Side story: Part Two.

Prince Adar's POV.

The bitter taste of reality dawned on me, as I realized that I had been foolish to believe that Evan would ever gaze upon me with eyes that saw more than just a fleeting comfort. He had habitually sought me out in the stillness of the night, when the weight of his thoughts had kept him awake, but now that he had attained all he desired and grown weary of my presence, he was effectively banishing me from his life. My heart was a maelstrom of turmoil, a vessel bleeding profusely from the crushing understanding that I was incapable of inspiring love in another, as I had once naively believed I would.

It was within the confines of his chamber that the fragile threads of our bond finally snapped, and he wore a mask of composure as he uttered the words that would forever change the landscape of our relationship. 'There's more to you than just me,' he said, each syllable a razor-sharp slice to my heart. My love for him was a palpable ache, a heavy burden that I could no longer bear, and yet, he pushed me further away, into the darkness of uncertainty.

His eyes, those piercing orbs that seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words, betrayed a depth of emotion that he struggled to articulate. The turmoil that churned within him was a silent scream, a cry for connection that he couldn't quite voice, not even to me, the one who had been his refuge.

And yet, amidst the tangled web of our emotions, he detested the very thing that had bound us together - his reliance on me, the crutch that had become our relationship. He resented the fact that he had used me as a salve for his soul, and I couldn't help but wonder - should he have let me go in the first place?

My departure was imminent, mere days away, and the castle was abuzz with farewell wishes from everyone except the one person whose words I longed to hear. Prince Adar's absence was a palpable silence, a gaping hole in the fabric of our once-close bond. He hadn't even ventured out of his chambers to bid me a simple farewell, to wish me a safe journey, or to offer a glimmer of hope that our paths would cross again.

Even at dinner, where we sat in proximity, the distance between us felt like an insurmountable chasm. I yearned to reach out, to bridge the gap, to whisper words of comfort and solace, but his mask of secrecy and self-imposed isolation made it impossible to discern what thoughts swirled beneath his surface.

King Melus, wise and kind, had attempted to persuade me to stay, but even he seemed oblivious to the true reasons behind my departure. The pain in my heart was a heavy burden, a constant reminder of the unspoken words, the unresolved emotions, and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

The car was poised at the gates, its engine purring softly, as the crowd gathered by the stairs to bid me farewell. Every familiar face was present, except the one that had etched itself in my heart. King Melus approached me, his eyes filled with a mix of understanding and concern. "Are you certain you wish to depart ?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. I nodded, a resolute smile on my lips. "Yes, Your Majesty. My presence is no longer required here."

As I settled into the car, the door closed behind me with a soft thud. I waved goodbye to the sea of faces, Simon's warm smile a beacon of friendship amidst the crowd. King Melus's words echoed through the open window: "May our paths cross again, perhaps when you ascend to the throne?" I chuckled, a hint of nervousness in my voice. "Months from now, I suppose I shall be searching for a suitable queen. Such is the burden of duty."

My kingdom was Eldrida, a realm nestled in the northernmost part of the continent, where the Great Northern Mountains met the sky and the ancient forests whispered secrets to the wind. A land of mystical energies and breathtaking landscapes, where the Lake Calanthor shone like a beacon of hope and the capital city, Aethereia, stood as a testament to our rich history and culture.

As the car drove away from the palace, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. I was leaving behind the familiarity of these walls, the comfort of friendship, and the lingering hope of something more with Prince Evan. The uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed heavily on my heart, as the trees and buildings gave way to the open road, and the kingdom of Calonia  began to fade into the distance.

——-

Prince Evan's Pov

"Evan, you're truly letting him depart?" My brother exclaimed, bursting into my chambers with a mix of surprise and dismay. His usual cheerful demeanor was replaced by a gloomy expression, not because he wanted Adar to stay, but perhaps because he sensed the turmoil that churned within me.

"Yes, dear brother," I replied, my voice laced with a hint of resignation. "Adar must attend to his kingdom, and I cannot be the reason for his prolonged absence. I am not worth the sacrifice, and he cannot linger here, hoping for something I cannot give."

As I spoke, I settled into the plush cushions of my couch, my gaze drifting aimlessly around the room. My brother, however, paced back and forth, his footsteps echoing off the stone floor.

"But, Evan, didn't you once profess your love for him?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "I thought I did, brother. I truly believed I did. Yet, my feelings for another persist, refusing to fade, even though that person has moved on and found happiness with someone else." My voice cracked, the pain still raw and tender.

My brother's eyes met mine, his expression oblivious to the fact that I spoke of him, the one who had captured my heart, yet remained forever out of reach.

