Tursed my worid upside down

Another week passed, but Klaus still hadn't come to his senses. Alexander placed him in a private clinic, where the prince was monitored 24/7. He was put in order. His hair was no longer scattered across the pillow in tangled ribbons, it lay neatly, carefully combed and washed.

Egor went to the hospital as if it were work. Pouoka came with him several times. Sasha kept his promises. No one except them knew what condition Klaus was in and where he was.

The first day off. It was 10 am, and the fair-haired young man was already approaching the familiar ward, wondering what else to tell the prince. Over these days, Egor had recounted his entire boring life, and had run out of topics. He quietly opened the door and froze. Sasha was sitting in the ward, quietly stroking Klaus's head.

"Don't you think you've been sleeping too long?" the man asked, running his thumb over the patient's cheek. "Maybe you should stop making us nervous?"

There was no answer. The man stood up from his chair, bent down and kissed Klaus on the forehead.

"You owe me one. Don't you dare die before you pay it back."

He turned away from the bed and stared at Egor's stunned face, who was looking at the scene through the half-open door. They were both silent, not knowing what to say. Egor himself didn't even understand what exactly had confused him in this situation, but then a quiet, hoarse whisper was heard.

"This isn't a debt, but a promise. Water. Give me water."

Sasha turned around abruptly, Egor didn't hear the words, but he knew exactly who they were coming from and, throwing aside his embarrassment, he opened the door and quickly approached the bed.

The eyes slowly opened and closed, but a barely noticeable smile played on the lips. Egor himself did not understand how it happened, but when he came to, he found himself tightly hugging Klaus, burying his face in his shoulder and crying.

"Well, what are you so sad about? Aren't you happy to hear from me?" a light touch to the hair. Klaus awkwardly stroked Egor's head. "Will someone give me some water?"

Alexander had already called the nurse, who quickly brought a glass of water with a straw. Klaus tried to get up, but the woman stopped him.

"You'd better not move. Drink in small sips."

Klaus, contrary to his character, did not resist and did as he was told, wincing from the first sip.

"How are you feeling?" asked Egor, who could not hold back a smile.

"It's like I've been run over by a steamroller, but overall it's not bad. When can I go home? And by the way, what are you doing here?" He turned his gaze to Sasha.

"He's the one who provided you with the best treatment," gor answered for him.

"I'm surprised he even found out about my condition," the prince said discontentedly.

"Relax. It's very impolite to talk like that about a person who was worried about you - the man answered." Any wishes? Do you want anything?

"Yes. To leave this sterile ward, away from the disgusting hospital smell."

"Well, if you can already express dissatisfaction, you will be able to do so soon."

Klaus leaned back on the pillow and closed his eyes.

"I'll probably sleep a little longer. This world has left me completely unstuck," he said sleepily.

"This world?" Sasha asked in confusion.

"He comes from a place far from civilization," the fair-haired guy found something to answer. "He always expresses himself like that. His world, our world," he giggled nervously.

"Yes, sometimes it seems to me that we are from different worlds," Alexander answered thoughtfully. "Let's go. Let him sleep."

At home, Egor pleased Pouoka with excellent news. The old woman really perked up. She made a list of products to prepare the prince's favorite dishes, changed the bed, ironed his clothes.

"So when will he be discharged?" she asked the next morning.

"I don't know, but I'm sure he will get out of there sooner than he should."

Klaus was discharged two days later, although the doctor strongly recommended that he stay, but could that keep the prince within the hospital walls? Egor arrived with a set of clothes to take Klaus home. They did not discuss what had happened, but Egor was eager to start this conversation. To ask for forgiveness. To ask for a chance to improve.

Voices were heard in the ward. Sasha was there again, and Egor decided not to interrupt them, but to wait a few minutes at the door, and then knock. He felt like some kind of stalker, standing next to the closed door and putting his ear to it. He did not know what he wanted to hear, but definitely not this. Although, he guessed, or rather drove away such thoughts, but what he heard confirmed his suspicions.

