Mysterious Encounter

Ailen felt like he's underwater.

The sound of the cold wind, chattering, music, everything was muffled. His mind cavorted, his heart skipped one and two beats.

The air inside his lungs abruptly sucked out when his gaze fell onto those gorgeous amber eyes that shone under the moonlight. He has messy raven-colored hair with a wispy overgrown fringe that nearly covered his bright, feline-like eyes that made Ailen's heart stuttered—like he's holding the secrets of the universe within them.

"Cat got your tongue?"

Ailen blinked rapidly, snapping out of his dazed state.

The elder male reclined his back on the railings, a glass of wine on his other hand as he smirked down at the white-haired boy.

"N-No," Ailen wanted to slap himself for stuttering. "Uh, sorry. I thought there's no one here,"

"Ah, do you mind if I keep you company then?"

Ailen only nodded timidly before taking a couple of steps forward onto the railings that are significantly taller than him. Ailen inhaled the cool air, feeling tranquility leisurely surging into his lungs— like a river.

"It's sure is unexpected," The stranger started to fill in the comfortable silence. Ailen glanced at those amber eyes that didn't leave his own. "To hear the Crown Prince woke up from his slumber,"

Ailen gave a lopsided smile before looking back at the starry sky. "Yeah. I can't believe it myself,"

'Can't believe I woke up in someone else's body,' Ailen thought bitterly.

"His Majesty The Emperor already selected an heir while you're sleeping. I can guess you think everyone in Vyre is against you. Which is not correct,"

Ailen raised one of his eyebrows. "What?"

The stranger chuckled airly. "Pardon my manners. My name is El. I apologize for my rambling. Especially towards someone so important, but I wish to ease your mind, Your Highness,"

The stranger, who's known as El, smiled fondly toward Ailen. He took a sip of his wine.

"Could you elaborate, sir El?"

"Just call me El. And yes, I shall," El nodded, his raven locks fell onto his eyebrows. "The people of Vyre prayed for your health ever since you were born. They're anxious every day, already guessing your health wouldn't recover. It was The Emperor who announced that he would select an heir. The Duke's son, Nicolas. The people were hesitant at first, but they didn't have a choice. They don't have the power to wake you up, Your Highness,"

El's words soothed Ailen thoroughly. Ailen hummed happily, smiling at El, who's mirroring his look.

"I see. Then, do you know my enemies?"

"Of course," El shrugged, taking another sip. "You already found an enemy who is closer than you think. Time for you to figure out the rest of them,"

The Emperor.

The rest? Unknown. But Ailen could guess a couple. The Duke and his family. Ailen hummed again.

"You seemed to know a lot of things, El. Do you always talk with others like this?"

"Absolutely not," El's chuckle made Ailen's stomach swooped. "Your Highness, I know we just met, but this isn't the first time I met you. I've met you before, a couple of times,"

"Really? When?"

The raven-haired male didn't reply. He merely smiled mysteriously at Ailen.

"We'll meet again soon, Your Highness. It would be best if you headed back inside. Your faithful maids were looking for you,"

"My mai—"

"Your Highness! There you are!"

Before Ailen could finish his sentence, Meredith and Irma walked through the glass doors and head toward Ailen on the balcony. Ailen blinked at them, then whipped his head toward El.

Which, was nowhere to be found.