Chapter 4 - Pi's view
Chapter 4
Sneaking into the castle might really have been a bad idea, Pi thought. But... he didn't regret it yet. Knowing that the prince wouldn't be able to come back again he tried to find a way to get into the castle. And then he had remembered the party. So he was a gleeman... and who was more needed on a party than an entertainer? Sneaking in was quite easy as he just followed the other entertainers inside. He followed them through various gangways into an enormous hall that was filled with graceful people wearing expensive clothing. Pi's eyes wandered around the hall and there he was: The prince. Toma. Looking bored. But only until he answered Pi's gaze, who was strangely excited although he never was before his shows. He would have been able to stand there the whole evening watching those beautiful eyes, but suddenly he got a light punch in the back and he stepped forward heading towards the space in front of the royal family and their guests. He thought how awkward it was being here and juggling in front of the royal family. Normally he would have been to nervous to even hold one ball, but with Toma watching him everything was so easy. He remembered the day before, when you watched Toma against the orange sunlight and how... perfect this picture had been. So perfect that Pi started smiling during his act, never taking his eyes away from the prince's. To early his act was over and he had to leave the great hall, but didn't lose hope that Toma would come after him. Even if it was more that unsure that Toma wanted to see him as well or even had recognized him. Waiting, he sat down in front of the servants' room and juggled. But only until suddenly Toma left the room came after him. Pi dropped the balls and got on his feet quickly.
The prince didn't seem amused as he started talking, and first Pi thought Toma was annoyed to see him again but then he realized the prince was worried. Worried that Pi got caught and imprisoned. And suddenly Pi was happy, but also sorry at the same time. “I'm sorry... I shouldn't have come. I just... wanted to see you again.”, he said in a low voice, avoiding the prince's gaze. “...thank you...”, the prince whispered. “That you put yourself in so much danger, just to see me...” And then Pi wasn't sorry any more. But he was more and more unsure why he had come here. He actually hadn't known in the first place. He wanted to think about what the reason was, but he was interrupted by voices coming closer. Without knowing what happened, he got drawn behind some tapestry and found themselves in a small space between the tapestry and the wall. Toma was nervous, he listened carefully to the voices until they faded. Pi's thoughts instead were all about Toma. Being pressed against each other, feeling the prince's warmth, smelling him. Pi should have been frightened that he was put into prison and still he couldn't think of anything but the young prince. Then their eyes met. Paralyzed Pi felt every cell of his body heating up.
But fortunately Toma had more self control than Pi had. He squeezed himself out of the little space they had been trapped in and stepped into the gangway. “Come on, get out. I'll help you leave without being seen.”, the prince whispered. “No, don't... If someone notices, you'll also be in danger. I'll find a way out. Don't worry, sire.” Pi wasn't sure if he would make it without being seen, most of all because of that colorful dress he wore. “But if they find you...”, the prince started, but Pi interrupted him. “Be sure they won't. Please don't worry. And one more thing. Please... close your eyes for a moment.” Pi wasn't sure if he did the right thing. “Close my eyes?”, Toma answered surprised. Pi nodded. The young prince seemed unsure, but finally he did as he was told. Watching Toma with eyes closed he took a step towards the prince and lifted his hand. He wanted to touch him. His hair, his face. Touching the air, Pi's hand followed the outlines of Toma's face. Pi wanted to stay with the prince, but he also knew that this was impossible. So he took off his most important ring, took Toma's hand and put it in his palm. Then he whispered into Toma's ear: “Please keep this, my lord. And remember, that there'll always be someone who will put his life in danger to save you... and not only because you're the prince.” And so Pi turned around and followed the corridor without looking back.
