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The air of the capital of Debonair was thick with the scent of aged stone, the occasional scent of rain and the heavy odour of political necessity. It was apparent that the heaviness of Prince Kaelix's of being the heir to the Debonairian Crown was pressing upon him daily, a constant reminder of his duties. At the young age of twenty three, studying different aspects in ruling a kingdom while the rest of persons his age were studying to being simple careers like business owners or ironsmiths. Even his bright blue eyes seem to dull whenever he's reminded of this difference between him and the rest of society.
Kaelix was the eldest of his five siblings, a position that granted him undying pivilage, respect and burden. His life was practically mapped, measured and paved by others instead of himself.
Yet, Kaelix still possessed this child-like wonder for the world.
A wonder for the world beyond this perfectly built cage, a world beyond the stone walls shielding Kingdom Debonair from the outside. Even if others told him about the dangers of other Kingdoms, especially with wars being started ever so easily between Kingdoms, he still questioned the unknown. Are there less laws in other Kingdoms? Does the food taste different? Are the taxes more or less?
Yet, all he can do is look over the Kingdom Debonair walls through his bedroom window, his unsaid questions swirling in his head.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
It was him bring use to his autopilot routine that he suddenly noticed the shift in the Royal Knights.
Watching as the familiar faces of the Knights had been shuffled around and moved to new positions. Usually when this happens, there was to be a new Knight being sworn in. Though, the last time Kaelix could remember a new Knight being sworn in was when he was fifteen, and that was almost eight years ago. Kaelix can only walk down the hallways, his face getting more astonished with the new positions of the Knights.
That's when he stumbles near the private audience chamber, the doors were open though the heavy velvet obscured the view. Fortunately for Kaelix, it also obscured his presence as he peeped through the cracks of the curtains. The scene was one of ancient formality. His father, King Ivan, a man whose beard was getting greyer than the metal of the Knights' armor, was in the room but that wasn't where his attention was on. His attention stood on the figure ten feet away from his father, bathed in the sharp morning sunlight with armor that seemed to absorb the light that spilled from the high windows.
The new knight.
He was undoubtedly striking from the rest. Dark hair with the ends of his hair dyed in an almost unnoticeable dark green, with pale skin and eyes he's never quite seen. Kaelix never thought he'd ever seen persons with three different colours in their eyes, yet he sees them in this Knight. He was lean, someone who was built to live by the blade, and held himself with a trained stillness. He carries himself as if he's been trained for many decades, yet he looks the same age as Kaelix.
Kaelix had seen a thousand of Knights in his life, but Zeal was different. He didn't carry any familiarity with him, he didn't look like he came from this Kingdom at all. Kaelix was sure this Knight was an outsider, someone who was trained in other places of the world to serve King Debonair.
"You assure me, Sir Zeal.", the King's voice boomed in the room, "that your tenure in the Northern and Southern has sufficiently prepared you for the security requirements of Debonair?"
Zeal's eyes remained fixed on the King, never wavering or glancing towards where the Prince hide, though Kaelix was sure Zeal sensed him.
"Your Majesty...", Zeal's voice low, one that had certain professionalism to it. "I have served five kingdoms across the land, safeguarding assets far greater than general peace. My viligance is absolute."
"Absolute. A good word.", The King mused.
"But loyalty, I trust, is solely centered upon the crown now?"
"My oath is to the service, Your Majesty. I am sworn to the safety of this court and this Royal Family. Where the crown commands, I follow."
The conversation continued, detailing logistics and assignment protocols, but Kaelix heard little of it. He was captivated by the sheer professionalism of the man. Not to say that the guard corps of Debonair wasn't good. The guard corps of Debonair maintained the Kingdom's long peace. Though, this new Knight seemed sharper, more viligant that signaled that the King may be having growing paranoia, or perhaps this just insures that the castle is safer.
A spark of interest was ignited in Kaelix. This Knight was an unknown variable and Kaelix was undoubtedly intrigued. He decided not to interfere with the King's process, not yet. He would, however, observe closely.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
The opportunity presented itself later that evening, long after the late afternoon duties had been completed. Kaelix had successfully avoided mandatory dinner with his family, suddenly claiming the urge to review trade tariffs. It was a lie so dull that it was believable. He didn't bother to change into something simplier since the air grew colder as the night grew older, wearing a frock coat that kept him somewhat warm.
He knew Zeal's first assigned post was the Western Watch, a lonely, exposed parapet overlooking the sprawling town below. It was a post traditionally given to the new Knights to test their stamina and solitude.
The air was crisp and carried a faint scent of rain. Kaelix moved slowly and deliberately. The castle stones muffling his footsteps, but the metallic clink of Zeal's armor was audible long before he had reached him.
Zeal stood precisely at the center of walkway, his silhouette imposing against the weak moonlight. He was a statue of silver and shadow. His gaze sweeping the darken horizon without a pause. Kaelix had stopped ten feet away, letting the silence settle. He took a slow, measured breath, savouring the moment of observation. Zeal hadn't tensed, hasn't moved a muscle, yet Kaelix knew Zeal was acutely aware of his presence. His training was clearly faultless.
Kaelix took the final step forward, breaking the unspoken boundary.
The reaction was immediate and flawless. Zeal turned smoothly, the silver armor catching the faint light. He didn't draw his sword, but the hand resting on the pommel tightened. Recognizing the Prince, he executed a deep, swift bow. The action was precise enough to be respectful but quick enough to minimize the time he had distracted from his duty.
"Your Highness.", Zeal murmured, his voice now lower, flatter and stripped bare for official address.
