CHAPTER 112: THE PRINCE’S TRAP!

Rin’s heart pounded like a drum, each beat louder than the last, his mind whirling with chaos.

’How? How the hell did the crown prince of all people know my name... my real name?’

The thought sent a chill down his spine, his pulse racing as he fought to keep his composure. His lips trembled behind the veil, but outwardly, he remained calm, lowering his head with practised grace. "...Your Highness must be mistaken. I don’t know this ’Rin’ you speak of."

Caspian tilted his head, his golden hair catching the flickering mana light, his sly grin never fading. He bent forward and hooked a finger under Rin’s chin, lifting his face gently but firmly until crimson eyes met sharp brown ones. Their gazes locked, and Caspian leaned closer, so close that if not for the thin veil, their lips might have brushed. Rin frowned, his body stiffening as he tried to turn his head away, but Caspian’s deceptively soft grip held him in place. It was a reminder that a prince’s touch could become a shackle.

"You can deny it all you want," Caspian whispered, his warm breath ghosting over Rin’s skin. "But I am a hundred and one per cent sure that you... You are Rin."

Rin bit the inside of his cheek, refusing to respond, his mind racing.

’Why? Why would he know me? How? He never knew who... wait! Unless... Lucien...’

The thought made his stomach twist.

The prince noticed Rin’s drifting thoughts, his grin widening. With sudden boldness, Caspian slid an arm around Rin’s slim waist, pulling him close until their bodies brushed. The heat radiating from the prince was unmistakable, as was the hardness pressing against Rin’s thigh. Rin’s crimson eyes widened slightly before narrowing in disgust. "...Pervert."

He shoved Caspian back with surprising force, his demonic strength surging just enough to make the prince stagger half a step. Caspian regained his balance quickly, laughing instead of scowling, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Oh? You pushed me away. Again. Impressive," Caspian said, licking his lips like a predator who’d just found a challenge. "You’re the first omega who has ever tried to escape my grip for the second time. Most would melt into it."

Rin smirked faintly, bowing just enough to be polite, his voice sharp but controlled. "Then I thank Your Highness for the compliment. But now, if you’ll excuse me..."

He tried to step past, his robe flowing behind him, but Caspian’s hand caught his wrist, his grip firm but not painful. "Not so fast. Tell me... why hide your identity? Is it because of them?" His tone sharpened as he tilted his head toward the arena, where the screams of omegas still echoed faintly, mingling with the crowd’s cruel laughter. "The Vortellions?"

Rin froze, the words slicing through him like a blade. He forced his expression to remain calm behind the veil, but Caspian’s knowing smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with certainty.

"Ah... so I’m right."

"What gave you the impression to think you’re right?" Rin asked, his voice steady but edged with defiance.

"Your eyes," Caspian answered, his gaze locked on Rin’s crimson irises, visible through the veil. Rin bit his lower lip, and the prince continued, his voice low and teasing. "Shall we do this then? Why don’t you tell me what the problem is, and I will try everything in my power to help you, Rin."

Rin pulled his hand back slowly, folding his arms behind him, his voice flat but polite. "Your Highness seems to imagine things. I am not Rin. But..." He lifted his head, crimson eyes glinting beneath the veil. "I am willing to listen to you."

Caspian chuckled, satisfied with the answer, his grin widening. "Good. Listening is the first step to trust."

"Then, follow me," Rin said, turning to leave, his steps deliberate. But before he could take another step, Caspian’s arm shot out, yanking him into a full embrace, pulling Rin’s back against his chest. Rin stiffened, glaring up at him, ready to push away again, his hand twitching toward the gun hidden in his system’s inventory.

"Shh," Caspian whispered in his ear, his tone low and urgent. "Someone’s coming."

"Why should I care if...?"

Rin was about to curse at him when a voice echoed down the hall, sharp and familiar.

"Your Highness."

Rin’s blood turned cold, his body going still as he allowed himself to be caged in Caspian’s embrace. He knew that voice. It was unmistakably Lucien’s voice.

Lucien appeared from around the corner, walking with the quiet elegance of a noble, not the simple guard Caspian had once known. His grey eyes shifted briefly to Caspian, then to the figure in his arms. His expression flickered, just slightly, before settling back into cold formality.

"My father asked me to fetch you, Your Highness," Lucien said, his voice steady but tight. "A seat has been prepared."

Caspian didn’t move, his grip tightening around Rin, his chin resting casually against Rin’s covered head. His eyes gleamed with mischief as he smirked at Lucien. "I’m fine here. Don’t bother me."

Lucien’s jaw tightened, his hands clenching at his sides. "Your Highness... you are the crown prince. It is improper to linger in hallways. My father insists you take the seat of honour."

Caspian groaned, his tone dripping with annoyance. "Tch. You’re always so stiff. I’ll sit wherever I like. That’s an order... from the imperial prince."

Lucien’s expression didn’t break, though his eyes flicked once more to the delicate figure in Caspian’s arms—the flowing robe, the veil, the crimson eyes peering through.

’Is that the Golden Goose? Or Rin? No way! Rin can’t be in that man’s arms even after hearing my voice,’ he thought, his chest tightening painfully. But he turned his gaze away, bowing stiffly. "As you wish, Your Highness."

He turned to leave, his steps steady, but Rin could feel the weight of his glance lingering, heavy with unspoken questions. The moment Lucien was gone, Rin shoved Caspian back roughly, his voice a low hiss. "...You bastard!"

Caspian laughed freely, unbothered by Rin’s anger, his golden eyes sparkling. "What? I saved you from suspicion. Besides..." His gaze roved over Rin with shameless desire. "You feel good in my arms."

"Pervert," Rin spat again, striding away, his robe trailing behind him like a shadow.

"Then let me be your pervert!" Caspian called, following with light, confident steps, his voice teasing but persistent.

Rin tightened his fist, the words cutting deeper than they should have, stirring memories of another voice. He shook the thought away, his steps quickening as he headed back to the VIP section.