bookpower Chapter 50 A Prince in Hiding
Chapter 50 A Prince in Hiding
[POV: Zareth El' Leather]
The soft clink of his boots against the stone echoed faintly in the corridor as Zareth followed Caspian.
The mask over his face felt foreign, He adjusted it slightly, muttering under his breath, "I still don't get why I'm wearing this."
"Just trust me," Caspian said over his shoulder.
Zareth frowned, his emerald eyes narrowing behind the mask.
Trust wasn't something he gave freely, especially to a human.
And yet, here he was, trailing behind this cocky stranger who carried himself with an air of unpredictability.
Why am I following him?
The thought lingered as they rounded another corner, the dimly lit corridor stretching endlessly before them.
For someone like Zareth—an elf who valued caution and calculated choices—this was an uncharacteristic risk.
But there was something about Caspian.
A quiet assurance in the way he moved, in the way he spoke, as though he already knew the outcome of every choice he made. It was irritating, yes, but also... compelling
Caspian had mentioned his "blessing trait" offhandedly, like it was no big deal.
A trait that guided him toward opportunities, dangers, and, apparently, at hidden pond which Zareth had read in a ancient book of royal library.
Zareth had dismissed it as bravado at first, another layer to Caspian's irritatingly confident persona.
Elves had a keen sense of energy, and Caspian carried something... unusual.
It wasn't magic, at least not in the traditional sense.
It was subtler, more intrinsic, like the quiet hum of the forest just before dawn.
Zareth had wanted to ignore it, to walk away and dismiss the human as a reckless fool.
But something kept him rooted.
Perhaps it was the way Caspian didn't ask for trust—he acted as though he already had it.
As though he understood Zareth's need for direction better than Zareth himself did.
And maybe... he wasn't entirely wrong.
.
As they walked, Zareth studied the human ahead of him.
Caspian's posture was relaxed, his hands stuffed casually into his pockets.
"So," Zareth finally broke the silence,"what exactly is this place we're going to?"
Caspian glanced back, "It's a safe house. Human Association property. A good place to lay low."
"Human Association?" Zareth said.
"Relax," Caspian said, waving a hand as if to dismiss the concern entirely.
"They won't bother you. Just keep your mask on, stay quiet, and you'll be fine. You'll live hidden in my room."
Zareth's frown deepened.
The idea of relying on a human organization for safety rubbed him the wrong way.
But with nowhere else to go and the weight of his circumstances pressing down on him, he swallowed his doubts—for now.
...
The room they entered was modest but clean.
A small bed was tucked into one corner, its sheets neatly folded.
A desk and chair stood against the opposite wall, and a large glass window overlooked the quiet street below.
"You moved that piece when I wasn't looking! Admit it!" Zareth said.
Ed let out a dramatic sigh, waving a hand dismissively.
"This is such a common trait among your age group. You lose, and suddenly, the game's rigged." Ed said.
Zareth glared at him, his frustration palpable. "You're infuriating, you know that?"
"Frequently told," Ed replied smoothly, crossing his arms and leaning further into the chair as if he owned the place.
For a moment, the room was filled with a tense silence, the only sound the faint creak of the chair as Zareth leaned forward.
Then, out of nowhere, the elf burst into laughter, the tension dissolving like smoke.
"You're so damn annoying," Zareth said, shaking his head.
"Likewise" Ed said.
Zareth rolled his eyes but leaned back in his seat, his earlier anger fading. "You're a good guy, though. Even if you're a pain in the ass."
Ed raised an eyebrow, his grin faltering just a little. "Is that so?"
For a moment ed just stared at Zareth, his usual cocky demeanor slipping as something softer flickered across his face.
Then he snorted, leaning forward with a playful grin.
"You're just saying that because I'm winning." Ed said.
"Winning by cheating," Zareth shot back.
As the conversation lulled and Zareth busied himself resetting the game, Ed leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.
This kid really thinks I'm a good guy, he thought.
If only he knew how annoying and cringe he is.
He glanced at Zareth, who was muttering something about "fair rules" as he adjusted the game pieces.
Still... he's not entirely wrong, Ed admitted to himself. I didn't leave him behind, and it's not just because I'm such a "nice guy."
Ed's fingers tapped against the armrest as his mind began to churn.
If I went back to the human continent now, I'd have nowhere to go.
It's dangerous there.
The people who tried to kill me might still be waiting.
And let's face it—wandering around aimlessly isn't exactly a winning strategy.
His gaze lingered on Zareth for a moment longer.
This kid, though... he's different. If I stick around him, there's a chance to secure something more.
When the elven king finally passes that law against the old faction, Zareth's position will skyrocket.
And if I've played my cards right, I'll be standing next to him, as his trusted "friend."
Ed smirked at the thought, though there was no malice in it.
Not a bad plan.
I save his life, earn his trust, and when the time comes, I'm right there in the royal palace with all the benefits that come with it.
His smirk faded slightly as another thought crept in.
Still... He glanced at Zareth again, watching the elf's focused expression as he lined up the pieces on the board.
Maybe this isn't just about survival.
Maybe, somewhere in this mess, I actually like the guy. Just a little.
Ed shook his head, his grin returning as he leaned forward and tapped the table to get Zareth's attention.
"Alright, kid," he said. "Let's play fair this time."