The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 33: The Prince Unease

"This can't be happening!" I growl furiously and slam my fist against the car door handle.

"My prince, please calm yourself. It won't do you any good if you express your anger by hitting my car." Sebastian points out in a tranquil manner as he pulls up into our garage.

The meeting with the board of directors was not a favorable one. I had to deal with their questions regarding a picture that one of the photographers at the Halloween party took of me carrying Cassiel outside of my house. Not only that, one of the directors is Thomas' father who told everyone how I acted during school the last couple of months since Cassiel joined my school and my father was present during it.

Fortunately, I reminded everyone of the urgent press conference I held the day after the Halloween party. That calmed them down but it left a silent message from them: we are going to be watching you carefully. Not only do I have Father telling me to stay away from homosexuals, now I have a board of directors watching me. What does it matter to them anyway? I'm not doing anything illegal.

"Sebastian, do I have anything to do that requires my immediate attention?" I ask as I enter inside my house from the garage door and head to my room.

"Other than your school work and looking over some proclamations with your father, none." Sebastian answers behind me.

"Alright then. Go see if my parents want me to join them for dinner tonight. I'm going to take a hot shower." I order.

"Yes, my prince." Sebastian replies and alters his direction while I continue on to my room.

Hopefully, I don't have to attend dinner with my parents. I rather not have an argument with my mother present nor have Leo worry about me. For now, I'll release all of my stress inside a hot shower and finish up some homework that my teachers assigned me. Anything to distract me from that meeting and Father's expression.

I strip myself of my clothes and quickly hop inside the shower, feeling the hot water hitting my skin. The water took an instant effect on me and began to relax as I continue with my daily routine. The shower didn't felt as long as I wanted it to be but it can't be helped. I can't stay inside forever. I shut off the water and step out of the shower while I grab one of my towels to dry myself with.

Once I'm done with that, I wrap it around my waist and head toward my closet before I hear someone knocking on my door. Assuming that it's Sebastian, I shout, "Come in!" What should I wear?

"You are back!" I hear Leo's voice exclaims. Huh, I was wrong.

"Yes, I'm back. I told you I'll be back for dinner. Speaking of which, do we have to eat with Mama and Papa?" I ask without sparing him a glance.

"I don't know yet. I just ran into Sebastian on my way here. Where are you? Are you wearing any clothes?" Leo answers. Clothes?

"Why do you want to know?" I question as I grab a plain white T-shirt from its shelf.

"Because we're not alone. . ." Leo declares cautiously.

"What are you talking about? There's no one else here but you and-" I start to respond when I see exactly what he meant. I turn to face my brother but I didn't expect Cassiel to be standing right next to him.

Cassiel is here. In my room. And I'm only wearing a towel.

"C-CASSIEL?!" I exclaim and quickly place my hands on my towel, fearing that it would somehow fall for everyone to see me completely nude. Why is he here?!

"H-h-hi! I, um. . . I d-didn't know y-y-you would b-be. . . I-I-I'll wait outside!" Cassiel stammers with his cheeks heating up before running out of sight.