Chapter Twenty three.

Nine months later,,,

••••

Nine months have passed, Madin sits on the edge of his bed, lost in thought. Wondering for a thousandth time... "What happened to... 'What's embarrassing? Well, get used to it because from today it'll be everyday.'  "

His life feels like a cruel joke, and he wonders if he’s cursed to endure endless suffering.

Ever since that one night with Arthur__ the night that totally refused to exit his mind , things have been tough.

And they only got worse when one celebration day of king Elias's birthday , Catherina purposefully got Arthur drunk and they ended up sleeping together .

And they got even worser when Catherina got pregnant.

Arthur, the man who once seemed to care so deeply, has changed beyond recognition.

Since Catherina announced her pregnancy, Arthur has been devoted to her every need. He dotes on her, granting her every wish, and even moved her into his chambers—an act that crushed Madin.

It meant he could no longer sleep in Arthur’s room, a privilege that once made him feel special.

At first, Arthur would still visit Madin’s room, their nights filled with sweet moments.

But those visits became less frequent until they stopped entirely. Now, Arthur barely speaks to him, their relationship reduced to awkward glances and silence.

Madin’s hands clench into fists as he remembers the latest insult. A month ago, Catherina accused him of poisoning her.

The palace had turned against her long ago, tired of her sharp tongue and manipulative ways, so it wasn’t surprising someone might act out. But it wasn’t Madin.

Still, Arthur believed her. He threw Madin into the dungeon, claiming that Madin's jealousy had gotten too far.

Though he released him hours later, the damage was done. Madin no longer trusted Arthur, no longer believed in the love they once shared.

The memories sting. After his release, Catherina escalated her campaign against him. One morning, she burned her own leg with hot tea and accused Madin of the act. She cried, claiming Madin had attacked her out of jealousy, and Arthur believed her again.

“You’re truly evil, just like Father said!” Arthur’s words that day were a dagger to Madin’s heart. He wonders why Arthur keeps him in the palace if he truly believes that. Is it to punish him? To watch him suffer?

Madin considers running away, but he’s exhausted. Running feels pointless. The only person who has stood by him is Jeremy. Michael would too but he was burned from the palce.

Jeremy has been a constant source of comfort, defending Madin even when no one else would listen. Jeremy’s unwavering loyalty confuses Madin.

Why don’t I love someone who actually loves me? he thinks, frustration bubbling in his chest. Ever since Jeremy confessed his feelings, Madin has been avoiding the topic. But Jeremy hasn’t given up. He tries to make Madin laugh, offers words of encouragement, and stays close when he senses Madin is struggling.

Tonight, something shifts in Madin’s mind. He stands abruptly, his resolve hardening. Maybe it’s time to let go of Arthur. Maybe it’s time to stop being an idiot.

Without overthinking, he leaves his room and makes his way to the servants’ quarters. He knows Jeremy’s room and knocks firmly on the door. After a few moments, the door creaks open, and Jeremy appears, his hair tousled and his chest bare.

“Madin?” Jeremy blinks in surprise, his voice groggy with sleep.

Madin steps inside without waiting for an invitation, sitting on the edge of the bed. Jeremy follows, closing the door behind him.

“Are you okay?” Jeremy asks, his concern evident.

“I remember,” Madin says abruptly.

Jeremy frowns, unsure what Madin means. “Remember what?”

“What you told me that night,” Madin clarifies, his gaze fixed on the floor. “When you asked if I remembered, I lied. I was pretending not to.”

Jeremy stares at him, stunned. “You… you lied?”

“Yes. And I’m tired of pretending.” Madin takes a deep breath, his words spilling out in a rush. “Do you mind if we… if we just have fun? Kissing, making out, maybe… but nothing serious. I’m still in love with Arthur, and I’m trying to move on, but I don’t know how. I don’t want you to expect anything from me yet.”

Jeremy hesitates, his face a mixture of hope and uncertainty. “If that’s what you need, then yes. I’d want more, but I’ll take what I can get.”

“Jeremy, I’m serious,” Madin warns. “Don’t expect anything more.”

“I won’t,” Jeremy says softly.

For a moment, the room is silent. Then Jeremy leans in, his lips brushing against Madin’s. The kiss is tentative at first, a gentle exploration, but it deepens as Madin responds. Jeremy’s hands move to Madin’s waist, pulling him closer.

Madin lets himself be swept up in the moment, his mind quiet for the first time in months.

Jeremy’s touch is careful, unhurried, as though he’s savoring every second. For a brief moment, Madin allows himself to imagine it’s Arthur holding him, kissing him—but the thought makes his chest ache.

“Stop,” Madin whispers, pulling away.

Jeremy freezes, concern flashing in his eyes. “Are you okay? Did I do something wrong?”

“No. It’s not you. It’s me. Am sorry.” Madin stands abruptly, pacing the small room. “I thought this would help, but it’s just making everything worse.”

Jeremy stands as well, his hands hovering as though he wants to comfort Madin but doesn’t know how. “Madin, it’s okay to feel conflicted. You’ve been through so much. You don’t have to force yourself to move on.”

Madin shakes his head. “I’m so tired, Jeremy. Tired of feeling like this. Tired of Arthur. Tired of—”

A sharp knock interrupts him. Both men freeze, their eyes darting to the door.

“Jeremy?” The voice on the other side calls.

Madin’s heart races as he stares at the door, unsure what to do. Jeremy places a reassuring hand on his shoulder, but it does little to calm him.

“Jeremy, are you in there?” the voice is firm and laced with urgency.

Madin glances at Jeremy, panic flickering in his eyes. “Who is it, do you think someone saw me, What does he want?” he whispers.

“I don’t know,” Jeremy replies, his voice low. “Stay here I'll check.”

Madin hear's a little conversation and then Jeremy walks back locking the door.

"What is it?" Madin asks impatiently.

"The queen is in labour, Arthur wants me there and also he's looking for you." Jeremy says putting on his clothes ready to leave.  "You can stay for a moment then you can follow later, make sure no one sees you." Jeremy adds.

"Okay"