"So, are you sure you decided to quit?" the man asked.

"I told you that this was a temporary necessity, and I think you realized that I was not made for this kind of work."

"I would argue with that," Sasha grinned.

"Not funny," Klaus grumbled.

"You played your role perfectly, but I didn't like it either. I don't want you to spend time with others, to be seduced by them, we both know that excessive persistence can break even your unwavering determination."

"What broke her was what you slipped me."

"Didn't you like it?"

"I didn't say that."

"When you finally get stronger, I hope you'll fulfill your promise?"

"Do you really need it that much? Can't you find yourself another boy for entertainment? I plan to leave as soon as I regain my strength."

"Leave? Where?"

"Return to my homeland. I have several unresolved issues there."

"For a long time?"

"Most likely, finally."

"It breaks my heart," Alexander chuckled. "I really don't want to let you go and yes, I really need to, to answer your question. There is something in you. Something that attracts me, beckons me. You know, I never considered my lovers as something more, but you are another matter. Damn, how did I manage to fall in love with an unbearable boy who is young enough to be my son?"

"Don't exaggerate. This is not love. I will fulfill my promise, and you will be released," Klaus laughed.

"I'm afraid that after this I will get into even more trouble. What can I do to keep you?"

"It's impossible."

"Okay, and what can I do to make you come back?"

"It's not up to me anymore."

There was silence behind the door. Egor's heart was pounding like crazy. He was afraid that something might happen between them, so without even realizing his actions, he knocked loudly on the door and abruptly opened it. He found Klaus fully dressed and sitting on the bed next to Sasha, who was holding his hand on the prince's cheek. Their faces were too close to each other. Egor cleared his throat, put on a smile and approached the unusual couple.

"Hello everyone. Klaus, I came for you, am I disturbing you?"

Sasha's face reflected annoyance, Klaus's face blossomed with his real smile.

"We're done already. Are we going?" He got out of bed and approached Egor.

"See you again," he waved his hand to Sasha.

"I hope very soon," he smiled.

They left the hospital. Klaus suggested taking a short walk and then calling a taxi. Egor agreed. They were silent, but after almost half an hour of aimless wandering, he finally asked the question that was burning him up inside.

"Are you sleeping with this man?"

Klaus stopped, raised an eyebrow and looked at Egor.

"Why such a question?"

"Well, I don't know. Maybe because he cares about you so much, or maybe I accidentally overheard your conversation."

"I didn't sleep with him."

"But I was going to?"

"Maybe, but it didn't happen. Let's call a taxi?"

"Do you like men?"

"I wouldn't say so."

"Then do you like him?"

"He's an interesting person."

"I don't mean that."

"If you mean whether I want to fuck him? Then rather no than yes, but that day the circumstances were different."

"I don't understand you at all," Egor sighed.

"A counter question. Why are you even interested in this side of my life?"

Egor blushed sharply.

"I don't know myself," but he knew, he just didn't want to admit it to himself.

"Then let's just close this topic. I'm so hungry! I hope the old woman prepared a big pot of stew!"

***

The meeting with Igiro took place, as always, in a tensely polite atmosphere. Jiro was surprised how they could be twins if they had hated each other since childhood. Igiro was born first, and all the laurels always went to him, no matter how much Jiro tried to attract his father's attention, he always remained second. A backup option. They were taught by the same people. They received the same knowledge and skills, but Jiro was second even on the battlefield, not because he was weaker, but because he lacked this animal instinct, heartlessness and the ability to truly enjoy the blood of slain enemies, the suffering of enslaved people. He was not like his brother, although he tried with all his might to become his copy.

"Several months have passed, and my son has not been found. Where could he have gone?"

"If I knew, Your Majesty, I would certainly have told you," answered Jiro, twirling a goblet of wine in his hands. "I did my research, but I still couldn't find him. Neither alive nor dead."

