Side story: Part One.

(This is the story of Prince Adar and Prince Evan, someone recommended I do a side story on them and realized maybe that wasn't such a bad idea. This will still occur in the palace(maybe or maybe not) well, with Melus as the king, please tell me what you think and please like it just as much, as you did the story of Melus and Simon even if it won't be the best.)

Prince Evan's POV.

After months of watching my brother ascend to the throne and marry the love of his life, Simon, our kingdom finally began to shift its rigid views on homosexual relationships. It was a hard-won victory, one that my brother fought tirelessly for, despite the court's disapproval. Yet, as the kingdom slowly opened its doors to acceptance, I found myself trapped in my own emotions. Adar, the one person I'd begged to stay, was still here, his presence a constant reminder of the feelings I couldn't quite decipher. Awkwardness had taken over, and we'd drifted further apart than I'd ever imagined. I feared losing him, but I struggled to accept my own heart's desires. The initial spark I thought I'd felt had fizzled out, leaving me uncertain and unsure how to prove to Adar why I wanted him by my side. His constant questions only added to my frustration, as I grappled with the complexity of my emotions. I thought I'd caught feelings for him, but now I wasn't so sure. All I knew was that I didn't want to lose him, but I didn't know how to move forward either.

He had moved out of my room, and things had become even more strained between us after he confronted me about my discomfort with him being there. Despite our past intimacy, he'd noticed my unease and realized that maybe I had only been trying to convince myself of something more. But the fear of admitting he might be right kept me from convincing him otherwise. I couldn't bring myself to lie and say I loved him when, deep down, those feelings hadn't yet developed. Maybe it was just the physical connection that had spoken for me, and I hadn't seen beyond that. The truth was, I had no romantic feelings for Adar.

I laid in my bed, consumed by the weight of my thoughts, wondering what could have been if I had just let him go. The possibilities swirled in my mind like a vortex, taunting me with the what-ifs. He could have had so much more back in his kingdom than here, surrounded by the luxuries and privileges that came with being a prince. His sister had paved the way, marrying her commoner and breaking free from the shackles of royal tradition. Now it was his turn, and I couldn't help but feel like I was holding him back.

The more time I wasted, the more he would want to leave. The clock was ticking, and I knew that he still had to become king. The thought of holding him back from his destiny didn't sit well with me. His father's letters, sent over the past months, served as a constant reminder of the responsibilities that awaited him. I had watched Adar toss them out, one by one, but the words still lingered in my mind. Especially the ones that said he had to come back with a wife, or else none of it could be done. The ultimatum hung in the air like a sword of Damocles, threatening to destroy everything if he didn't comply. The thought that I could be the reason for his loss, the one who held him back from his rightful place on the throne, was a burden I couldn't bear.

A loud knock on my doors pulled me out of my whirlwind of thoughts, and I was suddenly face to face with my brother, resplendent in his kingly attire. He had long since ascended to the throne, and yet, he still carried himself with the same regal grace that I remembered. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia, remembering the times when I had harbored feelings for him, before Simon came into the picture. Even now, I couldn't deny that I still felt a pang of envy towards Simon, despite my genuine happiness for my brother's love.

Adar's words came flooding back to me, as he once told me that I looked at him with warmth, but my eyes seemed to hold a secret desire to behead him. I had been perplexed by his enigmatic statement, unsure of what to make of it. But one thing was certain - I didn't hate Simon. My emotions were complex, a tangled web of feelings that I was still trying to unravel.

My brother's voice echoed through my chamber, a reminder of the life I was failing to lead.

"You're still lingering in the shadows of your youth, Evan,"he said, his tone a subtle blend of concern and condescension.

"My husband and I are venturing into the kingdom to attend to our people. Adar has graciously joined us, and we'd love for you to accompany us." The invitation hung in the air like a challenge, one that I couldn't bring myself to accept.

The thought of being confined in a car with the two men who had unwittingly become the central figures in my tangled web of emotions was too much to bear. Melus, the one who still held a piece of my heart, and Adar, the one I longed to feel something for. The weight of my guilt and shame threatened to crush me, the memory of that fateful day on the stairs still seared into my mind.

I couldn't face them, not yet. "—Van..." my brother's voice trailed off as I turned to him, a mask of indifference hiding the turmoil within.

"I'm not feeling well. Please, extend my greetings to Simon and Adar." The lie rolled off my tongue with ease, a pitiful attempt to salvage what was left of my shattered dignity.

My brother's eyes sparkled with a warm intensity as he requested, "Can we have a brotherly talk when I get back? I mean, if you don't mind." His smile was a gentle invitation, a reminder that beneath the royal façade, he was still my sibling, my confidant. I nodded, a slight inclination of my head, as I replied, "I'd like that."

