A/N: This side story takes place between chapter XX and XXI and its on Evangelia and Alkaios.
Song Recommendation: ♫ Spectrum (Say My Name) - Florence + The Machine ♫
"What are white lies but lies told for the sake of those you love? One, two, three, a thousand lies, what guarantee you have that they'll truly be happier with a lie than with the truth? In the end, aren't you just protecting yourself? Your ego, your pain, your love, are you truly what matters most in a relationship that should be based off love and trust?.''
"If I had money I would bet he did that on purpose", the one who speaks is Tove Chastain, the woman sits in the sofa located inside Evangelias's waiting room with a sigh, her uniform is stained with wine and her light short brown hair is messy as she undone the hairstyle her maids worked so hard on. "Like he knew it would piss you off", she continues as she undoes the buttons from her shirt and gazes at her best friend with her light yellow eyes.
"No way", Evangelia answers, sitting on the opposite side, the distress clear on her face, an expression she wouldn't show many except for the friend she kept even when the whole world burnt down. Tove is loyal, a bit unruly and unkept, but loyal nonetheless. ''And you would have money if you stopped gambling with Philippe''.
''That man is a demon in poker, I swear'', Trove shrugs, pushing her hair off her face as she stares at Evangelia, worry clear in her eyes.
She's one of the few people that would die for Evangelia, and she's grateful for their friendship. Even if 90% of the time all that leaves Tove's mouth is bullshit.
"Something happened, he changed", Evangelia says, her brain working overtime due to her failed murder attempt, she had no choice but to admit, even if she doesn't truly think Nikias can change that easily, he has, undoubtedly, changed.
He was never this smart before.
When they had a meeting to talk about assisting Evangelia with her investigation on the black market trade, the way he spoke and portrayed himself was far away from the previous displays she had the displeasure of witnessing from Prince Nikias.
And tonight, his little attack during the engagement party, didn't look like a deliberate act nor a way to get the attention of others. If it was, he wouldn't have left with the King so quickly. If it was the Nikias she knows… It can't be the Nikias I know.
But the alternative is too scary to even think about.
The alternative is that in reality he really isn't the Nikias she knows. He isn't Nikias at all, but someone using his skin.
It makes too much sense to disregard, though.
Different attitudes, the lack of memory, the sudden intelligence and his new… preference for men. There's no way to prove such a thing though, she thinks with a sigh, she's back at score 1. If she said her suspicions out loud she would not only look crazy but invoke the hatred of the Royals. Especially Alkaios, she can never tell him that.
Especially because then she would need to say she was the one that killed Nikias.
If the one there isn't the original boy, then, in fact, she succeeded. She killed the precious only younger brother of the man she loves enough to kill herself just to trigger another time loop after he died saving her.
She would burn the universe down for him.
For another day next to him.
For another kiss.
Another smile.
There's nothing she wouldn't do.
Even if she needs to invoke his hatred.
Anything.
''People don't change so easily, Angie'', Tove says.
''Well, he did'', another sigh leaves her mouth as she undoes her elaborate hairstyle, she never enjoyed dressing up, if it wasn't necessary for her social stance, Evangelia would much prefer using pants and walking around looking like a dirty squire. ''How were things in the Whisperia Kingdom?'' She changes the subject, knowing nothing good will come from talking about the second Prince.
''Well… That place is undoubtedly gorgeous, but their Royal family is a mess, I swear, after the Crown Prince was disowned and they crowned one of the Princess, there are protests all the time and sometimes people would even toss dirt and feces at the Castle'', she says, staring at her dirty nails, attempting to clean them. ''After I killed the young Prince, it all got worse''.
''Alkaios' orders?'' Evangelia asks, already knowing the answer, this had happened 3 times before, after all. The Whisperia Kingdom is a long-time enemy of the Empire, but Emperor Magnus always considered them a funny bug that wouldn't even tickle them, never truly engaging with their provocations. Alkaios was different, suppressing them constantly with threats and secret attacks, so that they would never recover as a Kingdom.
''Yup'', Tove says, leaning down on the sofa. ''By the way, the disowned Crown Prince became the Morke Kingdom's King's aide?''
Evangelia blinks with surprise. She never heard that, in the previous loops, Crown Prince Cypress White died while trying to escape the Whisperia Kingdom, as he ended up in the Red Sea, the only thing left from him was a piece of his scalp that washed up at the Exos Empire shore two years later. It is true I didn't hear about his death this time around, but I never thought there would be another change like this. ''Is he?'' Evangelia asks back, unsure.
