Butterfly Prince Read online

  “Huh?”

  “I don’t mind showing Kael around.” Aiden offers with that charming smile of his, the one that makes his lips thin out and curl up on one end. “I don’t know…”

  “Trust me.” Aiden eases his hand out of hers and steps next to Kael. Kael’s eyes widen as he catches a whiff of Aiden’s cologne—he smelled like coconuts. “I’ll show this guy around the whooole place before the day is done.” He slips a hand around Kael’s shoulders and pulls him into his side. “I might have to knock a few inches off of him.” He says ruffling Kael’s dark hair with his fingers. “Why? Because I’m taller than you?” Kael bites back, now over his shock of being complimented so suddenly by a guy. Aiden takes a step back, surprised by Kael’s sudden spice. “Well,” He draws out the ‘ell’ with a drag of his tongue across his lips. “You can talk.”

  “But, not as much as you can.” Kael states pushing him away. “Wow.” Aiden chuckles, habitually running a hand through his hair. “Don’t worry,” Aiden says refocusing his attention back on Jenna. “I’ll take care of him.” She opens her lips to say something, but Aiden cuts her off by planting a kiss to her cheek. “Don’t worry.” He squeezes her shoulder and faces Kael with a crooked grin. “Shall we get started then?”

  “Be my guest.” Kael gestures ahead of him and their gazes linger on one another. Aiden stares into Kael’s eyes for a moment before turning away with a smirk.

  Aiden didn’t waste any time in quickly showing Kael around the campus. They walk the halls, turning corner after corner and Kael quickly discovers that Aiden animated everything he talked about. Kael watches him with an amused gaze. “You really can talk.” Is all he says as they come to a stop near what looked to be a gymnasium. Aiden shrugs. “It seems that way since I’m the only one doing the talking.” He says this flashing Kael a look that read “you know what I’m getting at.” “So you’re saying I should talk?” Kael questions pointing a finger to himself dubiously. “It’d be nice if you would.” Aiden replies and Kael laughs; Aiden peeks at him from the corner of his eyes. “You have a contagious laugh.” He murmurs catching Kael’s gaze before listing off reasons on why the gymnasium was there. “Do you just say whatever’s on your mind?” Kael asks. “Sometimes I do, other times I don’t. It depends on the person.” He looks towards Kael with a gentle smile. Kael stares at him, trying to decipher his personality. What type of person was he? Why did he choose to be this way? “How about you, Kael?” He shrugs and looks towards where they had just came. “I don’t speak much…”

  “You should, your voice is alluring.” Kael raises an eyebrow and tilts his head in a cat-like manner. “Why…so many compliments?” Aiden’s eyes widen. “Does it seem that way?” He asks purely surprised. “Uhmm, yeah.” He laughs. “Jenna says I should quit doing that other-wise people will think I‘m flirting.”

  “So are you?” The words escape his lips before he could stop them and shove them down his throat. He didn’t know why he regretted asking such a question. It’s just curiosity right? It doesn’t seem like I’m coming onto him or anything? Kael chews on his bottom lip cursing his parents for isolating him for so long. “Am I…flirting with you?” Aiden asks the question, leaning forward to peer into Kael’s eyes. “You?” Aiden repeats, pointing a finger towards Kael. “Ya know what, forget that I asked….” Kael pushes past him trying to shake what just happened out of his mind. Aiden stood back, hands placed in his pockets as he wore a smug smile. “Where are you going?” He calls to Kael, who was swiftly walking away. “The bathroom.”

  “Do you even know where it is?” Kael stutters in his steps and comes to a slow. “Thought so.” Aiden jogs to catch up to him and slaps a hand to his back. Kael jolts and turns sharply to glare at him. “Sorry, did that hurt?” He didn’t ask with concern, but rather amusement and mock concern. “Shut-up.” Kael shoves him away, struggling to suppress the blush that was about to erupt across his cheeks. “Answering your question…”

