The Devil's Crown

XXX Lingering Face.

“Excuse me,” Shaw’s raspy voice resonated in the bathroom.

Have you ever heard about someone’s nerves quivering? Well, Elfric experienced it for himself. He could have sworn that he felt his nerves rattling against each other in anxiety.

This was going to take years out of his life for sure. He could have just ignored Shaw, pretended not to hear him but he didn’t because of two things: one, Shaw’s voice was too loud for him not to hear unless he was deaf not to mention the echo of the bathroom which made it all too unrealistic. The other was what if Shaw was going to tell him something that he needed?

What could he have that Rick possibly needs? Elfric wondered about himself. Maybe it was his past self that was swallowed up rather too quickly. The person he was right now though had a different opinion.

Every shred of information that he could get from Shaw at this moment was important. Till now he has already figured a couple of things. Like the fact that he is a neat person. He came all the way here to clean a stain that wasn’t even visible on his suit and was probably going to be thrown away right after the banquet.

In addition to him being a man that cares about his image. He thought that he was a ruthless man, he probably still is but he knew how to keep it all under control when he had to maintain his image. Just like how he smiled at that brunette woman back there.

He took a deep breath, hoping hard that he didn’t notice the way his shoulders rose and fell as he did. He felt the stare on his back more than he would have liked. Elfric felt every muscle in his body contract even his lungs stopped functioning as he turned to look over his shoulder.

It was only a mere second that passed but Rick felt that it has been forever, time was passing agonizingly slow. For once though he was thankful for the way Orathan stayed quiet. At least he could read the situation.

“Can I help you with something, My Lord?” Rick asked. The calmness in his own voice was shocking even to him.

Rick was standing halfway around, his golden eyes that seem akin to the bright color of the sun were on full display to Shaw Gotham. He still felt his stomach twist and turn at the fact that he was so exposed, he missed the comfort of the hood over his head.

Now, he was too naked for his own comfort. However, he swallowed down that sensation keeping it locked in the pit of the abyss inside him. The façade that was on display now was nothing but an ethereal-looking being whose full of confidence.

Elfric calmed down the voices in his head and focused on Shaw. The man that was towering over him and seemed to be double his width was watching him closely. He was quiet but Elfric felt his eyes talking to him.

Somehow he understood what he was seeking and so, Elfric continued his turn so that he was standing facing Shaw. The anticipation of watching him turn around was eating at Shaw’s insides.

He saw him brush over his shoulder briefly as he dashed to the bathroom. It was only a moment but Shaw was able to make out the gold in his eyes, his fair hair was so pale that as it fell on his back you couldn't make it out from the white of his suit.

Even the smallest of gestures like turning around seemed unreal when Elfric did it. That split second as he turned around, you simply expect to see a similar golden-like eye staring at you but no…you are blessed with a vibrant lily-like-violet staring right at you.

Elfric felt himself losing nerves with every passing second that Shaw remained silent. What the hell does he want to say?! A voice inside him yelled out.

“You…” Shaw paused.

The movement of his lips got the air trapped inside his lungs. *You are the one that killed my son* Rick continued the phrase in his head. (While the one responsible for Drace’s death was also with him, somehow).

“You have got quite the unique look, haven’t you?”

Elfric almost sighed in relief and sank to his knees but his legs never gave in underneath him. His mind then processed the words, they weren’t something he hasn’t heard before but he was surprised that even Shaw was interested.

He blinked a couple of times. “I get that a lot, My Lord,” said Rick politely.

“Oh, you did,” said Shaw.

His attention was now diverted to getting his hands clean after he got most of the stain on his suit removed. Elfric found himself standing there waiting for God-knows-what to happen.

I have to get out of here, he thought. He bowed slightly before he dashed out of the bathroom and returned back to the ballroom. The stares were making his stomach worse. He had to get out of this godforsaken Noble’s den and return to the comfort of his cheap apartment.

‘Well that went smooth,’ Orathan finally spoke…not that Elfric missed him or something. His voice inside him was a constant reminder of the decision that he has taken. Of the risks that he chooses to take. Of the people that he might lose.

Elfric gulped down his dwellings, it wasn’t the time. The orchestra that was playing around him was helping in swallowing away his sadness for a moment. Part of him longed for celebration but the other one knew better. It’s not done until it’s done.

Until he is in his own bed back in the slums of London then he is never finished.

“I hope that my face doesn’t linger in his mind,” Rick hoped out loud.

‘He only met you briefly,’ said Orathan. ‘I believe that if he knew beforehand something more should’ve happened. He barely spared you a glance.’

That was indeed true. Shaw barely showed any interest in him other than his albinism. Not that he was complaining. Now that he has verified that there wasn’t another soul other than him that knows of him. That was all he needed for now.

“Did you see something off about him?” Elfric asked as he sought his friend hoping he wouldn’t question him like always.

Orathan hummed. ‘You remember when I told you that those two reeked of Elves?’ he said.

Elfric nodded once.

‘That Shaw guy was coated with the same smell. From head to toe, it’s stronger than the one those two had,’