''Yeah, he recognized me as the killer of his brother. No, like, how did he know? I killed the brat 3 months ago and not even the King himself knows it was me!'' Tove says, clearly ticked off about what she was saying. ''He broke that damn wine glass, spilling it everywhere, and it was my only wine glass left!'' She continues to whine. ''You didn't serve wine and I don't drink champagne… What a damned waste''.
''He knew you killed his brother?'' Evangelia says, she stops for a moment, thinking. If no one knows Tove was the one that did it except me, Alkaios and Rainier, then the only way for him to know would be a leak, which is impossible or… somehow he saw it happen, be it in person or a vision. The only ones capable of seeing the past are High Priests, highly skilled Magicians and Saints… ''Why was he exiled again?''
''Hm? Oh… Because he tried to revive the World Tree, some bullcrap like that. I mean, dude was fixated on bringing back the elves as well, something about trying to fix the consequences of the elven war and appeasing the anger of the god of Nature'', Tove says, disinterested.
So he's probably a Saint, that's how he saw what Tove did, Evangelia thinks, pondering about the changes in this new loop. Should I kill myself again? So that things go back to place? No, I can only do it once Vremes achieves full power otherwise the loop won't trigger even with the time mark. She thinks, rubbing the mark on her left thigh, a clock with three missing numbers, the amount of times she went back in time. There are a total of 12 tries, but she doesn't want to take too long, using up all of her tries would be utterly stupid as she doesn't intend to fail this much. The clock for the loop only works once it goes from black to gold, and that only happens after Vremes rises. She only knows that because a Saint told her so in her second loop, otherwise she could've died before triggering another loop and it would all be in vain.
Who was that person again? I cannot remember…
Evangelia shakes her head, she can't waste time with speculations she cannot prove or things she cannot change.
''You should avoid him in case he wants revenge'', she says at last.
Tove nods. ''Of course, I'm not that stupid Angie. Changing the subject, what was up with the Captain and that servant?''
''His lover'', Evangelia says with a distasteful expression, of course she isn't pleased, the idea of a noble and a servant dating is just wrong, the imbalance in power, the societal implications… Not only that but the fact that the one he was with was the one responsible for the poison that afflicted Alkaios for years…
''I got that, but wasn't he like… Completely in love with you?'' Tove's words are dangerous if anyone else were to listen in. After all, she's now the Crown Princess of the Empire. Coveting the future Empress can be punished by death according to the Imperial Laws. ''How can someone move on like this? Isn't it cruel to the servant? Being used as a rebound?''
''I cannot speculate Tove, Rainier said he loved him'', she says, sighing for the tenth time that night, her head pounding with the pain of dealing with the variables this time around. ''And do not say such things in front of others''.
''I know, I know. But still, it is weird. Do you think he's being threatened or something?''
''No… He doesn't look out of his mind'', Evangelia says, she went through all of the possibilities when Rainier told her about his relationships. And even if she would like to protest against it more, she was shut down by Alkaios, who told her to not be cruel to Rainier, he didn't say why it would be cruel of her, but she knows why. Because she would be playing with the man's heart when she has no intention in reciprocating his feelings.
''Are you upset? I know how much you love him'', Tove says, sitting straight again. ''I mean, sure it's not romantic feelings, but it must sting knowing someone that used to love you so intensely doesn't do so anymore''.
''It doesn't concern me, Tove. And I should be happy if he's happy, we're friends since we were 10 after all…''
''But you aren't, are you? Happy for him''.
How can she explain that her actual fear is that Rainier will stop protecting Alkaios properly now that he loves someone else? How can she say that she's scared he won't be of assistance anymore? That he won't die to save her true love now that he has his eyes somewhere else? And even if her fears are irrational and deep down she knows Rainier would die for Alkaios regardless of his feelings for her, she can't help it, the amount of changes in the timeline are driving her insane.
''Not for now'', she says leaning back, her gaze on the ceiling. ''I'm not sure I can trust that boyfriend of his after all''.
Tove opens her mouth to say something, but the door of the waiting room suddenly opens so she doesn't say a word. The one entering is Alkaios, he's without his jacket, his silver hair is messy and his pink eyes are sunken due to exhaustion.
''Your highness'', Tove bows, getting up quickly as she cannot possibly sit when the Lord she serves is up. For someone badmouthing a Prince just moments ago, she's quick to take her stance as a Knight once Alkaios appears.