  “I said forget it.” They walk down the hall approaching the bathrooms. “What? You asked so I may as well answer.” Aiden was smiling, his teeth showing behind his lips. “Was I flirting with you?” Kael tugs the bathroom door open trying his hardest to ignore Aiden’s pestering. “I don’t know the answer to that question, maybe I was.” He says in a sing-song voice; Kael slips into one of the stalls, but Aiden follows after him. “You’re a guy, I’m a guy, but hey.” Kael makes a show of ripping and crumpling the tissue, trying his best to signal to Aiden, to leave. “I have a girlfriend though so…” Kael flushes the toilet and yanks the door open. Aiden falls into his arms with wide eyes. “Just shut-up, okay?” He holds him for a moment before pushing him away. Aiden blinks—a bit dazed—and then spins around. “Wait up!” Kael doesn’t bother washing his hands, he walks out of the bathroom, Aiden hot on his heels. Kael wondered for a minute why he had looked at Aiden in that way when he didn’t even give Jenna a second glance. “I’m too old for this.” He grumbles, but yet he had an excuse because first loves and high-school crushes was something he hadn’t experienced. Aiden jogs up to him and gently strokes his back. “Don’t go running off on your own.”

  “I won’t get lost.”

  “Actually you will.” Kael makes a face and says under his breath. “I’ve dealt with places bigger than this.” Aiden snorts, his nose wrinkling around the edges. “Really?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Let me guess, have you been to a castle or palace of some sort?” Kael knew that he was joking yet he couldn’t stop himself from getting defensive. “What? Do you have something against those types of places?” Aiden stops walking and something cold flickers in his gaze. “Big, flashy places that hold flashy people annoy me.” Kael takes a step away from Aiden, his mind growing distant. Kael didn’t want to ask why because he already knew. His family had a history of ordering people to work beneath them. A history of bloodshed and dark dealings. The air stills and their chatter dies away. Maybe it wasn’t his family that Aiden was talking about, but Kael could perceive that Aiden had a dark and disturbing history with royalty.

  They turn a corner and stumble into a few girls, one of them bumping straight into Kael. He stumbles back holding her by her shoulders. “Oh! I am so sorry!” She exclaims feeling him up and down. “It’s alright.” He smiles meekly, gently pushing her back. Aiden watches unamused. With a sigh he walks up to the girl and flicks her against her forehead. “What did I tell you?”

  “A-Aiden!?” He yanks her hand from behind her back revealing Kael’s cellphone. “Stop stealing.” He demands, gripping her wrist and handing Kael’s phone back to him. “Go on!” He shouts, raising his fingers as though he were going to pluck her again. The duo of girls flinch and hurry away. “Did she just…?” Kael asks looking down at his phone in his hand and glancing at the two girls. Aiden nods. “That happens a lot, but they’re the main culprits when it comes to stealing.” As he spoke he had already started walking down the hall again. Kael stares down at his phone in a daze before realizing that he had received a single message from his mother. He opens it, quickly reading over her words. How are things? Have you made any friends yet? It had only been about two hours since he’s walked into the university , how was he to make friends within two hours? He sighs and hurriedly texts back. Everything’s alright, just rest. Aiden was watching him, his dark eyes seemed to bare a hole into Kael’s heart, the brunette shifts uncomfortably. “Hey, Aiden…”

  “Hmm?”

  “Are we friends?” The question seems to shock him. “Well, that depends on how old you are.” Aiden says with a grin. Kael blinks replying a matter-of-factly. “I’m twenty-one.”

  “Then you should start speaking to me with honorifics.” Kael blinks again. “I’m older than you.” He states, chuckling slightly. Kael tilts his head causing Aiden to smile softly. “I’m only teasing you.” It seemed that a lot of people enjoyed teasing him. “We can be friends if you want…” Aiden murmurs and Kael’s entire world lights up. “But, I
guess it depends on what you think friends are.” Aiden rambles on and Kael didn’t know what to say at that. He had the general idea that friends were supposed to make each other smile and to keep a look out for one another. If that was it then he could do it. “Let’s be friends Aiden.” Kael smiles and this smile was different from the ones he’s flashed before, it was sincere and vibrant. This smile caused Aiden’s heart to skip a beat and suddenly he felt shy. “Yeah.” Aiden clears his throat and turns away from Kael. “How long have you and Jenna been dating?” Kael asks and he watches as Aiden’s expression melds with warmth. “For about three months.”

  “That’s pretty long.” He shakes his head. “We were friends first of all.”

  “Did you grow up together?” Aiden nods pointing to one of the closed rooms. “That’s the theater, they hold a lot of campus meetings there.” Kael nods quickly taking note of the difference between the theater and the gymnasium. “But, yeah we did grow up together. I couldn’t imagine dating her, but then something happened and I was like let’s give it a shot.”

