Chapter 11

'Hangovers suck' was all that Asher could think about as he struggled to sit up in his bed. Last night was a blur of pounding base and flashing lights. He was groggy and miserable, his body feeling like it had been run over by a truck. Bleary eyes opened slowly, all he could do is wince and fall back onto his fluffy bed. He groaned; which made his head throb all the more. Curling up in a ball, Asher pulled the covers over his head, letting complete darkness surround him.

A gentle voice broke through, more throbbing pain, but recognition barely surfaced.

"Princess? I brought you some medicine and a light meal." He threw his arm out of the bed, a sharp pain bit into his arm. It took less than a minute for the medicine to take affect; finally the throbbing in his brain subsiding. Asher finally managed to sit up, still a bit groggy, but a growling stomach spurred him to take the try. The soft wafting scent of hangover soup drifted to his nose. Taking the bowl in both hands, Asher took a sip and sighed as his whole body warmed up.

Not long after he finished the soup, Asher was showered and dressed. Today's outfit included a mesh crop-top, low slung black jeans, and his typical accessories. Today's color was a golden citrine, the glittering gems decorating his collar and his suppressor. A knock at his door startled Asher; with a glance and nod toward Beth. The door opened to show Gryphon.

"Princess, Crown Prince Xavier is requesting your presence." Flashes of Asher's wanton behavior flicked through his own mind. He could feel his face and ears flush red with embarrassment, hands covering his face.

"Oh goddess." Asher groan as Gryphon stifled a chuckle with a cough.

"He is waiting outside the door Princess." Gryphon cleared her throat, sending a glance behind her at the open door. Where the sexy prince leaned against the wall opposite of Asher's door. He was dressed simply in a forest green and loose denim jeans. Black sunglasses perched on top of his head, against slightly twitching fox ears. Xavier was struggling not to smile at the embarrassment of the adorable Omega.

Asher wanted to scream in embarrassment, his internal self writhing. He took in Xavier's laid back demeanor, an involuntary shiver running through his body. Licking parched lips, he took a step forward as Xavier did the same. The two of them met in the doorway; Xavier reached out his hand to Asher.

"Princess Asher, please do the honor of accompanying me into town today." Asher tentatively took Xavier's hand, nodding in response.

"Yes" a whisper barely escaping his lips. With ag devious grin, Xavier's fingers tightened around Asher, pulling the Omega with him.

"Where are we going?" Wide amethyst eyes gazed up at the Alpha before him.

"I owe you cake." Asher stared stunned by the fact that Xavier remembered after the fool he made of himself yesterday. A new blush formed on his cheeks and ears. Xavier chuckled still dragging the omega along with him.

Others stopped to stare at the Yokai Prince and the only Princess of Solas hold hands, obviously heading somewhere together. It didn't take long for the gossip to spread quickly about how the Crown Prince Xavier and Princess Asher left together from the banquet and now seen holding hands through the Academy.

Asher was breathless by the time the two had climbed onto the shuttle, taking up two seats in the back. Xavier grinned at him, brushing back the sweaty bangs that had fallen over Asher's eyes. His grin turned into a soft smile.

"Do you know I could look into your eyes all day?" Xavier's voice was deep and husky, his golden eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. He laid his hand against Asher's cheek; nervous by the intense gaze of Xavier, Asher closed his eyes. His lips trembled slightly, which made Xavier's smile widen.

"I compliment your eyes, so you hide them away from me." Asher could feel Xavier's thumb stroking along his cheek bone. He could feel Xavier's hot breath on his face; Asher opened his eyes. As he did so he saw Xavier's face moving closer to his. Eyes locked on one another, a breath hitched in Asher's throat. "So beautiful" Xavier murmured before soft brushing his lips over Asher's.

'Ack he kissed me!' was all Asher thought; his hand flew up to have his finger tips gently touch his lips. His ears turned red, which was only the beginning, as the rest of his face and neck became a similar shade. Xavier leaned over, warm breath tickling his ear, he spoke again. This time though his voice was huskier.

"After all you did last night, you get embarrassed over a little kiss?" The chuckle in his ear, sent shivers down Asher's spine. He sputtered.

"You...shameless!" That was the only thing he could think of to say. In response Xavier threw his head back and laughed.

"Maybe just a bit." Xavier's hand slide down Asher's cheek to rest at the back of his neck. Xavier's fingers toyed lightly with the suppressor cover. "I can't help it. I love seeing you flustered."

A pout formed on Asher's lips, as he sharply turned his head away from Xavier. It would be a lie to say that he didn't enjoy the teasing of Xavier. Never before had he so intimately flirted with someone. It was something about Xavier that made Asher's heart zing. It wasn't like Asher was a monk or anything, his family was often introducing him to many alphas in the past. Not to mention the sheer amount of balls and banquets he had to attend as his status dictated.

