I Can't Escape This BL Story

The treaty had finally been signed. The long, tense negotiations that had kept the castle on edge for days were now over. The hall was filled with the sound of chairs scraping against the floor and murmured farewells as the nobles and foreign representatives began to depart. Even Eren, the tsundere prince who had lingered longer than anyone expected, finally left, though not without shooting a final glance in Adrien's direction—a look that Damian caught and responded to with a tight frown.

Adrien, for his part, had maintained his composure throughout, bidding farewell to the guests with the polite detachment expected of him. Once the hall was clear and the last of the visitors had gone, Adrien quietly excused himself, retreating to his chambers.

---

Damian entered the room not long after, finding Adrien seated in his chair, staring at the flickering light of a candle on his desk. His posture was relaxed, but his expression was pensive, the weight of the past days clearly visible.

Damian approached cautiously, as if sensing that Adrien was lost in thought. "You've been quiet since the treaty was signed," he said.

Adrien glanced up at him, his lips curving into a faint smile. "It's been a long day, Damian. Even I need a moment to breathe."

Damian folded his arms and leaned against the desk. "You handled yourself well during the negotiations. Better than I expected."

"Flattery doesn't suit you," Adrien replied, leaning back in his chair.

Damian smirked but said nothing, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Adrien's face. After a moment, he spoke again, his tone more serious. "Is this why you asked me that question yesterday?"

Adrien raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "What question?"

"The one about being poisoned," Damian clarified, his gaze sharp. "Was it because you knew something would happen during the treaty?"

Adrien's smile widened, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "What makes you think I knew anything?"

Damian straightened, his expression skeptical. "You're not the type to ask random hypotheticals. You knew there would be trouble, didn't you?"

Adrien didn't answer immediately. Instead, he rose from his chair and walked to the window, looking out at the darkened castle grounds. "Let's just say I had a hunch," he said finally.

Damian frowned, his mind racing. "A hunch? Or something more?"

Adrien turned to face him, his expression unreadable. "Does it matter? The treaty is signed, and the situation was handled. That's all that matters."

Damian studied him for a long moment, his eyes narrowing as if trying to piece together a puzzle. "You're full of surprises, Adrien," he said finally, his tone laced with both admiration and frustration.

Adrien chuckled softly. "I aim to keep things interesting."

But as Damian continued to watch him, a question lingered in his mind: How did Adrien know there would be trouble? And just how much is he hiding?

---

The summons to his father's study came not long after. Adrien had barely settled back into his chair when a servant arrived, delivering the message with a polite bow.

Damian's concern was immediate. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Adrien shook his head. "No. My father wouldn't appreciate it."

Damian's expression darkened, but he didn't argue. "Be careful."

Adrien left the room, following the servant through the castle's quiet hallways. His father's study was as imposing as ever, the heavy wooden doors flanked by knights who opened them without a word.

Inside, King Alistair sat behind his massive desk, his presence commanding as always. He gestured for Adrien to sit without preamble, his piercing gaze making it clear this was no casual conversation.

"You handled the treaty well," Alistair said, his tone unreadable.

Adrien inclined his head. "Thank you, Father."

Alistair leaned back in his chair, studying Adrien intently. "Do you know why I summoned you?"

Adrien's mind raced, but he kept his expression neutral. "No, Your Majesty."

Alistair's lips pressed into a thin line. "This kingdom stands on unstable ground, Adrien. Enemies are circling like vultures, and tonight's events only confirm that. Whoever orchestrated that attack won't stop here."

Adrien nodded slowly. "I understand."

"Do you?" Alistair asked, his voice sharp. "You've been...different lately. More involved, more aware. It's almost as if you see things the rest of us don't."

Adrien felt a chill run down his spine but maintained his composure. "Is that a problem?"

Alistair's expression softened, if only slightly. "No. In fact, it's a relief. I need someone I can trust, someone who can see the threats I might overlook."

Adrien's heart sank. This wasn't part of the novel's script. "What are you asking of me, Father?"

Alistair leaned forward, his gaze intense. "I'm asking you to step up. To take on a greater role in protecting this kingdom. Start by working with the spymaster to investigate tonight's attack."

Adrien hesitated, the weight of his father's words settling heavily on his shoulders. "I'll do my best," he said finally.

Alistair nodded, satisfied. "Good. You may go."

As Adrien left the study, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Damian was waiting for him outside, his expression sharp with curiosity.

"Well?" Damian asked.

Adrien sighed. "He wants me to get involved in the kingdom's politics."

Damian's brows lifted in surprise, but his smirk quickly returned. "I suppose this means more work for me."

Adrien chuckled despite himself. "It always does, doesn't it?"

As they walked back to Adrien's chambers, a single thought echoed in Adrien's mind: If I'm going to survive this world, I need to stay ahead of everyone—even my father.