She's the Prince

Chapter 49

Mood Swing

"I still don't get what 'red days' mean."

They were moving out of the hotel when Ares groaned, his hand pressing against his lower abdomen. Sebastian handed him painkillers, but even after taking them, Ares's scowl persisted, his usual stoic demeanor marred by flashes of irritation.

"Red days mean," Ares snapped, "I don't want anything that will worsen my mood, alright? And I don't want an argument with you, Basty."

With that, he stalked off, leaving the others exchanging puzzled glances.

Sebastian sighed, shaking his head. "What's gotten into him? I already gave him something for his pain."

Callan smirked, nudging Sebastian's shoulder. "He's just moody today. Haven't you noticed it before?"

Sebastian shot Callan a glare. "Doesn't make sense to me. I usually hear about this kind of thing from women, not..." he trailed off, gesturing toward Ares.

Callan chuckled softly. "Well, Prince Ares is full of surprises."

Sebastian rolled his eyes, clearly unamused. "And don't call me 'Basty.' It sounds... insulting."

Callan raised his hands in surrender, fighting back a grin. "Alright, alright. No more 'Basty.' But seriously, you should get used to his mood swings. They come and go."

***

Later, as the group took a break under the shade of a towering tree, Callan offered Ares a bottle of water. Ares took it gratefully, beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. He sat hunched over, visibly uncomfortable.

"Is it really that bad?" Callan asked in a low voice.

Ares grimaced, nodding slightly. "Worse than expected. As blood clots pass, pain decreases." Callan's eyebrows knitted together. "Blood clots?"

Ares glanced around before gesturing discreetly, his fingers mimicking a motion. "It's... a woman thing," he mumbled, cheeks flushing slightly as he met Callan's wide-eyed stare.

The corner of Callan's mouth twitched. "I didn't realize you were so open with this stuff."

Ares grumbled, looking away. "Forget I said anything."

But Callan only smiled, pleased by Ares's comfort in sharing with him. "Don't be embarrassed. I... actually enjoy hearing you talk like this."

Ares glanced at Callan with narrowed eyes. "Don't say things like that."

Callan chuckled at Ares's worried look. Nobody saw Sebastian's mysterious gaze from afar.

***

Sebastian and Callan watched Ares wade into the lake with the other troops as the sun set, coloring the horizon orange and purple.

"How do you get him to let you in?" Sebastian asked, gaze fixed on Ares. "He's always so closed off with me. We end up fighting every time."

Callan shrugged, glancing at Sebastian. "It's about understanding who he is. Prince Ares... he's not the easiest person to figure out."

Sebastian looked pensive. "I don't need to be reminded."

Callan smiled faintly. "After Skull Land, he began trusting me when he woke up. I believe he requires individuals to show their commitment."

Sebastian looked at Callan, a hint of envy in his eyes. "I wish I could be as close to him as you are."

Callan handed him a small container. "If you're that concerned, maybe this will help. Sunscreen. You should give it to him."

Sebastian glanced down at the container, then back at Callan. "Why don't you? He won't even talk to me right now."

Callan shook his head, chuckling. "You're making it more complicated than it is. Look, I'll do it for you if you want."

Callan walked to Ares, sitting by the river, soaking up the last of the day's warmth, without waiting for explanations.

Ares's heart quickened as Callan approached, the sun's glow catching in his hair and casting him in a soft, golden light. He quickly looked away, trying to focus on something else.

Callan grinned as he held out the container. "Sebastian thought you might need this."

Ares took it reluctantly. "So now you're my handsome delivery boy?"

Callan laughed, clearly entertained. "Delivery boy? I think I'll stick to being a soldier."

Ares's face softened as he opened the container, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Thanks. I'd offer to return the favor, but..."

Callan raised an eyebrow. "How about I help you with that?"

Ares's face turned a shade redder, his mind racing. He looked at Sebastian, who was observing, before turning away. "Sure. Avoid making things uncomfortable."

Callan's fingers were surprisingly gentle as he spread the lotion over Ares's back, moving in slow, soothing circles. Ares's skin prickled under his touch, every movement heightened in the fading sunlight. For a moment, he could only focus on the warmth of Callan's hand on his skin.

"You really don't have to..." Ares stammered, trying to hold back a shiver.

Callan leaned in close, a faint smile on his lips. "I don't mind."

Ares bit his lip, trying to keep his thoughts from racing. He forced himself to relax, taking a deep breath as he glanced back at Callan, who looked at him with a calm, steady gaze. The tension between them lingered, stretching into something unspoken and charged.

Finally, Ares managed a weak laugh. "You're oddly good at this, you know that?"

Callan chuckled. "Comes with the job."

As they shared a quiet smile, neither noticed Sebastian's troubled stare as he watched them from a distance, his jaw set, his hands clenched at his sides.