"This is sad. He is already twenty, I am not getting any younger, and my new heir was just born. If there is no news of my eldest son soon, then I will make this baby my heir. I need proof that he is dead. Bring it to me."

"As I said, we did not find his body."

"Then find him! I do not need discord among the highborn. They will not accept a new heir without confirmation of the death of the old one. Do I ask so much of you? Don't you have the most powerful air mages?"

"I will do what I can, but what if he is still alive?"

"Then bring him to me. Dead or alive. I don't care."

"Your Majesty, do you really have no feelings for your own offspring? He is your flesh and blood."

"He is just an extension of me, and if he does not want to fulfill his duties, well, then there is no point in him continuing to live."

"He is a diligent student and a talented warrior. Klaus has grown into a fine heir."

"He is too soft. He is more like your son than mine. I did everything to harden his heart. I wanted to see passion in his eyes when he kills an enemy, a thirst for blood and conquest, but all I saw in them was doom and a lack of interest. He did his duty well, but he is too weak to become the king of this country."

Jiro didn't answer. A few days ago, his search mage reported that the one they sent to find the prince in another world was dead, and Klaus's fate was unknown. He was badly wounded. That was the last thing he saw.

"So, I take it that Klaus has no other option but to die?"

"He is the heir. Who would dare raise a sword against him outside the battlefield?" the king asked.

"I understand you, my king. May I continue my search?"

"Go. I hope you won't keep me waiting long. You know better than anyone what happens when my patience is at its limit."

Jiro left the king's chamber. He remembered. He remembered well, and the deep scar on his chest would never let him forget. He left the castle and headed for the city, where the search mage was waiting for him. They couldn't wait any longer. The prince had to be brought back, and quickly, but was it safe to do so now? And how could he keep him alive if his own father wanted him dead. Jiro had failed to protect his eldest son from his brother's wrath, so how could he save his nephew while keeping the throne in his own hands?

The man arrived in the city and stopped at one of the most popular entertainment houses. Despite the early hour, the establishment was already crowded with visitors. He walked through the oak doors, which were opened for him by two slave servants, and stopped his guards with a gesture. The highborn never crossed the threshold of such establishments accompanied by bodyguards. This was their world. Here they revealed their true face.

Jiro was met by two pretty and very young slaves, who led him to a free table and began to court the high-born guest.

"I'm waiting for someone here. Bring me something to drink and eat, and then leave."

The girls bowed and left. The man leaned back in his soft chair and began to look for his friend, or rather, like-minded person. As long as their goals coincided, they would be on the same side, but as soon as the need for each other disappeared. What then? Who would get rid of whom first?

"You were late," a hoarse voice was heard.

"I was at my brother's. You understand," Jiro looked at the man who had just sat down opposite him.

"I have nothing against waiting in such a place. I miss such entertainment," his dull blue eyes sparkled, deep wrinkles appeared at the corners from a wide smile, and an ugly scar on his face stretched. "However, I did not expect you to come at all."

"I was interested in your letter."

"Ah, that. Well, now it is in our interests to bring the prince back to his homeland."

"How did you know about my plans?"

"It is not so important," the man waved his hand. "What is important is something else. Why do you need the prince? What is your goal?"

"It is not so important," Jiro repeated after his interlocutor, "Now it is of primary importance for us to bring the prince back. You can help with that, you need the prince to be in this world and under supervision, and who can handle that better than me?"

"I thought that we would not be able to find out each other's plans," the blue-eyed interlocutor sighed. "Well. At the end of the week, the prince will return. Your task is to meet him and hide him for a while."

"I wonder who you work for?"

"I am a nobleman who has given up his status," the man pointed to the scar "I have lost my place in this country. I have lost my name and all for the sake of one person. Do you think I will just give away his name and put him at risk? You are naive."

"Still, I do not like making deals that are so dubious. Why do you need an heir?"