"At ease, Sir Zeal.", Kaelix said softly leaning against the cold stone railing. "A formidable post. You must be accustomed to sleepless nights."
Zeal straightened, his focus back to the view on the town, only tipping his head slightly to acknowledge the Prince's comment. "It is nature of duty, Your Highness."
Kaelix suddenly felt a subtle challenge in the response. Most Knights would be falling over themselves to engage in the heir in conversation, trying to make a good impression. Yet, Zeal simply returned to guarding.
" I observed your introduction today.", Kaelix continued, allowing a genuine curiosity to fill his tone. "The King seems impressed. You spoke of several Kingdoms. I confess, I have never travelled much beyond the borders of Debonair. My duties keep me...rather fixed.", Kaelix says as he sighs as he looks at the bright town below.
Zeal shifted his weight, a minute adjustment. "The Kingdoms are many and distinct, Your Highness."
"Indeed but you transferred service quite often, judging by your itinerary. Was there a preference? Did you find the courts of the Avalorn more rigorous than...say...those of Thornvale?", Kaelix said as he crosses his arms, settling in for a proper conversation. He needed a glimpse outside of this cage of Kingdom Debonair.
"Every Kingdom presents unique challenges.", Zeal replied, his voice maintaining that annoying neutral tone. "The logistical demands of Thornvale differ severely from those of Avalorn."
"Yes, but you, personally...", Kaelix pressed, walking closer until he was just within the radius of Zeal's physical presence. "...you chose to leave them behind. Why Debonair? Why now?"
Zeal remained utterly still. His tri-coloured eyes flickered momentarily to Kaelix, a brief assessment before returning his face to his duties.
"I changed services, Your Highness, because the previous contract expired and Debonair presented a new opportunity for employment.", Zeal simply stated. It was a perfectly logical and infuriatingly clinical response.
"Oh come on, Sir Zeal.", Kaelix said, a faint smile on his face. He was enjoying pushing the boundaries of this man's professionalism. "You travelled among crowns. Surely you gathered impressions. What were the feasts like at the Court of the Peaks? Are the rumors of the Queen of Ivor true?"
Kaelix watched as Zeal's jaw tighten. It was the only sign of visible distress. The Knight slowly inhaled, measuring his words with great care.
"Your Highness, I serve under strict mandates of confidentiality.", Zeal stated with his tone firm yet respectful. "My role has always been security and defense. To disclose information regarding the internal workings, personal affairs or stragetic vulnerabilities of the courts I have previously served would be a breach of my professional oath."
Kaelix's smile faded. He understood the words, but it felt like a physical barrier. "Even to the heir to the Kingdom you now serve? You know you'll soon be calling me 'Your Majesty'."
"Especially to anyone, Your Highness.", Zeal clarified gently, "anyone who has not been explicitly granted access to such classified information. My silence is key to maintaining the integrity of my service."
"Tell me about the armorers in the North.", Kaelix tried, softening his tone, making it sound like a simple, educational request. "Do they use the same method for tampering steel?"
Zeal remained uncompromising. "I am guarding this post, Prince Kaelix. My focus must remain on the security of this castle this evening."
Kaelix sighed, leaning into frustration. "You are guarding against the shadows, Sir Zeal. There is nothing to see but I am asking you about things I cannot see! You are a window!"
Yet Kaelix was met with a loud silence from Zeal. It was clear that Zeal wasn't going to be persuaded into giving out information. It was also clear Zeal wasn't just a Knight, he was a fortress built of discipline and oaths.
Kaelix took a slow, deliberate breath, accepting defeat. "Very well, Sir Zeal. I admire your discipline, if not your conversation skills."
Kaelix simply crossed his arms, he was clearly sour from being rejected information. "Enjoy the rest of your night. May the shadows remain uninteresting."
Kaelix walked away from the darkness of the post, leaving Zeal precisely where he had found him. As he walked away, Kaelix glanced back. Zeal hadn't look in his direct at all. This just made Kaelix walk away faster in annoyance.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
The following morning was dedicate to the tedious, necessary rituals of duties. Kaelix had spent two hours reviewing the petitioners' requests, mostly about land deeds, then another two hours of meetings on marriage ceremony details. Every mention of 'union' and 'future stability' felt like another chain linking to his predictable destiny.
After the meetings, he made his way towards the main entrance of castle quickly to get inside to review Royal Conservatory plans. Though, he stopped dead before the massive oak doors.
Standing there, under the morning sun, Zeal, guarding the grand oak doors of the Debonair Castle.
Kaelix blinked, rubbing his eyes to make sure the exhaustion from the meetings wasn't making him see hallucinations. It was perhaps a promotion of status, a mark of immediate approval by the King, or a test. Whatever the reason, he surely wasn't relegated to the lonely western tower, he was now in charge of the grand oak doors and who enters the castle or doesn't.
Kaelix approached, a genuine smile spreading across his face. He felt a moment of genuine amusement. Zeal's professionalism was apparently appreciated by his father.
"Well, well.", Kaelix began, stopping directly infront of Zeal. "Knight Ginjoka. You have risen in the world since last night. From guarding against the lonely shadows to guarding the Gate of Sovereignty."
Zeal's eyes briefly flicker to Kaelix's, not like he has a choice since he was standing right infront of him.
" I welcome the new assignment, Your Highness.", Zeal said, his tone was perfectly neutral.
"Promoted already.", Kaelix teased, leaning in slightly as his voice drops low. "Did you manage to impress the King with your discretion, perhaps? Did you tell him nothing of the tedious questions of the curious heir?"
Zeal's jaw tighten. He knew he was being mocked, but his commitment to his station was absolute.
"My duties are determined by the Captain and King, Your Highness."
