After so much struggle, I finally reach the heavy metal door of his room to inform him that the evening meal is ready. The guard steps aside silently, his ever-watchful eyes following my every move.
I knock. No response.
I was told they returned some minutes ago, so he must be inside. But why isn’t he answering?
I knock again, louder this time, but the silence remains.
“Is he in?” I ask the guard who stands like a statue at his post. This one rarely speaks, though they all exchange shifts regularly.
He nods, offering no further explanation.
If he’s inside, why isn’t he answering? Unease churns in my stomach as I debate whether to enter. Something feels… off.
Finally, I decide to open the door. The hinges creak as I step inside, my movements hesitant.
He’s standing near the window, his hands clasped behind his back, staring outside toward the field where I had been earlier.
“Your Highness, the evening meal is ready,” I announce, keeping my tone respectful. Despite our usual banter, I know better than to take liberties when his mood is unpredictable.
He doesn’t respond. Not a glance, not a word. It’s as though he hasn’t even heard me.
“Your Highness, the—”
“Since when are you so close to those people?” he cuts me off sharply, his voice low but heavy with an unfamiliar edge.
I freeze. There’s no mistaking the coldness in his tone.
For hours, I had been in the field with the knights, fooling around after training. Running, laughing, and clashing swords in playful combat. Them teaching me some skills.
For the first time in so long, I had felt free—alive. Even Michael had encouraged me, saying this was the happiest he has ever seen me.I don’t respond. Maybe I should, but the words refuse to come.
“Didn’t you hear me?” he snaps, turning to face me now. His expression is unreadable, caught somewhere between anger and… something else.
I’ve stopped trying to understand Prince Arthur. One moment we’re talking casually, sharing jokes, and the next, he’s so serious it’s suffocating.
But what troubles me most—what my mind refuses to let go of—is the jealousy I sometimes catch in his eyes.
I don’t know what to make of it. If this behavior continues, I might start believing things I shouldn’t.
“Evening… evening meal is ready,” I stammer, trying to steer the conversation back to safer ground.
“Are you ignoring my question?” he demands.
“I’m not close to them,” I say quickly, my voice defensive. “I was bored, so I thought I could join their training. Is that not allowed?”
“I leave for just a few hours, and you’re already throwing yourself at men?”
His accusation hits me like a slap.
“Throwing myself at men? Are you serious? What have I done to possibly give you the idea of me throwing myself at men, I... Forget it,” I say, turning to leave, my anger bubbling to the surface.
But before I can take another step, he grabs my arm, his grip firm yet careful.
“Who do you think you are to walk out on me?”
I whirl back to face him, my voice tight with frustration. “Is there something else you want me to do for you, your highness?”
“Respect,” he says, his tone cold and unwavering. “Respect me like everyone else in this palace does. If you think you can do whatever you want here, you’re mistaken. I’m the one who hired you, and that means everything you do revolves around this room, not the field and everywhere in the palace, how many times do I have to repeat that?”
“Yes , your highness,” I say simply, my voice small.
The room falls silent, the tension thick between us. My head hangs low as I wait for his permission to leave, my chest tight with the sting of his words. The accusation, the scolding, the audacity to imply I was throwing myself at anyone—it’s all too much.
Then, without warning, his arms are around me. Strong, warm, and unyielding.
I freeze, my heart pounding furiously.
“Your Highness…” I manage, trying to pull away, but he doesn’t let go. My attempts are futile against his strength.
Slowly, my resistance fades. My body betrays me, relaxing into his embrace as if it has a will of its own.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, his voice softer now. “I didn’t mean to say those things to you and I didn't mean it when I said you were throwing yourself at men.”
“It’s fine. I’m fine,” I murmur, though my voice wavers. “Can you… can you let me go now?”
“I get jealous,” he admits, his words catching me off guard. “And when I’m jealous, I say things I shouldn’t.”
Jealous? My mind races. Jealous of what?
“What are you jealous of?” I ask, even as a voice in my head warns me not to.
He doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, his hand moves to my back, the other resting gently against the back of my head. He pulls me closer, pressing my face against his broad chest. His heart beats as wildly as mine.
“Do you believe in love at first sight?” he asks softly, his chin resting atop my head.
I don’t know how to respond. My mind feels like it’s spinning out of control, unsure of what’s real or what I’m supposed to feel.
I stay silent.
One of his hands drifts lower, resting lightly at my waist, while the other remains steady at the back of my head. My arms, as if acting of their own accord, wrap around him loosely.
Warmth envelops me, and for a brief moment, I let myself feel it.
A knock on the door shatters the moment.
I jolt, reality crashing back in. I try to pull away, but his arms tighten around me.
“Your Highness, the meal is ready,” a voice calls from the other side.
“I’m coming,” he replies, his tone steady.
Even after the voice fades and the footsteps retreat, he doesn’t let me go.
“Please,” I say, struggling against his hold, my composure returning. “Let me go.”
“Just a little longer,” he pleads softly, his voice almost desperate.
“This is wrong,” I whisper, the words slipping out before I can stop them.
His hold loosens slightly, but he doesn’t release me completely. “Why is it wrong?”
I don’t answer. I can’t. My thoughts are a chaotic mess, and staying here any longer feels like stepping too close to the edge of something I can’t control.
“How wrong?” he repeats asking, his question surprising me. What does he mean by that? How wrong? I mean, it’s wrong in every possible way.“It’s just hugging. Why are you making such a fuss about it? Why are you acting like I’m harassing you?” His voice lowers, but his grip doesn’t loosen. “You were hugging me back a few minutes ago. So, why are you fighting it now?”“This is wrong,” I repeat, my voice firmer this time.But he ignores me, as if he hasn’t heard. I stand frozen, speechless, the sound of his drumming heart filling my ears.“Can you feel my heart, Maya?” he asks softly. “This is what happens every time you’re close to me. Even when I just think about you.”I want to say something, anything, but the words seem to have abandoned me.“I’m attracted to you, Maya,” he continues, his voice raw with vulnerability. “I’ve fallen in love with you. You’re the reason I rejected Princess Ferrior. Because, for some reason, I’ve realized the kind of person I truly want. Not just someon
Three days gone, and I haven't seen Michael around the palace. Just where is he when I need him the most? He said he'd get me out of this place, so why has he disappeared all these days?I've been avoiding Prince Arthur with all my might, though it’s nearly impossible since all my duties revolve around him.Every moment around him feels like walking on a tightrope, and I’m terrified of what might happen if I slip.Right now, I’m walking toward the knights' quarters to check if Michael has returned. I’m praying so hard that tears start rolling down my cheeks. I feel helpless.Running away on my own isn’t an option—not with guards posted at every corner of this place."You again? I told you to tell me the problem you have so I can help you instead of him, but you refused," says the nosy knight I always run into when I come looking for Michael.“Lucky you… he’s back,” he adds, and my heart leaps with hope.“Where is h—” My words catch in my throat as Michael steps out of one of the door
He doesn't give up. His lips hover close, trying to connect with mine again. I turn my head slightly, my body trembling as I fight the urge to give in. How long can I resist?Instead, he pulls me into another embrace again, holding me so tightly it feels like he never plans to let go."Ar...thur..." I whisper his name, my voice barely audible. I didn't mean to call him that-it just slips out. I feel his lips curve into a smile against the side of my neck.He tightens his hold on me, and my body stiffens."This... this is wrong. Please... let me go. It's really wrong..." I finally manage to say, though it takes everything in me to get the words out."I love you," he whispers. "I really love you. Please, tell me your fears. I'll fix everything. Then we can be happy together.""You don't understand..." My voice shakes."How can I understand if you won't tell me? My love, please, say it. Whatever it is, just tell me," he pleads, his tone soft yet desperate."You won't love me anymore if I
