Names Have Power -- Polysanders

Chapter 10: Secrets, Secrets

(Roman)

The door opened behind me and shut with a gentle click. I glanced behind me and smiled a bit. "Hola, Janus. Where have you been?"

"Away, Princey," He said calmly, walking to the refrigerator and opening it. I frowned.

"I told you not to call me that," I huffed. He looked at me.

"I know. I'm curious as to why, though." Janus turned to face me with a glass of water in his hand. He sipped it. "It seems to irritate you greatly." I looked at him in the eyes.

"My older brother called me it constantly. I guess it just annoys me now," I said calmly. Janus raised an eyebrow. He clearly didn't believe me. Panic started to fill my veins.

"You're Spanish. You openly admit to being from Spain. Why would your brother call you by an English nickname?" I fidgeted with my hands, and I bit my lip.

"We were taught English language in school. He didn't think I would understand him. But, you know... principe and prince are pretty close..." I told him. He looked at me and frowned more.

"Roman, dearest, do you want to know what I think?" I nodded. "I think-no, I know-that you are lying to me. I think that you are hiding something. I think you learned many languages. I do not think you went to a school; I think you were tutored by private tutors. I think that you are trying to escape your life back home." He never raised his voice; he stayed perfectly calm. I could find my heart racing. I was shaking a bit.

"Janus, I... you're right. I was lying to you. Everything you have said is perfectly correct. I am trying to escape my home. I should tell you the truth..."

"No," He interrupted me. "No. You do not need to tell me. Whatever you are hiding, you are hiding it because you are worried about us doing something or thinking something. I may know what I think you are hiding, but I will not tell the others unless it is necessary." I was so relieved.

"Thank you. Thank you!" I hugged him tightly, almost causing him to spill his drink. He set the glass on the counter. He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me back. He was just as tall as me but slimmer. It didn't matter; his embrace was warm, strong, and comforting. I rested my head on his shoulder. He hummed contently and rubbed my back gently. He kissed my head. "I love you..." I muttered.

"I love you, too, my sweet prince."