Side story: Part eight.

Prince Adar's POV.

As I stood frozen, Evan's gaze met mine, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. He seemed taken aback by my unresponsiveness, as if he had expected a reaction, any reaction, from me. But I was numb, my emotions paralyzed, my heart racing with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. The only sensations I could discern were the tingling of my skin and the shivers running down my spine as our eyes locked. He was undeniably present, no apparition or hallucination.

Without a word, I beckoned him to follow me to my office, my silence a testament to my turmoil. I implored him to keep his distance, to not touch me, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. Evan was resolute in his pursuit, and I, weak in my resolve. And so, I found myself surrendering to his embrace, our bodies entwined on the bed, my doubts and fears momentarily silenced by the thrum of desire.

Yet, even as I gazed at his serene form, my mind whispered warnings of impending heartache, that this truce was fleeting, that he would soon tire of me and depart, leaving me bereft and foolish once more. With a heavy sigh, I extricated myself from his slumbering form, seeking solace in the familiar rituals of a shower, toothbrush, and dressing, my movements quiet and deliberate, hoping not to rouse him from his slumber. And so, I slipped out of my room, leaving behind the tangled web of our relationship, if only for a brief reprieve.

As I stood in my office, trying to maintain a facade of indifference, Evan's presence was a constant reminder of my vulnerability. Was I allowed to express the turmoil that churned within me, to reveal the depth of my longing and the ache of my heart? Or was I doomed to conceal the truth, to pretend that his presence didn't stir the embers of our past, didn't rekindle the flames of desire and hurt? My skin still tingled from his touch, my heart still raced at the mere sight of him, and yet I was expected to behave as if he meant nothing to me.

The hypocrisy was suffocating, the effort to appear strong and unmoved a Herculean task. For I had already fallen, weak to his charms, weak to the memories we shared, weak to the hope that maybe, just maybe, things could be different this time around. But that hope was a cruel mistress, a fleeting dream that would soon turn to dust and ashes, leaving me with nothing but the bitter taste of heartache.

I let out a deep sigh, my heart heavy with the weight of my desires. Inwardly, I hoped that Evan wouldn't appear, wouldn't confront me with the consequences of our passionate encounter. I wasn't prepared to face his inquiries, to relive the memories of our intense union. My mind rebelled against the idea of revisiting the previous night's events, yet my body betrayed me, responding with a fierce longing at the mere recollection of his suppliant form, his eyes pleading for more, his body craving my touch. The conflicting emotions warred within me, leaving me torn and vulnerable.

A knock on the doors broke me out of my thoughts. My assistant was here, great something to get my mind off of things.

"His royal highness went for a drive today. I only but accompanied along to keep him busy." Ellison spoke. He had a look of sadness in his face.

" is that why your sad?" Adar questioned. Ellison loved going on drives into the kingdom he had no reason to brood. He only but turned around and shut the doors. What was so secretive?

"We had reached the heart of the kingdom," Ellison continued, his voice laced with a mix of emotions. "His Royal Highness was indulging in the sights, beaming with pride as he acknowledged the gazes of the people. But then, something caught our attention, something that even I, in my naivety, thought he would embrace with an open mind.

We chanced upon two boys, their lips locked in a tender kiss. I must confess, it was a sight both repulsive and beautiful, a paradox that left me perplexed." Ellison's words hung in the air, leaving Adar to ponder the implications, his mind racing with the potential consequences of this encounter.

"His Royal Highness brought our car to a halt, and with uncharacteristic zeal, he strode towards the two boys," Ellison recounted, his voice laced with a sense of foreboding.

"I lacked the courage to listen to his words, but I doubt they were gentle or kind. The boys' eyes welled up with tears, a testament to the harshness of his rebuke." Ellison's account painted a vivid picture of the scene, one that left me wondering what had transpired to evoke such a strong reaction from the usually composed monarch.

"When we returned to the carriage, His Royal Highness posed a question, his voice laced with disbelief," Ellison recalled, his tone heavy with sorrow.

"He wondered what had led the two boys to believe that such a display of affection was acceptable within our kingdom's borders. He even muttered to himself about establishing new rules to remind them that not all kingdoms are as...tolerant as ours." Ellison's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze filled with a deep sadness.

"Tell me, Adar, what is the harm in two people loving each other? They were not causing harm to anyone." His words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the kingdom's rigid stance on matters of the heart.

My eyes sparkled with a knowing glint, my mind momentarily transported to the more liberal land of Calonia . Ah, yes, Eldrida was grand and magnificent, but it still clung to its antiquated ways.

"But I digress. If I were in those boys' shoes, I'd flee to Calonia, where love knows no bounds of gender." i chuckled, and Ellison's solemn expression cracked, allowing a faint smile to emerge.

"Homosexuality is embraced there, and love is celebrated in all its forms," i continued, his tone light and playful, intentionally steering the conversation towards more pleasant waters.

"Anyway, I'll speak to my father. Evan is here," I said sternly. "And I'm a mess." I added curtly, his eyes locked on Ellison, who knew about Evan but was unaware of his presence in the kingdom.

"Do you want him gone?" Ellison asked, his tone firm, his eyes revealing a hint of disdain for Evan.

