The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 25: The Prince Curious

I'm back in Cassiel's hospital room where he's lying on the beds in his hospital gown, sleeping peacefully. After I confronted Thomas during lunch hour, I heard whispers among the students saying how Cassiel has created a rift between me and Thomas. Apparently, Thomas and I are the power friends or something and the rest of the students think the world is about to end. I don't care. Thomas was only an acquaintance who I couldn't shake on my first day of school here.

His actions are unacceptable. I won't tolerate it any longer. I silently thought to myself as I take Cassiel's hand into my own. His skin is quite soft to touch, just as I had predicted when I first met him, and fits perfectly in my hand. I rub soothing circles on his hand with my thumb despite the fact he would never acknowledge it. However, as I watch my thumb move, my mind wanders off to lunch where the inevitable talk with my brother and Hunter took place.

*          *          *

"So, where should we start?" Hunter starts as he looks me over, in a way that suggests he's examining me for something.

"Nowhere." I state as I try to head back to the cafeteria but was stopped by Leo.

"Oh no, you don't. We're going to talk about this." Leo insists and grabs my arm, halting me from my tracks.

I free my arm from his grip and let out a sigh. "There's nothing to talk about." I insist.

"That's not what you said when scared the fuck out of that jock." Hunter reminds. "And you practically told him that Cassiel was your boyfriend."

"I only said that so my point got through to him." I bluntly dismiss.

"I think it's more than that." Leo voices. "Haven't you noticed how defensive you get whenever Cas is in trouble?"

"Or how much you affect him? Even when you ditched him? 'Cause the guy kept staring you during Gov and I always kept signaling him to stop before you noticed though I doubted you would have." Hunter adds.

Both of their observations were correct but what can I say? That no matter what happens between us, it can never be? Leo would tell me to forget about my duty and live as a normal adolescent here. Then, Hunter would keep using the guilt card against me since he was the only who stayed by Cassiel's side full time.

I didn't even registered what I said next, since I allowed the words to leave my lips and I was too deep in my thoughts to notice, "What do you expect me to say? That I regretted leaving Cassiel from every fiber of my being? He's in the bloody hospital because of me! I sent him there! If I just remained his friend, Thomas wouldn't have constantly abused him, and he wouldn't even in that damned concussion for a week now!"

Leo and Hunter stare at me in complete shock, speechless even. I'm surprised myself since I never once released that much amount of emotions out in the open. What has that boy done to me to make me feel this way?

"Antonio? What exactly happened to Cassiel that drove him to be in that state?" Leo questions cautiously. Most likely afraid to say something to set me off again.

Releasing a sigh, feeling a tad drained from my outburst, I took a moment to decide whether or not it was a good idea to tell them the truth. Obviously it is, I just told them that I am responsible for Cassiel's condition. They deserve to know what happened and choose to do with me.

"Cassiel kissed me at the party......" I answer quietly as I avert my eyes from them.

"Oh, wow. I didn't think he would have the guts to do that." Hunter comments in surprise.

"Ja, he told me that he wanted to try talking to you again and ask for your forgiveness." Leo agrees. Wait, did they know Cassiel was going to be at the party?