He's staring~ ɢᴜɢᴜ

𝟘.𝟘𝟝 Stay with me.

"10 golden coins," An old lady said pleasantly when Gusion entered the nearest hotel . She gasped upon seeing Guinevere and rushed to help her without hesitation.

"Young man, the money can wait. Quick, come here! Your girlfriend is in a very bad state right now. I'll show you two to your room." The old lady fussed, her face full with concern for Guinevere.

"Ah, but she's not my-" Gusion started.

"Whatever, that can wait. Ruby! Come take care of our guest! This lady needs immediate treatment! " The old lady yelled down the hallway. For a moment, Gusion thought she was talking to him, but when he turned back he saw a blonde girl slightly younger than them. She was wearing a cute red hood and a red skirt, looking sweet but fierce with her scythe by her side. 

"Welcome to the hotel, I'm Ruby," She greeted Gusion with a warm smile. Gusion just nodded and followed Ruby to his room. 

Oh right, he did not have anything with him as they were too busy escaping from the guards and left everything behind.

But it was worth it, Gusion thought. At least Guinevere is safe.

"Where is she?" Gusion asked Ruby. Ruby twerked her head to look at him.

"She's with my Grandma, she's a fine healer, so she'll be alright, I hope. Your girlfriend looked like she was cursed. What did you do to her?" Ruby asked Gusion, suspicion on her face. 

"I didn't do anything to her! We're best friends!" Gusion denied, offended by the fact that Ruby accused him to hurt Guinevere.

"You guys are only best friends?" Ruby bursted out laughing, leaving Gusion stunned. He had never seen someone with that nerve. Nobody talks to the Prince of Paxleys that way before.

"Hey, I'm the fourth Prince of Paxleys, so don't look down on me!" Gusion said indignantly, unable to stop himself. I revealed myself. Oh damn- Gusion thought, completely losing his mind.

Ruby was shocked for a moment. "Grandma! It's him! Gusion Paxley!" Gusion covered her mouth. 
"Do not tell anyone, you hear me?" He threatened.

Instead of feeling scared, Ruby pushed his hand off and huffed impatiently. She pursed her lips and this time, her voice was icy.

"We're on your side, you idiot! Your name was on the newspaper, but I whole-heartedly supported you to escape that castle. The Lord of Paxley is not that reliable these days. Now, I wonder if I should change my mind because you acted so impulsively. Hmph." 

"Oh. I'm really sorry for accusing you, then." Gusion said guiltily. He remembered The Lord of Baroque abusing the people of lower riches. Ruby must have watched that happen before. His father was the same. No wonder she hates the Paxleys.

"Look, I'm not like them, okay? My brother Aamon would make the kingdom better if he's king, I promise." 

"If? But-" 

"Ruby? Is there anything wrong?" The kind old lady trotted towards them, looking extremely flustered. 

"Nothing Grandma, is his girlfriend alright?" Ruby asked her Grandmother, smirking at Gusion. Gusion turned red and coughed lightly. 

"She's slipping in and out of consciousness but she's stable. If you have arrived a few hours later, she would not have make it, " The old lady replied, shaking her head.

Gusion's heart skipped a beat.

"I called the Holy Angel over. She is one of my closest friends and the most powerful healer of the Land of Dawn. She is the only one who can remove the curse completely from her. Your girlfriend's name is Guinevere, isn't it? The newspaper also mentioned her name, Guinevere Baroque, if I'm not mistaken." The old lady added.