In the quiet of the night, a loud banging echoes through the air, startling both Arthur and Madin from their deep sleep.Madin stirs first, rubbing his eyes groggily as he sits up. The pounding on the door grows louder, accompanied by muffled voices outside. Without thinking, Madin drags himself out of bed and stumbles toward the door.He unlocks it, the heavy wooden door creaking open, and what he sees on the other side freezes him in place.Standing there is the King , tall and imposing in his royal attire, flanked by knights and guards who wait outside the doorway. His piercing gaze lands on Madin, who feels the weight of the king’s presence bearing down on him.“Where is he?” the king demands, his tone sharp and commanding as he strides into the room.Madin, still half-asleep and overwhelmed, remains silent, unable to find the words to respond. The king brushes past him, his boots echoing against the stone floor. The commotion rouses Arthur, who sits up abruptly, blinking at the s
After the intense confrontation with the king, Madin is assigned a room in the main mansion. However, as punishment for concealing his true identity for so long, the king insists that Madin remains Prince Arthur’s servant.Arthur protests the decision, ready to argue with his father, but Madin stops him. The king’s resolve is unyielding, and Arthur knows he has no choice but to comply. Despite his frustration, Arthur reluctantly agrees, though his displeasure is evident.For Madin, the arrangement is acceptable. As long as he can be close to Arthur and no longer needs to hide his identity, the rest feels manageable—for now.Once the meeting with the royal family ends, Arthur and Madin retreat to the Arthur’s chambers. The tension between them is palpable, but Arthur breaks the silence first.“So… what do you think?” he asks, watching Madin closely.“About what?” Madin replies, his thoughts already tangled with everything that transpired.“You know... everything my father said.”“I’m f
The hatred Lady Catherina harbors for Madin is incomprehensible. He wonders why she can't just mind her business. He isn't competing with her for Arthur's hand; the prince is marrying her, after all. Shouldn't that be enough?Within just a week, the preparations for Arthur and Catherina's wedding are complete. The palace is abuzz with the dual celebration of Arthur's coronation. The current king, aged and weary, has chosen to step down, eager to see his son ascend the throne before passing away.In this same week, Catherina's life transforms. Once a mere servant, she is now the prince's fiancée. It's revealed that she's the daughter of a general-not Michael, who was exiled from the palace after his disgrace__ assistant.During a formal address, the king extols Catherina's virtues to the court, emphasizing her intelligence and kindness.He praises her willingness to marry Arthur despite knowing the prince's heart belongs elsewhere. "She is a blessing to the kingdom," the king declare
"This is too much. I need to go," Madin mutters, his steps unsteady. The weight of Jeremy's confession mixes with the alcohol in his system, making his head spin even more.As he turns to leave, his eyes catch movement in the distance. Arthur is standing there, watching them. His expression is unreadable, but his presence is suffocating. How long has he been there? Did he hear everything?"Madin," Arthur calls, his voice sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.Madin freezes at the sound of his name, the guilt washing over him even though he's done nothing wrong. He walks toward Arthur hesitantly, only for Arthur to grab his hand and pull him away, his grip firm and uncompromising."Where are we going?" Madin asks, but Arthur doesn't answer.They enter an unfamiliar room, its dim lighting and sparse furniture giving it an air of secrecy. Arthur slams the door shut behind them and turns to face him, his eyes blazing."Really, Madin? Jeremy? What were you doing in his arms like tha
Meanwhile at the hall where the celebration took place , the maids and other servants stayed to clean up.And during the cleaning , they couldn't help to gossip about the recent things that have been going on in the palace.“I don’t even know why she’s so happy and bragging!” a girl’s voice says, frustration evident in her tone. “Prince Arthur doesn’t even love her! He loves Madin.”“King Arthur,” another corrects her.“Whatever. The point still stands. She’s just being used, and she’s too stupid to realize it. What an idiot!”“She’s dangerous,” another chimes in, her voice dripping with unease. “I think she’s going to try and separate them. She’s hated Madin since the moment she stepped into this palace.”A boy speaks up. “Why are you so worried about her breaking them up? You should be more concerned about how she’s going to rule us like slaves! That woman doesn’t have a single ounce of kindness in her.”“King Arthur won’t let her do that!” the first girl snaps back.Another boy sig
