The Journey - Part 2

After Leiyu and Prince Thallios left the cave, they traveled through the wilderness for an entire day. Eventually they found a dirt road snaking through the fields and followed it. As the sky darkened to dusk, Leiyu spotted a thin column of curling smoke in the distance. He narrowed his eyes and discerned a two-story building. They rode up to it. The building had mudbrick walls and faded script painted over the doorway.

“Can you read that, Your Highness?” Leiyu asked.

“It looks like an inn,” Prince Thallios replied.

“Would you like to rest there for the night, Your Highness? It might be better than trying to find another cave or sleeping in the woods.”

“Sure, I would like that.”

They dismounted from their horses, and tied the reins to the wooden post in front of the building. As they approached the door, Leiyu turned and paused. He stared at the ruby ornament on Prince Thallios’ head.

“Wait,” said Leiyu.

“Hm?”

“Forgive me, Your Highness,” Leiyu said as he reached over and pulled Prince Thallios’ hood over his head. “You should cover this up since it might attract too much attention.”

Prince Thallios gave him a look but said nothing. Leiyu pushed open the door. There was a roaring fireplace off to the side, and colorful rugs surrounding the hearth. Three long wooden tables stood in the common area. A stairwell near the door led up to the second floor. At the back of the room was a man sitting behind a desk. His face was buried in his arms and he was snoring softly. Leiyu figured that this must be the innkeeper.

“Hello?” Leiyu called out.

The innkeeper lifted his head and yawned. He was an elderly man with a doppi hat and a gray wiry beard. After rubbing his eyes, he looked at Leiyu and addressed him in lethargic Sargeshi. “Welcome…”

The innkeeper then looked at Prince Thallios. Although the prince was wearing a hood, his face was still visible. The innkeeper narrowed his eyes. “A woman? We don’t get those too often around here…”

Prince Thallios’ eyes widened.

“Sir,” the innkeeper said to Leiyu, “this woman is…?”

“She’s…” Leiyu began.

The innkeeper continued staring at them.

“She’s my wife,” Leiyu said.

Prince Thallios’ eyes became even wider and his cheeks flushed.

“Ah, forgive my rudeness,” the innkeeper said. “Will you be staying the night?”

“Yes,” Leiyu replied.

“All right.” The innkeeper opened a desk drawer and fumbled around until he found a metal object. “Here’s the key. First room upstairs.” He reached to the side and picked up a cloth bundle from a basket. “Kitchen is closed but here is some wrapped-up flatbread if you’re hungry.” He laid down the key and bread bundle on the desk. Then he reached to the shelf behind him and picked up a candle lamp. He took out a matchstick from the drawer, struck it, and lit the candle. “Here’s a light for your room.”

Leiyu went over to retrieve the items. “Thank you.” He returned to Prince Thallios and gave him the bundle. They made their way to the stairwell and slowly walked upstairs.

Once they reached the top, Leiyu unlocked the first room. The door creaked as he pushed it inwards. They both went inside, and Leiyu set down the candle lamp on a small table at the center of the room. He then walked back to the door and locked it. When he turned around, he saw the prince standing near the table, glaring at him.

“I’m your wife?!” Prince Thallios said.

Leiyu winced. “Ah, forgive me, Your Highness. The innkeeper already mistook you for a woman so I had to play along with it. Besides, better to let him think you are my wife rather than a…um…I don’t want to say it because it’s not polite…”

Prince Thallios’ face turned red, and he coughed a few times. “Yes, yes, I get the picture, no need to continue.” He sat down on the floor in a huff.

I hope he doesn’t stay upset for too long, Leiyu thought.

After regaining his composure, Prince Thallios unwrapped the flatbread and tore it in half. He held up one of the halves and looked at Leiyu.

He still looks annoyed, but not as much as before, Leiyu thought. He reached out, took the flatbread, and sat down. They both ate without saying a word.

***

Later that night, Prince Thallios peered at the moon through the window at the back of the room. “Leiyu?”

“Your Highness?”

Prince Thallios turned to look at him. “Will I really be hunted down?”

Leiyu did not know whether it would be a good idea to say anything. He shrugged.

Prince Thallios pulled the curtain over the window. He walked over to sit down on the floor next to Leiyu, and drew his knees close to his chest. Wrapping his arms around his legs and resting his chin on his knees, he murmured, “My father must have made a lot of enemies…”

“Your Highness, please do not worry," Leiyu said. "I swore to protect you no matter what.”

Prince Thallios turned to him and smiled. “It’s getting late.” He looked over the room and his expression suddenly changed. “Oh…”

“Something wrong, Your Highness?”

“There is only one bed…”

“Oh!” Leiyu’s face turned red. “You can have it, Your Highness. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

Prince Thallios turned to Leiyu and gave him an inexplicable expression. An awkward silence permeated the air. Leiyu was not sure whether he should maintain eye contact or look away.

“Thank you,” the prince finally said. He walked over to the bed and pulled the blanket aside. As he sat down, the mattress dipped down and the bed frame creaked. He removed his boots and placed them neatly by the side of the bed. Finally, he removed his hair ornament, and his long auburn hair cascaded downward.

Leiyu stared at Prince Thallios from his seated position on the floor. It was his first time seeing the prince with his hair down. A strange stirring fluttered in his chest. He shifted his gaze to the candle lamp on the table to distract himself.

“Good night, Leiyu,” said Prince Thallios, pulling the blanket over himself as he lay down on the bed.

“Good night, Your Highness.” Leiyu blew out the candle and settled onto the hard wooden floor.