Chương 7: New Home*
Author's Note:
I appreciate everyone who has spent the time to read this novel. I'm posting this extra chapter for you all. I hope you enjoy <3
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The base was a much more organized and clean than he'd thought. Compared to the wooden buildings in the capital of Ybowen, the stone buildings here seem much more modern.
To be fair, he was just grateful to have a safe place to sleep again. The lock on the door was just an additional bonus.
The stopped at the ended of a long alleyway and Rebecca inserted the key to unlock the door to a room, "These are really shitty living quarters. I'll see what I can do about getting you moved to a new place once they clear out."
"Don't worry, really. It's fine." Better than anything he deserved.
"You say that, but once you actually see the inside…" She opened the door.
Adren swept his gaze through the room, which took less than a second. "Well, it's not the palace I grew up in. But hey, it is better than the sewers I slept in for the past few years. If there aren't any rats and the toilet works, I swear I'm in heaven."
Not believing his banter she hand him the keys. "This first one is for the front door, and the second is for the back door.
Adren stiffened as his fingers brushed hers as she passed him the keys. It had been a long time since he had physical contact with anyone other than an assassin or enforcer after his life.
He had never had any relationship with anyone before he was hunted. But he knew that even the gods wouldn't allow him a female as beautiful or accomplished as Rebecca in his arms. Someone too kind and tender.
Her blonde hair shined, even in the darkness of the room, asking to be touched. It was breathtaking… Even the princess of the empires couldn't compare, but to be fair she was a fallen princess.
"Thanks," he stuttered, taking a step back.
She gently pulled him to a stop. Smiling, she reached up and brushed his messy hair.
Adren stood with his eyes closed, savoring the tenderness for the moment. It probably meant nothing to her, but to him, it meant the world, and it sent chills all over his body. A life of solitude truly puts a number on one's soul.
Her gaze went to his pupils when he opened his eyes. She studied them for a bit before she spoke, "Do you still use Xymie?"
Adren chuckled bitterly when he realized what she'd been doing. Xymie was a drug banned in every empire across Yasson. It was a drug that was known to cause neurological damage and vision problems. His encounter with the drug might not have caused any major neuro damage, but caused his pupils to permanently enlarge, making him extremely sensitive to light, something that was easily detectable to those with an educated eye.
"Was never on it, a bad encounter with a drug trafficker when I was still still in Ybowen. One of my cousins sent him to 'experiment' on me."
Rebecca should imagine a family like that. A family that would go out of their way to stab one another in the back. Her family, while they fought sometimes, at the end of the day they would still always have one another's back.
"How old were you?"
Adren let out another bitter laugh, "Around twelve. Eren sent them after me in one of his attempts to get me out of the picture for the throne. The same Eren that is currently sitting at the throne at the moment. After news came out, no one would take me as a partner, they were all disgusted by me. It was only during my time on the run that I finally understood. Life is just a cycle of pain and it hates everyone equally.
"Yes, but sometimes it surprises you."
"Yeah, he muttered, "But never is a good way."
"Never say never."
"Never," he said stubbornly.
To prove her point, Rebecca went on her tippy toes and pulled his head down to kiss his lips.
Adren growled at the unexpected sensation of her tongue curled against his. It was his first kiss that he'd ever received. Unable to fathom it, he was completely stunned.
"Like I said, never say never," She nipped his chin before walking off seductively.
Adren bit his lip, imagining what it would be like to actually love a woman like her.
Don't even think about it.
No woman would ever want a useless used piece of shit like you.
He couldn't help it. All he ever wanted was a single loving hand to hold him.
Sigh
The single goal he could never achieve, at least not after everything that happened. He locked the door and turned around to inspect his new home.
He shrugged his coat and scarf off and placed them on a little wooden table that seemed like it would break under their weight. To its side was a bed that was a size too small for a man of his stature.
Being over six foot three, if he was to sleep on that bed, his feet would hang out from the back.
The bathroom was the only defining aspect of the place. It had a small toilet and sink. In addition in the corner was a shower stall that seemed to be in working order.
Definitely better than any hostel, he stayed at over the years.
There he was in constant fear of an assassin breaking into him room to kill him. There was never a truly peaceful night.
Shaking his head, he pushed aside the thought.
"I need to get some fresh air."
Leaving his new home, Adren followed the alley back to the harbor where he found a Kylmia member. "Where's the bar?"
The member glanced at him in distaste before giving him directions. Seeing that he had yet to be integrated and was practically an outsider, it was quite normal.
Thanking him, Adren headed towards the bar, hoping to drown his demons.
The bar seemed to be a common destination for those who came to the base. Crowded with people from all over Yasson, it was definitely a good place for someone who didn't want to noticed.
Adren made his way through the crowd until he got to the back and ordered a cheap bottle of Hell's Flame, he never got to drink it back at the tavern.
Not wanting to go back to his new home with the voices in his head, he decided to stay and wait for a table to open up.
With his back against the wall he took small sips of the drink before a short brown skinned man approached him.
"You come with a crew?"
"Maybe"
"Kylmia?"
Adren hesitated for a second before responding, "No." The Kylmia were extremely strict with membership. Anyone who attempted to pass off as one of them would consider their lives forfeit.
He looked up at his neck, which left physical evidence of long drug abuse was plain to see. Rufflan, a common bar drug that increases sensitivity, something he had been on in his younger days to get through the day.
"You interested in some Rufflan?"
It had been five years since he had been on Rufflan, not something he needed. "It's fine, this is all I need." Tipping his bottle towards him.
"What about a companion for the night?" With a snap of his fingers, an extremely attractive brunette walked over.
Adren could feel the blood rush from his brain to his groin. He had always thought of getting a prostitute to get rid of his thirst. But then again he still had a sense of pride and dignity.
"Sorry, love. You're beautiful, but I'm not looking for anyone tonight."
The short brown man tsked, "If you need anything, I here. Just asked for Kil."
Adren raised his bottle to the short man in salute before going back to his drink.
"I have to say, I'm impressed. Now please explain to me. What is a Silverguard prince doing at my base?" The deeply accented voice spoke while pressing a knife over his neck.
Shit! My weapons are in my coat back at my new home.
How did this bastard even sneak up on me!
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