''Lady Chastain, please leave'', he says only, his sweet voice is hoarse and he sits down where Tove was previously. The girl nods, waving to Evangelia before leaving the room in a hurry and closing the door behind her.
Alkaios doesn't say a word, he only casts a barrier in the room, the soft pink mana of the Crown Prince filling the area surrounding them. Evangelia can't be the first one to speak, after all her love's eyes are too serious, too tired, too… angry.
''Angie, we need to talk'', he finally says, crossing his legs. ''I can understand why you were upset with what happened with Nikias, after all tonight was our engagement party and we had to stop our first dance. But he's my little brother…'' Alkaios pauses, his soft pink eyes staring deep into Evangelia's dark ones. ''I love you, you know that, right?''
She takes a deep breath before speaking, she does not want to fight again, they already had a pretty bad discussion earlier due to Rainier's sudden revelation. ''Of course I know, Kai. But how could…'' her voice trembles. ''You just kept looking around, asking about your brother even after our dance!'' She says, upset. ''And the attack, you just shoved me aside to protect me? You know I am more than capable of fighting as well!''
''I didn't want you to get hurt''.
''But you hurt me nonetheless'', she sighs. ''Even now, after the party ended, you still didn't come to me, did you go to Nikias' room?''
''Yes, but the door was locked'', Alkaios says with a sigh, his gaze softening, he can't stay angry with Evangelia for long, especially not when she displays her emotions so clearly. ''You don't need to be jealous of my relationship with my brother''.
I'm not jealous, I'm just upset you still care so much about someone that wants you dead.
''I just feel as if you'd toss me aside if he asked…'' She says instead, it's a lie, but it is the best way to deal with Alkaios, to pretend to be jealous, to pretend she doesn't know about the poison.
''Of course I wouldn't'', Alkaios says, approaching Evangelia, placing his hand on her cheek, ''Angie, you're the only one for me, and you'll always be. There's no love greater than my love for you''. He places a kiss on her forehead. ''I would even give up the crown for you'', he says, kissing her lips, the kiss is short and innocent.
''I know… Just promise me you won't let him influence you too much, I don't wish you to lose yourself in his wickedness and taint your heart with his darkness'', she whispers, closing her eyes as she leans her head on Alkaios' shoulder.
''Of course I wouldn't, didn't I promise you I will be different from them?'' He says with a soft smile. ''I'll be the kind Emperor you taught me to be Angie, and you'll be the greatest Empress the people could ask for, you know that as well, don't you?''
''Yes'', she whispers, taking a deep breath. It's almost hilarious how all of her worries melt away along with Alkaios' touch.
❥
''Ask a maid to take Evangelia to a guest room'', Alkaios says as he leaves the waiting room, his eyes are cold and he grabs the jacket his aide, Xylon, is holding for him, putting the jacket back on as he walks towards his office. It's quite late at night, but he can't take a break for work, especially not now. Next to him Xylon looks more haggard than usual, he's wearing the same clothes since four days ago, only managed to shower twice and didn't go home a single day that week. He was aware of the negative parts of the job when he accepted it, especially since he has known the Crown Prince since they were children, of course he didn't know how… sadistic the man was back then. After all, the Prince wears a mask of kindhearted and sweet when he's in front of others, especially in front of his fiance Evangelia Petit.
When he was made to sign a blood contract on his first day on the job, he should've known that he isn't as kind as he portrays himself to be. Unsure if his display of his real personality in front of Xylon is because of trust in the blood contract or simply because it would be too much of a hassle to hide himself all the time. If a day has 24 hours, Xylon spends 20 with Alkaios, even when the man is in meetings he cannot partake in, he's expected to wait for him outside near the door.
There's no wonder Xylon is unable to even consider having a relationship, even his younger brother whom he adores, said he hasn't seen Xylon in more than a month.
''Investigate the Morke's King's aide, anything even as minor as possible, I want to know'', Alkaios says, opening the door of his office. With his mana the man lit up a few of the candles, but it was not even near enough to light the darkness engulfed room, Xylon at first was unable to even see his documents in such a situation, and lighting another candle or light was forbidden by the Prince. So now, he could put in his resume he's able to read in the dark once he quits being the Crown Prince's aide due to poor work conditions. Will he kill me if I quit? The man wonders, sitting at his desk.
''Did you listen to her highness' conversation again?'' Xylon asks, grabbing the documents in his desk so that he can start his work. Alkaios doesn't even bother looking at his aide, most would consider his question insubordination or crossing a line, however he didn't care much as he already signed a blood contract and he would love being fired.