However, this fox yokai, was a completely different alpha than the ones he had encountered before. Asher vaguely wondered if it was because of Xavier's superior pheromones that made Asher's heart flip flop at just a look. His breath shudder out of his lungs; Xavier's thumb strokes the back of Asher's neck. Sending pleasant little shivers down Asher's spine. Xavier then moves his hand again, turning Asher's face back to him.

Once against amethyst meets gold, their gazes locking, drowning in one another. A throat being cleared interrupted their actions, as Kai spoke.

"Your Highnesses we've arrived at our stop." The spell broken by Kai, Xavier stands up, pulling Asher along with him. They disembark at that shuttle station, now officially have entered the hustling city attached to the academy grounds. The two headed towards a cafe, Xavier leading Asher felt like the most natural thing in the world. He hoped that he could always lead and Asher would follow him no matter where he went.

Xavier had chosen one of the most out of the way cafes in the area. It was his favorite place to hide from his so called adoring fans last year. Unmei Café and Desserts was run by a friend of the Imperial family and it carried mostly Sunabae desserts and drinks.

"Auntie!" He called out as he strode through the door. Asher followed behind Xavier, taking in the gorgeous cafe, that reminded her of a Japanese Zen garden. The exterior had distinctive Japanese features as well. Asher couldn't help but gawk, his gaze was draw to a small plump woman behind the counter, who started speaking in a language that Asher was unfamiliar with.

"Auntie don't be rude. This is Asher, Asher this is my Auntie." Asher turned his eyes to Xavier in shocked. "She runs the best cafe in the city."

"Oh, your Highness flatters me. Go sit, I'll bring you food and drinks. Some for you and your friend too Kai." The woman winked at Kai who rolled his eyes, he and Gryphon taking a table near the entrance. However, Xavier didn't take a seat in the main area, instead he lead Asher through a long hallway, after a couple of turns Xavier opened a door to the most perfect garden Asher had ever seen. A gasp left his lips, as he took tentative steps forward to look at it.

Xavier was quite pleased with himself, the garden was a miniature version of his own personal garden back home. The babbling sound of the brook that ran through the spanse of the space, he watched as Asher let his hand run over the red lacquered wood of the small bridge. The awe in Asher's face, brought a strong warm sensation to Xavier's chest. He felt himself swallow as he followed Asher.

He stepped forward and grabbed Asher's hand squeezing it. Asher turned to Xavier in surprise, but Xavier just smiled, and led the omega to a pagoda. Already it was set up with a table and everything needed for dining. Xavier escorted Asher, pulling a chair out to escort Asher into his seat, before taking his own. Asher looked at him with a shocked face.

"You planned all this? Since last night?"

"Mmm since this morning. Auntie Len is a friend of my mothers. She helped my mother during mine and my sister's birth." He chuckled, as he did Asher found that he loved the sound of Xavier's laugh. He was addicted to Xavier's smile and his laugh, it made Asher wanting more.

"Wow." Was all he could say in response.

The next several hours were spent with the two of them getting to know one another. They talked about everything that entered their minds, both of them feeling extremely comfortable with the other. Auntie Len floated in and out of the garden, almost an invisible presence. As the sun was starting to set the purple, orange, and pink hues in the sky caused Asher to stop and look.

"It's beautiful." The two stood on the small bridge, looking at the sky together.

"Hm?" Xavier hummed.

"This garden, the sunset, this entire day. It's beautiful." Asher whispered softly. Xavier reached out pulling Asher into his arms. His hand rested on Asher's cheek; Asher's eyelashes fluttered slightly his breath caught in his throat. Once again their eyes met, Asher wasn't sure what it was he saw in Xavier's eyes, but he knew he liked it.

"I'm going to kiss you now. Is that okay?" Xavier whispered against Asher's lips. Letting his eyes close, Asher nodded, eagerly waiting. Gently Xavier's lips covered his, a strangled noise of pleasure making its way from Asher's mouth. Xavier hummed pleasantly, as his tongue licked along the seam of Asher's lips. With a slight tremble, Asher opened his mouth with Xavier's encouragement.

Xavier's tongue flicked out to sweep along the omega's mouth, tasting his sweetness. With a slight moan he depended the kiss, his tongue rubbing against Asher's teasingly. Asher's lips parted fully allowing the alpha full access and Xavier took advantage of it. He deepened the kiss, moans and pants escaping from both of them. Xavier broke the kiss, finding the adorable omega clinging to him. His hands gripped Xavier's shirt, eyes closed, lips swollen from the kiss. Xavier pulled him closer, letting Asher's head rest on his chest. Asher cleared his throat, still sounding a bit breathless.

"So I'm guessing this was a date?"

"A successful one at that." Xavier chuckled as he kissed his omega again.