  “I’ve never dated before.” Kael blurts and Aiden’s eyes widen, his lips forming into an ‘O’ as he gasps. “You serious?”

  “Yeah….there’s just never been anyone.” Of course there were Princesses that his parents would force upon him, but none of them were attractive to him. They were like dishes being served to Kael. “Really, Kael…you’ve never dated anyone?” Aiden spoke with slow disbelief, his arms crossed over his chest. “Never.” Aiden halts and fully turns to face the brunette. “You’re not a bad looking guy.” He comments and Kael grins. “Of course not.” He replies back confidently causing Aiden to break out into a smile. “Were you locked away in a castle all your life?”

  “You have no idea.” He mumbles. “Well…I’ll find someone for you.”

  “No thanks.” Aiden peers into his eyes. “I…rather not date right now.” Kael mumbles and Aiden’s eyes flicker about his face and he shrugs. “Fine, but when I’m out on a date and you want company,” Aiden leans forward. “I’ll be too busy to entertain you.” Kael shoves him away with a cute smile. “Like I’ll want your company anyways.” Aiden chuckles as he stumbles back. They continue the tour and a few hours later they finish it with a smile and a fresh friendship. Kael came to find out that Aiden was quite the narcissist, but he was actually pretty open-minded when it came to certain things and that he was willing to make the time for others. And Aiden discovered that Kael had a rather smart mouth, but other than that…the brunette was quite secretive. It only made Aiden want to uncover what it was he was hiding. “Well, Kael,” Aiden claps his hands together. “That is all that I have to show you.”

  “You managed to keep your word though.” Aiden laughs haughtily. “Of course!” Kael starts towards the front doors, but Aiden rushes forward and blocks his path. “Wait a second.” Kael cocks a brow, adjusting his bag in his hands. “Your phone number.”

  “What?”

  “Since we’re friends now, it’d only make sense if I had your number.” Aiden explains as he slides out his cellphone and hands it to Kael. “Put your number in.” Kael eyes the phone. Aiden takes a step to him and slips his hand down the front pocket of Kael’s jeans. “Hey!” Kael jerks back, but Aiden grips the front of his jeans to keep him from running away. “Relax, I’m not going to molest you.” The older jokes and Kael found that smug grin of his to be rather annoying. Aiden takes out Kael’s phone and stares at the screen a moment before handing it back to him. “You got a message.” Kael snatches his phone back and quickly reads the words flashing on his screen. “There’s a car waiting out front for you, hurry.” He bites his bottom lip and curses under his breath. “Are you not close with your mother?” Aiden asks, concern creasing his forehead. “Huh? Oh, no.” Kael says swiftly, hurrying to put his number in Aiden’s phone, but then he thinks of something else. “Here.” He shoves Aiden’s phone into his chest and hands him his teal colored phone. “Put your number in mine and I’ll decide when to call you.”

  “I won’t spam you unless I’m bored.” Aiden murmurs pouting somewhat. “Just put your number in my phone otherwise you won’t have my number at all to call.” Kael threatens and Aiden groans reluctantly taking Kael’s cell and punching his number in. “Here,” Kael takes his phone back with a grateful smile. “Call me whenever you need something and text me when you’re feeling down.”

  “Jenna won’t mind this right?” Kael questions and Aiden out right laughs. “Kael, we’re friends and we’re both guys.” He places emphasis on the word “guys” by drawing it out and gesturing with his hands. “It’s not like I’ll fall in love with you or vice-versa.” Kael nods, his eyes darting to the side. “Jenna’s used to me being this nice to everyone.”

  “Mmm.”

  “Now go on, it seems your mom is eager for you to get back home.” Kael nods absent-mindedly already thinking about the bombardment when he would get home. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Aiden.” He says walking past him and out of the front doors. Aiden watches him with a faint smile and a subtle yearning for the mystery that surrounded Kael. “What are you hiding…?” He thinks aloud crossing his arms over his chest. Kael pauses in front of the car, he thinks for a moment before spinning around and waving to Aiden. “Go! Why are you watching over me like some hawk?!” Kael snaps and Aiden’s eyes widen by Kael’s sudden outburst. “Wh-what!? I have to make sure no one tries to steal you away.” Kael rolls his eyes and shouts “Go away, you dumbass!” Aiden chuckles and he thinks briefly that his life would become much more interesting now that Kael Lennon was a part of it. “I’ll see you around, Kael!” He calls lifting one hand to wave. Kael nods and Aiden thought he looked quite grand sliding into that black car as the sun hit the side of his face.