''Evangelia likes hiding things from me'', he says as if it justifies his behaviour. ''And it is necessary to protect her against her stubbornness''.
''Why don't you do the same to his highness?'' Xylon asks, not really curious.
''Because his magician servants noticed when I did'', Alkaios says, clearly displeased. ''And when I tried earlier to see if that damned man wasn't taking advantage of him, I couldn't hear anything due to that man's insane mana''.
''Well, he is a Saint'', Xylon says, attempting to read the document in front of him, but his vision is blurry due to exhaustion.
''So is mother, but I can still listen in her and father's conversations'', Alkaios sighs, his eyes turning purple due to sleepiness, he hasn't slept in a few days, he's close to his limit, yet he can't sleep now.
''They allow you to, your highness'', Xylon comments, rubbing his eyes and putting on his glasses to see if it'll help, but his vision remains blurry.
''I just can't accept it!'' Alkaios says, tossing the document he was working on aside and turning his chair to stare at the moon. ''Why does Nikias want to run away so badly? And why must he choose him out of everyone out there? There can't be that little gay man across the Empire''.
Xylon wants to laugh, but he keeps his poker face. ''Perhaps he's truly in love?''
Alkaios turns to look at his aide with a face that says he doesn't think so. ''If he was truly in love he wouldn't wait for me and Angie to marry'', he sighs again, scratching the back of his head out of frustration. ''What can I do for those two to split?'' He asks more for himself than to get an answer out of Xylon, so the man remains silent. ''Do you know any good-looking gay nobles?'' He finally asks.
''I do, but even so, I doubt his highness would find them more attractive than the King'', Xylon comments with honesty.
''I would prefer him to become a harlot than to marry to another Kingdom, that far away even'', Alkaios continues his rambling. ''Rainier said I should let him be, but how can I? It's not been long since he was poisoned, imagine what would happen if he's far from me!''
''With all due respect, your highness, but he was poisoned at the Palace, so I do not think he is safer here anyway''. Xylon answers, fixing his deep blue hair in a ponytail as he is attempting to shake the tiredness off.
''If I could just find out who poisoned him…'' Alkaios murmurs.
''If your highness wants to get closer to your brother, maybe you could attempt to understand him better'', Xylon comments, trying to escape work by enticing the Crown Prince into continuing his personal conversation.
''And how could I do that?''
Xylon is about to give suggestions, say that maybe the Prince could invite his brother over for tea and talk with him honestly, or attempt to get close to the Prince's friends slowly, but again, trying to convince a person that is crazy to do something normal, would be just, impossible.
''Maybe you could take me to one of those gay pubs!'' Alkaios says as if his suggestion is the only right answer. I regret telling him I'm gay, Xylon thinks, absolutely exhausted.
''I do not think you should go to those places, your highness, first they would for sure recognize you, and those places are for people interested in hooking up with others, they would certainly think your highness is cheating on Miss Petit'', Xylon speaks as quick as he can before the Crown Prince even dares speaking again, of course he's lying, he goes to the bar every week to just drink, the same with most people that frequent that place, especially since a lot of gay nobles are married to women due to their families requests and social stance.
The Second Prince being engaged to a man is all they talk about lately, even if that wasn't the goal of the man, his actions are making a lot of those who think they didn't have a choice due to their social stance, to rethink it, and some even thinking about requesting divorce to their wives so they can live free to the shackles of their families expectations. Of course, Xylon isn't one of them, he already accepted he'll need to marry someone his parents ask of him, be it a man or a woman, and he will even do his best to have heirs, even if he still has no idea how he'll get it up with someone he doesn't feel attracted to.
But regardless, the Crown Prince going to that place is a bad idea because: 1- Xylon doesn't want his boss in his safe place; 2- If the Crown Prince hears the bullcrap everyone says about him and his fiance he'll probably go mad; And 3- He'll probably need to become some sort of 'gay guide' for the Prince and he certainly doesn't wish to do so.
Alkaios ponders for a moment before sighing. ''Then, why don't you tell me what it is like being gay''.
No thank you.
''Your highness, everyone's experience is different'', Xylon says politely, trying to refuse the Prince's request.
''Then just tell me yours'', Alkaios says, grabbing a blank piece of paper. What is this? A interrogation? Xylon thinks, weighing his options between answering personal questions to his boss or going back to his documents which he is too exhausted to think about.
''What do you want to know?'' Xylon gives in, he can't possibly go through reports on taxes right now.
