Savier's mouth opened slightly, intending to respond. Yet the words seemed to have left him, making it hard for him to formulate any. In the end, silence fell between them for a minute.
Neither made a sound, as if what they talked about were forgotten. Their thoughts were concealed and incomprehensible to the other.
Savier's mood dropped, returning to watch the surroundings they passed. Sir Rylan also finally focused on driving. Nothing seemed weird.
In the first place, this was how they were. Savier should not be feeling this way but... why did he feel like they were back to square one, or became even more distant?
He let out a sigh and closed his eyes. Perhaps, he should stop expecting to get closer to Sir Rylan in this lifetime. Returned to what it used to be, him admiring from afar, aspiring to be like the other.
Yeah, he should do that. Yet, why... was he reluctant this time? Was it because the other alpha was now in his close proximity that getting back to the way it used to be became difficult?
Days passed, and before he knew it, he had spent two months with his new personal guards. And that was the same with Sir Rylan, who always accompanied him.
And nothing changed. They were like before, a crown prince and his royal guard. Savier also became accustomed to it, not trying to get closer anymore.
There were times he got momentarily dazed, but he had long kept himself in check. Although this scene he was seeing... Savier was not yet immune.
On a rare day off where he did not have any classes and only wanted to relax at home, Saviier usually spent it playing games or reading novels online.
He did not have the hobby of socializing, unless it was an official one. He preferred spending time at home, the complete opposite of his twin.
This time, it was slightly different. Savier was not upstairs to play or read, but instead, his attention was focused on the improvised training ground at the villa.
Savier sat casually, his legs spread and leaning on his back, on the makeshift sofa provided to him. His arms were also stretched out lazily. There was also a beach umbrella overhead to shield him from the sun, and at his side was a small table filled with refreshments.
His posture was really like a prodigal young master inspecting his guards' train and being exposed to the sun without any regard for their feelings.
Of course, these guards sought these themselves. Savier did not care about anyone else; his gaze was concentrated on one figure. He felt like returning to those times he sneaked out to watch him train in the palace.
And now, he did not need to hide and watched openly, without others saying something.
Sir Rylan began to spar with another royal guard named Geronimo. The other was way bigger than he was, but it was fascinating how he countered most of his moves. Sir Rylan did not have unnecessary movements; it was swift and fluid and so satisfying to look at.
In fact, his moves also did not appear strong, but they attacked vulnerable spots, causing the other to wince in pain. Throughout the spar, Sir Rylan's expression did not change, but he often said something, perhaps giving lessons while doing so.
Earlier, he already sparred with the other two, and that also ended with complete victory. It did not look spar at all but straight up bullying.
Not one of them managed to land a blow against Sir Rylan. This satisfied Savier, and if he had the opportunity, he was already cheering him on.
Unfortunately, he could not do that.
The others were also watching, but wary of Savier's presence, and were not too chaotic. They also make sure that no one is in the way of his line of sight.
After a few times, it appeared the spar session was coming to an end. The smell of sweat lingered in the air, and pheromones were beginning to seep in through the atmosphere as well, if not for the scent blockers they wore.
Savier frowned slightly, regretful that it was ending. His gaze never left Sir Rylan, who was now drinking water that was given by one of the royal attendants.
The sweat with water dropped from his cheek to his neck and the inside of his sleeveless shirt as it glistened. His Adam's apple moved up and down while drinking. Savier couldn't help but also swallow; his throat dried.
Savier quickly evaded his gaze, fumbling to drink for something himself. Yet, the image of the alpha in his mind continued to flash. As a result, he managed to gulp the contents in the glass in one shot.
Feeling that was enough, Savier put the ice in his mouth and chewed on it like a madman. Damn, was it too hot? Why was he too thirsty all of a sudden?
"Your Highness..."
Savier was snapped out of his thoughts and was startled. He turned his head so quickly that he seemed to hear his neck crack, and he needed to pause, touching his neck.
The royal attendant who had called paled, thinking it was her fault. Before she could apologize, Savier waved his other hand.
"Not your fault. What is it?" His right hand was still massaging his neck as he chewed on the ice in his mouth. His words were still clear despite all that.
The royal attendant bowed and looked at the glass.
"Do you want a refill, Your Highness?"
Ah, so that was it. Savier felt relief. Fortunately, no one noticed him being so weird earlier. Wait, was he?
Savier shook his head. "No. I'm fine."
He was thirsty, but the juice seemed unable to help. Subconsciously, his head turned and glanced ahead of him. Sir Rylan was again the center of attention and surrounded by the guards.
They were asking for advice, it seemed.
But somehow, Savier found such a sight displeasing. He bit on the ice in his mouth hard as it cracked loudly. The royal attendant stiffened and stepped back after bowing, dismissing herself.
The pheromones on him seeped out without him knowing. Savier, being at home, did not need to use scent blockers. Only the guards and the royal attendants were, being still technically at work.
Usually, Savier could control his pheromones well as a dominant alpha. Even without scent blockers, it would be hard to smell his pheromones without him purposely leaking them.
Savier did not know what was going on with him, and he only found himself walking and approaching the crowd of guards, more specifically, Sir Rylan himself.
Was the heat really getting onto his head?
His approach was immediately noticed, and the crowd dispersed slightly, giving way.
"Your Highness?" Sir Rylan called in a confused tone. He then looked at the sun. "It's hot here, Your Highness."
Oh, yeah, I know damn well how hot it is here.
And no, it's not because of the sun.
Savier was not fragile; he did not care shit about being exposed to the sun. Sometimes, he did not know if Sir Rylan thought of him as such. Though he was reluctant to correct it. Being cared for and protected... was not a bad feeling at all.
His gaze swept first with the others before his gaze landed on Sir Rylan again.
"How about sparring with me?"
Shit. His mind blanked out and just let it out whatever.