It's been hours since Madin managed to escape the palace, and the situation is beginning to raise suspicion. The tension among the servants is palpable.Everyone knows that when Prince Arthur discovers Madin’s absence, it won’t be taken lightly.Inside his chamber, Prince Arthur is lost in thought. He hasn't summoned her since their encounter earlier in the day because he doesn't want to seem overbearing.He’s also been preoccupied, replaying the scene in his mind—the moment he kissed her. She didn’t resist. In fact, she leaned into him, closing the gap.The memory alone makes him smile like a fool. He sits on the edge of his bed, brushing his fingers over his lips, recalling the warmth of hers."She must feel something for me too," he murmurs to himself, the words soothing yet puzzling. "But why does she keep refusing to admit it?"The thought frustrates him, the smile slipping from his face. He clenches his jaw, the question plaguing his mind like a relentless storm. His musings are
It's been two days since Madin disappeared, and the atmosphere in the palace is heavy with unspoken questions and unease.Arthur hasn’t left his chambers except for the occasional appearance at the king's insistence.Even then, his presence is a shadow of the man the court once revered. Gone is the confident, composed prince who commanded every room he entered. Now, he is distracted, irritable, and burdened by an ache he cannot escape.Arthur sits by the window, staring out at the vast fields that stretch beyond the palace grounds.His eyes, red from lack of sleep, search the horizon as if Madin might suddenly appear, walking back toward him. The memory of their last conversation replays in his mind endlessly."Why?" He mutters to himself, his voice hoarse. "Why would you leave like this?"He grips the edge of the window frame, the cool wood grounding him momentarily. His mind is a storm of emotions—guilt, anger, confusion, and a yearning so deep it terrifies him.Madin’s absence fee
It’s been a month since Michael took Madin to his brother Jack’s home in a neighboring village. While the family treats Madin with kindness and understanding, he feels anything but safe or at ease. His mind remains trapped in the torment of leaving the palace, a place that held both his greatest fears and the person he cannot stop thinking about. Each passing day feels like an eternity, and the weight of his guilt and longing is crushing.He often sits by the window of the small, modest home, staring at nothing. The world outside is a blur of sounds and colors, but none of it reaches him. Every thought circles back to Arthur. Every memory, every word, every smile—they haunt him relentlessly. Sometimes, in his darkest moments, he thinks death would be kinder than the agony of living with this unbearable pain."Madin," Jack's voice cuts through the suffocating silence. Jack enters the small room, his face lined with worry, his voice trembling as he speaks. "We have a serious problem
"It’s been days now. When are you planning to get rid of that kid?” the king asks sharply, his voice cutting through the quiet tension of the dining hall.Prince Arthur, seated across the table, stops chewing. He hasn’t had much of an appetite in weeks, but tonight, the king’s question robs him of the little will he had left to pretend.“I will, Father,” Arthur replies curtly, pushing his chair back and standing. He strides out of the dining hall without another word, leaving his meal untouched.Since the truth about Madin’s identity was revealed, Arthur has been a shell of himself. The next day after the revelation, he forced himself to wake up and carry on as though nothing had happened. He resumed his royal duties, maintaining the mask of strength and control that his position demands.But inside, he is crumbling. He hasn’t spoken about Madin, not to his father, his advisors, or even himself in the rare moments of solitude he allows. The palace is abuzz with whispers, the truth a
"How can I feel good by torturing you? You being in pain means I’m in pain. So what’s the point?" Arthur turns around when he hears that weak familiar voice. His gaze falls on Madin, whose half-open eyes reflect exhaustion and sorrow.“You… you’ve woken up…” Arthur whispers, his voice breaking. He drops to his knees and instinctively lifts Madin’s upper body, pulling him into a tight embrace.“I’m sorry,” Arthur murmurs, tears threatening to spill. He clings to Madin as though letting go would break him completely."What is going on here?!" The king’s thunderous voice cuts through the intimate moment, jolting Arthur to his feet.Arthur spins around, standing protectively in front of Madin.“This is unbelievable!” the king exclaims, his face twisted with fury. “I will not tolerate this any longer!” Without hesitation, he grabs the sword Arthur had dropped earlier and steps toward Madin.“Father, no! Stop!” Arthur cries out, his voice filled with desperation.“I should stop?” the king s
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