Special Chapter
Love's unexpected turns
The palace was bathed in golden light, banners of royal blue and black swaying in the morning breeze. The entire kingdom had gathered, lining the streets, waving flags, and throwing flower petals into the air as they celebrated the historic eventâthe coronation of Sky, the once-bodyguard who had won the heart of Prince Nani and now stood as their future King.
Sky had spent months preparing under the guidance of Naniâs father, King Suriyan. The older man had initially been unsure about Skyâs capability to rule, but over time, he saw Skyâs dedication, his sharp mind, and, most importantly, his unwavering love for Nani.
"Being a king is not just about power," King Suriyan had told him one afternoon in the royal study, as Sky listened intently. "Itâs about knowing when to be strong and when to be soft. Youâve already proven your strength in combat and loyalty in love. Now, you must learn wisdom, patience, and how to balance duty with your heart."
Sky had taken every lesson seriously, often practicing speeches late at night, memorizing diplomatic policies, and studying historical records with Nani beside him. Nani was his biggest supporter, correcting his mistakes with gentle teasing, rolling his eyes when Sky got too excited about battle strategies, and reminding him to take breaks when he trained too hard.
Despite all his learning, Sky remained the sameâgoofy, loving, and devoted to Nani. Even during royal meetings, if Nani so much as coughed, Sky would immediately turn to him in concern, forgetting everything else. It was a habit that made ministers and council members sigh in fond exasperation.
"Youâre going to be King soon," Nani reminded him one evening, nudging Skyâs forehead. "You canât always act like my lovesick bodyguard."
Sky grinned, wrapping an arm around Naniâs waist. "I can be both. A king for the kingdom, and a bodyguard for my heart's one true prince."
Nani blushed but tried to hide it behind a scowl. "Idiot."
Sky only laughed, pulling him closer.
The palace gates opened, and the royal guards led a grand procession to the cathedral, where the sacred ceremony would take place. Sky wore a regal black and gold suit, the embroidery shimmering under the morning sun. His cape, adorned with symbols of the kingdom, trailed behind him, and a sword, a gift from King Suriyan, was strapped to his side.
Nani, dressed in a breathtaking royal blue suit, walked beside him, his eyes filled with nothing but pride and love. They reached the grand hall, where the high priest stood, waiting to place the crown upon Skyâs head.
As Sky knelt, the murmurs of the crowd settled into silence. The priest lifted the ancient crownâgolden, encrusted with sapphire and diamondsâand placed it upon Skyâs head.
"Rise, His Majesty, King Sky of the Kingdom," the priest announced.
The entire hall erupted in cheers. The sound of trumpets echoed through the cathedral as Sky stood, his blue eyes scanning the crowd before they settled on Nani. Even in this moment, in front of thousands, Sky only cared about Naniâs reaction.
Nani, unable to contain his happiness, stepped forward and whispered, "You did it, my King."
Sky smirked. "So, does that mean I get a royal kiss?"
Nani rolled his eyes but indulged him, pressing a soft kiss to Skyâs cheek. The crowd cheered even louder at the display of love.
The celebrations stretched on for days, with feasts, fireworks, and dancing filling the city. During this time, Sky and Naniâs families grew inseparable.
Sky had already formed an unbreakable bond with Naniâs mother, Queen Dowager Sirinya. The two were practically best friends, always whispering to each other, laughing over tea, and ganging up on Nani when he got too serious.
"Honestly, sometimes I feel like you two are closer than me and my own mother," Nani muttered, watching them from across the palace garden.
Sky smirked, resting his chin on Naniâs shoulder. "She told me I was her favorite son."
"Youâre not even her son!"
"Not by blood, but by love."
Nani sighed but didnât argue. He had to admit, seeing his mother so happy after years of tension between them warmed his heart.
Even after becoming king, Skyâs priorities never changed. Nani always came first.
During council meetings, if Nani entered the room, Skyâs eyes would immediately drift to him, and heâd unconsciously start smiling like a fool. If Nani was tired, Sky would order the maids to prepare his favorite tea. If Nani wanted something done, Sky would drop everything to do itâsometimes even running across the palace in full royal attire.
One day, during an important diplomatic visit, Sky had a full audience with ambassadors. Everything was going smoothly until Nani walked in to deliver some documents.
Sky, forgetting everything, immediately stood up. "Are you tired? Did you eat today? Do you need anything?"
The ministers blinked in shock. The foreign ambassadors exchanged glances, confused.
Nani sighed, dragging Sky back to his seat. "Sky, you are the King. Act like one."
Sky huffed but still whispered, "I just want to make sure my husband is okay."
"Youâre ridiculous."
"And you love me for it."
Nani couldnât even deny it.
As months passed, the kingdom flourished under Sky and Naniâs rule. The people adored their love storyâit gave them hope, made them believe that love could conquer even the boundaries of status.
Sky, though powerful and respected, remained approachable and warm-hearted. He played with children in the streets, trained with the royal guards, and even sparred with young recruits. But no matter what, he never forgot his role as Naniâs devoted husband.
Late at night, after exhausting days of ruling, Sky and Nani would retreat to their chambers, where Sky would wrap Nani in his arms, pressing soft kisses against his temple.
"Did I do okay today?" Sky would whisper.
Nani would smile, running his fingers through Skyâs hair. "You were perfect."
