expression softens slightly at husik’s admittance — he just wants to steal him away from this ball to instead go for a stroll through the gardens, like all the times before. the realization makes adam's chest tighten uncomfortably : guilt. it's a sensation he doesn't at all want to dwell on, but that is easier said than done when the other prince is standing there next to him with that faux smile on his face.
it's the type of smile that they use for the others in the courts, not around one another. he knows husik well enough to recognize it, and once again, he does not like the way it makes him feel. it's beneath him to feel sorry for someone else, to feel shame — isn't it? that's what he's been taught, what a father's twisted teachings have drilled into his head.
still, perhaps he can make an exception here. after all, they have been close for so long — and it's foolish to push him away. the kingdoms have always been allied ; it's best to keep husik close, to maintain that connection for when the day comes that they both hold the thrones and need allies.
that, adam tells himself, is the only reason that he finds himself nodding slowly. it has nothing to do with the gnawing sensation of guilt, nothing to do with the fact that he wants to see the genuine smile again, rather than the feigned one. nothing to do with the fact that they haven't been able to see one another as much lately, so wrapped up in decorum and responsibility. nothing to do with any of that at all, of course.
“ ... i suppose our absence amongst the guests wouldn’t be missed too terribly, ” he murmurs, casting a quick glance around the room, clearly in search of something. emitting a quiet “ aha! ” when he spots his target — one of the footmen, walking by with a tray of drinks — the prince swoops in and snatches two of the glasses.
only then does he return to his friend's side, passing him one of the drinks and then lightly nudging him with his elbow. “ lead the way, your highness. ”
husik is almost prepared to apologize and walk off at the unsettling delay in response from adam, but then he ends up agreeing and he can't help the confusion that bubbles in his gut. as far as he can tell, there's a hesitance in it as the other prince nods slowly. he almost offers to just ignore everything he's said, but then he's already off collecting a drink for each of them.
and just like that, husik finds his heart settling in his chest once more. perhaps the adam he's always adored is still there, just as he's hoped.
"if anyone asks, we have a prior matter that needs to be addressed privately," husik suggests without hesitation as he leads the way to the gardens.
as he guides them through the castle, husik is unable to keep the sincere smile from gracing his lips once more. after all, what's there to not be happy about? certainly, he enjoys a ball as much as the next person, but to be able to spend time with his life-long friend alone for the first time since his arrival is far more meaningful.
the moon is full and the sky is clear, and husik can't help but take a deep breath of the fresh, crisp, night air when they arrive at his favorite spot in the garden.
"i've missed this," husik admits without thought, a dreamy expression settling over his features as his eyes move between each of the stars twinkling above them.
a soft laugh huffs from between his parted lips before he turns to look at adam once more.
"it was almost upsettingly easy to leave the ball unnoticed, though. Don't you think?" he jests.