"If cannot grasp the heart of the one you desire, then turn to the one who has waited for you with unwavering devotion, Evan!" my brother exclaimed, his words laced with a mix of frustration and concern. "You cannot continue down this path. If Adar takes a wife, you will lose him forever, and the opportunity for true love will be lost!"

The secret I harbored was too taboo to reveal, too forbidden to speak aloud. I loved my brother, yet he was my own flesh and blood, and the societal norms we lived by made our love impossible. I could not bring myself to confess the truth, so I offered a cryptic response instead.

"I cannot hold him back, dear brother. I cannot bear the thought of him wasting away, trapped in a love that I cannot reciprocate." I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

My brother's face contorted in anger, and he snapped, "I cannot bear to watch you do this, Evan! I cannot stand by and see you deny your true feelings!" With that, he stormed out of the room, leaving behind a heavy silence, thick with unspoken emotions and unresolved tensions.

Why can't anyone comprehend my predicament? I thought to myself, exasperated. I'm not holding on to someone out of love, but out of fear. It's better to release them from this toxic cycle, rather than perpetuating a charade that hurts both parties.

My mind swirled with trepidation, wondering how my brother would react if I were to confess the truth - that my heart belongs to him, and him alone. That every fiber of my being yearns for him, and the thought of him with someone else is unbearable. But fear holds me back, the fear of rejection, of being turned away, of being told that my feelings are unrequited.

And then, of course, there's the guilt - the weight of my past actions, the memory of his husband, whom I pushed away out of jealousy. The shame of that moment still lingers, a constant reminder of my own flaws. To start anew would require a monumental effort, a willingness to confront the past and make amends.

But alas, I'm trapped in this prison of my own making, with no escape in sight. To others, I'm a mystery, a puzzle they can't solve. They see me as indecisive, as someone who pushes people away. But little do they know, my heart beats for one person alone, and the fear of rejection is what holds me back.

As I languished in my room, lost in a sea of thoughts and emotions, a gentle knock broke the silence. The door creaked open, and Simon stepped inside, his presence a beacon of comfort and understanding. I had been expecting him, knowing that whenever Melus and I quarreled, Simon would soon follow, seeking to mediate and offer his unique brand of wisdom.

Simon had a special gift – an uncanny ability to read people and situations, and a heart full of empathy. He had become an integral part of our lives, a confidant and friend to both Melus and me. And even though I sometimes felt pangs of jealousy, I couldn't help but admire the special bond between Simon and my brother. They were a perfect complement to each other, and I was grateful that Melus had found someone as extraordinary as Simon.

As Simon approached me, his eyes filled with concern and understanding, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Perhaps, with his help, I could untangle the knots in my heart and find a way to move forward.

Simon settled in beside me, his warm smile and gentle chuckle a balm to my frazzled nerves. "What seems to be the trouble this time, Evan?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement. I couldn't fathom why Simon consistently sought me out, considering the way I had toyed with his emotions in the past. Yet, here he was, ready to offer a listening ear and a helping hand.

"Melus, your husband," I replied, rolling my eyes heavenward. "He's suffocating me, Simon. I know I should have handled the Adar situation better, but I can't force my heart to love someone it doesn't. And now, Melus is treating me like a wayward child, refusing to understand that I can't keep Adar here, knowing he has a kingdom to rule."

Simon's giggle was music to my ears, and I couldn't help but notice how his eyes sparkled when he smiled. It was little wonder Melus was head over heels in love with him. "Tell me, Simon, what can I do to make Melus see reason?" I asked, my shoulders slumping in defeat. "He thinks I'm being obstinate, but the truth is, I'm just trying to set Adar free."

Simon's gentle rub on my back was a comforting gesture, and his words were laced with empathy. "He's just trying to help, Evan. Don't you think you deserve to fall in love at least once in this lifetime?" he asked, his voice soft and encouraging.

I nodded, knowing that Simon was right, but the weight of my past mistakes and unresolved issues held me back. "I know, Simon, but there's so much I need to rectify first, so much I need to fix before I can even think of love."

Simon's expression turned thoughtful, and he spoke with a gentle candor. "I understand how you feel, Evan, but couldn't you have found a way to tell Adar the truth without breaking his heart the way you did?"

My face clouded with sadness, and I looked at Simon in surprise. "How did you know?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Simon's chuckle was low and soothing. "We talked occasionally, Adar and I. And when he came to me, heartbroken, after your conversation, I had to nurse him back to health. He put on a brave face for the king, but with me, he let his guard down."

I felt a pang of regret, realizing that Adar's calm exterior had masked a deeper pain. "He seemed so calm and collected, and he told me I could say it if I wanted him to leave," I said, my voice laced with remorse.

Simon's words were a gentle rebuke. "Just because he said that didn't mean he was prepared to hear the words, Evan. Sometimes, we need to consider the heart behind the words."

