Chapter XXXIX

The salty drops wet Alec's shirt and their warmth weights on his shoulder, weakening his body. But he had to stay strong and still to hold the king who was crying in his arms. Kenneth sniffed, and his sobs quietened for a moment. He wiped his tears and lifted his head slowly until he rested his eyes on Alec's. Their faces were close, and their noses almost brushed. It was silent in the middle of the forest, and they could only hear the cicadas singing, as well as their heavy breaths.

"It is all my fault," Kenneth whispered, his hands and legs still trembling. "I should not have been a coward and killed them. I should not have held that sword."

Alec shook his head and took his cold hands, "You were a child. You could not have possibly fought those guards."

"How could a future king hold that horrible memory in his mind?" Kenneth as