"So you have no comment on your sudden elevated status?", Kaelix persisted, enjoying the way Zeal's control rippled just beneath the surface of his professional calm. "No satisfaction? No sigh of relief at the exchange of the lonely, dark corner for the bright, lively front doors?"
Zeal simply looked straight ahead, past Kaelix, as if the Prince were a mere inconvenient, high pillar blocking his view.
"My focus is on the security of the King and the safety of the residence.", Zeal stated, the words final. He offered nothing more, no witty retort, no acknowledgement of the teasing, no lapse in the decorum. Zeal's words but also his silence were powerful, an invitation to try harder to scale.
"I understand.", Kaelix simply said as he drawed back. "Focus on your duty. Though, I believe we'll be seeing each other more now."
Zeal gave a slight nod, acknowledging the new rules of engagement.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
Of course, they happened to meet again later that same day. Kaelix practically dragging his feet towards the castle door in the late afternoon. The sun was already beginning it's slow descent, casting golden rays across the courtyard. Kaelix stopped a few paces away as he laid eyes in Zeal, standing just as still and silently as he was just this morning.
Kaelix rubbed a weary hand on his eyebrow. He felt a sudden urge to simply stand there, observing the Knight. Zeal hadn't move, not an inch. It almost seemed impossible since the armor looked like it weighed fifty pounds by itself.
"Sir Zeal...", Kaelix began, his voice soft and laced with genuine exhaustion. "Do you ever get...tired?", he says as he gestures vaguely with his hands. "I've had only three duties after talking to you earlier this morning, but I feel as though I've ran a marathon. My mind is buzzing, my feet are aching, and all I want to do is collapse into bed."
"Yet you've been standing there since this morning, not moving at all. How do you do it, Sir Zeal?"
Zeal eyes slowly look over at Kaelix's eyes. "It is nature of duty, Your Highness, one becomes accustomed to it."
Kaelix merely scoffed. "Accustomed to it? I've been preforming princely duties for years, and I still feel utterly spent after a day and a half. Perhaps I'm not cut out for this.", Kaelix softly spoke the last few words more to himself than to the knight.
The Prince looked over at Knight who seemed to possess an endless source of resilience, and then at his own tired hands, a weariness settling over him as if he wasn't exhausted enough. The Prince merely shaked his head and walked away, leaving the Knight to his tireless watch.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
The castle fell silent, except for the soft howls of the wind and the occasional hoots of owls.
Midnight...the hour when shadows depend and thoughts stirred. The hour that brought more worries than relief. Kaelix turned in every sleeping position possible in his grand bed, tossing in his silk sheets. His mind was a battlefield of restless thoughts of the weight of his future as King and the thousand duties that seem to never cease. He won't admit it out loud but it was lonely to lay in such a gigantic bed by yourself, almost wishing there was someone next to keep him company through the nights.
He desperately needed companionship...or maybe he just needed air.
Kaelix got up from his bed, his limbs moving tiredly as he throws on a robe, slipping out of his room quietly as to not wake the whole castle. The coldness of the floor under his feet making him more conscious. Kaelix walked with steps as quiet as a spy, his legs leading him to the grand oak doors he's been fed up seeing today. He slowly opened one side of the oak door as to not make as much noise, slipping out into the cold, moonlit night.
Kaelix found Zeal still guarding outside, as still and silent as ever. Though, that stillness was disturbed as Zeal looked to see who came out of the castle.
"You should be in bed, Your Highness.", Zeal stated upon seeing Kaelix.
Kaelix stopped a few feet away, leaning against the oak door, the moonlight highlight his disheleved hair and the darkness under his eyes. "I couldn't sleep. Too much thoughts, too much...everything.", Kaelix admitted, his voice quiet and fragile. He looked at the Knight, a question forming in his mind.
"You. When do you sleep, Sir Zeal? I've seen you on duty since last night to morning to night again. Do Knights even require such comfort?"
A faint, almost unnoticeable smile touched the corners of Zeal's mouth. "I confess, Your Highness, rest is a luxury rarely afforded. There are nights like these where duty demands constant attention. One learns to manage with what little they can snatch."
"That makes two of us."
Kaelix had always imagined Knights as invincible, tireless mechine. To hear Zeal speak about his own desire of rest and struggle with fatigue formed a tiny, unexpected link between them.
Without another word, Kaelix sank to the cold stone floor, pulling his robe tighter around him. He leaned his head against the silver armor encasing Zeal's leg, the metal cold against his temple. It was an impulsive gesture, a gesture made from pure exhaustion.
Zeal stiffened momentarily from surprise. Kaelix felt the sudden tensing of muscles beneath the armor. He braced himself for a gentle but firm push away, a reminder of the vast social chasm between them.
But It never came.
Zeal remained still, quite literally like a statue of sliver. His gaze, though distant, held no judgement. Kaelix could only now fully relax, closing his eyes as the cold armor welcomed and anchored him. The way Kaelix slightly clinged to his leg, the subtle tremor of his breath and the darkness under his eyes spoke about the suffocating weight and pressure as heir.
The silence grew thick yet comforting. The only sounds were the distant creak of the castle, the soft hooting of owls and the gentle breathing from Kaelix as it slowly deepened. Kaelix, who found peace in Zeal's presence and clinging to his leg, was slowly succumbing to the exhaustion that troubled him all day. He fell in a deep sleep, his head heavy against Zeal's leg.
After a long while, making sure Kaelix was truly asleep, Zeal slowly shifted his weight. His movement were slow and deliberate, as if he was worried that the slightest disturbance might shatter the fragile peace he now held in his charge. He carefully bended down, Zeal slid his arms beanath the sleeping prince, holding him carefully as if he were a piece of fragile glass. One arm supported his back, the other supported his knees.