"As I said, our goals coincide now. Let's stop there. So will you meet the prince?"

"Yes. I will take him under my protection."

The blue-eyed man nodded in satisfaction and was about to leave, when Jiro's icy voice stopped him:

"I will take him under my protection from enemies, friends and temporary like-minded people."

"That's what's required of you," the interlocutor smiled, but Jiro felt something hostile in him. He knew that it was reckless to make deals with unknown individuals, but now he had no other options. He needed the prince immediately, and he preferred to solve the rest of the problems later

The man took the glass from which his interlocutor drank, carefully wrapped it in a napkin and put it in his bosom. This would help his search mage install a tracking spell. This guy needed to be watched and all possible information collected. Jiro doubted that among the highborn there would be many who personally renounced their status and cut out their tattoo.

***

The next day, Klaus went to work with Egor, but not to start it, but to quit for real. He decided that he was strong enough to return to his world. He had everything ready. The stimulant ball was full of magic, the new katana was delivered from Andrey with a note of paid. It was beautiful. Black handle. The sheath was decorated with red patterns, the curved blade was sharp as a razor on one side and dull, sparing the enemy's life on the other. It lay perfectly in his hand. Light, graceful and deadly. He knew how to handle many weapons and always carried a heavy sword at court, but his soul always lay with a thin, light and graceful katana. He felt at ease with it. With it, he could spare life. It did not force him to kill everyone who stood in his way.

Pouoka was outraged that he did not want to postpone his return. She had repeatedly reproached him for the fact that returning to Isorobia in such a state was equivalent to death, but Klaus understood that the longer he stayed here, the harder it would be for him to leave, and slight weakness never stopped him. At home, he would quickly regain his former dexterity in practice, or die on the battlefield. In his native element.

The wound itself was not so dangerous. He fell into a coma due to complete depletion of magic. He did not get it naturally. The prince simply "charged" himself with an electric discharge. Almost like a stimulator ball, only the consequences were much more serious.

Clara greeted Klaus with a half-hour lecture and a list of clients unhappy with his absence, and when she heard that he was quitting and returning home, she completely lost control of herself.

"I hired you! I gave you a place where you could rise without much effort! I tolerated your antics, and you just say that you are leaving? And who will I replace you with? Such specimens are very rare, you know."

"Clara," the prince began with a sigh when the woman ran out of steam and fell silent. "I am truly grateful to you for everything, but I never said that I would stay for a long time. I told you right away that this was a forced measure."

"Why would you leave? Why would you go back to your province? I just don't understand," the woman shook her head. "Many would give everything to be in your place."

"You know yourself, I'm not made for this job. Do you think I could play my role for much longer? I doubt it," the young man grinned.

"You're strange. You know, if you want to come back, I won't just accept you."

"I understand that."

"If you decide to come back, you'll have to work harder for me to forgive you."

"So will you still leave me a place if I decide to come back?" the prince smiled.

"I'll be bored without your antics. I hope you come to your senses before your natural beauty and attractiveness fade."

"Thank you."

The young man left the office of his former boss and sat down at one of the tables on the lower floor of the bar as a guest.

"Hello, Mia smiled at him. "Would you like to order?"

"Bring me a bottle of wine and a couple of steaks."

"So it's true? You quit after all?"

"Yes. I'm finally free," the guy smiled.

"You know, I like your real smile," the girl said. "Maybe you're right. This job made you somehow lifeless, but I'm really sorry that you're leaving."

"What about you? Don't you want to take a risk to get free?"

"What are you talking about?"

"About Egor. Don't you want to take a risk and try your luck?"

"I already told you," she sighed. "Everything suits me, and I don't think he likes me in that sense. Lately, he's been absorbed in a completely different person, who also doesn't notice anything around him," she smiled sadly and left.

Klaus leaned back in his soft chair and pulled out his phone. There was one more thing to do.