"No, he's seeking refuge, fleeing troubles in his own kingdom. I granted him permission to stay." Ellison's expression turned incredulous, his voice rising in disbelief.

"And he ran to you? Are you that oblivious? You still love him, don't you?" The words hung in the air, laced with a possessive intensity that caught Me off guard.

Ellison's gaze flashed with a fleeting emotion, quickly masked, leaving Me wondering if he had misread the sentiment. "I can't completely shut my heart off, can I? If he's in distress, I will help," I replied, his voice soft, yet firm.

"Oh please, two days, two days and you'll be sticking your dick up his ass." Ellison said sternly. I had no motion to that, my face stayed fixed as I stared at Ellison, now how was i supposed to break it to Ellison that I'd already won the bet? It didn't even take one day.

Ellison's tone gentled, his concern for my well-being evident. "Has he at least apologized and offered an explanation for his actions? You deserve closure, even if he's not interested in rekindling things. I assume you'd take him back without hesitation."

"Without a thought." The words hung in the air, a truthful admission that Adar didn't bother to retract. Ellison's eyes held a knowing glint, but he mercifully didn't press the issue, allowing me to retain a semblance of dignity.

"What has the kid done to you?" Ellison asked, his tone careless.

"Evan is no kid, Ellison. Show some respect. You may not know him, but that doesn't give you the right to disparage him." My voice was firm, a subtle reminder of their stations.

"Speak like that again, and you'll face consequences. Do not disrespect him." Ellison's eyes widened, realizing his mistake. "Sorry, my prince," he said, bowing his head in contrition, acknowledging the line he had crossed.

Evan's arrival interrupted the tension, his bow and formal address a stark contrast to the warmth I once knew.

"Prince Adar, I seek the garden. I need fresh air and a walk." my heart raced, hoping Evan hadn't overheard Ellison's disrespect.

He nodded, his voice soft, "Ask a maid or guard to escort you."

But Evan's request caught him off guard, "Would it be too much to ask you to join me?" my hesitation was brief, before Ellison intervened, his smile strained. "Prince Adar has pressing political matters and rule revisions to attend to. Please excuse us."

Evan's chuckle was low and smooth, his eyes locked on Me. "You've acquired a spokesperson, one who speaks without being asked to?" The jab was gentle, but Ellison felt a sting.

"I'll be in the garden, if you decide to join me," Evan said, his tone inviting, before turning to leave. The air was heavy with unspoken words, My heart torn between duty and desire.

my decision was made, his priority clear. "I'll join him, Ellison. I need closure, and I can't get it from afar." I rose from my seat, adjusting my attire, his eyes seeking Ellison's approval.

"How do I look?" Ellison's gaze swept over him, a hint of admiration hidden behind a mask of professionalism. "Charming as always, Prince Adar." He bowed, gesturing towards the door, his tone dripping with a subtle sarcasm.

i ignored the undertone, my focus fixed on the garden, where Evan awaited. With a nod, i strode out, leaving Ellison to manage the political matters, my heart pounding in anticipation of the encounter to come.

Adar's approach was silent, my footsteps masked by the soft rustle of leaves and chirping birds. Evan stood amidst the vibrant blooms, his fingers delicately plucking a rose petal. The gentle gesture belied the turmoil that had once ravaged my heart. As their eyes met, Evan's smile was like a ray of sunshine, warm and inviting. My thoughts faltered, my mind blanking on the rehearsed questions and accusations.

i felt like a deer caught in the headlights, frozen in place, as Evan's gaze held Me captive. The air was heavy with unspoken words, the tension between us palpable. The silence was only broken by the soft crunch of gravel beneath Evan's feet as he began to walk towards me, his smile still fixed on his face.

Evan's apology was swift, his words tumbling out with a sincerity that was hard to deny. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done what I did that day. I just couldn't control myself."

My gaze narrowed, his eyes searching for the truth behind the words. "You're sorry?" I repeated, my tone laced with skepticism. "Which part, Evan? You've left me with so many unanswered questions, so much pain. What exactly are you apologizing for?" The hurt in mu eyes was palpable, his voice cracking with emotion.

"You're not even trying to make amends, to explain why you hurt me so deeply. Your apology feels empty, Evan." The air was heavy with tension, My words hanging like a challenge, waiting for Evan's response.

Evan was talking about sleeping with him when Adar had suggested to keep their distance he'd onwardly seduced him into sleeping with him but Adar mistook the whole situation and took it fourth to the last day he had kicked Adar out and told him he didn't love him anymore.

Evan's words were laced with regret, his hand on Adar's chest a tender gesture that contrasted with the pain in his eyes. "I'm sorry for leading you on, for breaking your heart. I had my reasons, but I can't explain them now. All I can promise is that my love for you never faded."

Adar's response was a challenge, his voice firm but laced with vulnerability. "Prove it. Make me believe you love me again, because right now, your apology feels hollow." With that, Adar turned and walked away, leaving Evan's hand suspended in mid-air, his heart heavy with the weight of Adar's doubt.

Evan couldn't blame Adar for his skepticism, he was a mess, his own emotions tangled in a web of confusion. He stood there, frozen, as Adar disappeared from sight, the only sound being the echoes of their painful past.