Zeal held Kaelix close to his armored chest. Zeal's gaze, usually guarded, was softened at the sight of looking down at the sleeping heir, so vulnerable in his arms.
Zeal carried Kaelix through the corridors, navigating through the dark castle as if he had walked these paths a thousand times. He gently pushed open the door of the Prince's chambers. The room was grand a luxurious, yet held a loneliness that Zeal sensed.
Carefully, he laid Kaelix in the bed, adjusting the pillow and drawing the thick blankets up to his chin. He watched the Prince for a moment, making sure he was comfortable, safe. With a final lingering glance, the Knight silently retreated back to his position, leaving the heir to peacefully rest.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
Kaelix woke up with the sunlight streaming through his chamber's windows, feeling strangely rested despite his midnight wonderings. The memory of the cold armor and the quiet comfort now felt like a comforting dream. He dressed quickly, his ususal weariness already threatening to take him again. Kaelix practically rushed out his door, stepping into the main hall of the palace, ready to face another day of royal duties.
Though, he stops dead at the sight.
Zeal was now standing inside of the castle in the main hall. Wasn't he just guarding the outside just a few hours ago? How come he got replaced? Knights don't just get promoted from guarding outside of the castle to guarding inside of the castle in the span of days. Yet Zeal was the living proof that it can somehow be done. Kaelix can only look at Zeal in shock, though he doesn't comment. Kaelix's lips moved, forming a silent, "Thank you.", before urging to his morning schedule.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
Kaelix was surprised to be disrupted from his evening activities to be asked to be present in Throne Room by his father. Not to mention, he wasn't quite expecting to be accompanied by his siblings and Knights, even chambermaids peering in to glance at what is going to unfold.
His father, King Ivan, sat on his lavish throne. His greyness becoming more prominent with each passing day, yet he held his head high.
Then there he was, that damn Knight.
Zeal arriving like a storm in silence. Kaelix can only furrow his eyebrows as he watched him. Zeal stood at the foot of the throne, his polished armor shining beneath the bright lights of the Throne Room as he kneeled on one leg, bowing his head.
"From this day forward...", King Ivan declared, his voice filling the whole room. "Zeal Ginjoka shall serve as a Guardian of the Royal Blood, an honorary title only given to the most disciplined and trusted Knights. He shall not leave the side of Prince Kaelix by Royal command. His word shall be trusted as my own in matters of the prince's safety."
Everyone in the court room started to mumur. No Prince in recent time was ever assigned a Knight. Those titles were only assigned in times uncertainty and danger. Did his father really think he can't handle himself as heir? Did his father believe his own time was soon up? Kaelix can only stare with widen eyes at the scene before everyone was soon dismissed.
Kaelix started briskly walking down the halls to his chambers, knowing Zeal was going to follow right behind him.
Of course he was going to, he'd just been assigned to be his damn Knight.
When he saw Zeal approaching when he was at his chamber's door, he signaled for Zeal to enter inside the room. Kaelix instantly slammed the door shut, locking it to ensure no one was going to enter as he interrogated this man.
"You've got some explaining to do, Sir Zeal.", Kaelix said with his arms crossed, a clear unpleasant expression spread across his face as he looks at Zeal.
Zeal simply looked back at Kaelix with a confused expression, as if he was oblivious, "I don't quite understand, Your Highness, what do I owe an explanation to?".
"You know exactly what I'm talking about! How did you get assigned a title like that? What could you have possibly done? Did you sweet talk my father into these back to back promotions?"
"The King simply assigned this role to me, Your Highness."
"That answer makes absolutely no sense!"
Kaelix countered immediately as he paces up and down in his chambers, his arms folded as his brain scrambles for anything that makes sense to him. He was in complete denial that all of these promotions were coming to Zeal like they were as easy as eating dessert.
"My father never assigns roles of this magnitude this quickly. Never! He makes men wait decades for the privilege of a simple hall post. Yet, here you are, assigned as Guardian of Royal Blood and came to this Kingdom mere days ago...what did you do?"
Zeal sighs. He began taking careful steps towards the pacing Prince, grabbing his shoulder gently and stopping him in his tracks so he can calm down and stop overthinking the situation.
"Perhaps, Your Highness, I was merely an exception.", Zeal replied, his voice ever so soft and quiet, just a level above the soft clink of his armor.
"An exception? Don't make me laugh.", Kaelix says in a bitter tone as he rolls his eyes at the Knight. He swiftly grabs the Knight's hands and pushes them away from him.
"And don't touch me! Before I order for your hands to be cut off!"
"Apologies for touching, Your Highness, but remind me of why you're acting hostile towards me? I don't believe I have done any wrong."
"Because I'm jealous, Sir Zeal, can't you comprehend that? Everything good seems to happening to you so fast. Title, status, trust, you name it. "
"I work hard, Your Highness."
"So do I!", Kaelix exclaimed, so voice filling every corner of his chambers. "I work hard every day of my wretched life, living under the scrutiny of an entire Kingdom, and yet nothing feels good. I only feel exhausted and trapped. Why does your hard work give such immediate rewards and mine only gives more paperwork?"
Yet the Prince was only met with that infuriating silence from the Knight. That silence that makes the Prince feel like he is hopelessly at a dead end when he desperately needs an answer. That silence that makes the Prince feel powerless. What Prince is he if he can't even get an answer? Now that's just demoralizing.