Sky would sigh in contentment. "Good. Because no matter what, I want to be a king worthy of standing beside you."
"You already are," Nani assured him.
And as they lay together, under the moonlit sky, Sky knew that being king was a great honor. But being Naniâs husband? That was the greatest honor of all.
And with that, the kingdomâand the worldâcontinued to witness the greatest love story ever told.
----
Sky was sulking.
Not just any kind of sulkingâthe dramatic, exaggerated kind where he flopped across the royal couch in their private chambers, arms spread out, staring at the ceiling like he had lost all hope in life.
Nani, sitting at the desk reviewing some documents, raised a brow at his husband's antics. âAlright, what now?â
Sky let out a deep, suffering sigh. âBeing king is exhausting.â
âYou knew that before you accepted the crown.â
âI did.â Sky sighed again, then rolled over to face Nani, his cheek resting against the plush cushion. His lips jutted out in a pout. âBut I didnât know it would stop me from being romantic, flirty, and sexy with my husband.â
Nani blinked before chuckling. âExcuse me?â
Sky groaned. âItâs true! Do you know how hard it is to be all serious in those boring meetings when all I want to do is hold you, kiss you, and flirt with you? But nooo, I have to sit there and act âkinglyâ while you look ridiculously handsome across the room, completely unaware of how much I suffer!â
Nani shook his head, amused. âSky, you do realize that youâre romantic, flirty, and sexy with me 24/7, right? Every single chance you get.â
Sky sat up immediately, scandalized. âThat is not true.â
Nani gave him a deadpan stare. âYou literally pulled me into a broom closet last night just to kiss me senseless.â
Sky scoffed. âThat was necessary. You looked too good in that midnight blue outfit, and I couldn't let anyone else admire you for too long.â
Nani sighed but was unable to hide the soft smile creeping onto his lips.
âAnd another thing,â Sky continued, scooting closer. âI may not be able to flirt in public, but behind closed doors?â He leaned in, voice dropping an octave. âI make up for it, donât I?â
A warm blush rose to Naniâs cheeks, and Sky grinned, clearly pleased with the reaction.
Most mornings, Sky would wake up first, simply to watch Nani sleep. His husband was always so graceful, even in sleep, his dark lashes fanned against his smooth skin. Sky would take his time pressing lazy kisses on his forehead, nose, and finally, lips until Nani stirred awake.
One morning, as Sky trailed his fingers down Naniâs bare back, Nani groaned sleepily. âStop that.â
Sky grinned. âBut you look so kissable in the morning.â
âI always look kissable.â
Sky chuckled, flipping Nani onto his back and hovering over him. âAnd I always want to kiss you.â
And so he didâdeep, slow, and teasing until Naniâs fingers curled into Skyâs hair, pulling him closer.
On lazy afternoons, when they had a rare break from royal duties, they would lounge on the palace balcony. Nani would be reading a book while Sky rested his head on Naniâs lap, tracing patterns on his thigh.
âDo you even understand what youâre reading?â Nani teased, looking down at him.
Sky hummed. âNo idea. But you look really hot when you read.â
Nani flicked his forehead. âIdiot.â
Sky just grinned and pulled him down for a kiss.
It didnât matter how many royal responsibilities Sky hadâNani always came first.
During a grand royal ball, while nobles and officials filled the ballroom, Sky found himself distracted by one personâhis husband.
Nani was standing across the room, engaged in conversation, his elegance unmatched in a sleek black suit with gold embroidery. Sky couldnât take his eyes off him.
A minister tried to get his attention. âYour Majesty, about the trade negotiationsââ
Sky waved him off. âLater. My husband looks too good tonight.â
With that, he made his way across the ballroom and slid his arms around Naniâs waist from behind, completely ignoring the people around them. âDance with me.â
Nani sighed but allowed himself to be pulled onto the dance floor. âYouâre impossible.â
Sky smirked. âAnd yet, you love me.â
Nani let out an exaggerated sigh. âUnfortunately.â
Sky laughed, twirling him around before pulling him close. âYou know, my dear Co-King, we should leave this ball early.â
âWhy?â
âBecause I want to do something more interesting.â
Nani arched a brow. âLike?â
Sky leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. âLike getting you out of this suit as soon as possible.â
Nani blushed but composed himself quickly. âPatience, Your Majesty.â
Sky groaned. âPatience is overrated.â
The second the doors to their chambers closed that night, Sky had Nani pinned against them, hands roaming, lips trailing fire down his jawline.
âFinally,â Sky muttered, undoing Naniâs tie. âIâve been holding back all evening.â
Naniâs breath hitched as Skyâs lips found his throat. âYou are the King. Youâre supposed to have self-control.â
Sky chuckled against his skin. âNot when it comes to you.â
Their nights were filled with passionâSky making up for every moment he had to restrain himself in public, and Nani indulging him completely. Sky worshipped Nani, his hands, his lips, every inch of him. Even after hours of being together, he never got enough.
And when they finally lay tangled in silk sheets, Nani running his fingers through Skyâs hair, Sky murmured, âBeing King is nice and all, but my favorite part of the day is when I get to have you like this.â
Nani pressed a kiss to his forehead. âMine too.â
Sky grinned, pulling him closer. âThen letâs make the most of it, shall we?â
And so, they didâagain and again, until dawn peeked through the curtains, and the world faded away outside their royal chambers.