With a wave of his hand, he bid me farewell, leaving me to the solitude of my chamber. The door closed behind him, and I was once again enveloped in the silence that had become my sanctuary. But my mind was far from peaceful. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was on the precipice of a great precipice, staring into an abyss of unresolved emotions.

The thought of facing Simon and Adar, of watching them exchange loving glances while I struggled to keep my own feelings in check, was unbearable. I couldn't risk unraveling in front of them, my jealousy and longing laid bare like an open wound. No, I needed to keep my emotions hidden, locked away in the recesses of my heart, until I could find a way to navigate the treacherous landscape of my own soul.

The doors burst open, and I was taken aback by the sudden intrusion. Before I could gather my wits, I found myself inquiring, "Did you forget something" As I rose from my bed, my breath caught in my throat, and my heart began to race. I had assumed he had departed with Melus and Simon, and his presence now was a perplexing surprise.

"I thought you would have been gone by now," I remarked, my voice cracking under the weight of my emotions. Adar stood in the doorway, his demeanor a picture of nonchalance, yet his eyes betrayed a hint of vulnerability.

"Yes, I thought you would accompany us, so I agreed," he replied, his voice laced with a subtle melancholy. "But Melus informed me that you wouldn't be joining us... Did I offend you in some way?" The last sentence was barely audible, a whispered plea that tugged at my heartstrings.

I took measured steps towards him, my pulse pounding in my temples. "What do you mean, Adar?" I asked, my tone a gentle prod. "You barely speak to me, and yet, you're the one who asked I stay behind. If you desire my departure, then say so, and I shall leave."

Adar straightened his shoulders, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that left me breathless. We stood mere feet apart, the air thick with tension, and I found myself at a loss for words.

"You've done nothing to offend me, Adar," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm still navigating my emotions, and I wouldn't want to drag you into a world where the creator themselves is uncertain." His gaze pierced through mine, and I felt my body tremble under the intensity of his stare.

It was as if he saw right through me, like I was a fragile, delicate dessert that might shatter at any moment. "You stopped me from leaving," He said, his words laced with anger, yet his tone lacked conviction. "Don't you love me?, You don't treat the person you love like this, Evan."

His words hung in the air like a challenge, but Adar didn't flinch. Instead, he pulled me into him, our bodies colliding in a gentle embrace. My breath caught in my lungs as I gazed into his eyes, seeing a depth of emotion that I couldn't quite comprehend.

How could someone like Adar, with his kind heart and gentle soul, harbor such strong feelings for someone as broken as me? I tried to speak, but the words got caught in my throat. I was speechless, unable to articulate the turmoil that brewed within me. And yet, Adar stood there, his eyes shining with a love that I didn't deserve, proving himself right in the most silent, yet eloquent way possible.

"You can't even say anything? Comfort me in any way?" Adar's voice was laced with a quiet desperation, his words barely above a whisper. His breath caressed my lashes, sending shivers down my spine.

I took a deep breath, my voice cracking as I spoke. "I can't lie to you, Adar. I can't pretend to feel something I don't. I won't be selfish and keep you here with me. You deserve better than someone as broken as I am. Leave, Adar. Go back to your kingdom and ascend your throne. I'm not worthy of you."

My words hung in the air, and for a moment, Adar's gaze held mine. Then, his hand loosened around my waist, and he took a few steps back. The silence between us was deafening, his eyes screaming in silence. He couldn't utter a single word, his voice broken, his heart shattered. The distance between us grew, a chasm that seemed insurmountable.

"Fine. I'll leave, as you wish, Prince Evan," Adar's voice was laced with a mix of sadness and resignation. He knew he had to secure his future, and I couldn't be the one to hold him back. I had to prioritize his happiness, even if it meant breaking his heart.

I knew I had to fix myself before I could ever consider falling for someone. I had too much baggage, too many apologies to make, and too much clarity to seek before I could ever find peace. And I needed to hear those three words - "I forgive you" - from those I had hurt, before I could ever begin to heal.

Adar walked out of the room, leaving the doors open, without a backward glance or a farewell. I had lost the one person who loved me for who I was, and I was left with the bitter taste of regret. The silence that followed was deafening, a reminder that I had chosen to let go of the one person who could have saved me from myself.

(That's the first chapter guys. I hope the one that requested this loves it, because only they can get me to continue writing it, lol just kidding but yalls opinions matter, so tell me what you think. )

Q: what do you think? Will Adar Leave? Or will Evan stop him?