Adrian adjusted the hood of his cloak and glanced around the quiet palace hall. Most of the guards had already changed shifts, and the servants were retiring for the evening. He could feel his heart race in his chest.
It wasn't the first time he had done this—sneaking out had become almost a habit—but the thrill of escaping never got old. He took a deep breath, tiptoed past the last corner, and slipped through the side gate that led into the city streets.
"Easy," he whispered to himself, exhaling relief as the cold night air brushed against his face.
Once he was far enough from the palace, Adrian let out a small laugh. His guildmates didn't know who he truly was, and he preferred it that way. To them, he was simply Aiden, another boy with curiosity and dreams.
The city was alive even in the late hours. Merchants shouted last calls, kids chased each other with sticks, and the smell of roasted meat drifted from food stalls. Adrian pulled his hood lower and moved quickly through the streets.
He knew exactly where to go—the small tavern where his guildmates usually gathered.
Inside the tavern, the atmosphere was warm and noisy. Adventurers sat around wooden tables, laughing loudly over mugs of ale, and the crackling fireplace filled the air with heat. Adrian spotted them immediately at their usual corner.
Lio was sitting with his feet up on the table, smirking as always. His blonde hair caught the light from the fire, and his eyes darted around the room, sharp and restless. Beside him sat Mira, leaning against her chair with a calm, thoughtful expression, sipping tea instead of ale. Tomas, the tallest of the three, was already halfway through a plate of food, his big hands clutching the utensils with enthusiasm.
Adrian felt a grin tug at his lips.
"Hey!" he called, slipping into their corner.
"Aiden!" Lio's voice boomed across the tavern as he kicked his chair down and jumped up. He slapped Adrian's back hard enough to make him cough. "About time you showed up! Thought you ditched us for some fancy friends."
Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "What, and miss this? Never."
Mira looked at him with her usual calm smile. "We were just betting if you'd actually come tonight. Lio owes me five copper now."
Lio groaned and dropped back into his chair. "Why do I always lose to you, Mira?"
"Because I know Aiden better than you," she replied, smirking over her cup.
Tomas barely lifted his head from his plate. "Good thing you came," he mumbled through a mouthful. "I ordered extra food. Figured you'd be hungry."
Adrian's heart warmed. For a moment, it was easy to forget the heavy expectations of the palace, the lessons, the advisors, and his father's watchful eyes. Here, no one cared about crowns or titles. Here, he was just Aiden.
"So," Lio leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "What's the excuse this time? Got lost in a library? Fell asleep in some boring noble's lecture?"
Adrian laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Something like that."
"Figures." Lio grinned, tossing a peanut at him. "You've got that bookworm look again. Don't tell me you brought homework."
Mira rolled her eyes. "Not everything's about fighting or eating, Lio. Some of us actually learn things." She glanced at Adrian knowingly. "What have you been studying?"
Adrian hesitated for a second, but answered honestly, "Magic theory. And… beasts."
"Beasts?" Tomas finally looked up, interest flickering in his eyes. "Like spirit beasts?"
Adrian nodded. "Something like that."
Lio snorted. "You and your strange hobbies. One day, you're going to summon some tiny rabbit and call it a mighty companion."
Mira gave him a sharp look. "Don't tease. If Aiden's studying it, there's a reason." She turned back to Adrian. "You're planning something, aren't you?"
Adrian smiled faintly. Mira was always sharp. "Maybe."
They spent the next hour talking and laughing. Lio bragged about how he had outsmarted a merchant into giving him double change. Mira calmly explained how she had seen through Lio's lie before he even finished telling it. Tomas ate so much that even the tavern keeper shook his head in disbelief.
Adrian joined their banter, laughing so hard his stomach hurt. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so free.
Eventually, Lio leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "So, Aiden… when are you finally going to join us on a real quest?"
Adrian blinked. "Quest?"
"Yeah!" Tomas slammed his fist on the table, making the mugs shake. "We're planning to take a small guild request next week. Escorting a caravan. Easy money, good practice."
Mira added, "It's nothing too dangerous. Perfect for someone like you."
Adrian hesitated. His heart leapt at the idea—adventure, freedom, being part of their world instead of watching from the shadows. But at the same time, he knew the risk. If his father ever found out…
Lio leaned closer, narrowing his eyes. "Don't tell me you're scared?"
Adrian shook his head quickly. "No, I'm not scared."
"Then it's settled," Lio said with a grin. "Next week, you're with us."
Mira's eyes softened as she looked at Adrian. "Only if you want to. Don't let Lio bully you into it."
Adrian smiled. "I'll think about it."
The night wore on, and laughter filled their little corner. Adrian felt something he couldn't put into words—warmth, belonging, a piece of life he never had in the palace.
When he finally stood to leave, Mira noticed first. "Leaving already?"
Adrian nodded. "It's late. I… have somewhere I need to be."
Lio scoffed. "Somewhere? You mean home. Don't worry, we'll cover for you." He winked. "We always do."
Tomas raised a hand lazily. "See you soon, Aiden."
Mira's voice was gentle but firm. "Be careful on the way back."
Adrian's chest tightened at their words. He pulled his hood up again, hiding his face.
"Thanks, guys. Really," he said quietly.
As he walked out of the tavern into the cool night air, Adrian's smile lingered. For once, he wasn't a prince with responsibilities. He was just Aiden—one of them.
And he knew, no matter what, that feeling was something he would protect.