Friendship?

A/n: I'm going to try a new writing style for this chapter where I put the Pov Character's thought in brackets. I saw someone else do this and I think it might be more intiutive. Tell me if I should go back to the previous way.)

In the throne room.

After discussing with the emperor, the duke decided that there was nothing more to discuss and that it was time for them to leave. "Alright then, let's go Cassius."

Cassius followed his father towards the door and inwardly sighed in relief.

<It doesn't seem like he's going to talk Nero.>

"Bye, Cassy." Nero waved, a strange grin on his face.

<Cassy? >

 Cassius looked back at him confused by the nickname.

"Ah, that's right." The duke halted his steps and turned around. "Your Highness, was the book interesting?" He smiled politely.

Shit. They were so close to leaving, why did he have to ask now? Shivers went down Cassius's spine.

"Book?" Nero asked.

<Hey, it is too soon for you to be acting like that. You really were reading a book.>

"Yes, the one you were reading in the garden." Thereplied.

"Ah, that. Yeah, it was a good book," Nero glanced at Cassius.

"I'm glad to hear, Your Highness." The duke bowed his head. "We will be on our way now."

Cassius felt relieved as he walked towards the door with his father. It seemed his father was just making small talk with the prince.

But before they reached the door, Nero said something interesting, "I will be sure to finish it later. It's an interesting book."

"Oh?" The duke halted, glancing at Cassius. He obviously found that statement suspicious considering Cassius said he returned Nero's book for him. "What book was it?"

<Damn it.>

"It was a book about water. You see, I'm interested in awakening as a water elementalist," Nero chuckled lightly.

<Cut the bullshit. You were reading The Journey of Fire. It doesn't get any less water than that.>

The duke chuckled. "So, do you want to be a water elementalist like His Majesty?" 

"Of course, Your Grace." Nero smiled up at his father. "My father is my role model."

Why was he lying about the book he read? Cassius didn't understand.

"I can relate, Your Highness," Cassius smiled tightly. "My father is my role model too. I want to be a great swordsman like him one day."

It was his first day as a 'swordsman' and Cassius was already showing the world how ambitious he was.

The emperor laughed heartily. "It seems our boys are ambitious, huh Lucas?"

"Just like their fathers, Your Majesty." The duke's laugh joined in. "I'd be happy if Cassius surpassed my swordsmanship one day."

Cassius scoffed inwardly, knowing his father would never want anyone to outshine him in skills.

Knock Knock

A hooded figure walked through the door, head slouched low. "Your Grace, I need a moment of your time. Alone." 

"Now?" The duke clicked his tongue, glaring back at the figure.

"Yes," the figure replied.

Cassius eyed the figure warily, he couldn't even tell if the figure was a man or a woman. Then he saw the Duke give a cryptic glance to the emperor who simply nodded in response.

"Cassius," The duke turned and placed his hands on Cassius's shoulders. "Can you stay and play with the prince for a while?"

<What's going on? Weren't we about to go home?>

There was nothing Cassius could do so he simply agreed.

"...Yes, father." Cassius glanced at Nero.

"Alright," The duke straightened up. "I'll be back in less than an hour, Cassius."

The duke left the room with the hooded figure.

"Boys, how about you go to the playroom?" The emperor asked. "I'll have the maids bring you some snacks and refreshments."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Cassius bowed politely. 

The emperor called for the maids to take them to the playroom, and as they walked, Cassius thought about what he needed to do.

<I need to convince him lie for me during this time.>

Cassius had a backup excuse, but the best excuse would be if Nero helped corroborate his statement.

They walked until they arrived at the playroom, which looked more like a fancy salon than a playroom, and sat down.

"What kind of snacks would you like?" Nero asked. "I have the best chef in the empire."

<I want watermelon.>

Cassius couldn't eat anything all day because of the fact it might have Elixinot into in it but now that he had Kar he no longer needed to worry.

"Anything is alright, Your Highness." Cassius answered politely.

"Hmm, alright, watermelon?" Nero asked.

That was exactly what Cassius was craving at the moment. It seems they have the same taste. "Yes, that would be great."

Nero called on the maids to get them some watermelon and told them to leave once they put it on the table.

"Young lord, why did you just leave me in the garden?" Nero pouted childishly. "Aren't we friends now?"

<First it was Cassy, and now it's young lord? What's with the change?>

"I'm sorry, Your Highness," Cassius apologized. "I got lost."

"All the way to the library?" Nero smirked. "You must have a talent for getting lost."

<How does he know that?>

"I overheard you speaking to your father at the door," Nero said. "Apparently, I asked you to go to the library and return a book for me?"

<How could someone have such good hearing?> 

"Your Highness, can't you just say that it's true?" Cassius asked. "I can pay you back later."

"And why should I?" Nero scoffed. "What can I gain from you that I can't get for myself?"

Cassius thought for a moment, "Well, for one, you wouldn't want anyone to find out about the book you were reading?"

<I don't know why he lied about it, but definitely doesn't want anyone to know.>

"What book?" Nero smiled innocently. "What do you mean by that, young lord?"

"Don't play coy, you were reading The Journey of Fire. It has nothing to do with water."

"Hmm, but young lord," Nero leaned forward, a sly grin creeping up on his face. "You can't read, remember?"

That's when Cassius realized he messed up.

<... Did I just get tricked by a 9-year-old?>

Could the reason why Nero lied about the book be because he wanted to provoke a reaction out of Cassius?

It seemed this kid was smarter than he initially thought.

<Is he really the same Nero I knew in my past life?>

"I would think twice before threatening me. You wouldn't want anyone to find out your secret, would you?" Nero casually ate his watermelon.

<My secret? Does he mean the fact I can read, or does know something more?>

"You didn't actually go to the library because I asked you," Nero came closer and whispered. "You actually went because you enjoy reading in secret."

<Ah, that secret.>

Cassius felt relieved that Nero didn't know something more. Nonetheless, this was also a secret he needed to keep.

"Now, if you don't want anyone to find out you can read, you will do exactly as I say," Nero said sternly.

<What does he want? Money? Power? I don't know if there is anything can give him that doesn't already have.>

Cassius perched up on his chair in anticipation of what Nero had to say. Whatever it was, he could probably get it eventually.

"From now on, we are going to be friends, okay?" Nero held out his hand. "Let's do a friendship handshake."

<...Is that all he wants? Friendship?>

Then again, it didn't seem like Nero had any freinds his own age in this life either.

Cassius felt relieved that Nero made such a simple request. He could even use this to his advantage.

< If I pretend to be friends with the crown prince it could have its benefits.>

"Alright," Cassius shook Nero's hand before noticing sparks up his sleeve.

[Barrier Activated.]

<Right. This is the reason why you don't have friends, Nero.>