  Behind a Smile

  The moment Kael’s car drives away Aiden’s shoulders droop and he pulls out his phone to call Jenna. She picks up on the second ring. “Hello?”

  “Hey, Jenna, I’m going home early today. Do you have a ride?”

  “Ah, is it training again?” He doesn’t answer. “But I do have a ride.” She says quickly despite him not responding.

  “Good, call me when you get home.” Her reply is a hesitant ‘mmm.’ Aiden hangs up and lifts his head towards the sky. The sun had disappeared behind a gray cloud and now the sky was tinged a dark hue. He heaves a sigh before taking a step forward and down the street. He slips his hands inside his pockets and stares down at his feet. With each step he took he neared the one place in which he dreaded going to. Why must I do something like this? The question was nonsensical because he already understood his place in this society. A society where royalty ruled all. The cast-system was a simple one: Royal class families first, factory/store or business owning families second, working class families third and then lastly the ones who were in some way or another in debt to the King and Queen.

  This city and this country and its people were not the people of Melia, but the people of the Lennon family. Owned, controlled and tossed aside. They may as well name the country after themselves. Their ancestors descended back into the time when the Greeks raised their glasses of red wine—at least that’s what it said in the textbooks. “The Lennon heritage dates back to when mankind was first created and when the Greeks first roamed this part of the world; the people of Melia are a beautiful and awe-inspiring mix of Greek and Asian cultures…”

  Complete bullshit.

  The wind ruffles Aiden’s ashen locks and he looks up pausing in front of the stop sign. He watches as the cars drive past him, each one a different color holding a different person—a different thought and care. The light switches to red and he hurries across the street. He takes a breath pausing in front of the tall building he was so accustomed to visiting. The name of the building or the security training facility was the RPA: Royalty Protection Agency. Their role in life was to protect and loyally serve the Lennon family. Decade after decade—this was their duty. He adjusts his shirt, popping a single button lo
ose before slipping inside.

  The ceiling was raised up high and there was a help desk out front for first time trainees. The woman sitting at the desk was handsome with her strong face, dark eyes and modest in the way she wore her skirt. Aiden flashes her a quick smile before heading towards the sleek elevators that would take him where he had to go. He hurries inside the elevator and once inside he rolls up his sleeves revealing the muscle of his arms and his shapely biceps. The elevator hums as it passes level after level, the yellow lights flickering. He flips his bangs back and licks his dry lips as the elevator dings to a stop. The fifth floor. “Please be in a good mood.” He prays as he takes the first step out onto the floor. His shoes click-clack against the tile and he rolls his neck. The brother building to the RPA—Royal Services—trained servants and served royalty since day one. Aiden wanted to slap those words onto the asses of every King and Queen to show them what it felt like to be forced into doing something they didn’t choose for themselves. “Hey!” he calls into the darkened room, feeling around for the light switch. Once he flicks it on, a yellowy color doses the room with its light. “I came early, so whe—“ A hand suddenly swings close to his face. Aiden reacts quickly by grabbing the persons arm and twisting it. He turns around and uses his foot to kick the person back. “Not bad.” The attacker says through heavy breaths. Aiden grins, bouncing on his toes. “Thought you could surprise me, Micah?”

  “I was testing your skills.” His friend replies and Aiden scoffs. “Uh-huh.” He turns away from the dark haired male and approaches the punching bag that was dangling from the ceiling. “We’re training with the other recruits today.” Micah says slapping his hands to his knees. “Are they coming anytime soon?” Aiden asks already raising his fist to the swinging bag. “They should be here shortly.” Micah states stepping behind the bag and holding it in place. Aiden angles himself, raising up his leg and kicking. “That was good, try using a bit more force.” Micah appraises. Aiden glances towards him before trying the kick again. “Good, good.” His legs swung and every time he hit the bag there was a whoosh of air and then a loud thump. Micah’s body would rock slightly, but he kept his hold.