The Unwanted Prince

Ch. 16 - Oliver

There was a clear tension between His Highness and Mar.

It was partially my fault.

I made the mistake of leaving the money in Adrian's room that night. I thought that since Adrian was flat-out drunk that he wouldn't have the brain to use it in any way. I guess this was the one time I was wrong.

When Mar had woken up and asked where the coins were, I told her I had left it in the prince's room. Her ears had turned a bright red and she flew out of the room, nearly running over housekeeping.

Adrian had slept in his room and Mar didn't want to disrupt the inn.

So she had stood there bitterly waiting for Adrian to wake up.

And now that we were back on the road, I could hear Mar mutter words to herself. Adrian was upfront, riding his white mare.

I think his horse's name is Rat, which is strange for a horse. If I had a purebred white horse like that I'd name it after a historical scholar, like Theodora of Erian or Mo'Staseas of Ingard.

But Rat? How unappealing.

Speaking of unappealing, I guess the rumors were true about Adrian. I had heard the prince was an avid spender on sex workers.

I guess it's a good thing there's such thing as protection for sex.

A couple of years back, I'd say twenty, a group of doctors had worked alongside an apothecary by the name of Dr. Gillard Pots. They came up with a lot of things that prevented pregnancy among sex workers, which was a good thing. Especially for nobles.

Sex workers, especially women, wouldn't have to be concerned about having a child. And a noble wouldn't have to fear getting caught having an affair if an illegitimate child suddenly popped up. Though, I suppose Adrian wouldn't have to worry about that at all.

Adrian wasn't in a relationship. And I could tell he wouldn't want a child except to produce an heir.

Wait, what was the thought I had earlier?

Oh, right- Adrian and Mar.

It felt strange being in between the two's anger. Mar was mad at Adrian for obvious reasons, but I wasn't sure what Adrian was upset at.

Hmm, maybe he's just naturally a negative person.

I heard people who are always pessimistic usually come from a mindset of self-loathing. I'm not a psychologist nor a philosopher, but I do get the sense that Adrian has an inner turmoil within him. What's for sure is I do not want to be the target of his anger.

I've already seen what Mar can do when triggered. I don't want to imagine how Adrian is.

I haven't talked for a while now, no one's really said a word since we left the town. I suppose I could spill a few facts I have in my brain since it's way too quiet.

"Your Highness," I chirped excitedly, riding my horse up closer to his. I smiled at him, "What creatures have you encountered on your past journeys?"

Adrian glanced at me, his emerald eyes analyzing me. He must be wondering what trick I had up my sleeve. Well, jokes on him, I have no tricks. I am purely a man of knowledge, I do not joke nor play around.

The blonde sighed, looking back ahead. With a quiet grunt, Adrian said, "Uh, on my last quest I fought a sphinx."

I gasped so loud that I'm sure my voice could be heard miles away. "A sphinx? That's incredible! You must've been in the hottest deserts then! What kingdom was it? Illiad? Xeno? Oh oh oh! What about Kareen?" I would love to visit a kingdom in the desert one day, their culture is so different compared to ours.