Kiss the Stranger

I saw Steward’s mouth hanging open, frozen at ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ the edge of my vision. But I didn’t move and simply looked up at Asga’il. Would he be angry at my insolence? Would he brush me off in annoyance? Or…
“…Ha.”
He chose the third. He laughed as if incredulous. His brows were knitted in irritation, so perhaps both the second and third.

“You don’t like that there isn’t a fourth option.”
His slow words were impossible to read—as if mocking me or simply exasperated—so I answered honestly.
“Yes.”

“Yohan…”
Steward tried to interrupt, but Asga’il continued to gaze down at me.
“Which family’s heir are you?”

I couldn’t answer. If he found out, he might learn I was an omega. I shut my mouth, and he asked again.
“A wealthy lineage? Some prestige? Or do you claim some worthy cause?”
Still I couldn’t speak. I bowed my head in silence, and from above my shoulder Asga’il said,
“I know you’re thrilled to be in the palace.”

There was a faint hint of amusement in his voice—nothing like the smile Kamar once gave me.
You must know your place.
That was what he implied. My trembling fingers clasped each other so tightly I could barely feel my own skin. With a tone of pity, Asga’il went on.

“If you want to stay here, speak to the Steward and request duties. I’m sure they’ll find a spot for you.”
Then he turned away. This time his voice mixed with laughter.
“Besides, you’re not a woman, so that fourth option was impossible from the start.”

He dismissed my words as if he’d merely indulged the dreamy wishes of some pitiful pauper who longed for the palace. Perhaps he thought it absurd.
He said he loved me.
“Yohan.”

Steward’s voice snapped me back. He spoke loudly, as if on purpose.
“From now on, His Highness will begin assessments immediately. First, bring the cart to the laboratory, understood?”
I nodded silently, taking it as my cue to leave. As I stepped out I stole a glance toward Asga’il, but he was already on his phone, speaking to someone—clearly not giving me a second thought. I forced my gaze away before I could stare any longer and trudged down the hall. At the door stood the head of security, glaring at me.

“How is His Highness?”
His cold words felt like ice. I startled, then answered.
“He’s regained consciousness… He asked to review his schedule and called for Muhammad.”

In a trembling voice I finished, and the head of security hurried to relay the message to the Steward before rushing back into the prince’s chamber. Behind the closing door I saw the security chief kneel before the prince, praising God. I left the palace staff’s commotion behind and made my way to the laboratory. Even though word had spread that the crown prince was awake, the corridor fell silent once I’d passed. By the time I reached the lab, it was eerily still.
Clack.
I opened the door to find Rikal springing toward me. I placed the cart in its spot and scooped him into my arms.
“Sorry, you must’ve been lonely.”

I kissed the bridge of his nose and hugged him tight. He immediately began nuzzling my shoulder and face. I crouched to watch him hastily eating his meal, and for a moment the morning’s events felt like a dream.
Perhaps it really was all a dream?
The thought flashed through my mind. This was the oasis—what if I woke to find Kamar by my side, telling me it was all a nightmare?

‘I’m the crown prince? That’s ridiculous!’
Imagining his laughter made me smile, though it turned bitter quickly, and I closed my eyes.
“Haah, I almost lost my head.”

Steward collapsed onto the couch in the lab, sighing as he sank down. I approached cautiously, holding Rikal, and spoke.
“Are you all right, Steward? Um… have you eaten?”
“I did. You’re probably wondering about the prince’s condition? He’s perfectly healthy. More vigorous than before. Well, anyone would feel rejuvenated after that sleep.”

I offered an awkward smile, though my cheeks burned. He muttered to himself, stroking his chin, then frowned seriously.
“It’s still odd. How could he sleep so long? I suppose he was exhausted from sleep deprivation, but even so…”
He paused with a thoughtful hum. I had nothing to add, so I stood quietly as Rikal purred and rubbed my chin. Then Steward suddenly clapped his hands, shifting the topic.

“All right, the fire’s out for now, so let’s finish our earlier discussion. Yohan, are you packed? You don’t have much, so you could leave at a moment’s notice.”
As planned, Steward intended to send me out of the palace. Just as I recalled Asga’il’s pale face and the way he coughed up blood, a knock rang through the lab. Steward and I both turned to the door. I moved first, opening it to find Zahara standing in the corridor. I asked in surprise,
“Zahara, what is it?”

“Hello, Yohan. Is Steward inside?”
“Oh—yes.”
I stepped aside and Steward raised a hand in greeting. Zahara offered a slight bow, then spoke.

“I have an urgent order to deliver. It’s from His Highness the crown prince and applies to everyone in the palace.”
Steward and I fell silent, waiting for her to continue. She glanced between us before saying,
“From this moment, all external access is forbidden. No one may leave the palace until the culprit who poisoned His Highness is found. Anyone who exits without permission will face severe punishment. In your case, since you are a foreigner, you may even be expelled from the country.”

As if reciting by rote, Zahara finished and looked at us again, gauging our reactions. I, stunned, stared at Steward, who wore a dazed expression as if struck. Zahara, looking awkward, added,
“I’m sorry, but these are His Highness’s orders. We can only hope they find the culprit quickly.”
With that, she hurried away, offering to assist if needed. When the door closed, Steward still stared at it in disbelief. I quietly approached and stood before him.

“Steward.”
At my whisper he lifted his head to look at me—his face unreadable but incredulous.
“Did I hear correctly? They’ve forbidden anyone from leaving the palace?”

I nodded and said,
“Yes.”
“Damn it!”

He clenched his teeth, restraining the curse on his tongue, hands gripping his hair. I sighed, holding Rikal, and suddenly thought:
Maybe this is my chance?
I’d wondered whether to leave already; now the ban made it easier. But recalling Asga’il coughing blood made my head spin. I forced the words out.

“Um, Steward… I’m sorry to bring this up, but what if I ask the Steward to assign me work, like His Highness suggested?”
“Who? You, Yohan? What are you talking about?”
He dropped his hands and straightened up sharply.

“You’re an omega. If you go volunteering, you’ll expose yourself. You’ve been hiding all this time—why would you willingly go out?”
His tone had grown harsh, perhaps from the stress. I hesitated, then spoke.
“Sitting here doing nothing feels pointless. And we don’t know how long this ban will last… I thought I might do some work. I can’t just stay trapped inside forever.”

“No. Absolutely not. You’ll stay here as before. I’ll take you out at night sometimes to get fresh air. It’s too dangerous for you to go alone.”
That wouldn’t work. If I went out and my omega status was discovered, Steward would be at risk too.
I alone would bear the responsibility.

“Steward, what I mean is…”
I still had more to say, but he waved me off and lay down on the bed where I’d slept.
“Right now there’s no time for that. I’ve waited so long for this… I’ll find another opportunity. Don’t rush. Just wait; I’ll figure something out.”

“Steward.”
I called his name again, but he closed his eyes. I stood there, lost in thought.
I need another plan.

It wouldn’t be as good as moving out myself, but maybe while doing something, another opportunity would appear. I steeled myself and nodded to confirm my resolve.
All right. That’s the way forward.