I love you

The dimly lit throne room felt suffocating as Sky stood before the king, his back straight and his hands clenched at his sides. The air was heavy, filled with unspoken tension. The king's piercing gaze bore into him, the silence stretching for what felt like hours.

“Sky,” the king began, his voice low but firm, “it has come to my attention that you were involved in Nani’s escape from the castle.”

Sky’s breath hitched, but his expression remained neutral. He had been prepared for this moment, though it didn’t make it any less daunting.

The king continued, his tone growing sharper. “There is evidence—clear evidence—that you accompanied him. You were seen crossing the road with him toward the airport.”

Sky didn’t flinch, his silence unwavering.

“You do realize,” the king said coldly, leaning forward, “that aiding in such an act is treason? Punishable by death.”

A chill ran down Sky’s spine, but he kept his composure. He knew that speaking now could jeopardize Nani. The king didn’t suspect their relationship—yet—and Sky intended to keep it that way.

“Why?” the king demanded, his voice echoing through the room. “Why would you betray your duty? Why didn’t you stop him?”

Sky raised his head, a sad smile gracing his lips. “Because I couldn’t, Your Majesty.” His voice was steady but tinged with pain. “I can’t hurt him. Nani is above all to me, and I could only do as he commanded.”

The king’s expression darkened. “You disobeyed your duty as his bodyguard. You failed this kingdom, and you defied me. Guards, arrest him!”

The guards stepped forward, their hands gripping Sky’s arms with an iron hold.

“You will face trial,” the king declared. “And the punishment for treason is capital punishment. You will die for your actions.”

Sky didn’t struggle as the guards dragged him away. A single tear escaped his eye, tracing a path down his cheek. Yet, amidst the despair, there was a strange peace within him. He thought of Nani—their secret moments, their quiet touches, the love they shared.

*At least Nani is safe,* Sky thought as the dungeon doors slammed shut behind him. *The king doesn’t know the truth. He’ll live, even if it’s without me.*

He leaned against the cold stone wall of his cell, his hands bound, and closed his eyes. His mind filled with images of Nani—the way his eyes sparkled when he smiled, the softness of his touch, the warmth of his love.

*I’ll spend my last days thinking of him. And when the moment comes, when death takes me, I’ll think of him one last time.*

---

Nani paced his room, his silk white robe fluttering with each step. It had been hours since he last saw Sky. Usually, Sky would find a way to send him a discreet message, even during the busiest of days. But tonight, there was nothing.

*Where is he?* Nani thought, his chest tightening with worry. *Why hasn’t he contacted me?*

The gnawing unease grew stronger, and by the time a servant knocked on his door to inform him of Sky’s arrest, Nani felt as though the ground had been ripped from under him.

“What?” Nani whispered, his voice trembling.

“Sir, Sky has been arrested by the king. He is accused of treason,” the servant said hesitantly.

The words barely registered before Nani bolted from his room, his robe flowing behind him like the wings of a desperate angel. His bare feet slapped against the cold stone floors as he ran, tears blurring his vision.

The guards at the dungeon entrance barely had time to react before Nani pushed past them. He found Sky sitting on the ground, his hands bound, his face shadowed by dim torchlight.

“Sky!” Nani cried, his voice cracking. He clutched the bars of the cell, his knuckles turning white. Tears streamed down his face as he took in the sight of his love trapped behind iron bars.

Sky looked up, his eyes widening at the sight of Nani. “Nani, you shouldn’t be here.”

Ignoring his words, Nani hit the bars with trembling fists. “How could you? How could you do this?”

“Nani—” Sky began, but Nani cut him off, his voice rising in anguish.

“Do you think this is noble? Do you think you’re some kind of patriot for protecting me?” Nani shouted, his tears falling faster. “You let yourself get arrested for me? You think this is *heroic*?”

Sky chuckled softly, the sound breaking through the heavy silence. “I couldn’t let them hurt you, Nani. That’s all that matters to me.”

The chuckle only aggravated Nani’s despair. He slammed his fists against the bars again, his sobs wracking his body. “Stop smiling, Sky! Stop acting like this is okay! Do you think I can live without you?”

Sky reached through the bars, his fingers brushing against Nani’s trembling hands. “I love you, Nani,” he said softly. “Even in my last moments, I’ll love you. I’ll die thinking of you.”

“Stop it!” Nani cried, pulling his hands away. “Stop talking like this is the end!”

“It is,” Sky said gently, his voice steady. “But you’ll move on. You’ll find someone better, someone who can love you without putting you in danger. I just want you to be happy.”

Nani’s tears turned into anger as he pushed away from the bars. “How dare you?” he hissed, his voice low but filled with rage. “How dare you tell me to move on? How dare you think I could ever love anyone else?”

“Nani—”

“Don’t!” Nani snapped, his eyes blazing. “Don’t you dare say another word.”

Without another glance, Nani turned and stormed out of the dungeon.

“Nani! Please!” Sky shouted, his voice echoing through the stone walls. He pulled at the bars, desperation clawing at his chest. “Don’t go to the king! Please, Nani!”

But Nani didn’t stop. His bare feet carried him through the dark corridors, his mind a whirlwind of fury and pain.

His steps quickened as he reached his destination. Without hesitation, Nani pushed open the heavy doors of his parents’ bedroom.