Crimson

Nani pushed open the ornate doors to his parents’ bedroom, his steps unsteady but determined. His chest heaved with emotion, his silk robe still clinging to his damp skin from the frantic run through the palace. The room was dimly lit, with soft golden light spilling from the bedside lamps. His mother, seated in a plush armchair, looked up in alarm, her embroidery falling from her hands. His father, the king, stood by the window, his expression unreadable as he turned to face his son.

“Nani?” his mother gasped, rushing to him. “What is it? Why are you crying?”

Nani didn’t answer her. His tear-streaked face was fixed on his father, his usually soft features now hardened with desperation and resolve.

“Release Sky,” he said, his voice trembling but firm.

The king raised an eyebrow, his hands clasped behind his back. “Do you understand the gravity of what you’re asking?”

“I understand perfectly,” Nani replied, his voice cracking slightly. “But you don’t. Release him.”

The queen placed a hand on his arm, her worry now mixed with confusion. “Nani, what’s going on? Why are you so worked up over your bodyguard?”

Nani pulled his arm away, his gaze never leaving the king. “Because I love him,” he said, his voice steady despite the tears pooling in his eyes.

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. The queen froze, her expression quickly turning from shock to fury. The king remained calm, though his jaw tightened.

“What are you saying?” the queen hissed. “You can’t mean—”

“I love Sky,” Nani repeated, louder this time. His voice wavered, but his determination did not. “I was ready to run away with him. He didn’t betray his duty. He was protecting me, just like he always has. And I won’t let him die for that.”

The queen’s face contorted with rage, her voice rising. “Sky is of low birth! How could you even think of such a thing? And worse—he’s a *man*! This is beyond unacceptable. It’s a sin!”

The king sighed deeply, raising a hand to silence her. “Enough,” he said, his voice firm. He turned his gaze back to Nani. “I suspected as much. That’s why I imprisoned him.”

Nani’s breath hitched. “You wanted me to confront you,” he realized.

The king nodded. “I needed the truth from you, Nani. I couldn’t let this fester in secret.”

The queen’s fury only grew at his calm response. “You *knew*? And you did nothing? This man has ensnared our son, and you sit there like it’s some trivial matter!”

“It’s not trivial,” the king said, his voice low but firm. “But love is not something you can control. It can happen to anyone, at any time.”

The queen’s hands shook as she turned to the guards stationed outside the door. “Bring Sky here,” the king commanded, ignoring her protests.

“No!” the queen screamed, her voice breaking. “This is madness! That man—he’s poisoned Nani’s heart. He doesn’t deserve to live!”

The doors opened moments later, and the guards entered with Sky. He looked worn but defiant, his hands cuffed in front of him. His eyes softened when he saw Nani, though he quickly masked the emotion.

“Sky,” Nani whispered, rushing to his side.

Before Nani could say more, the queen stepped forward, her face twisted with anger. She pulled a sleek handgun from her robe, aiming it directly at Sky. Gasps filled the room, and the guards instinctively reached for their weapons, but the queen’s rage made her faster.

“You’ve bewitched him,” she spat, her voice shaking. “You’ve corrupted him, and for that, you’ll pay with your life.”

“Mother, stop!” Nani cried, stepping between Sky and the queen. He spread his arms wide, shielding Sky with his body. “If you want to kill him, you’ll have to kill me too.”

“Nani, move!” the queen screamed, her finger tightening on the trigger. “Don’t make me—”

“Please,” Nani pleaded, tears streaming down his face. “Don’t do this. Don’t take him from me.”

The tension in the room reached a breaking point. The king stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. “Lower the gun, now.”

But before anyone could intervene, a deafening bang shattered the air.

Nani closed his eyes, his body trembling. For a moment, there was silence, save for the ringing in his ears. He felt no pain but didn’t dare move. Slowly, he opened his eyes.

Sky stood in front of him, his body swaying slightly. Blood seeped through his shirt, staining the fabric a deep crimson. His lips curled into a weak smile as he looked at Nani.

“You’re beautiful,” Sky murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Even when you cry.”

“No,” Nani gasped, his hands reaching for Sky as he began to fall.

Sky collapsed into his arms, his weight nearly dragging Nani to the ground. “I love you,” Sky said, his voice fading. “Always.”

“Sky!” Nani screamed, his cries echoing through the room.

The queen stood frozen, the gun slipping from her trembling hands. The realization of what she had done hit her like a wave. Her knees buckled, and she fell to the floor, her hands clutching her head. “What have I done?” she whispered, her voice breaking. “What have I done?”

The king immediately took control. “Guards!” he barked. “Get him to the royal hospital, now!”

The guards sprang into action, carefully lifting Sky from Nani’s arms. Nani tried to follow, but the king held him back.

“Nani, let them work,” he said, his tone firm but gentle.

The queen sobbed uncontrollably on the floor, her cries filling the room. “I could have killed him,” she whispered. “I could have killed my own son.”

The queen’s cries grew louder, her guilt consuming her. She was restrained gently by the guards, her protests weak and filled with despair.

Nani collapsed onto the floor, his hands gripping the fabric of his robe as he sobbed. The king placed a hand on his shoulder, offering silent comfort.