The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 45: The Prince's First Step

"My prince, I don't think your father is going to be happy once he hears that you've gotten out school early." Sebastian voices his opinion while he drives up to the big driveway of our house.

"I'll handle his lecture once he comes home. Right now, I want to stay in my room and bury myself in paperwork. Are there any proclamations that Father has left for me?" I ask as Sebastian drives inside the garage and parks next to my car. Once Sebastian turns the engine off, I quickly shot out of my seat and towards the door that connects to the house.

I heard the car alarm go off, informing me of Sebastian following after me, as I walk through the door with Sebastian telling me, "There are a few proclamations in your room along with some files from the company your father wanted to go over with you."

"Thank you. Do you have lunch ready for me yet or do you still have to prepare it?" I ponder, walking down the long hallway until we reach the living room.

"I still have to prepare it, my prince. If you like, I could make you some tea with some fruit salad for you to snack on?" Sebastian suggests at the same time I hear my mother's voice calling my name. I forgot that she was home today.

"Antonio, what are you doing here? Don't you have school right now?" Mother asks as soon as she walks over to me and pulls me into a hug. I return the hug and gave her a kiss on both of her cheeks.

"I do, but I wasn't feeling so well after lunch." I lie smoothly since it wasn't exactly a lie I told her.

When Cassiel didn't say what I wanted him to say, I broke down in that classroom after muttering how little time I have left to spend with him. We have five months before graduation and, if I'm fortunate, perhaps another month to spend vacation with him. That is if I can convince Father into letting me stay here until I return to my kingdom. I had hope that I can continue being with Cassiel these next few months as his boyfriend.

Now with Austin here, I know that I won't have that luxury. Austin might have thought that Cassiel is still his boyfriend which could explain why he had come all the way to California to find him. Not to mention that Cassiel still has feelings for him and I do not blame him for it. The boy went through abuse for Cassiel, something that I can't ignore since without him, Cassiel might not be here. I just don't want to Cassiel to think he owes him for saving his life by becoming his again.

"Oh, do you want me to make you caldo de pollo? I'm sure we have all the ingredients unless you prefer some chicken noodle soup instead? Sebastian, do we have everything to make either one of those soups?" Mother fusses as she unconsciously messes up my hair. Whenever Mother begins to worry, she would play with our hair without realizing it. Though, she insists that she does not act in such a way.

"Mother, I'm fine. But I wouldn't mind having chicken noodle soup. Sounds nice to have with the cold weather we're experiencing today." I assure and take in the nostalgia her hands are providing on my hair. As a child, I have always loved it when my mother plays with my hair right before she gives me a good night kiss on my forehead.

"Right away, your majesties. I'll have that soup done in an hour." Sebastian announces, bowing to us before he heads to the kitchen.

Without uttering a single word to each other, my mother and I made our way toward the black leather couches. My mother was the first to break the silence as she lowered herself to sit on the end of the couch by asking, "Since we're currently alone for the moment, would you mind telling me the truth behind your illness?"

"It's how I told you. I don't feel well and decided to come home. Father can give me a lecture about maintaining the facade he has me keep in front of my classmates when he returns from work." I fib, taking a seat next to her.