The Sugilite Prince

They heard voices coming from the doorway both looking up at the same time. Jimon’s eyes caught sight of a tall elegant male his broad shoulders filling the coat he wore. He stood there a picture of nonchalance asking permission to enter. Jimon turned to Sugi who took a big gulp of his drink and licked his lips in anticipation waving his hand for him to enter. It was clear to Jimon that the prince was excited to see this person, as his eyes twinkled in the candlelight. Sugi picked up the mask beside him and put it on.

The young man walked up to them glancing from Jimon to Sugi. He smiled bowing his head slightly first to Sugi and then to the blond guest. Sugi puts his hand out in greeting. The charmer takes it and grazes his lips on his extended hand smiling from ear to ear.

“Vante, I’m so pleased to see you! I haven’t seen you in so long.” The prince said settling back into his comfortable chair.

Vante smiled with sincere affection. “As am I your highness. I hope I’m not interrupting something,” he says with a mischievous smile.

“No. You are always welcome. Although I am vexed with you for staying away for so long,” the prince pouted. “Let me introduce you to my new friend. This is Jimon of Kaythana, Jimon this is my friend Vante.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” he says meeting Jimon’s eyes.

Sugi’s smile shows under his mask, getting up excitedly. “Did Fay come with you?”

“Yes, she’ll be here momentarily,” Vante says with a chuckle at the prince’s exuberance. “She wanted to freshen up for you.”

“Great! I’m in the mood for a party now that my friends are here.”

“Did you miss me?” Vante says with a smirk.

“Of course I did. I’ve been terribly lonely. How could you leave me?”

“I’m sorry. It couldn’t be helped, family stuff,” he says with a wave of his hand “but I’ll make it up to you.”

“Give me a kiss,” the prince demands.

Vante’s eyes traveled to his lips. He leans over and hovers on his eager pout. “Are you sure you want me to kiss you in front of your guest?”

“You’re a bad boy, Vante, making me wait for you.”

Vante kisses his lips not hiding his desire for Sugi.

Jimon is shocked by the open affection of these two men but he couldn’t look away.

“How is the painting going?” Sugi asks his breath returning to normal after the passionate kiss.

“I keep starting over again. It’s so hard to capture your eyes since I haven’t seen them in so long. Do you know how much I long to look at your eyes again?” Vante touches the mask, looking at him longingly.

“Don’t be tempted,” Sugi says holding his hand.

“I’m always tempted,” he answers in a suggestive voice.

Jimon clears his throat. This sultry stranger is making him feel uncomfortable and a little jealous. He wanted the prince’s attention back on him.

Vante turns towards Jimon, his eyes glimmer in the candlelight and focus solely on him.

“Where did you say you are from?”

Jimon finds his voice, his cheeks rosy having witnessed their intimate kiss, “Kaythana.”

“Isn’t that where he was from?” He askes turning to Sugi.

“Who?”

“The poor boy that died. His name escapes me, but he was a happy fellow, always smiling at you. I remember you made me take money to his family and made me pretend the boy had sent it home.”

“Was his name, Hobi?” Jimon asks.

“Yes, yes that’s it! You knew him?”

“I knew of him. What really happened?”

“It’s best if we don’t speak of it. It will make him sad,” he says gesturing towards the prince.

Jimon’s gaze dropped to the floor and he bowed his head respectfully.

“It’s okay,” Sugi replies. “Tell him,” he says sighing softly as if he is remembering something painful. “Jimon, I want you to know why it’s so important to me that you at least can look at me.”

Vante continues, “Hobi was the first victim of the curse. Sugi didn’t know it would happen so don’t blame him for your friend’s death.”

“I won’t,” he says looking at Sugi, “you are a victim too.” Jimon couldn’t bring himself to ask anything else.

“He was inconsolable. He really liked the boy,” Vante added.