently knocked on the window. Adjusting the veil concealing half of his face yet again, anxious not to be recognized.

There was a long enough silence that he thought he might have to knock again but then the window opened to reveal Cale's confused face.

"...you're that one bastard." Cale hissed out, apparently crude even when he was too surprised to even scowl. "What are you... how..."

Alberu shrugged helplessly, only now understanding that his very bad idea also had very poor planning because he didn't have the slightest idea how to answer. "I was worried about you."

It was the truth. There really wasn't any deeper meaning to that simple fact.

Alberu was entirely unprepared for the red that flooded Cale's pale cheeks, entirely prompted by his words.

Alberu's heart picked up, pounding restlessly in his chest. He suddenly couldn't help but remember Cale's words and actions in vivid detail.

"W... why would you worry?" Cale sputtered a bit, attempting to scowl to hide his fluster. "Who are you? Why did you help me?"

For some reason, Alberu heard the question differently than he ought to.

Maybe it was the way the moonlight danced on Cale's deep red hair or the way his too brown eyes sought out answers. The disheveled appearance of a man who'd only just dragged himself from bed. The memories dancing inside of his mind mockingly.

Alberu knew, logically speaking, what Cale was actually asking. A suspicious stranger helps him escape kidnappers and checks up on him afterwards? Who wouldn't be curious about such a shady individual.

And yet the question really cut through to him.

Why was he, Alberu Crossman, so intent on helping Cale Henituse? Why was he so concerned over him? Why did his eyes follow him in any room? Why did he remember their every interaction with such attention to detail?

Why was he so entirely enraptured by everything that Cale was?

"I don't know." Alberu reached out without really intending to, his thumb gently caressing Cale's cheek as for just a moment he wondered what it would be like to make a really bad decision. "...I think I might be enchanted."