"Hello," he said into the receiver.

"This is something new. You are calling me yourself?" a tired male voice chuckled on the phone.

"I am leaving tomorrow. I decided to say goodbye."

"I see... Well. This is not what I wanted to hear at all."

"Do you want to have some wine on the first floor of Clara's bar?"

"Seriously? Are you asking me out on a date?" Sasha chuckled.

"Not really, but I want to thank you for your help, at least with a couple of glasses of wine."

"I'll be there in an hour. Don't get drunk without me."

Egor watched the relaxed Klaus, who was methodically eating his second steak and slowly drinking wine. Mia came up to him every free minute, and they talked about something. It was unusual to see the prince so friendly. Maybe it was because he no longer worked here? Or maybe he was tired of his armor of indifference, the young man did not know, but for some reason he did not like it. He wanted to be the only person who, even occasionally, could see Klaus's real smile, his relaxed face.

Egor wasn't surprised when he saw the new guest sitting down next to Klaus. He knew that the prince would want to say goodbye to the man, but that also angered him. Why was Klaus spending time with other people on his last day in his world. Not with him. Didn't he care about Egor? Wasn't he sad at all that they might never see each other again? The fair-haired boy was very irritated by the fact that this whole situation was bothering him so much. He tore his gaze away from the table that Clara had just approached and went to greet the new guests, of which there weren't many today.

"Egor," Klara said that there weren't many people today, so she allowed us to rest. Would you like to join your brother's farewell party? - Mia took him by the elbow near the bar. Egor turned his gaze to Klaus's table. The prince smiled and waved at him.

"So Klara will allow two of her employees to shirk work?" Egor was surprised.

"I didn't believe it myself," the girl laughed "But apparently that man is a big shot. One word from him was enough for her to agree."

"Then shall we go?" Egor said hesitantly.

"Give someone your tables. Do you have many?"

"There is only one left."

"Great, me too."

Two waiters hesitantly approached the table where their boss, a former colleague and an influential man was sitting.

"Don't stand there, sit down," Klara waved her hand lazily "Today I'm also resting. It's not every day that you lose a gold mine. I just need to get drunk!"

"Oh, come on, with your intuition you'll find someone better and more obedient," a slightly tipsy Klaus laughed. Egor had never seen him like this before.

Sasha sat next to the prince, Klara moved closer to Alexander, and Egor and Mia sat opposite, hesitantly taking their first sips of wine.

"It's somehow strange," the girl noted. "This is the first time I'm sitting here as a guest!"

"And the last," the boss answered. "Today is a day of exceptions!"

An hour later, everyone had already relaxed. The embarrassment had passed, and they were having a great time, despite the strange company. Drunk Clara was completely different from the one they were used to seeing. The guys liked her better this way. She told them many interesting and funny stories from the past. She was generally the ringleader in this company.

"You know, your brother advised me on something," Mia leaned towards Egor's ear. "and I thought about it now. Why not?"

Egor listened to the girl with half an ear, and he himself did not take his eyes off the couple opposite. Klaus was somehow too comfortable with a man twice his age. He allowed him fleeting touches, laughed at his jokes. This Klaus was not at all like the one Egor knew. Why was he never so open with him?

Mia followed Egor's gaze and sighed sadly.

"You know. Can you even hear me?"

"Oh, yeah, sorry. So what did my brother advise?"

"Tell me, do I have a chance to move beyond friendship with you?"

Egor looked at the girl in surprise, then involuntarily looked at Klaus.

"Forget it," the girl shook her head. "I knew it from the start. You don't need me."

"Sorry," Egor said dully. "I never imagined you as my girlfriend. You are really beautiful and all that, but..."

"Relax! Let's have a drink! As I thought, this is a hopeless endeavor. I can't compete with him."

"Who are you talking about?"