"That's the thing about you Knights, you never have an answer! You just stand in steel like a statue, yet you're rewarded for your so called hardwork.", Kaelix practically bawled at Zeal, his eyes shedding small tears that roll down his face. He wasn't even sure why he was crying. He was just frustrated, utterly frustrated.
"Yet, I'm left to feel helpless after working so hard each passing day with no help, no reward or affirmation that I'm doing a well job. You know how that feels, Sir Zeal?", Kaelix sobbed harshly, he didn't even bothered to wipe the water from his eyes, he just needed to feel.
"I'm hopeless. I'm the Crown Prince, and I can't even fulfill the duties in my miserable life without feeling like I'm making a mistake."
Kaelix knew Zeal won't speak. Knights were forbidden from becoming entangled in the emotional turbulence of Royals. Yet, Kaelix wanted just that. He wanted someone to listen without judgement or comment, someone who can listen and not go announcing what he said around the castle.
But that's when the wave of shame hit, it was devastating. He had just broken down infront of a near-stranger, his newly assigned Knight. Without looking at Zeal's direction, he wiped his face with the back of his sleeve.
"I apologize.", Kaelix whispered ever so softly, his cheeks flushing a soft pink colour from embarrassment. "It won't happen again."
Before Zeal could even get a word in to tell him it was completely alright, Kaelix had already fled the chambers, running out into the hallway, not daring back to look at Zeal.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
Kaelix woke up later than usual, dreading the encounter with Zeal after his embarrassing display yesterday. He deliberately dressed slowly, preparing himself to face the Knight.
When he opened the doors of his chambers, he saw Zeal standing right outside. Expected, of course. Kaelix won't be lying if he said his heart was running a hundred miles per hour when he walked down the hallway and Zeal followed him. He wasn't use to someone following right behind him, much less someone who witnessed him in a very vulnerable.
Yet all Kaelix could do is try to calm himself as he focused on his schedule for today.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
In the late afternoon, Kaelix retreated to the balcony adjoining his chambers. Zeal followed, standing by the door leading back inside.
The sun was beginning it's slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and red. Kaelix leaned on the stone railing, watching the distant shape of the city below, not minding the wind in his hair.
"Why, Zeal?", Kaelix asked, his voice ever so quiet, watching the glow of the sky. "Why did you become a Knight? Be honest. Most men do it for the status, the land grants..."
"I became a Knight to protect persons, Your Highness.", Zeal replied instantly without hesitation.
Kaelix couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle, an amused sound. "That's lovely and all, but highly unbelievable. I have lived around Knights my whole life. They are ambitious, greedy or dull."
"It is the truth, and nothing but the truth, Your Highness.", Zeal insisted, his voice unwavering. "I truly wish to protect those who could not protect themselves."
Kaelix fell silent, taking in the sincerity of the statement. Kaelix looked back at the perfect silhouette of the Knight, yet he could only look within himself. Maybe after constant observations of courts and politics as a Prince, perhaps he had become sceptical about simple truths.
A sudden wave of guilt washed over him, he turned from the railing fully, facing Zeal.
"I must apologize.", Kaelix began, his usual composure lightly fractured. "I apologize for invading your personal space and bothering you during your duty hours that one day...and for yesterday, for crying, and making you uncomfortable. It was truly unprofessional of me."
"It is acceptable, Your Highness.", Zeal responded, his voice soft, a rare moment of verbal reassurance.
"No, it really wasn't.", Kaelix countered, rolling his eyes. "A crying heir is not standard operating procedure.", Kaelix said quietly, moving past the Knight and entering back into his chambers. Zeal followed right behind him, closing the doors to the balcony.
"It is what comes with being a Knight in service to a Royal, Your Highness.", Zeal simply said. "Your burden is my concern. I did not mind at all."
Kaelix looked at him, a look that communicated a desperate want for closeness that most likely goes beyond protocol. He looked around nervously, fidgeting with his fingers as his mind runs for...an answer? A solution? He wasn't sure what to name it. Kaelix quickly went across his room, pulling the heavy velvet curtains shut, plunging the room into a shadow. He turned back to Zeal, standing in dim, private enclosure.
"Zeal...", Kaelix began, his voice dropping into a quiet whisper as if talking too loud would get them caught. "Is a Knight allowed to hug a Prince?"
Zeal was stunned, his perfect posture faltering slightly. His training manuel covered swordsman ship, strategy, Royal protocol and discretion. They certainly did not cover hugging a Royal, certainly because no one expects a Knight to be doing something like that.
"I...I do not believe there is a specific regulation that covers that, Your Highness."
Kaelix took his answer as permission. Moving quickly before he could second guess his decision, wrapping his arms around Zeal tightly, pressing his cheek against the cold, hard surface of the silver armor. The armor dug slightly into his cheek and the armor was quite cold, but he didn't mind one bit. He just needed the man beneath the metal to embrace him right now.
"I just really needed a hug.", Kaelix muttered softly into the metal, his voice slightly trembling. "I'm...lonely."
He felt the rigid posture beanth the armor momentarily soften, almost going unnoticed.
"I know this isn't professional...", Kaelix whispered softly, his voice laced with shame. "I'm so...very sorry."
"It is acceptable, Your Highness."
"It's not..."
Yet, even when insisting it was unprofessional, the Prince couldn't help but still cling to the Knight like a lifeline. He knew he wasn't suppose to get attached to a Knight, to a servant of the crown, yet here he is, doing the one thing he isn't suppose to do.
For the first time in a long time, the Prince just...relaxed, allowing himself to not be so tense. Kaelix won't be lying if he said it was nice to let your guard down with someone you know can protect you, knowing that they would risk their whole life for the sake of your peace.
"Swear to me, Zeal. Swear you will never tell a soul about this, or I'll have you and the souls you told beheaded."