''When did you realize you were gay?'' His first question was a staple, he was asked this question multiple times across his time going to gay bars and relationships. Even if normally he would answer this question with another one, turning the situation around to avoid this bothersome question, he cannot do this with the Crown Prince.
''I always knew I guess'', Xylon answers, resting his face on his hand, trying not to look at Alkaios. ''When I was five I wanted to marry my dad, and then at 10 I had my first crush on another guy, and from then on it just clicked, you know? I never really questioned why or found it troublesome, I like whom I like and it's not like I'll marry someone for love, so I didn't see the need to fret over things I cannot control''. He takes a deep breath, feeling uncomfortable. ''As I said, people have different experiences, the world is way more acceptant of different sexualities after the previous Emperor approved same-sex marriages, but accepting in a legal stance is different from societal acceptance.''
''Do you think Nikias worries if we accept him?'' Alkaios asks.
Not really, he doesn't look worried about y'all's opinion at all. ''He can worry, sure, but the fact he did those things in public shows he is ready to accept being shunned by his choices''.
''Do your parents know?''
Xylon doesn't want to answer, his heart hurts. ''No''.
''Why?''
''Your highness, my apologies, but can I not answer this?''
Alkaios pauses, ''Xylon, you're my aide, don't you think your social stance is the highest it could be for someone your age?''
Is he trying to appease me? Ha, his eyes don't even flinch, he doesn't give a fuck about me, we're not friends nor we should be having this conversation.
''I'm still the son of a noble, and I still have my responsibilities as such'', Xylon answers. ''If they wish me to marry a woman, I do not have a say in it''.
Alkaios gets up from his chair, leaning on the window, thinking. It's hard to read his expression at all, but he can tell the Prince isn't angry or disappointed about his answer. He's probably simply trying to think about what Xylon has said and how it applies to his situation with his younger brother.
''When did you have your first relationship?'' Alkaios asks after moments in silence, his words are muffled by the sudden gush of wind, but Xylon still hears him.
''15, with Lord Larchier'', his answer desistabilizes Alkaios, who's rarely caught by surprise.
''Nicholas Larchier? Margrave Larchier? Him?'' He's genuinely surprised, his eyes show such clear emotions.
Xylon can't help but laugh at such, as it's his first time seeing his employer flustered. ''Sorry your highness, it's just that I did not expect you to be so surprised'', he says with a soft smile. ''Yes, he was my first relationship, that's why our relationship is a bit… Complicated. He cannot experience empathy, he only dated me out of curiosity''.
''How long?''
''3 years, after we…'', Xylon stops himself, he can't possibly talk about losing his virginity to his boss. He must've felt slightly comfortable after seeing such expression on Alkaios' face, but they're not friends. ''Anyway, we broke up because his curiosity waned. After him I had 2 relationships, but none that lasted as long, and now I'm single as my parents will probably settle my marriage soon''.
''That Margrave certainly only does what piques his interest, huh?'' Alkaios comments, sitting back on his chair. ''Even if your parents wish for you to marry a woman, do you not have anyone you like? You are at the age of it, after all''.
What's with the sudden interest? Xylon sighs. ''Sure, we humans live off connection after all'', he lies, he doesn't have time to meet people, how would he like someone? The only person he sees all day is Alkaios after all, and that man is so disgustingly in love with his fiance that Xylon sees him more as the origin of the money he sends to his family than a man.
''Who?''
''Your highness, can I not have some privacy in this matter?''
''Well, I am merely asking to sate my curiosity, after all, if I can be of help to those around me, I do wish to do so''.
Xylon regrets lying, but he knows the Prince is the type to ask a lot of questions, not because he cares, but knowing people is knowing their weaknesses. People with weaknesses you have a hold of are less likely to betray you after all, you can always hold their hearts hostage to force their hand.
''I do not want such help'', Xylon says, trying to move along.
''Is there a reason why I cannot know?'' Alkaios asks, leaning back, his eyes are shining, per usual, the dark purple tone is mysterious, and Xylon wonders why his eyes are always changing colors, not that he would risk asking, he isn't of an enough social stance to wonder things about the future ruler of the Empire.
''Of course not''.
''Then tell me''.
I don't want to, there isn't anyone to begin with, Xylon wants to yell out of frustration, he could be sleeping right now. He desperately wants to sleep.
''Is it my brother?'' Alkaios assumption is so ridiculous it almost makes the aide want to laugh again. ''I would certainly support you if that's the case''.
''No, your highness'', Xylon sighs, frustrated.
