Adrian's personal butler, Mr Hugo, was just done helping him put on his robe for the night. Black, long, silky and elegant looking.
It suited his red hair that was already wet from the bath he had taken a while ago.
He adjusted it himself, fastening the rope as he looked at himself in the full length mirror "I hope everything is ready?"
"Yes. The drink is set. And it's well made that nothing will be suspected" Mr Hugo explained.
"Good"
"But My Lord. Why don't you just kill him off on the spot since you already know he's the wizard" His personal butler asked, curious.
"If you do that, it'll be much easier. And you can take the glory and make your request from the Emperor" The butler added.
Adrian smirked "It's not that easy actually. Because that wizard isn't as easy as he looks. He's a monster"
Adrian added adjusting his rope "It's said that his powers were sealed, but he actually managed to escape the beheading ceremony on a dragon. That's enough to show that he's not one to underestimate"
Adrian didn't attend the beheading ceremony. He was told by a spy he sent to observe the event.
"He can be unpredictable. So I can't just jump right in. I have to play games to get his head at least" He explained as he stared at himself in the mirror.
"That makes more sense My lord. You're so wise" The butler commended with a slight bow.
Adrian smiled "The Royal Family must be in chaos after losing the Wizard. It feels good to know that they must be shattered"
"And it's as though my prayers are being answered. The wizard fell just right into my lap" He smiled as he turned to look at the butler.
"Go and inform him that I am summoning him for some tea" Adrian instructed.
"I'll do just that"
With the butler gone, Adrian made his way out of his chamber as well. Heading to his dining chamber.
********
Adrian sat on his chair in the dining chamber, the most luxurious looking chair there amongst the other chairs around the table.
He had waited for sometime before the door to the dining chamber was slightly pushed open. Eden peeped in.
"I don't like being kept waiting" Adrian said "So come in already"
Eden made his way into the dining chamber, looking alert as though something was going to cut off his throat as soon as he stepped him.
Adrian smiled watching him cautiously walking into the chamber to join him on the table.
"Sit down" Adrian offered, his eyes glued to Eden in what seemed like amusement.
Eden sat down far away from Adrian's seat. Almost on the opposite end.
Adrian smiled "It's not so nice to sit that far from me. Do I look scary? It's not like I'll eat you"
Eden looked up at Adrian. Their eyes met as he smiled. A devious smile that Eden never thought he'd be seeing in real life. He'd only read the author describing his smile as that, but now he was seeing it.
It was scary yet alluring.
"I'm okay sitting here" Eden said, forcing a smile. There was no way he was getting closer to him. Heaven knew what his plans were.
Adrian smiled. "Okay. I guess I'll come to you then"
Eden stiffened, looking up at Adrian who had gotten up from his top seat and made his way towards him. His bare chest was exposed in the extended V shaped robe he had on.
Eden wanted to lean back, but realized he'd potentially fall off the chair if he did.
Before he knew it, Adrian had taken a seat beside him. He pulled the chair closer to Eden's chair as he stared into his eyes. He was close. A bit too close.
Eden blinked "My lord. Aren't we here for some tea? I don't think you need to see my face this close-up to have tea"
Adrian was still smiling. A wicked smile. It was as though this was a habit of his "I will enjoy my tea better if I'm staring at your face"
"....." Shameless. Eden thought.
The "tea" was served. And it happened that it wasn't tea. It was alcohol. Wine.
Adrian poured wine for the two of them in two different golden cups "Here. This is yours"
Eden stared at the cup of alcohol before him "Wasn't this a tea party or something?"
"I don't like teas" Adrian said
"Then why was the invite for tea?"
"Because this is my tea" Adrian smiled as he took the cup in his hands "So drink up"
Eden stared at his drink. It didn't feel safe. He had an obvious feeling of it being poisoned.
"Let's switch" Eden suggested.
Adrian paused the drink that had almost gone into his mouth. He stared at Eden "Huh?"
Eden smiled "I just realised that I like that cup better. It looks prettier"
"But they're the same thing" Adrian pointed out.
"Yes. I know, I just like that one" Eden said as he took the cup from Adrian's hands "I'll have this instead"
But Adrian casually smiled, seemingly amused "Okay then. If you say so" He took the other cup, comfortably.
Eden was confused. He seemed a bit too calm. Eden began questioning if this he had taken was the real poison??
But Eden thought. What if it was a plan and the first one Adrian had wanted to drink was actually the real poison?
Maybe it was all a plot to make Eden take it from him. Eden gasped.
"I'll take this" Eden took the cup from Adrian's hands yet again when he almost drank it.
Adrain raised an eyebrow "Are you okay?"
Eden smiled "I think I like my old cup better"
Adrian let out a scoff "Okay then. I'll have this"
Now Adrian took the cup and drank up the wine in it. Eden sat there watching him drink it all up. He was shocked.
Wasn't that the poisoned one?? Eden panicked as he stared at his own drink.
If that one was free from poison, it only means that Eden was holding the poisoned drink!