But the girl was already pouring new portions of wine and switched to talking to Clara. At this time, Klaus got up from his place and sat down next to Egor, putting his hand on his shoulder, and spoke directly into his ear:

"You are having fun here, and I need to do something. I will be back in an hour, maybe two."

"I can go with you."

"No," Klaus grinned. "I have to do this alone. Then we will spend the rest of the night together. Let's have some fun for the last time."

Klaus stood up. Sasha followed him. They were already approaching the exit, and Egor watched them with panic, thinking of a reason to stop the prince. Any reason. The simplest one. He turned with a pleading look to Mia, who, it seemed to him, smiled understandingly.

"We can go after them," she shrugged.

"Where are you going? Leave these two alone. Sasha tried so hard to win our untouchable,: drunken Clara reasoned. "Honestly, I'm shocked myself. I didn't think he was interested in men."

"It seems to me that he's not interested in anyone at all," Mia interjected.

"Well, then Sasha is in for another disappointment," the woman laughed. "Klaus really doesn't understand what he's missing out on. He could be living in clover, eh," Clara shook her head and took a big sip of wine.

Egor emptied his glass, poured himself a new portion and silently stared at the door, behind which Klaus disappeared in the company of a man, leaving the fair-haired man alone.

Klaus didn't want what he and Sasha went to the booked room at the nearest hotel for, but he always kept his word. Curiosity was what controlled him then, and the medicine dissolved in soda. Now he wouldn't refuse that potion, but asking Sasha for it was somehow... Not quite right, perhaps. In any case, he was seeing this man for the last time, and if he wanted to receive such gratitude for his help, then so be it.

"You know, you don't have to be here now," Sasha said, coming out of the shower in a white terry robe.

"Really?" Klaus grinned. "Then I'll go?"

"You're just an unbearable boy," Sasha answered, coming closer.

All other events were happening in a fog. Klaus thought that the wine he had drunk was to blame. He gave himself completely to the man, allowing himself to be kissed, caressed, undressed. At some point, the prince decided that the foreplay had dragged on too long. Egor was waiting for him. He had not said goodbye to the old woman properly, and there was less and less time for everything important.

Klaus took the initiative and moved on to decisive action. Without tenderness. Without long preparation. Purely mechanically. He was not disgusted. The process even brought him a lot of pleasure, but it was only physical satisfaction. A physical need, like his first time with a girl in the house of pleasure. He did not really feel the difference between a man and a woman, except, perhaps, the different softness of the body and the presence of an additional accessory between the partner's legs. This time, he also did not understand why everyone was so obsessed with sex? This fleeting pleasure can be given to yourself independently without unnecessary problems and long foreplay.

"You know, you have a talent for this. Are you sure this is your first time having sex with a man?" Sasha asked him, lying next to him on the bed, while Klaus was finishing his second cigarette.

"Yes."

"Do you have to leave now?"

"Yes."

"You're a man of few words again. Was it that unpleasant for you?"

"Not at all. I liked it," Klaus answered, exhaling smoke. "But I really have to go."

"Will you kiss me goodbye?" and Klaus kissed him. Then he got out of bed, took a shower and walked into the room completely naked.

"Maybe you'll stay after all?" Sasha asked, devouring the young man with his eyes.

"I have to go," Klaus answered, pulling up his jeans. "Maybe I'll see you again. Once again, thank you for saving my life," Klaus waved his hand and left the room, dialing Egor's number along the way.

"Are you still at the bar?"

"Where else could I be?" the disgruntled voice of a drunk Egor was heard. "Finished my... business..."

"Yes, I'll be there soon."

Klaus put the phone in his pocket, lit another cigarette and thought that he should take a couple of packs with him. The nasty taste and acrid smoke had become so familiar that he could no longer imagine his life without cigarettes. Of course, in his world they also smoked tobacco, but for some reason, the prince thought that he would definitely not find filter cigarettes there. At most, hand-rolled cigarettes from papyrus paper or a pipe, which high-born old men liked to carry.