''Rainier?''
''Hell no!'' He almost yells, covering his mouth as he spoke before he could think.
''Well, you don't have access to many nobles as you're always with me'', Alkaios says with a shrug, he is quite quick-witted sometimes. ''Is it me?'' He asks, his presumption is so ridiculous that Xylon can't even answer right away. ''I am devoted to my Angie, so you should probably move on''.
I hate him.
I hate this job.
Fuck, but the pay is so damn good.
''Sure, your highness'', Xylon gives up, it's better for Alkaios to assume his fake crush is on him so this way they can stop this ridiculous conversation.
''What exactly do you like about me? I am your boss after all, I don't think any employer would like the person bossing them around''.
Just let it go, please.
''Your highness, can we move to the documents now? I think we're wasting time, did you not just tell me I should move on?'' He pleads, trying his best to not start crying out of anger and frustration.
''Of course, my apologies, I did not consider your feelings'', when did you ever? ''I am merely curious because although I am aware a lot of noble women are in love with me due to my stance and beauty, I never thought I would be a man's interest as well''.
You're not.
''Miss Petit wouldn't like for you to be engaging in this type of conversation with people that are interested in you'', Xylon says, trying his best to change the subject.
''Evangelia? Well, she did keep leading Rainier on, so I do not see how I couldn't do the same, and I did make clear I am not interested in anyone else but her''.
How could I not know when you stalk her everywhere and even force me to write reports about her actions? You obsessed freak, how could anyone that sees this side of you possibly fall in love?
Well, that woman is just as crazy.
''I see, oh, Duke Barton is scheduled for an inspection next month, how would you like to conduct it?'' Xylon swiftly grabs the first paper he sees, saying whatever he can to move on. He didn't want to work, but right now, he very much would rather to.
''Send Rainier for the inspection with Tove and a few other Knights, and do not allow Evangelia to tag along, she's friends with that annoying man'', Alkaios answers, displeased, but he seems to have moved on, grabbing his own documents again. ''And Xylon, you're already the Count, so don't be scared of telling your parents you do not wish to deny yourself and marry a woman, there are methods to bear an heir even without a womb''.
Xylon flinches, his hands tremble, and he's unable to look at the Prince, his vision blurry again, for a different reason. ''Your highness, I don't have mana''.
Alkaios must've known that, how could he…
''Oh, that's right, my apologies, that was insensitive of me, still, there are other alternatives, you can always adopt''.
Stop, I beg of you.
''The tax report from the Sawdon duchy is late again, should we send another warning?'' Xylon speaks, his voice is trembling along with his hands. He can feel Alkaios' eyes on him, the air suddenly becoming heavier.
''There are a lot of ways to make you speak what you do not wish to'', Alkaios gets up from his chair, approaching Xylon, his eyes are even more intense, the tone of purple in his irises shine bright like the full moon behind him. ''Now, why are you lying to me Xylon Bosch?''
Warmth that doesn't belong to him creeps inside his body, his heart clenches and his hands stop trembling. He blinks and suddenly, Alkaios is back in his chair. Xylon feels dizzy, what just happened? Did he just hallucinate?
Is the lack of sleep getting to me?
''Send a warning to Duke Sawdon and if he doesn't send the tax report in a week send a few Knights for a surprise inspection'', Alkaios says, his voice is serious and he seems upset about something, but Xylon can't quite figure it out what. ''And Xylon, the more we lie to ourselves, the harder it'll get once we're forced to face the truth''.
''You're just as sleep deprived as me, your highness'', Xylon answers with an awkward laugh as he writes down the warning he must send to the duchy.
''Sure, let's say that's the reason why'', Alkaios says. ''Talk with Evangelia, I'll be leaving the wedding planning to you'', his words are cold, Xylon flinches, his heart pounds loudly and his head becomes even dizzier. ''For now, Rainier will assist me with the tax management, he did it for a while anyway''.
''Why me, your highness?'' Xylon asks, he doesn't want to be responsible for this big of an event, and it probably should be something the Empress needs to plan or Evangelia herself.
''Because I don't like liars'', Alkaios says simply. Did he realize I lied about liking someone?
''What could I possibly have lied to your highness?''
Alkaios looks at him in silence for a moment before speaking. ''Xylon, you're good at this job, and the only way for you to quit is to die''.
How did he…
''Of course, your highness, it's an honour to serve the future Emperor'', he lies again, but Alkaios doesn't say anything else.
They work in silence until the sun rises.