Side story: Part Seven.

Prince Evan's POV.

He gazed at me with a mix of shock and disbelief, as if I were an apparition. Despite my solid form and tangible presence, he seemed uncertain of my reality. The silence stretched for what felt like an eternity, his eyes fixed on me without a word or gesture to acknowledge my presence. Finally, he turned and walked into the palace, leaving the guards to hold the doors open. I followed him, trailed by a maiden who collected my bag and headed in the opposite direction, while Adar and I continued into the palace.

He strode into a room that appeared to be his office, his movements fluid and composed. He took his seat behind the desk, gesturing invitingly to the guest chair. Surprisingly, he didn't erupt into anger or demand an explanation for my presence. Instead, he seemed almost... serene. It was as if he had already forgotten our tumultuous past, or perhaps he was simply mastering his emotions. His calm demeanor only added to my confusion and unease.

"Hey," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. Suddenly, my mind went blank, and the rehearsed speeches I had prepared during the journey here seemed to vanish into thin air. "What are you doing here, Evan?" Adar asked, quickly correcting himself with a hint of nervousness, "I mean, Prince Evan?" The prince's eyes remained expressionless, his gaze fixed on me with an unnerving stillness. It was as if he had truly forgotten me, and the realization stung more than I cared to admit.

I hesitated, wondering if I was overstepping my bounds by being there. I had to consider his feelings too, and the fact that our past was complicated, to say the least. Initially, coming to the palace seemed like a good idea, a way to confront the issues between us and maybe even find some closure. But now, sitting in his office, feeling the weight of his gaze and the tension in the air, I wasn't so sure. It felt like a mistake, a intrusion into his life that he didn't need or want. I doubted he needed me here, doubted that my presence was anything but a burden. Maybe I could just state my purpose, apologize for the intrusion, and leave? It seemed like the best way to avoid making things even more messed up than they already were.

"I needed a refuge, and I swear I didn't intend to come here and make you feel uneasy. But circumstances have spiraled out of control, and my mind instinctively turned to you as a haven. I felt a sense of security in coming here, but if my presence makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave willingly. I don't want to impose or make you feel trapped in your own palace. Please know that my intention wasn't to burden you, and I'll depart if that's what you desire." I spoke softly, careful not to come across as coercive or guilt-tripping, in case he genuinely wanted me to leave.

Adar released a sigh, his expression softening, a hint that he wasn't as angry as I had feared. "You're welcome to stay as long as you need, but please, keep your distance. You made it clear in the past that I wasn't the one you desired, and I won't pretend that everything is fine between us. I'll provide you refuge, but don't expect me to act like nothing's changed. Just... respect my boundaries.." His voice was measured, a hint of vulnerability beneath the surface. I sensed a deep hurt, but also a reluctance to confront it. I nodded, understanding his needs, and willing to give him space... for today, at least.

Yes! Today! How could I possibly keep my distance when he looked incredibly attractive? It had been months since we last saw each other, and my resolve was already weakening. His rugged good looks and chiseled features made my heart race, and I found myself distracted by his lips, his hair, and his captivating scent. He seemed oblivious to my admiration, focused on maintaining a stern demeanor. But I couldn't help myself - I was drawn to him like a magnet. He had always been attractive, but now he seemed even more polished, more refined. What had he done to himself? I couldn't help but wonder, my eyes fixed on him as my mind struggled to maintain a semblance of control.

I ached to touch him, to feel his warm embrace and be enveloped in his presence. I longed to be close to him, to be wrapped in his arms and feel his skin against mine. How had I managed to stay away from him for so long? The drama with my brother had consumed me, but now, in this moment, all I craved was Adar's presence. I missed him deeply, and the ache of his absence had been a heavy burden to bear. But for now, I had to content myself with simply being near him, even if it meant respecting the boundaries he had set.

"Are you even paying attention to what I'm saying?" Adar asked, his voice laced with frustration. "I forgot that you have a habit of tuning out, even when the most crucial things are being discussed." He rubbed his temples, his expression a picture of annoyance, his eyes flashing with irritation.

"Boundaries, right? You want me to respect your space?" I asked, trying to focus on the conversation despite my overwhelming desire to kiss him.

"I will, I promise. I won't do anything to upset you." I replied, my voice sincere.

"Yes, don't even do anything to annoy me." He said.

You don't sound annoyed," I pointed out, my tone playful.

"Evan?" Adar said, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine. I loved how he pronounced my name, it sounded so sensual coming from his lips.

"Yes, Adar?" I replied, my tone laced with sarcasm. I was being flippant, and it was bothering me because, despite our tense history, he hadn't thrown me out of his office yet.

"Can you please focus until we finish this conversation? It's like talking to a brick wall. What's so captivating that you can't look away? Do I have something on my face that's distracting you?" he asked, his frustration evident. "Yes," I answered, my eyes locked on his. "Your handsomeness, Adar." I said, my voice dripping with cheekiness.