"I swear, Your Highness, not a single soul shall know of this."
"Good, because I'd hate to behead a good hugger like you."
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
The days continued quietly, the tension of the hug mere days ago still lingering in the air awkwardly yet none of them completely addressed it. Brushed off, but certainly not forgotten. Kaelix sometimes would glance at Zeal while dozing off in morning meetings, wondering if he thinks about it as much as he himself does.
The early afternoon began with Kaelix leisurely skimming through various books in the library, of course Zeal was by his side as always. He flipped through various books of history, philosophy, and sometimes poetry. Zeal found himself standing a bit closer as Kaelix turned through the pages of a book of poems, his gaze lingering over the verses.
"A troubadour from the south made this.", Kaelix commented as he noticed Zeal's eyes following the lines. "They say he fell in love with a princess who married a duke. He died of sorrow."
"Oh...that's quite tragic, Your Highness.", Zeal simply commented.
Kaelix merely scoffed as Zeal said that, "More like foolish."
"Or brave, Your Highness."
"That isn't bravery, it's recklessness."
"It is, Your Highness?"
"Yes, it is."
Kaelix rolled his eyes as he closed the book, folding his arms as he looked at Zeal as if he's stubbornly wrong.
"One should know that they must never like someone else out of their social status. Even if they do, it's pointless, the connection will never happen.", Kaelix says as his gaze moves to the side. Yet, Zeal couldn't help but find himself disagreeing.
"That doesn't stop persons from feeling, Your Highness. Now, is it really pointless or is it a form of freedom?"
"Freedom is rare for men like me."
"For men like you or for all of us, Your Highness?"
Suddenly, there was a strange silence that enveloped the two of them, aside from the distant sound of bells ringing. It wasn't terrible, but it certainly was a silence that left room for thought. Yet, Kaelix never dared to look back at Zeal.
"I don't know how to not want things I can't have, Sir Zeal, and it's going to be the death of me.", Kaelix ever so quietly admitted.
Zeal looked at the Prince, sighing softly. "And what is it you can't have, Your Highness?"
Kaelix didn't answer, he simply placed the book back into its place on the self, not daring to look at Zeal. "It's already a quarter passed three, I need to get to my meeting, Sir Zeal."
"Right...Your Highness."
...
..
.
In the evening that same day when Zeal retreated into his private quarters for his rare moment of rest, he found a small red rose laid carefully on his bed.
No note or mark by the person who gave him the rose, yet Zeal had a faint idea of who it might've been.
But that's alright. The rose, delicate and lush, was already enough.
Zeal gently picked it with his hands, pressed it to his lips and smiled.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
The next evening held one of the biggest balls for Royals coming from various Kingdoms. King Ivan had really outdone it this time. It was an extravagant ball, the Ballroom was decorated lavishedly with the most expensive drinks available.
A ball filled with Queens and Princesses covered in pearls and diamonds, Kings and Princes wearing rich fabrics like velvet and wine that flowed like rivers was practically a man's paradise.
Yet, it had only been three hours and Kaelix decided he's had enough of this, slipping out of the Ballroom and out into the courtyard at the back of the castle. He simply sat at the stairs at led to the grass, setting down his wine glass next to him as he sat silently in the cold night.
Kaelix didn't look back as he heard the soft clinking that he presumed to be armor clinking. He knew it was Zeal, it was always Zeal. If anything, he felt like Zeal was the only one to care enough to follow him.
"I expected you to follow me, you know?", Kaelix says as he picks up his wine glass, taking generous sip. Zeal didn't answer straight away, simply going and sitting next to Kaelix, just enough space between them.
"I'd be a fool not to follow, Your Highness, as your Knight I have to be aware of your location always.", Zeal began softly, "I also have basic human worry, Your Highness. I don't think anyone can see you hurrying off to the back of the castle and not wonder where you're going."
Kaelix could only chuckle in amusement from Zeal's answer. Basic human worry? Was it really that basic in this life of Royalty?
"You amuse me, Zeal, but no one worries for me. Hell, they probably don't even notice I'm gone. They are more busy mingling and getting intoxicated.", Kaelix says as he rolls his eyes at the thoughts, almost chugging down all the wine in his glass in one go.
"Well, I worry about you, Your Highness. As well as I worry for your health and the way you're chugging that wine."
"I'll be fine- hey!"
Zeal had snatched the wine glass out of his hand, putting it down far from Kaelix's reach. Kaelix desperately reached out for his glass, but to it was inevitably out of his reach, Kaelix unconsciously pressing his body against Zeal's armor in attempt to retrieve the glass. Kaelix can only fold his arms and look to the side in slight shame and embarrassment.
"You've changed, Your Highness."
"So have you."
"Even if I have, Your Highness, we can't divert from the fact that you've been definitely been acting differently."
"Suck it up, I won't be what you want me to be."
"You already are, Your Highness."
"No I'm not, I'm a vulnerable, crying mess in jewels and velvet."
"Well, if you being vulnerable, crying and acting like a mess comes in the package then so be it, Your Highness."
It was at this moment Kaelix slowly started to realize they were slowly leaning into each other as they were speaking, their faces mere centimeters apart. Kaelix couldn't help but look at Zeal's features, his words stuck in his throat.
Zeal was extremely handsome for a Knight, why wasn't he posing for paintings or something? Maybe it was the wine making him think these things...actually, couldn't be, he always thought these things.
Kaelix couldn't help himself.
Kaelix instantly brought a hand up to Zeal's face, cupping the side of his face as he leaned in for a kiss. The kiss was tentative, but it was inevitably welcomed. There was no fire, just warmth. The quiet advancement of something long unspoken. Zeal armored hands cupping Kaelix's face as Kaelix's hands moved lowered to rest on Zeal's shoulders.