"I feel terrible now," I admitted, my voice laced with regret.

Simon's expression was understanding, his words a gentle balm to my conscience. "Don't be too hard on yourself, Evan. You were considerate of both your feelings and Adar's responsibilities. You recognized that he had duties to attend to, and you couldn't keep him trapped in a loveless situation. That takes courage and empathy."

He paused, his eyes filled with compassion. "However, Adar needed to understand the reasoning behind your actions, Evan. He couldn't read your thoughts or understand the turmoil you were experiencing. You needed to communicate your feelings, even if it was difficult."

"I'll take my leave now, but not before arranging a reconciliation between you and Melus," Simon said with a warm smile, his eyes sparkling with kindness. "I'll make sure he comes around to talk some sense into you, my dear Evan."

As he stood up to leave, Simon leaned down and gently pressed his lips to my forehead, leaving a soft, comforting kiss behind. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about his unwavering friendship and support.

In that moment, I was struck by the realization that Simon had remained unchanged, despite the passage of time and the trials we had faced. He was still the same kind, compassionate, and gentle soul he had always been, a true friend and confidant.

Prince Adar's POV.

As I stood in the midst of the palace, I couldn't help but think that I had unleashed a maelstrom of chaos upon myself. After a mere two days of rest, I had plunged headfirst into the intricacies of royal duties, determined to make up for lost time. The weight of my responsibilities threatened to overwhelm me, as I struggled to navigate the complex web of palace politics and diplomacy.

My father, the king, had wasted no time in dumping the entirety of the kingdom's affairs upon my shoulders, as if to punish me for my prolonged absence. I felt like a ship lost at sea, battered by waves of paperwork, state visits, and diplomatic meetings.

My princely duties now included,Chairing the Council of Nobles, a daunting task that required delicate diplomacy and strategic thinking.Reviewing the kingdom's finances, a labyrinthine task that made my head spin.Conducting state visits, a grueling schedule of meetings and ceremonies that left me little time for rest.Overseeing the kingdom's military, a weighty responsibility that required strategic planning and tactical expertise.Presiding over the Court of Justice, a solemn duty that demanded wisdom and impartiality.

How had I managed to get myself into this predicament?

My mind raced with the weight of responsibilities, threatening to burst at the seams. Despite the chaos, I stood firm, facing each challenge head-on. In mere months, I would ascend to the throne, a prospect that filled me with both pride and dread. The search for a suitable wife, a task forced upon me by duty and tradition, was a constant reminder of the life I didn't truly desire.

I couldn't help but envy my sister's freedom to follow her heart, to chase love without the burdens of royal obligations. Meanwhile, I was trapped in a prison of my own making, my thoughts consumed by the one person I couldn't have. Evan, the enigmatic and elusive prince, lingered in my mind like a ghost, haunting me with what could never be.

Even as I delved into the intricacies of statecraft and diplomacy, a part of my brain remained preoccupied with him. The memories of our time together, fleeting as they were, refused to fade. It was as if my mind was torn asunder, divided between the duties of a future king and the desires of a lonely heart. The internal conflict was driving me to the brink of madness.

The memory of that fateful night still lingered in my mind, a bittersweet recollection of the first time he had truly opened up to me. In his room, surrounded by the shadows of his inner turmoil, he had unleashed his emotions, pouring out his heart and soul like a tempest. It was the first time we had ever been intimate, and the experience had left an indelible mark on my being.

My fingers still tingled with the memory of his skin, soft and inviting, like silk to my touch. Yet, despite the depth of our connection, he had vanished without a trace, leaving me bereft and longing. The pain of his absence was a constant reminder of what we had shared, and what I could never have again.

I couldn't bring myself to face him, to touch him, or to feel his warmth once more. He had discarded me like a fleeting fancy, a mere trifle to be cast aside without a second thought. The hurt ran deep, a wound that refused to heal, a reminder that our love was doomed from the start.

I knew I had to make a choice, a choice to forget him, to erase the memories of our time together, to move on with my life. It was the only way to heal, to mend the shattered pieces of my heart. He had made his choice, and now I had to make mine.

If he was destined to move further away from me, then I would do the same. I would forge a new path, one that didn't include him. The thought was daunting, but I knew it was necessary. I couldn't hold onto the hope of what could have been, not when he had made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with me.

I had to wipe away the memories of him, like a painter erasing a canvas, leaving it blank and untouched. It was the only way to move forward, to find a new sense of purpose and meaning. He had chosen to walk away, and now I had to choose to let go.

(I had to create some sort of kingdom so I came up with such. Trust me I didn't want Adar gone, but a story is a story. 3K words was a first for me because I know I'm lazy, so I'm glad I could do that. I loved this so much, I had to switch through povs but it's cool, don't forget to vote and comment.)