I Can't Escape This BL Story

Adrien wandered away from the tea party as his mother and stepmother engaged in lively conversations with the noblewomen. The elegant chatter and the clinking of teacups felt alien to him. He couldn't help but feel out of place amidst such refined social gatherings.

With a subtle glance at the surrounding gardens, Adrien started strolling down a cobblestone path lined with blooming flowers. Damian, as expected, followed behind him like a shadow.

After a moment, Adrien turned his head slightly. "Damian," he began, his voice calm but curious, "why are you following me? Who is protecting Mother and my stepmother?"

Damian stepped closer, his expression as steady as ever. "The palace guards are stationed with them, Your Highness. There's no need to worry. My place is with you."

Adrien paused, processing the answer, then nodded. "I see."

The two continued walking until they reached a quiet bench shaded by a towering oak tree. Adrien sat down, the weight of the day settling over him. Damian hesitated briefly before sitting beside him, maintaining his usual composed demeanor.

After a few moments of silence, Damian spoke, his tone uncharacteristically hesitant. "Prince Adrien," he began, his eyes steady on the young prince, "may I ask what's been on your mind lately? I've noticed... a change in you. It's like you're a completely different person than before. This shift started after you slipped and fell a month ago. We brought you back to your room to rest, but since then, you've been... different."

Adrien stiffened slightly at the observation, unsure of how to respond. He glanced at Damian, who looked genuinely curious but also concerned.

After a moment of thought, Adrien decided to give an answer that felt plausible yet intentionally vague. With a tone that carried a faint hint of revelation, he said, "I saw enlightenment during that slip."

Damian blinked, surprised.

Adrien continued, his voice steady as though he were sharing a profound truth. "It was as if I saw a glimpse of the future. I realized that if I kept living the way I used to, I would die a miserable death. That vision showed me a path—a way to avoid such a fate. So, I've decided to shape up, to become someone worthy of admiration, someone capable of becoming a proud king whose name will echo throughout history."

Damian's usual composure faltered for just a moment, his expression softening with awe and determination. He didn't know how to respond to such a revelation, but his loyalty wouldn't allow him to question it.

"If the gods granted you such a glimpse," Damian finally said, his voice filled with conviction, "then it means you're destined to change fate itself. And no matter what lies ahead, I will stand by your side, Prince Adrien. Always."

Adrien sighed softly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I'm sure you would, Damian," he said, his tone lighter.

But in his mind, his thoughts were far from light. In the book, you sacrificed your life to save me. Nothing in this world—not even a god—can stop you from standing by me. And this time, I won't let you meet that fate.

The two sat there in companionable silence, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air. The distant murmur of the tea party faded into the background as Adrien's mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. The path to changing his destiny was riddled with challenges, but with Damian by his side, Adrien felt a flicker of confidence.

He wasn't alone in this.

As the quiet atmosphere settled between them, Damian suddenly stood up, brushing the nonexistent dust from his uniform.

"Your Highness," he began, a rare smile tugging at his lips, "I think I'll grab a slice of cake. Something sweet might help cool me down after our talk."

Adrien raised an eyebrow. "You? Cake?"

Damian's smile widened, and he replied with a playful shrug. "Even knights have their indulgences, my prince." With a polite bow, he excused himself, heading back toward the tea party.

Left alone, Adrien leaned back against the bench, his fingers instinctively reaching for his journal tucked securely in his coat. He flipped through the pages, scanning his careful notes of events yet to come.

What's next? he mused silently, his gaze lifting to the vibrant blue sky. His thoughts, however, were interrupted by the sight of a large shadow passing overhead. He squinted, his heart skipping a beat as a massive winged creature soared gracefully through the air.

It was a wyvern—its powerful wings beating rhythmically as it glided across the sky. As it turned slightly, sunlight glinted off the metal crest attached to its harness, marking it as the property of a neighboring kingdom.

Adrien's initial shock was quickly replaced with realization. Right... this world isn't just political intrigue and drama—it's a fantasy world, he reminded himself. How could I forget?

In the novel, wyverns were frequently used by noble families and kingdoms as a symbol of power and as efficient modes of transportation. Seeing one now, so close, was both awe-inspiring and unsettling.

He couldn't help but wonder if the wyvern was part of some diplomatic mission or if it heralded a new twist in the story. Either way, it served as a sharp reminder that he needed to focus not just on politics but also on mastering his abilities.

His mind wandered back to the book's description of Adrien's magical affinity. Wind and water magic, he thought, tapping his fingers against the journal. That's what the original Adrien was supposed to excel at. Meanwhile, Damian's strengths lie in fire and earth magic. Opposites, yet complementary.

He frowned, a mixture of determination and apprehension washing over him. If I'm going to survive in this world, I need to start honing my magic. I've been avoiding it for too long.

Adrien's gaze drifted back to the wyvern, which was now a distant silhouette against the sky. He couldn't shake the feeling that its appearance was more than just a passing event—it felt like a sign, a reminder of the many layers of this world he still needed to navigate.

As Damian returned moments later, a small plate in hand with a slice of cake, Adrien was already lost in thought, scribbling furiously in his journal.

"Did I miss something?" Damian asked, placing the plate down beside him.

Adrien didn't look up, his focus entirely on his notes. "No," he said absently. "Just thinking ahead."

Damian studied him quietly, his expression unreadable, before taking a seat and digging into his cake. Despite his casual demeanor, he couldn't help but feel that Adrien's gaze had shifted subtly—looking not just at the present but toward something much further ahead.