When they pulled apart, Kaelix's hands trembled.
"I shouldn't have done that.", Kaelix murmured.
"Why not, Your Highness?"
"Because you serve me. Because it's forbidden. Because you could lose everything. Lord knows what they'll do to you."
"And if I told you I want to lose everything with you, Your Highness?"
"Don't say such things!"
Kaelix's eyes began to water at the thought of it. He loved Zeal dearly, but he couldn't stand the thought of anything bad happening to Zeal. He only wanted the best for Zeal, to think that only bad things will happen because of this connection breaks his heart. Zeal slowly wipped a tear that slipped from Kaelix's eye with his thumb.
"But they're true, Your Highness."
Kaelix couldn't stand Zeal being so ready to lose everything just for him. It didn't seem right.
"I...I need to go. I'm so sorry..."
Kaelix immediately stood up, briskly walking back inside of the castle, leaving Zeal in the cold night of the courtyard. Zeal sat there, heart pounding, the ghost of the kiss still on his lips.
He wasn't sure how they were going to address this now.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
For three days, Kaelix avoided Zeal's gaze like the plague.
Kaelix won't dare look back at Zeal, answered questions from him with formality and preformed his duties as he usually would. All while not meeting eyes with the Knight.
During the third day, in the late afternoon, Zeal decided it was finally decide to address the silence, even if he was disturbing Kaelix who is diligently reading in his private study. Zeal gently rapped on the door and entered, seeing Kaelix's head down in a book.
"What is it you need?", Kaelix simply asked, his eyes still not looking up at Zeal.
"Did I offend you, Your Highness?", Zeal asked softly as he closed the door behind him, fully entering the room. Zeal watched as Kaelix's eyes widen a bit in surprise, he surely didn't expect to be addressed on his behaviour.
"No..."
"Then why are you punishing me with silence and formality, Your Highness? You haven't once dared to look in my direction."
"I'm not punishing you, I'm protecting us both."
"From what, Your Highness?"
"From the consequences? From desire? From distraction? I don't about you, but I think this is for the better."
"I've never thought a Prince would be protecting a Knight, Your Highness."
"Oh hush."
Kaelix held an upset expression on his face, feeling like he's not being taken as seriously as he should be, his arms folded tightly across his chest. Zeal could only sigh, approaching the desk where Kaelix is sat at.
"Do you love me or not, Your Highness?"
Kaelix almost froze from utter shock from the question, his head instantly looking up at Zeal. His face flushed a soft pink colour. He opened his mouth, but instantly closed it as he was speechless.
"I...I do-"
"Then why are you pushing me away, Your Highness?"
"It's not that simple, Zeal."
"It's simpler than you make it seem, Your Highness."
"Can't you understand that there is not hope for us, Zeal? There's no...good that comes out of this, none! You'll be punished and I'll be heartbroken by the end of it!"
The words hung heavy in the air once it left Kaelix's mouth. Kaelix could only look to the side in sorry. Kaelix felt Zeal's cold armored hands going up and cuppinh his face, urging him to look at him. Kaelix did so hesitantly, feeling Zeal's hands lower to his own hands, taking them gently, kneeling on one knee.
"Prince Kaelix Debonair. I've guarded your body for countless days, but all I've wanted is for you to see my heart, and to let me see yours."
Kaelix's breath almost got stuck in his throat, his heart drumming loudly against in chest.
"I'm not...good at this..."
"Neither am I, but I'm willing to learn with you, Your Highness."
A sad smile formed on Kaelix's lips, his eyes watering up, though he wipes away his tears before they spill.
"I can't promise eternity or safety but...I want to try."
"Then try with me, Your Highness."
And this time when they kissed, it was not of hesitation, but of hope.
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
The Prince laid restless in bed one evening, the soft glow of the candle light flickering against the high stone walls of the chambers. Sleep would not come, no matter how many times he turned over or how many thoughts he tried to force out of his head. His head didn't carry the weight of the day or the courtly affairs that could take place tomorrow, it only carried one name, and one name only.
Sir Zeal Ginjoka.
His hand drifted absently over his chest, fingering tracing the soft fabric of his nightclothes. He turned to his side, the cool air of the chamber barely stirring around him, yet it did little to soothe the strange warmth rising in his chest.
The warmth had been building up all evening, something he couldn't shake off no matter how many distractions he tried. He had tried reading, writing, wandering the palace halls, but nothing could quiet the thoughts that led back to Zeal.
The way his gaze was sharp when he spoke, his steady presence, the way his deep voice sent shivers down Kaelix's spine from simply reminding Kaelix of his schedule.
The thought of Zeal made the air in the chamber feel heavier, the candlelight more intimate. Kaelix pulled the blanket up to his chin, desperately trying to drown the feeling that was welling up inside of him, but it only grew stronger with each passing second.
He had been taught such feelings were improper, that a man of royal blood must not indulge in such desires. Though, in the solitude of his chambers with no one to judge him, he found himself unable to resist as he sat up.
His hand moved lower down himself, almost hesitantly.
Lower.
Lower..
Lower...
Until his hand had slipped under his nightclothes and into his underwear. His breath hitched softly when he reached there.
His hand moved in a slow rhythm, feeling his face flush with each passing movement. The sensation building was a familiar one, yet it carried a weight that made his heart pound against his chest. His breath slowly going unsteady as he closed his eyes and allowed his mind to wonder.
