Come back to me

The sterile, white walls of the royal hospital bore witness to Nani's endless grief. Sky lay motionless on the bed, his once-bright eyes now hidden behind closed lids, his chest rising and falling steadily thanks to the machines keeping him stable. The bullet had been safely removed, and the doctors assured Nani that Sky's vitals were strong. Yet, Sky had slipped into a coma-a cruel limbo where life dangled precariously between existence and absence.

Nani sat beside him, his fingers intertwined with Sky's lifeless hand. His eyes were bloodshot, his face pale and gaunt from days without proper rest. The soft hum of machines filled the room, a stark contrast to the turmoil in his heart.

"When will he wake up?" Nani asked, his voice breaking as he stared at the doctor standing at the foot of the bed.

The doctor hesitated, then spoke with measured care. "Your Highness, we cannot predict that with certainty. It could be two days, but it might also be months... or even years. His body is stable, but his mind is in shock."

Nani's chest heaved as tears spilled down his cheeks. "No... no, that's not an answer. Tell me he'll wake up! He has to..."

The doctor lowered his gaze. "I wish I could, Your Highness. But his will to survive plays a significant role. Right now, it seems his mind is... fighting against recovery."

Nani collapsed into the chair beside Sky, clutching his hand tightly. "It's because he thinks he's a burden," he whispered, his voice trembling. "He thinks he's in my way, that he's the reason for all this. But he's not. He's everything to me."

The king, who stood silently near the doorway, watched his son with deep sympathy. He had always been a man of reason, a king who balanced strength and compassion, but even he hadn't anticipated his wife's reckless actions. He had believed she would prioritize their son's happiness over her pride, but now she was confined to her chambers, left to grapple with the consequences of her rage.

Five days passed, and Sky remained still. Nani barely left his side, refusing to let go of the hope that his presence might reach Sky, even in the void of unconsciousness. But on the sixth day, he knew he had to confront his mother.

He entered her chambers, the air between them heavy with unresolved tension. She stood by the window, her once-proud figure now slumped with guilt. Her eyes were red from days of crying, and she turned to him with a desperate look.

"Nani," she began, her voice shaking. "I-"

"Don't," Nani interrupted, his tone sharp. "I came here to say what I need to say, not to listen to excuses."

His mother flinched as though struck.

"I will never forgive you for what you did to Sky," Nani continued, his voice low but filled with anger. "You nearly killed him. And in doing so, you nearly destroyed me. How could you?"

"I didn't mean to-"

"You didn't mean to?" Nani's voice rose, his anguish spilling over. "You pulled a gun on the man I love because of your pride, your stupid image of what this family is supposed to be. You call yourself a mother, but you cared more about your reputation than your son's happiness."

She fell to her knees, clasping her hands together. "Nani, please. I was wrong. I know I was wrong. I regret it every second of every day. Please forgive me."

Nani's jaw tightened. "I can't. Not yet. I'll respect you as the queen because it's my duty. But as my mother... you lost that when you pulled the trigger. If Sky wakes up-when he wakes up-and if he forgives you, then maybe I will too. Until then, don't ask me for what I can't give."

Her sobs filled the room as Nani turned and left, his heart heavy but resolute.

When he returned to Sky's side, he made another decision, one that would change the course of his life and the kingdom.

"I'm going to tell them," he told his father later that night. "The citizens. The entire kingdom. They deserve to know who I am and who I love."

The king's brows furrowed. "Are you sure, Nani? This could... complicate things."

"I don't care," Nani said firmly. "They can decide if they still want me as their heir. If they don't, I'll leave. I'll take Sky and go somewhere we can be free."

Three days later, Nani gave his statement. The entire kingdom, and eventually the world, learned the truth: Prince Nani was in love with Sky, his bodyguard, a man of humble origins. And he was prepared to marry him if Sky woke up. The news shook the monarchy to its core, igniting debates, outrage, and celebrations in equal measure.

A week later, the kingdom held a vote. Nani stood stoic as the results were announced: an overwhelming majority of the citizens voted for him to retain his title. The remaining few opposed him, but Nani accepted their rejection with grace.

Months passed. Nani threw himself into his royal duties, managing affairs with diligence and poise. But no matter how busy he was, he always returned to Sky's side. Sky had been moved to Nani's room, where a bed was set up beside the prince's.

At night, when the palace was quiet, Nani would sit by Sky, his head resting on the edge of the bed. He whispered to him, his voice raw with longing.

"Sky," he murmured one night, tears streaming down his face. "Everyone knows now. They know about us, and they accept us. They want me to be their king, but I can't do it without you. I need you by my side. I need your strength, your smile, your love. Please, come back to me."

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Sky's forehead. "You're not a burden. You never were. You're my everything, Sky. I can't do this without you."

But Sky didn't stir.

Nani's shoulders shook as he cried silently, his tears falling onto the sheets. "Please," he whispered. "Please wake up. I can't lose you."

The moonlight cast a pale glow over the room, illuminating Sky's still form. Nani stayed there through the night, as he always did, praying that one day, Sky would hear him-and find his way back.