Adar froze, his expression unyielding. The silence was palpable, and I wondered if I had crossed a line. Maybe my flippant comment wasn't the best idea, but his captivating presence had left me weak. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. "Seriously? You think this is a joke? You think we can just pretend nothing happened and I'll forgive you?" Adar's voice was laced with anger, his eyes blazing with intensity. "You're speechless now? Good. Just stay away from me! During your stay here, don't even come near me!" He stormed out of the office, leaving me feeling dazed and stupid. I realized my attempt at humor had been ill-timed and inappropriate, and I regretted my mistake.

As I watched him storm out of the office, I couldn't help but think that he was even more attractive when he was angry. The thought crossed my mind to follow him, to see if our tension could be channeled into some angry sex, if anything I needed it. I knew it was a reckless idea, but I couldn't help myself. I was drawn to him, even when he was furious with me. His firm jawline and toned physique made my heart race, and I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to give in to our desires. The boundaries he had set seemed impossible to maintain, and I had a feeling that I would be breaking them sooner rather than later.

I was stupid and as unserious I was, i thought it was alright to follow him and I did, asking maids which I saw where his chambers was and they pointed it out for me. I knocked once, walking in. He wasn't even in his bedroom and when I heard the water running I guessed he was in the shower, he probably got a boner or something. It's me! There wasn't anyway he couldn't have gotten a bon—

Okay! Serious mode activated. I came here to apologize. Not to swoon over how sexily he looked. I came to apologize and i had to apologize. So he stood in the middle of the room until the shower stopped running. I had to get ahold of myself. He would walk out half naked. My knees were turning weak thinking of it already.

Adar emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, his skin glistening with water droplets. His eyes met mine, and he let out a sarcastic chuckle, his voice dripping with disbelief. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing through me. I felt my mind go blank, my purpose for coming here suddenly forgotten. All I could focus on was the sight of him, half-naked and devastatingly handsome. My brain struggled to form a coherent thought, my eyes fixed on the droplets of water sliding down his chest.

My desire to kiss him was overwhelming, almost painful. Every fiber of my being ached with longing. But Adar ignored me, calmly getting dressed as if I wasn't even there. When his towel fell to the ground, I spun around so quickly I couldn't help but laugh at my own eagerness. What was it about Adar that had me so entranced? I turned back to face him, only to find that he had already covered himself, the tantalizing glimpse of his bare skin gone as quickly as it had appeared. My hunger for him was all-consuming, leaving me feeling famished and unsatisfied.

He spoke of boundaries, of not wanting to be touched. But what boundaries could possibly exist when it came to a man as captivating as Adar? Had he looked in the mirror lately? Did he not know the effect he had on me? My desire to touch him was palpable, my fingers tingling with anticipation. The pain of not being able to satisfy that desire was almost unbearable. I was drawn to him like a magnet, my body aching with longing. How could he deny me the pleasure of his touch when it was clear that I was starving for it?

I gazed at him, mesmerized, as he meticulously fixed his shirt, his fingers deftly folding the sleeves. He ran his hands through his hair, his eyes fixed on mine. He was irresistibly attractive, and I couldn't help but drool. He completed his routine, spritzing on cologne, and then turned to me, his eyes piercing. "What is it?" he asked, his tone firm but curious. I remembered my purpose, my apology, and stammered, "I'm sorry for acting so stupidly." He approached me, his strides confident, and stood before me, his eyes gazing down at mine. His hands were casually tucked into his pockets, his stance exuding a sense of control and power.

"I didn't mean to make a joke, it's just... you look incredibly attractive, I thought to myself. "I'm sorry," I said aloud, dropping my head in shame. But Adar lifted my chin, his eyes locking onto mine. This was the same man who had just lectured me about boundaries, yet here he was, holding my chin and gazing into my eyes. I couldn't resist him. I pulled him in by the neck, our lips crashing together in a passionate kiss. I bit his lip, and he kissed me back with equal intensity, his hands wrapping around my waist. His tongue explored my mouth, leaving me breathless. I had missed this feeling, this connection with him. I wanted to lose myself in him, to become one with him. The world around us melted away.

I craved more, my fingers reaching for his shirt buttons, but Adar pulled back, his eyes clouded with confusion. I, on the other hand, was consumed by desire, my passion overwhelming me. I couldn't let him walk away, not now. "Just once," I pleaded, my voice husky with longing. "Just once, and we'll go back to ignoring each other. I'll respect your boundaries, Adar, but I need you right now." My words were a desperate appeal, my pride abandoned in the face of my desire. Adar's confusion was evident, but he hadn't walked away, and that told me he wanted this too. When I kissed him again, all his reservations seemed to crumble. He surrendered to our passion, his actions contradicting his earlier promises. But in this moment, I didn't care about regrets or boundaries. All I wanted was him, and he wanted me just as fiercely.

(I know he's so unserious, this will help their relationship develop somehow.)

(I doubt boundaries or space was in the room with them.)

(Check out revenge of love.)