Nine months later,,, ••••Nine months have passed, Madin sits on the edge of his bed, lost in thought. Wondering for a thousandth time... "What happened to... 'What's embarrassing? Well, get used to it because from today it'll be everyday.' "His life feels like a cruel joke, and he wonders if he’s cursed to endure endless suffering.Ever since that one night with Arthur__ the night that totally refused to exit his mind , things have been tough.And they only got worse when one celebration day of king Elias's birthday , Catherina purposefully got Arthur drunk and they ended up sleeping together .And they got even worser when Catherina got pregnant.Arthur, the man who once seemed to care so deeply, has changed beyond recognition.Since Catherina announced her pregnancy, Arthur has been devoted to her every need. He dotes on her, granting her every wish, and even moved her into his chambers—an act that crushed Madin.It meant he could no longer sleep in Arthur’s room, a privilege th
Jeremy exits the room swiftly, his footsteps echoing through the grand hallways of the palace. After some time, another figure follows, though not along the same path. Doubts plague his mind as he walks, his thoughts circling around Arthur's sudden interest.Why is Arthur looking for him now? They barely speak anymore. He isn’t even Arthur's servant, nor does he hold any position in the palace these days. No one seems to question his presence, but the void of purpose gnaws at him.His musings deepen as he walks. Staying here seems pointless, yet leaving feels impossible.The roof over his head and the meals he receives are enough for now, but what happens if those are gone? Where would he even go?Thoughts of escape often dance in his mind, particularly when Arthur’s tempers flare. If the situation worsens, perhaps Jeremy would offer him an out. Yes, that might be his fate—to wander aimlessly, clinging to whoever offers him a shred of belonging.The murmur of voices grows louder as
The laboring queen’s cries echo through the corridors as Arthur strides into her chamber. Despite the chaos surrounding him, his mind fixates on the storm that brewed earlier with Madin. His words were harsh, but seeing those marks on Madin’s body shakes something deep within him—something he can’t quite name but feels acutely. Betrayal? Pain? Or perhaps guilt?He pushes the thoughts aside as he approaches the queen. This moment requires his focus. The birth of his child—a future heir—is an event of monumental importance. But even as he sits by the queen's side, offering words of comfort, his mind betrays him, dragging him back to the confrontation in Madin’s room.As the hours pass and the child is born, Arthur forces himself to remain present, maintaining the image of a dutiful father and king. Yet, the moment he steps out of the chamber, the weight of Madin’s words crashes down on him."Are we even still together?"The bitterness in those words replays in his mind like a haunti
So apparently, people have been scolding me saying... I've limited Madin and Arthur's happiness, I felt it too. And For that reason, I've decided to add one more chapter, just brushing overall on what's been happening since__○○○○●○○○Weeks turn into months, and the palace begins to reflect the quiet joy that surrounds Arthur and Madin. The once grand, imposing walls now seem to glow with a warmth they had never known before.Their lives intertwine more deeply with each passing day, creating a rhythm that's both natural and comforting-a dance of shared laughter, unspoken understanding, and love that feels unshakable.The mornings are peaceful, the hours before the world awakes their favorite time. Arthur wakes first, his eyes always drawn to Madin's peaceful form beside him. For a moment, he simply watches him sleep, his heart swelling with affection.There's something so intimate in the quiet stillness of those early hours, a perfect start to their day. Madin shifts slightly, a s
WARNING!There's mention of some nasty things in this chapter. Though not that intense... but I feel the need to warn those who things like those are not their cup of tea.°The wedding that night is a grand affair, with laughter, tears, and joy spilling over into the early hours of the morning.Regardless of the sorrow they still have for loosing their former king.Arthur's mother cry silently because now she sees hope in her son's future.Arthur and Madin stand side by side, their hands intertwined as they exchange vows under the starlit sky.Madin looks at Arthur, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and hope. Despite the pain and struggles they have endured, in that moment, he knows he has made the right choice.Arthur, overwhelmed with gratitude, kisses Madin gently, sealing their union. The crowd erupts into applause, and the celebrations carry on through the night, a testament to the love that has triumphed over the darkness.All Arthur's remaining family gather around them.