He couldn't help but let his mind imagine. He'd admit shamelessly a thousand times that Zeal was a handsome man, but he'd never admit that he fantaized about how strong Zeal was, the way Zeal would give him a certain look that made his stomach do somersaults, Zeal's hands...gosh those hands. Kaelix would allow those strong hands to do anything to him.
He imagined those same hands. Those hands touching him in a gentle, intimate way. Those hands running down his chest, to his waist to...all the way down there. Those hands rubbing his length up and down, whispering sweet words in that deep voice.
Kaelix sighs at the image of that, feeling his body responding to the thought of it.
"Zeal..."
Kaelix couldn't help to moan out Zeal's name, feeling himself drawn closer to the feeling of climax. Sweat beads slowly forming on his forehead as his chest rises and down heavily.
And then, a soft knock on his door.
The sound sent Kaelix's mind into a full panic, before he even knew it the person on the other side was opening the door. In panic, Kaelix quickly pulled his hand out, pulling the blankets over him to hide the obvious hardness of his length.
As if Kaelix's moaning of Zeal's name summoned him, Zeal stepped into the dim lighting of Kaelix's chambers.
If anything else couldn't be surprising, Zeal is wearing normal clothing instead of his usual armor he wears. Kaelix's jaw almost is left drop to the ground, but he had to keep himself intact. Zeal's gaze swept over the room but landed firmly on Kaelix.
"Your Highness?", Zeal's voice was steady, yet it carried an tone of curiousity that made Kaelix's heart race.
"Uh...I...yes?", Kaelix stammered as he looked at Zeal in the eyes, though he couldn't help but look at Zeal from head to toe. He almost felt like a Victorian man getting flustered from seeing an inch of skin.
"I'd completely forgotten to check on you after your evening meeting to see if you were alright."
"Oh...well...I...I'm fine."
"Are you sure, Your Highness? You look rather warm. Do you want me to out the candle?"
"I...no...no, it's fine. I'm just...trying to get comfortable. It's been a long day."
Zeal raised an eyebrow at the Prince, letting out an amused chuckle at the reply as he fully entered the chamber, closing the door behind him.
"Get comfortable? Yet you're wide awake, Your Highness, it doesn't quite add up."
"Well I...I was just...thinking."
"Thinking about what, or who, Your Highness?"
Kaelix hesitated, the flicker of the candlelight casting deep shadows against Zeal's face. The Knight's tone was amused, but not cruel. Kaelix's breath became shallow, his mind running through responses that didn't seen sufficient enough to give.
But Zeal saw the way his face flushed, the way his chest moved up and down heavily, the way his hair stook slightly to his forehead. Kaelix knew he was smart, Kaelix already knew Zeal knew the truth.
Rather than pressing further, Zeal merely lowered himself to the edge of the bed, looking at Kaelix in the eyes as a warm smile spreads across his face.
"I could help you sleep."
There it was.
The invitation.
If anything, it made Kaelix a little shy. He's never had someone boldly told him that they could help him, it was all new to him. Yet, Kaelix gave a simple, shy nod.
Zeal's thumb pressed gently against Kaelix's skin, warm and grounding. "Tell me if you want me to stop, alright?", his voice steady and his eyes searching.
Kaelix swallowed hard.
Zeal's hands cupped Kaelix's face gently, his fingers warm against the flushed skin, exactly how Kaelix imagined it really.
Kaelix did not pull away when Zeal's lips touched his. It was not hurried, stolen kiss between two people like it usually was. It was slow, deliberate, each movement filled with a quiet reverence that made Kaelix's entire body shudder. He had imagined this countless times but nothing prepared Jim for the reality of it.
He had spent so long keeping his emotions guarded, keeping his heart locked behind the walls of duty and expectation. But now, in the warmth of Zeal's embrace, those barriers were crumbled.
He had no words to explain how he felt. The way his pulse pounced like a drum in his ears, the way his body melted beneath Zeal's touch. Before he'd even began to process, Zeal's hand had already reached to his under his pants. If anything, he'd almost short circuited from the way Zeal's hand wrapped around his length with ease.
Who can blame him? It's not his fault that he didn't know Knights were good with their hands in other ways.
Kaelix could hear Zeal let out an amused chuckle as he saw his expression. His lips moved lower, down to Kaelix's neck and collarbone, gliding kisses along the sensitive skin.
Kaelix could barely form a proper thought, only soft sighs and quiet moans leaving his lips that seemed to be swallowed by the night air.
There was no court to worry about, no titles, no expectations. There was only this, only him and Zeal.
The sensation rising in his chest slowly until it was pressed against his ribs, until it felt like it might pop.
"Zeal...oh lord...Zeal.", Kaelix could only moan out as he felt himself on edge of his climax, looking at Zeal with watery eyes. He heard a teasing, amused chuckle come from Zeal's lips.
"Close are we now? Well, go ahead, no?"
And then he did. His breath came in a shattering gasp as his body arched into Zeal's, his fingers tightening in the fabric of Zeal's clothes. His eyes almost rolling back to the back of his skull. The moment stretched, endless and prefect. He simply let himself exist in the sensation before it burned out.
After it faded away, Kaelix found himself breathless, and not to mention a sudden feeling of exhaustion. The Knight's hands remained on his back, warm and steady, his breath stilling against the curve of Zeal's neck.
"You really are a vision in steel...whatever that means..."
"Is that your way in calling me handsome?"
"Just take the compliment and hush."
Zeal smiled softly, holding Kaelix a bit tighter now. The silence between them was now comfortable, filled with something unspoken but understood.
Zeal gently planted a kiss ontop of Kaelix's head, gently laying him down on the rest, allowing him to catch his much needed rest.
"Rest well, my Prince."