Chapter twenty four.

Jeremy exits the room swiftly, his footsteps echoing through the grand hallways of the palace.

After some time, another figure follows, though not along the same path. Doubts plague his mind as he walks, his thoughts circling around Arthur's sudden interest.

Why is Arthur looking for him now? They barely speak anymore. He isn’t even Arthur's servant, nor does he hold any position in the palace these days. No one seems to question his presence, but the void of purpose gnaws at him.

His musings deepen as he walks. Staying here seems pointless, yet leaving feels impossible.

The roof over his head and the meals he receives are enough for now, but what happens if those are gone? Where would he even go?

Thoughts of escape often dance in his mind, particularly when Arthur’s tempers flare. If the situation worsens, perhaps Jeremy would offer him an out.

Yes, that might be his fate—to wander aimlessly, clinging to whoever offers him a shred of belonging.

The murmur of voices grows louder as he nears the room. Pushing the door open, he finds Arthur pacing like a caged animal. His family and Jeremy stand nearby, their attempts to pacify him proving fruitless.

Arthur’s anger crackles in the air like a storm about to break. Then, his gaze shifts, locking onto the late arrival.

“Where the hell are you coming from?” Arthur demands, his voice cutting through the room.

The question hangs for a moment. Instead of answering, Madin hesitates, unsure of how to respond.

Arthur wastes no time, striding across the room to grab him by the arm. His grip is firm as he drags him through the corridor, ignoring the startled looks of those left behind.

They enter Madin's room. The door slams shut behind them.

“I asked you a question,” Arthur snarls. “Where were you?”

The response is calm, almost detached. “I needed to clear my head. I couldn’t sleep.”

Arthur’s glare sharpens. “And where exactly did you go? They’ve been searching the palace for you! I thought you... you ran again.”

“Does it matter?” The irritation seeps through now. “Do you need something from me? Why were you looking for me at all?”

The question stings Arthur, who falls silent. His silence is unnerving, but it doesn’t last long.

Unbothered, Madin begins removing his shirt, ready to put an end to the exhausting exchange.

But as the fabric slips away, Arthur’s eyes widen, and his expression shifts from anger to shock. Hickeys mar the skin of Madin’s chest, their dark marks impossible to miss.

“You… What are those?” Arthur’s voice is unsteady, a mix of disbelief and fury.

“What do you think they are?” The reply is cold, challenging.

“You’ve been cheating on me?!” Arthur’s voice rises, the accusation hitting like a hammer. He moves closer, shoving Madin against the wall with a force that makes the wooden panels creak.

“Cheating?” The words are followed by a bitter laugh. “Are we even still together?” Madin asks not caring.

The question lands like a slap, and Arthur’s expression twists with rage. “How dare you, Madin?! Now I’m convinced—Catherina was right about you all along!”

“She’s always been right, hasn’t she?” The sarcasm drips heavily from Madin’s words.

Arthur’s patience snaps. “Who is it? Tell me who you’ve been with!” His grip tightens, anger boiling over.

“Someone who actually cares about me. Someone who loves me,” Madin retorts, his voice steady despite the chaos surrounding him. “Not that it matters to you. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Besides, I won’t risk you hurting them.”

“You call that love?” Arthur spits. “You think letting someone do this to you is love?”

“For me, yes.”

Arthur’s face hardens, his voice dropping to a low growl. “Then get out of here. Go to them. Get yourself out of my sight.”

Madin doesn’t hesitate. “Gladly,” he snaps, starting to gather his belongings. “Thank you, my lord, for finally letting me escape this hell!”

But as he heads for the door, Arthur blocks his path.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Arthur’s tone shifts, less harsh but no less intense.

“You just told me to leave,” Madin shoots back. “So, I’m leaving.”

Arthur shakes his head, his anger giving way to something more vulnerable. “You are never going anywhere! Madin, whatever has happened between us still doesn't give you the right to betray me. No right to cheat. I...”

The nock on the door cuts Arthur's words. "My lord , the queen is asking for you, she won't let anyone touch her until she sees you , she is still in Labour." Jeremy's voice is heard from outside the door.

Arthur doesn't say anything, for a moment Madin wonders why he sees something like pain in Arthur's eyes , it's not like he cares about him anymore or maybe he never did at all.

He hesitantly walk out , Madin slides on the wall , down to the floor and sits. No matter how much he wants to cry , he doesn't because he swore never again to cry.

After a while the door opens , he thinks it's Arthur but it turns out it's Jeremy.  "Madin, you okay? Did he hurt you?" Jeremy's voice sounds genuinely concerned.

"Just... leave me alone..." he says weakly.

"Madin... "

"Just lea...! Oh g_d , he thinks I cheated on him, he thinks I actually slept with someone else , he... he is going to hate me even more__" The tears break free from their restrain.

"Madin maybe it is for the best he knows that, maybe he will realise that he doesn't own you just to treat you like he does! Maybe he will snap out of his stupid daze," Jeremy says honestly, trying to make Madin understand the advantage of what he has made Arthur to believe, he tries to ease his pain.

"Can you get me out of here, Jeremy? I just... just want to go away from this place, can you?" Madin asks suddenly standing up, wiping the tears on his face.

"But..." Jeremy starts but madin cuts him.

"Can you or can you not?" Madin asks firmly.

"Okay, I can try, but where will you be going?"

"Doesn't matter now. I want to leave right now." He says picking the few things that he would need.

"Madin, I just want to know where yo..."

"Please Jeremy, can you just not ask me about that, don't you think I've got enough already, am sorry because the pain am feeling because of Arthur , might be the same pain you are feeling because of me, but I can't help you, am really sorry about that."

"You really don't have to apologise, I understand." Jeremy says even when it hurts him , but for Madin , he pretends to understand.

"Thank you Jeremy."

"It's okay. I'll get you one of the guards outfit , it's almost time for patrolling outside , you'll have to go earlier than the actual guards , no one will doubt."

Madin walks to Jeremy, he pecks his lips , then says almost in a whisper.  "Thank you for everything."