Arthur freezes, his breath caught in his throat, his heart stopping momentarily. Overwhelmed, he stumbles back, collapsing onto the bed, tears streaming down his face.Madin, equally shaken, moves toward him. He wraps his arms around Arthur tightly, holding him as though afraid to let go.Arthur clings to him, his own arms encircling Madin in silence. There are no words—only the shared weight of emotions, the years of pain and longing expressed through their embrace.A knock at the door shatters the moment. A guard’s voice filters through. “My lord, King Harris of the Bugada Kingdom wishes to speak with you before he departs.”Arthur struggles to steady his voice. “Tell him I’m unwell. I’ll visit him tomorrow.” he says.“Maybe you should see him. It might be importan__,” Madin begins, trying to pull away, but Arthur tightens his grip.“No, just... ” Arthur murmurs firmly, unable to even say what he wants to say. Burying his face into Madin’s shoulder."Madin, I don't know where to sta
"Speak again," Arthur commands, stepping further into the room, his piercing gaze locked on Madin, who is frozen in place, staring back at him.Madin remains silent, his mind racing. Why does Arthur want him to speak again? Surely, he couldn’t have recognized his voice.Madin lowers his head, unable to meet Arthur's eyes again. By now, little Prince Adriana had already slipped out of the room, with the lady following close behind."Who are you? What are you doing in my son’s room?" Arthur asks, suspicion thick in his voice.His initial shock at hearing a familiar voice that he has been longing to hear has faded, replaced by guarded curiosity.Madin adjusts his voice, letting a trembling tone creep in. "My lord, I didn’t mean to intrude. I was brought here to assist.""Do you work in the palace?" Arthur presses."No, Your Highness," Madin replies, his head still bowed.Arthur exhales sharply, his irritation evident. "Ugh, whatever. You can leave." He strides toward the little one’s be
The palace is teeming with people. Usually, events of such grandeur—especially ones involving the royal family—are strictly regulated, but today is an exception. The grief-stricken faces of Sabia's people reflect their collective sorrow as they gather to pay their respects to their beloved former king.Madin stands in the crowd, lost in the sea of mourners. From his position in the middle of the throng, he can barely see the front where the ceremony is taking place. Yet, when Arthur's voice carries through the air, even without seeing him, Madin’s knees nearly give out.The raw emotion in Arthur’s voice cuts through him like a blade. Every word spoken resonates with pain, and it’s unbearable for Madin.His heart screams to rush to Arthur’s side, to hold him, to offer comfort. But he knows he can’t."I have lost two men who meant the world to me , both without a chance to say goodbye. I don't know how to move on from that. Perhaps one day I might be lucky enough to meet with the one
"Are you serious?! Please, take back what you just said. The former king cannot be dead! He was strong, full of life." Madin exclaims, his legs nearly buckling under the weight of the news. Removing his apron, he sinks into a chair, his mind reeling.Thoughts of Arthur flood his mind, piercing his heart. He imagines the grief Arthur must be enduring and longs to be by his side, to hold him and reassure him that he is not alone."Marsel, do you really think I would spread false news about something as serious as the former king’s death? I value my life too much to risk execution." Paul responds gravely, setting down the tray he had just cleared from a customer’s table, his expression clouded with sorrow.Everyone in the kingdom had loved King Elias. He was a ruler who placed the needs of his people above his own, a king who earned their hearts through kindness and fairness.Madin strokes his fake long beard, his fingers trembling slightly as they brush against the disguise he has worn
"Tell me everything!" Arthur’s voice booms, unrelenting and charged with fury. "And don’t even think about lying or skirting the truth! If you do, I’ll make you regret every breath you take. You’ll suffer, day by day, feeling the agony you’ve caused, and when you can no longer bear it, I’ll ensure there’s no escape! Speak!"Catherina trembles violently, her knees threatening to give way under the force of his wrath. Her throat feels constricted, and her mind races, but no words come. She knows there’s nothing she can say to absolve herself in the eyes of everyone present."Are you waiting for someone to give you permission?!" Arthur’s voice slices through the heavy silence."I… I didn’t ki—" Catherina begins, but Arthur cuts her off with a sharp, menacing glare."Is that where the story starts? Jona, does it begin there? ' by I... I didn't ki__'!?" Arthur’s tone is dangerously calm, an ominous contrast to his earlier shouting.Jona, pale and shaking, whispers, "No." He looks down, gu
When Jona arrives at his men’s camp, the news he receives crushes the flicker of hope he had carried. The person they believed to be Madin was not him.Fury burns in his chest, and he punishes his men harshly for their mistake, venting all his frustration. "I cannot do this anymore!" he roars, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. "I’m tired of this endless chase! Let it be! Maybe I was just never meant to have this throne after all! Maybe my brother truly belongs there!"He paces in frustration, muttering to himself, "So what if Father doesn’t trust me? That’s his problem. I believe in myself. I’ll make myself proud by taking responsibility for something else, something meaningful. Maybe then he’ll see that I’m not worthless!"Mounting his horse, Jona takes a deep, steadying breath. He has made up his mind. The past three years of schemes and failures have drained him, and he refuses to continue down this path of destruction.As his horse trots back toward the palace,
Three years later...The grand hall is alive with laughter, music, and lively conversations. Guests swirl across the floor in exuberant dances, while entertainers captivate the crowd with their skill and artistry.At the head of the hall, the royal family sits in regal prominence, observing the festivities with a composed air of pride and celebration.Former King Elias stands, his face glowing with joy as he raises a golden chalice. His warm, commanding voice cuts through the lively din of the room."Thank you all for joining me in celebrating my son's exceptional leadership. Arthur has proven himself to be a ruler who deeply cares for his people." He turns to Arthur, his eyes shining with pride. "Son, would you like to say a few words to your people?"Arthur rises from his seat, his movements measured but tense. Forcing a faint smile, he speaks briefly. "Thank you all," he says, raising a hand in a quick wave.Without waiting for applause or acknowledgment, he excuses himself and str