Chương 44: The butterfly effects of small wins

Shatter, shatter and more shatter.

That was all that seemingly happened when he wasn't anywhere near the servants, guards or even cooks.

"Your highness, I have a form for you to fill.''

Even while calling in the messenger he silently listened to the conversation between the girl servant and another, as they whispered not so discreetly. Giggles accompanying their hushed conversation.

''It's about a disturbance in the southern parts of the kingdom."

Even with those gossiping servants, all he did was intend meetings and take the lead in big decision for the ashton dynasty. He was in luck that even when young Acacius was knowledgeable.

He had just finished his seventh year and a sigh as heavy as the moon dragged itself out from his rose coloured lips.

''Continue.''

Ah yes.''

Adrian wondered if it would be like a video, restarting his paused life. Would he be able to pause and start, enjoying messing with it and playing with it, letting his desires and whims win himself over?

It was a shame he could not, he had already asked.

How awesome would it have been to walk through rows and rows of frozen people in time...alas it was never meant to be.

Humming a low chuckle, he pretended to not notice the messenger startle, no doubt relieving as he just continued. More then well aware that he didn't listen.

The question that now dominated his thoughts was the fact that his life as Adrian could be paused as soon as he whisked away to another world, yet it wasn't possible when he was inside his body?

That was one thing, the other was the blinking in and out silver part of Aethelstan of their bond. Usually it shone ever so brightly but it was barely there, present yet always out of the touch.

More questions and more lack of answers.

Logically the bond had manifested both in his core as in his soul so it would make sense it followed him, the thing that shouldn't have been possible was the part where there was still some kind of reaction.

As if, at any moment, Aethelstan would open the door and admonish him for something silly once again.

Moments fleeting and usually unwanted, was now something he missed, not much but the familiarity was something he wanted to ruch back home for.

The chuckle had long since been replaced with bottomless eyes, sadness radiating even if it wasn't visible in his facial expression.

It wasn't difficult to make the surroundings feel sad as he lazily watched out the window and Adrian was sure the messenger would blab to the first listening ears he could find. Wich just so happened to be the male servant that kept his eyes on him way too long and gauged for information with honest words.

Adrian was actually dreading the night, not only did he have to visit the empress unprepared, he simply did not have an urge to continue the memories of Acacius.

The owner of this body had actually lived a though life and as he actually also was living through it he more then understood why Acacius would take revenge on his brother.

Beginning was happy just like any other story yet everything had turned sour and tasteless way too quickly. The moment his parents had suddenly died was the moment he was pushed on a pedestal as crown prince.

His own brother was the one who pushed him harder and harder, one lesson after the other.

He was such a hypocrite, mother and father went easy on him but no Acacious had to learn etiquette, diplomacy, languages, horsemanship, hunting, dancing, music...Adrian could go one.

Each and every had to executed to perfectioned and followed year after year.

He could feel the mental exhaustion from the young boy, a year he lived in a night.

Adrian was tired as he messaged between his eyebrows, the memories a heavy toll as the young boy was overwhelmed in them, heart pounding in the cage of his ribs. Even heavier when he felt their emotion mixing, technically he was Acacius now to, not completely yet but he lived that part with the boy.

At six he was also brought away to the military academy, the training from dawn to dusk left him crying and then he had to train again from dusk till dawn.

It was so harsh!

Harsh reality for the child Acacius was, one that endured harsh training combined with physical tormentation.

But Aliya just called it ''Education suiting for a child that is the crown prince. Even if Sophie where to bare an heir.'' Adrian could still recall the loving way he said and it left him with disgust.

That was that for sadness, it was after all no good to show to much, time for some anger.

{You switch so fast, master.}

With bulging eyes and curled lip he snarled for the messenger to get out, the moment Adrian decided it took too long, he all but swiped everything from his desk and screamed.

''GET OUTT!!!''

{It wouldn't be believable if there where only relatively good things circulating around.}

{That poor messenger.}

The messenger had vanished with a quick bow, avoiding all eye contact as beads of sweat rolled down his neck.

He left with such a haste that the door hadn't closed properly as the boy servant glowered at him.

Yet Adrian wasn't supposed to see that, the only reason why he did was because he had the system monitoring the boy and it just so happens that the boy could see him very well in that position.

{Really master?}

{Ofcourse, the messenger didn't tell him yet and probably won't as I may have overreacted but if the boy has a reason to suspect something, then who do you think he will go to first?

The messenger ofcourse!}

Frowning he tugged on his lower lip, body leaning back on the desk as he cupped his face in his hands.

Before realizing with widening eyes his own weakness and slapping himself across the face, seemingly returning back to his stoic self.

A twisted cowl once more adorning his face, eyes turning emotionless and cold.

{Clap, clap, clap!

Nice, such acting.}

{And now the finish.}

His coat dragged on the floor as he took it off and threw it on the desk he was sitting at just minutes ago.

Unsheathing his twin dagger he twirled them and with a dejected face hid town in a secret compartment, taking out the ones in his boots he placed them in the same place.

The boy was staring with narrowed eyes, pursing his lips Adrian pulled the last two from his forearms, closing the hidden compartment with a gulp and with gritted teeth he dressed again, snarling as he left his study, dismissing the open door with a glance.

''Stay put, I'm off to visit the empress.

Don't bother me!"

With a respectful bow they watched as he left....all but one.

{Is he following?}

{Yes.}

{How perfect!}