Almost two weeks have passed since their arrival at the abandoned castle. Kenneth was doing better. His nightmares lessened as well as his bad temper. Alec was now sure it was because of the poison. People around the kingdom misjudged their king, even him. He wasn't the heartless man everyone thought he was. He wasn't the Mad King. Kenneth participated more in conversations now. It was only a short time since they left the main castle, but it looked like he loved Lady Monica's company, as well as her son Ferdinand, and his very good friend Theodore.
Alec loved to see him talk about archery with Ferdinand or watch Theodore cook their dinner. A smile appeared on his face from time to time, and he found himself melting for him. He didn't like to show it a lot, but he started to grow very fond of Kenneth. Even more lately. The king got the best out of himself during their stay at this castle and Alec could not be more surprised by the
Carl and Joshua frowned the second they saw Alec following the king. They walked to him and grabbed his arms, "Why did you let him leave the palace without warning?!" Carl scolded.Alec shrugged, "He's the king. Why should he ask for anyone's permission?" he was starting to get angry at how everyone seemed to want to control Yoongi. All eyes were on him, imprisoning every part of his body."That's exactly why!" Joshua whispered-shouted, "He's the king! Everyone has to know where he is.""He was with me, alright?" Alec raised an eyebrow, "I'm his personal guard, remember? He doesn't need anyone else to protect him but me.""Bullshit," Carl muttered, "The prime minister and the queen nearly killed us because of your selfishness. Look what they've done to us!" he lifted
Keith was walking in the village after intense sword training in the woods. It was strange for him to train without Alec as they used to do it every morning before starting the day. Long weeks passed after Alec's departure, but it was not a mystery anymore. Keith knew his best friend was working in the palace but had no idea why and the reason behind the secrecy. He was mad at his friend for not even bothering to send him a letter and tell him what happened. How could he leave his sister and little brother alone? It was not like him.There was a crowd in the place, and men gathered around a poster glued on the wall. Keith raised an eyebrow and approached. He knew it was from the palace as he saw the royal seal at the bottom of the page."Royal Guard Selection in a fortnight. Men around sixteen and thirty are to present themselves."
Villagers and servants gathered around the arena, dressed in their finest clothing and accompanied by their loved ones for an event that only occurred every three years. The young participants wore armours and showed their fiercest looks to make an impression on the king. They stood on the sandy ground, their heads burning under the scorching sun. Their friends and families joined the spectators and cheered for them from their seats. But the screams and shouts gave place to a thunderous silence when the Mad King made his entrance. The participants stood straight, with their hands joined behind their back, and their heads high.Kenneth walked inside the arena, looking stunning, and yet very intimidating. His golden hair descended majestically on the black velvet jacket and highlighting the patterns embroidered in gold. His crown stood large and elegant over his head, and a silver mask covered his face. It was a tradition fo
Later in the night, the palace was silent as the servants gathered in the kitchen to celebrate the new palace guards' arrival. The cooks prepared a feast — grilled lambs, roasted vegetables, cakes and lots of wine. It was not every day that they got to freely sing and dance.On the other side of the halls, Gwendolyn was walking to the king's chambers, followed by her maids. She wore a new dress and was ready to grant her wish this time and make Kenneth fall under her spell. Her blue fabric trailed behind her, leaving traces of their luxury everywhere on the palace ground. She stopped in front of the large wooden door and fixed her composure and asked her maids to make sure her hair and her attire were perfect to impress Kenneth. Then, she nodded her head at one of her maids, who soon knocked and waited.Alec was the one to open the door to the king's room. Gwendolyn faked a smile, and her eyes rested on the band around his shoulder.
Alec walked in the hallways, his steps heavy and loud. His fists were clenched and a ball formed in his throat. He was furious. He was enraged at the king for being naive despite all the things Gwendolyn and her father did to him. But at the same time, it was not just his naivety that was making him that way. Knowing that Kenneth felt the same pleasure he had a few weeks ago with him, with someone else, was driving him mad.Gwendolyn was the queen, Kenneth's wife, and it was only natural for them to make love. But hearing her moan with pleasure and the king groaning, tightened his chest. Earlier in the night, he forced himself to close his eyes and sleep even if it was only for a short moment as he could not tolerate hearing their voices anymore. Alec felt betrayed by the king — and by himself too. How could he feel something for a married man? Let alone a king!Alec h
Drink after drink, Alec was getting drowsy. He asked Carl and Joshua to walk the king back to his chambers, and he stayed at the feast for a while to look after Keith, who was having fun with his new friends. When he made sure his best friend was safe and still sober not to make any stupid decision, he walked out of the main hall and headed to the king's chambers. He was surprised to see the queen's servants in front of the door, and his heart tightened when he guessed what was going on."The queen is inside?" he asked tiredly, and the maids nodded. He raised an eyebrow as their looks were nervous. Something must be wrong. Before he could ask, he heard shattered glasses and the king asking the queen to get out. Alec widened his eyes, and the surprise sobered him up a little. He looked at the servants nervously and hurried to open the door.Gwendolyn pinned Kenneth on top of the be
Swollen red lips, dark hair covering his face, and chest exposed. Alec looked like an angel, as the king thought. He studied his features slowly with his eyes, from the moles on his forehead to his half-opened mouth he wished to kiss again. Alec was sitting on the floor, with his legs stretched and his arms hugging his sword. A smile appeared on Kenneth's face as he watched him and wondered why he did not meet him years earlier.Alec opened his eyes slowly to be welcomed by the vivid and intimidating scar around the king's right eye. He tilted his head and realised Kenneth was crouched down on the floor and looking at him. He arranged his long blond hair in the back, and a few locks escaped and lied comfortably on his shoulders."You are awake," Alec whispered.Kenneth nodded, and the young guard noticed he was not in his nightro
Keith could not believe his eyes. Same feline brown eyes, same height, same pale skin. It was like looking through a mirror. He gulped and closed his eyes for a moment, then reopened them again to make sure he was not dreaming."No," he shook his head in disbelief, "How... How is that possible?"Kenneth could not stop looking at his brother. Even though he knew of his existence all his life, it was surprising to see him after many years. Keith looked like him, but a little thinner, and tanner. He did not get to experience the luxury of eating nice food or sleeping on a soft mattress, and he spent most of his time outside under the burning sun. Looking at Keith was like travelling back to the past, to his childhood. He did not know he had a brother until he was five years old when he found out by accident. His parents were always secretive when it came to him, and at that time, Ken