A silent cry

The palace was alive with activity. Servants hurried back and forth, decorators draped elegant fabrics across the grand hall, and courtiers whispered excitedly about the engagement of Prince Nani to Princess Amara. The air buzzed with anticipation, but for two individuals, the excitement was a cruel reminder of the inevitable.

Sky stood at his usual post outside the practice arena, his sharp eyes scanning every movement. Nani, in the center of the room, practiced his swordsmanship with his trainer. Despite the prince’s composed demeanor, Sky could see the tension in his movements—swinging a bit too forcefully, stepping a bit too sharply.

When the trainer moved closer, adjusting Nani’s posture with a touch that lingered a second too long, something inside Sky snapped. In a blur of motion, Sky was between them, gripping the trainer’s arm with a vice-like hold.

“Back off,” Sky growled, his voice low and dangerous. His eyes blazed with a possessiveness he could no longer contain.

The trainer winced in pain, struggling against Sky’s unyielding grip. “It’s part of the training—”

Sky’s grip tightened. “Touch him like that again, and I’ll break your arm.”

“Sky!” Nani’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Let him go.”

Sky hesitated, his gaze flickering to Nani. For a moment, his resolve faltered under the prince’s pleading eyes. Slowly, he released the trainer, who stumbled back, clutching his arm.

“I’m sorry,” Sky said stiffly, stepping back to his post. But his eyes never left Nani, his jaw clenched tightly as he fought to regain control.

---

Later that evening, Princess Amara arrived at the palace. Nani greeted her in the throne room, their polite conversation observed by courtiers and attendants. Sky stood at a distance, his eyes fixed on the ground, unwilling to witness the interaction.

Amara was kind, poised, and undeniably beautiful—the perfect match for Nani. But every smile she shared with the prince, every laugh they exchanged, felt like a dagger in Sky’s chest.

That night, Sky went to the King and requested leave for the days surrounding the engagement. “Your Majesty,” he said, bowing deeply, “I believe my presence may not be necessary during the ceremony. I request leave to handle personal matters.”

The King regarded him thoughtfully. “Very well, Sky. I had already arranged for additional security. You may have the time off.”

When Nani overheard the news, his heart broke. He locked himself in his chambers, tears streaming silently down his face. No one in the palace noticed the sorrow in the prince’s eyes—not even Sky.

---

The day before the engagement, Nani stood in front of a gilded mirror, dressed in his ceremonial attire. The ensemble was breathtaking—rich gold embroidery on white silk, a royal sash draped across his chest. He looked every bit the part of a prince preparing for the happiest day of his life.

But his heart was anything but happy.

Sky entered the room, his steps hesitant as he approached Nani. “How do I look?” Nani asked, his voice soft, his gaze fixed on his reflection.

Sky stopped a few steps away, his breath hitching. Slowly, he moved closer, his resolve crumbling with every step. When he stood before Nani, he cupped the prince’s face gently in one hand.

“You look...” Sky’s voice was hoarse, filled with emotion. “You look like an angel. Like someone I would worship every day... someone I’d spend my life protecting if I were given the chance.”

Nani’s breath caught. His eyes softened, and he leaned slightly into Sky’s touch, his heart pounding in his chest.

Sky’s heart shattered. The weight of his feelings, of his forbidden desire, was too much. As Nani leaned further into his hand, Sky pulled back as if burned, his hand dropping to his side.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” Sky said quickly, his voice thick with regret. “I overstepped.”

Nani didn’t respond. He watched silently as Sky bowed slightly and left the room, leaving behind an unbearable sadness that neither of them could express.

---

The next morning, Sky prepared to leave the palace. He packed his belongings with mechanical precision, his heart heavy with every item he placed in his bag. The car that would take him away was already waiting in the courtyard.

Sky walked down the grand staircase, his footsteps echoing in the empty halls. He passed courtiers and guards, his face an emotionless mask. But as he stepped into the car, he couldn’t resist glancing back at the castle one last time.

His gaze was drawn to the highest tower, where a lone figure stood at the window. It was Nani, his hands pressed against the glass, his eyes filled with desperation. Their eyes met across the distance, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Sky’s chest tightened. He wanted to run back, to say something, to do anything. But he forced himself to look away, telling himself it was for the best.

The car pulled away, and the castle faded into the distance.

---

Nani stood at the window, his vision blurred by tears. He watched as the car disappeared from view, taking Sky with it. The ache in his chest was unbearable, a weight that threatened to crush him.

He pressed his forehead against the cool glass, his tears falling freely. No one could see him, no one could hear him, and for once, he let himself cry without restraint.

“I love you,” he whispered into the empty room. But it was too late. Sky was gone, and Nani was left with nothing but the echoes of his unspoken feelings.

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