Chapter sixteen.

“Arthur, I still think this is a really bad idea! We can still go back—it’s not too late. You have to be the king, remember?”

“Don’t you want to come with me?”

“I didn’t say that. Of course, I want to, but you are the next king, and running away like this is completely unreasonable. If we’re meant to be, then we will be—no matter the place or the people surrounding us.”

“Madin, if going back and becoming the king means losing you, then so be it! If you’re worrying about me, stop. I’m ready to give up my dream. I mean, I already did.”

“But—” Madin begins, but Arthur cuts him off.

“Just stop, for heaven’s sake! We already left; there’s no going back! Can you stop giving me a hard time? I haven’t even come to terms with the fact that I fell in love with a man—not because he was in women’s clothes. Because if that were the reason, then what I felt for you would have vanished the moment I found out you’re a man. But you know what? It’s only gotten stronger—stronger every single day! I don’t know why I have these feelings for you, and no matter how much I try to figure it out, I can’t! So please, stop giving me another headache!”

“Sorry,” Madin says softly, almost like a sob. He’s reminded that Arthur hasn’t truly forgiven him yet.

Madin himself has a lot to figure out too. All he knows is that he likes being around Arthur. When Arthur touched him, it always drove him to the edge, making him yearn for more.

He felt terrible for leaving the palace because he didn’t want to stay away from Arthur, but the situation forced him to. He wished he were a girl, so he could easily accept Arthur’s love and be with him.

Madin has never been in love before, and to him, this is what love must feel like. He doesn’t know if it’s truly love, but this is what he believes it to be.

They continue walking in silence, heading toward an unknown destination.

In the kingdom of Sabia, love between men has never been acknowledged. Everyone believes love only exists between men and women.

It’s a new and foreign concept to most, yet unspoken bonds like Arthur’s and Madin’s have always existed, hidden in the shadows, never recognized for what they truly are.

“What are you thinking about?” Arthur asks, noticing how quiet Madin has been since their earlier argument.

“Nothing.”

“I’m sorry,” Arthur apologizes.

“For what?”

“For lashing out at you earlier.”

“It’s fine. I understand.”

“Should we find somewhere to rest? I brought some coins with me. I think we’re at a safe distance now. I’ve been thinking—we could sell these robes and buy simple clothes that won’t attract suspicion.”

“Okay.”

“We’ll stop in the next town.”

“Okay.”

Arthur sighs in frustration. “Why do you keep saying ‘okay’? Can’t you say something else?”

“I love you,” Madin blurts out unconsciously. That was the last thing on his mind before Arthur spoke.

He’s been thinking about it, trying to understand his feelings, and he’s concluded that it must be love.

He doesn’t want to analyze how it came to be or why it’s between two men, but he knows it’s love.

Arthur wasn’t expecting that, and it catches him completely off guard. His heart skips a beat, a rush of emotions washing over him—confusion, warmth, and something else he can’t quite name.

“Ah... good thing there’s a town ahead,” Arthur says, deliberately ignoring Madin’s declaration.

It’s nearly dawn, and most of the town’s businesses are beginning to open. Madin says nothing in response.

Arthur removes his outer robes, leaving himself in a simple shirt and trousers. They approach several open shops, asking around for a place to rest. Finally, they find a small inn tucked away from the main street.

When they enter, a cheerful woman greets them. “Whoa... isn’t this just the definition of beauty and handsomeness? Welcome to Gracious Inn.”

Arthur brushes off the flattery, keeping his focus. “My little brother and I need a place to rest for the day. Do you have any rooms available?”

“Yes, of course. Please follow me to see if it suits you.”

“Can we get something to eat first?” Arthur asks, feeling drained and hungry.

“Unfortunately, the kitchen isn’t ready yet, but food will be available in a few minutes. You can freshen up in your room first, and I’ll bring the food as soon as it’s ready. Let me know if you need anything else,” she says as she leads them upstairs.

The room is simple, with wooden walls and a single bed. There’s a chair in the corner and a small window letting in soft morning light.

Arthur thanks her, and she leaves them alone. Madin stands near the door, his expression unreadable.

“Are you regretting this?” he asks, breaking the silence.

“Not this again, Madin,” Arthur replies, exasperated.

“You can stop pretending. I know you regret coming with me,” Madin says softly, his voice carrying a mix of hurt and resignation.

“The only thing I regret,” Arthur snaps, “is falling in love with you. If it weren’t for that, we wouldn’t be here in the first place! None of this would’ve happened!”

“Falling in love with me?” Madin says bitterly. “How is that even true? When I told you I love you, you ignored me. And downstairs, you called me your little brother. So is this what you mean by love? Or is it some brotherly love?”

Arthur falters, caught off guard by Madin’s accusation. “How did you want me to introduce you, then? Husband? I’m tired, Madin. I don’t have the energy for this right now.”

“A friend would’ve been better—”

A knock at the door cuts Madin off. The innkeeper enters with a tray of food. “Remember to let me know if you need anything else,” she says before leaving again.

Arthur sets the tray down and looks at Madin. “Come on, let’s eat and rest. I know you’re tired.”

Madin doesn’t move. “What are you doing?” he asks when Arthur starts taking bedding off the bed and placing it on the chair.

“You’ll sleep on the bed. I’ll use the chair. It’ll be too uncomfortable for both of us to share the bed because it’s too... it’s... uh...” Arthur struggles to find an excuse.

“It’s too what? Small? I’m not stupid Arthur, you know. If you don’t want to share the bed with me, just say so. It’s not like I’m going to force you or something. It’s not my ribs that’ll be breaking on that wooden chair.”

Madin storms off to the small adjoining bathroom. He spends more time in there than necessary, trying to compose himself.

When he finally returns, he goes straight to the bed, his back turned to Arthur.

“You should eat something first,” Arthur says.

“I’m not hungry.”

“What do you mean you’re not hungry? You haven’t eaten—”

“Right, I’m hungry,” Madin interrupts, “but I don’t have an appetite.”

Arthur sighs and sits on the chair, looking at Madin lying on the bed. “Did we really come all this way just to fight?”

Madin doesn’t respond, the weight of their unspoken feelings hanging heavily in the room.