Side story: Part five.

( I'm not good with writing pep talks. Yes, I know I'm rushing it and could have found another way for them to deal with the situation but I feel it's ideal or is right for Evan to go. Adar can't wait anymore. I need to see Evan fight for Adar man, so he needs to go!)

Prince Evan's POV.

I had no recollection of how I managed to stumble into my chambers, but somehow I found myself sprawled across my bed, my head throbbing with a dull ache, a painful reminder of the excesses of the previous night. And yet, despite the lingering fog of alcohol, today felt different, like a stark departure from the familiar routine I had grown accustomed to. Normally, I would have been up and about, trudging to my brother's office to tackle the tedious task of rectifying errors on papers that seemed to blur before my very eyes. Simon would have made an appearance, bearing sustenance to fuel our labors, but all of that had been upended by my own reckless outburst, As I had unleashed a torrent of emotions that left me feeling sullied and ashamed.

I had single-handedly ravaged everything with my own unbridled tongue, polluting Melus' ears with the unguarded confession of my deepest feelings, knowing full well that he wouldn't receive it with equanimity. I had irreparably damaged the delicate balance of our relationships, not just with Melus, but also with Simon, who had been blissfully unaware of the turmoil that churned within me. And I had no illusions that Melus would spare Simon the gruesome details of my revelation; no, he would undoubtedly share the truth with the one person who mattered most to him, shattering the very foundation of our trio's harmony.

The doors burst open with a sudden force, and Simon strode in, his smile radiating warmth and concern. He hastened towards me, flinging off the blanket that covered me, and I was abruptly reminded of my state of undress. Simon's eyes widened in surprise, and he took a step back, his face flushing a deep pink as he averted his gaze.

"Sorry!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with embarrassment. "I thought you'd be here, and Melus had no idea where you were. You haven't eaten since yesterday, and I was worried sick!" Simon's words tumbled out in a rush as he flung open the curtains, flooding the room with sunlight.

His expression seemed to convey a sense of joy, but I couldn't fathom how he could be so oblivious to the tension that had developed between Melus and me the previous day. Had Melus truly kept our confrontation a secret from Simon?

My curiosity had been piqued, and I couldn't help but inquire about the events of the previous day. The thought of facing Melus was unbearable, and I had no intention of setting foot in that office.

"Simon, did Melus utter a word about our altercation?" I asked, my voice laced with trepidation.

"Upon my return, I detected the pungent aroma of wine on his breath, and he was beset with an uncharacteristic clinginess, repeatedly professing his love," Simon replied, his eyes scanning my chamber as he gathered my garments, his fingers moving with a familiar grace. Guess old habits died hard.

"Did he happen to mention my name in your conversation?" I pressed on, my anxiety simmering.

"Indeed, I broached the subject, but he remained tight-lipped, refusing to divulge any information," Simon said, his tone tinged with a hint of curiosity.

"I shall prepare the bathtub for you; take a moment to ready yourself," Simon announced, his footsteps echoing as he disappeared into the bathroom.

As I finished bathing, I wrapped the towel around my waist and began to dress in the clothes Simon had laid out for me. I gazed at him, standing in the corner, his eyes fixed on me with an unsettling intensity.

"So, you're going to watch me get ready?" I asked, a hint of annoyance creeping into my voice. "I'm not Melus, you know. And please, drop this habit of acting like a servant. You're not one anymore."

Simon's expression changed, a look of sudden realization washing over his face. He hadn't been aware of his actions, the habits he had fallen into. "Oh," he said, his voice soft, as if awakening from a trance. He smiled then, leaving me to my thoughts, and the uncomfortable silence that followed.

I deliberated for what felt like an eternity, but I knew I couldn't remain holed up in my chambers. Simon would inevitably come searching for me, and he'd drag me to the one place I dreaded most - my brother's office. But where could I flee? Certainly not anywhere within the castle walls, for Simon would surely find me.

In desperation, I turned to the last resort - the old servant's quarters, now vacant and unused. I pushed open the door, and to my surprise, the room was tidy, with clothes stacked in the corner. It seemed as though someone had been living here, but the air was stale, and the space felt abandoned.

I collapsed onto the bed, my mind racing with the possibilities. Should I attempt to reason with Melus? No, that was the last thing I wanted to do. He'd likely refuse to see me anyway, and I couldn't blame him. I was trapped, with no clear escape from this predicament.

Prince Adar's POV.

"I don't get it, you mean he hasn't written a letter to you in days?" My assistant questioned.

"I find it perplexing, to say the least," I said to my assistant, "he'd usually update me of the ongoings in the palace."

My assistant's furrowed brow betrayed his concern. "Indeed, Your Highness, it's uncharacteristic of Melus to be so silent for so long."

I leaned back in my chair, my mind wandering to the peculiar nature of our correspondence. Those letters, penned in Melus's distinctive hand, seemed to traverse the vast distance between us with an uncanny swiftness, often arriving in mere hours.

