It was funny, really. His team had two gorgeous women, both in positions that, in the gingerâs eyes, meant they werenât any threat to himself. Women that by all means wouldâve been perfect to shower with attention and affection, who would never see him as a walking trophy husband or treasure to be claimed because they were already at the top of their own game- one of them quite literally above him in hierarchical rank considering Timerra was a princess as far as he remembered.
Maybe thatâs why he felt no interest in pursuing or teasing either of them, after all. Perfectly harmless, undeserving of his claw and bite.
Innes was, in theory, much the same- he was a man, so he had frankly no reason to ever consider Sylvain as anyone to take as a partner as there was nothing to gain from it.
âHey, so whenâs the dinner date?â Yet, he was drawn to him regardless, stepping in front of the other man and blocking the path with a laid back stand, arms raised as his hands rested at the back of his head, and an easy smile sitting perfectly in his features. One that was a little too genuine. âAnd if you think playing hard to get is gonna dissuade me, then youâre in for a rude awakening! This boyâs a chaser!â A playful wink was added to the velvety mix, one that lacked sugary poison.
Innes was glad the ordeal was over. There was homework to catch up on, studying to get through, and well-deserved rest to be had. He gathered his things, ready to leave, when he turned around and saw Sylvain.
Being side-by-side on flying mounts was one thing. It was another to be so up close and personal with the other man. Sylvain blocked his path, and there was no way Innes could sidestep past him. Innes clutched the fake Creiddylad to his chest, trying to formulate a plan of escape. He doubted he could still cast spells with the tome out of the arena, but he could still try.
It was only when Sylvain spoke that Innes realised the man wasn't threatening him: he was toying with him.
Innes was familiar with courting, in theory. He was trained in courting noble women, trying to charm them, and all that would entail. Flirting, a more common way of courtship, eluded him. Even if Sylvain were serious, which Innes was certain he was not, he still would have no idea how to handle the situation.
"Dinner? I never agreed to it - I only said that I have high standards. In any case, it would be inappropriate for us to go on a date. I do not indulge in dalliances, especially with..." Innes couldn't look at Sylvain, not even for a moment. Even then, his words were a lie, but Sylvain didn't need to know that.
"I'm sure you have better things to do than to try and bully me, no?" The tips of Innes' ears were bright red.
If Sylvain were serious, Innes would truly have no idea what to say. He was undoubtedly very handsome, but that hardly made them being 'together' a good idea. How could he possibly explain this to anyone in his life?
Sylvain was obviously joking. There was no chance a man of his noble standing would flirt with another man like this in a serious manner; it was unthinkable.