This time, his grip was fierce. "Don't turn your back on me, boy."
"What do you think you're doing?" a deep male voice growled. "Have you any idea who you're addressing?"
Styxx turned his head to see Dorus, the youngest son of his father's head advisor. Though they'd only spoken in passing, they'd known each other for years.
But the last thing he wanted was to be outed like this. He glared a warning at Dorus.
"Who is he?" the man demanded.
"My servant," Dorus said quickly, catching on to the ruse. "Unhand him, right now. Or I'll have you arrested for trying to abscond with my property."
The man let go. "He belongs to you?" A speculative light darkened his gaze. "Do you ever rent him out?"
"No."
"Would you like to start?"
Dorus stiffened in anger. "Again, I say no. Now, if you'll excuse us." He snapped his fingers at Styxx, who fell in right behind him. After they rounded a building, Dorus stopped and looked back. "Ah, thank the gods, he's gone."
Styxx let out a relieved breath until Dorus arched a curious brow at him.
"I don't mean to be rude, Highness, but what are you doing dressed as a commoner?"
"I went to a play."
"And?"
Styxx shrugged. "I didn't want to sit in the royal box. No one leaves me alone there." Someone was forever trying to serve him or join him. It was a constant interruption to the point he couldn't hear the actors.
And everyone outside the box stared their hatred at him.
"So you went in common clothes and sat in the common area without your guards ... fascinating."
Styxx froze as he realized he wasn't hearing Dorus's thoughts. How rare and wonderful. It didn't happen often, and he loved the mental silence. "Thank you for your aid. I won't forget it."
Dorus bowed to him. "Ever at your service, Highness. And should you ever desire to go again, let me know and I'll get you the worst seats in the house."
Styxx almost laughed at his unexpected humor. He started to leave then stopped himself. There was nothing at the palace to do. But the man beside him seemed a decent enough companion. At least for a few hours. "Dorus? Would you like to dine with me?"
"It would be my honor, Highness."
Styxx lowered his cowl as they walked toward a small kentro where they could eat in relative peace.
The owner came up immediately and bowed low before Styxx. "Highness, it's so good to see you again. Come, I have a private table for you." He led them through the small building, to a table and chaises in a back corner that had a curtain drawn up to shield it from the rest of the occupants. "Would you like your usual fare?"
"Please, Cosmos. Thank you."
He ran to gather it.
Styxx sat with his back to the wall while Dorus took the chaise across from him.
"It's good to be king, eh?" Dorus teased.
If the bastard only knew the truth ... "Prince, and yes. Some days it is."
"But not all days?"
Styxx swallowed hard. It was very rare he enjoyed the privileges of his rank. But he wasn't about to confide in someone he didn't know that well. Someone who would think him petty for complaining. "Were you at the play?"