Just as my assistant began to offer a plausible explanation - "Perhaps he's been occupied with pressing matters-" a knock at the door interrupted us. A guard entered, bearing a tray with a single, ominous letter. The black paper seemed to reflect Melus's mercurial moods, but my excitement at receiving his correspondence outweighed any trepidation.

Without waiting for the guard's departure, I tore open the letter, my eyes scanning the stylized folds for a glimpse into Melus's thoughts.

The letter read:

Dearest Adar,

Please return to the palace. I implore you to come and speak with my brother. Is this the reason you departed so abruptly? I am consumed by anguish and uncertainty, struggling to comprehend how to address this matter.

Your experience in this regard would be invaluable to me. Did you find it acceptable, or did you confront him about it? I am at a loss for words, unable to confide in the one person I long to share my burden with.

The mere thought of it fills me with revulsion, and my heart is shattered into a million pieces.

Yours in distress,

Melus

——

Adar hesitantly handed the letter to his assistant, his mind reeling with uncertainty. What was he supposed to do? He wasn't ready to face Melus, or the palace, or his own emotions. The mere thought of returning to that place filled him with dread.

Melus's distressed words only added to his confusion. What was he talking about? Had Evan confided in him about their own tumultuous relationship? Adar's heart still ached from Evan's rejection, and the thought of revisiting those emotions was unbearable.

How could he muster the courage to return to the palace, especially when his father's restrictions made it difficult for him to even leave the village without a hefty escort? The thought of facing Melus, and potentially Evan, was overwhelming.

Adar felt lost and uncertain, with no clear path forward.

Adar penned a response without hesitation, fearing that further contemplation would only lead to self-doubt and pain. His words poured out onto the page, tinged with a mix of sadness and vulnerability.

Dear Melus,

I'm perplexed by your letter. My heart cannot bear the thought of facing your brother again, hence my avoidance. If Evan hasn't confided in you, I'll confess that he told me he doesn't love me. How can I possibly muster the strength to nurse him back to health when my own wounds remain unhealed?

I sense the distress in your words, but even that cannot persuade me to return. I hope you'll understand my position and not misinterpret my decision.

Yours faithfully,

Adar

Adar folded the letter, placed it in its envelope, and handed it to his assistant before swiftly exiting his office, forestalling any further inquiry or discussion.

Simon's POV.

Simon burst into Melus's office, carrying a tray of fresh fruits. "Where's your brother?" he asked, setting the tray down on the table. Melus seemed lost in thought, and Simon had to tap him on the shoulder to rouse him.

"Huh? Did you say something, sweetheart?" Melus asked, straightening up.

"I said, where's Evan?" Simon repeated, his brow furrowed in concern. "I got him ready on my own today, but he wasn't in his room."

Melus rubbed his temple, his expression tense. "He's a grown adult, Simon. He has better things to do."

Simon's eyes narrowed, sensing his husband's bitterness. "Why are you being bitter, my love?" he asked, settling onto Melus's lap and planting a gentle kiss on his forehead. The gesture coaxed a smile out of Melus.

"It's nothing, I'm just worked up," Melus replied, his voice laced with a hint of deception.

Simon's eyes narrowed as he adjusted Melus's collar. "You two seem oddly distant today. Did you discover something?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity.

Melus began to deny it, but Simon cut him off. "He told you he has feelings for you, didn't he?" Simon's words hung in the air like a challenge.

Melus's face contorted in disgust, as Simon rose from Melus's lap, his eyes accusing. "You knew?" he asked, his voice heavy with sadness.

Simon shrugged, settling onto the couch. "I overheard you both. You weren't exactly discreet about it." His tone was nonchalant, but his eyes betrayed a hint of concern.

"Honey," Simon whispered, his voice soft and gentle. He beckoned Melus to come closer, and Melus obeyed, his heart racing with anticipation.

Instead of anger or rejection, Simon enveloped him in a tender embrace and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, leaving Melus breathless.

"It's disgusting, isn't it?" Simon asked, his eyes filled with understanding. "All those moments you shared with Evan now make your skin crawl, and you can't bear to face him."

Simon's fingers traced Melus's cheek, his touch soothing. "I don't condone what Evan did, but it's been going on for years. He's harbored feelings for you for so long, and his jealousy even led him to push me down the stairs."

Simon's gaze filled with love and compassion. "Evan's probably feeling stupid and disgusted with himself now. But I want you to know, my love, that I'm here for you, and I'll support you through this."

"I'm not asking you to forgive him or pretend nothing happened," Simon said, his voice gentle but firm. "Just talk to him, let him know how his actions made you feel. He'll apologize, won't he? He'll apologize to me too, I'm sure of it."

Simon's eyes locked onto Melus', filled with encouragement. "Tell him you forgive him, tell him it's okay. His heart belongs to Adar, and if we hold onto this grudge, it will only drive them closer together. He confessed because he's been trapped here, feeling suffocated."

Simon's lips brushed against Melus' temple, his kiss soft and reassuring. "I'll be with you every step of the way, forever and always. We'll face this together, as one."

( I mean I had to sneak my baby in, I just love him so much!)