"This is too much. I need to go," Madin mutters, his steps unsteady. The weight of Jeremy's confession mixes with the alcohol in his system, making his head spin even more.As he turns to leave, his eyes catch movement in the distance. Arthur is standing there, watching them. His expression is unreadable, but his presence is suffocating. How long has he been there? Did he hear everything?"Madin," Arthur calls, his voice sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.Madin freezes at the sound of his name, the guilt washing over him even though he's done nothing wrong. He walks toward Arthur hesitantly, only for Arthur to grab his hand and pull him away, his grip firm and uncompromising."Where are we going?" Madin asks, but Arthur doesn't answer.They enter an unfamiliar room, its dim lighting and sparse furniture giving it an air of secrecy. Arthur slams the door shut behind them and turns to face him, his eyes blazing."Really, Madin? Jeremy? What were you doing in his arms like tha
Meanwhile at the hall where the celebration took place , the maids and other servants stayed to clean up.And during the cleaning , they couldn't help to gossip about the recent things that have been going on in the palace.โI donโt even know why sheโs so happy and bragging!โ a girlโs voice says, frustration evident in her tone. โPrince Arthur doesnโt even love her! He loves Madin.โโKing Arthur,โ another corrects her.โWhatever. The point still stands. Sheโs just being used, and sheโs too stupid to realize it. What an idiot!โโSheโs dangerous,โ another chimes in, her voice dripping with unease. โI think sheโs going to try and separate them. Sheโs hated Madin since the moment she stepped into this palace.โA boy speaks up. โWhy are you so worried about her breaking them up? You should be more concerned about how sheโs going to rule us like slaves! That woman doesnโt have a single ounce of kindness in her.โโKing Arthur wonโt let her do that!โ the first girl snaps back.Another boy sig
Nine months later,,, โขโขโขโขNine 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 heโs 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 chambersโan act that crushed Madin.It meant he could no longer sleep in Arthurโs room, a privilege th
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 isnโt 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 Arthurโs tempers flare. If the situation worsens, perhaps Jeremy would offer him an out. Yes, that might be his fateโto wander aimlessly, clinging to whoever offers him a shred of belonging.The murmur of voices grows louder as
The laboring queenโs cries echo through the corridors as Arthur strides into her chamber. Despite the chaos surrounding him, his mind fixates on the storm that brewed earlier with Madin. His words were harsh, but seeing those marks on Madinโs body shakes something deep within himโsomething he canโt quite name but feels acutely. Betrayal? Pain? Or perhaps guilt?He pushes the thoughts aside as he approaches the queen. This moment requires his focus. The birth of his childโa future heirโis an event of monumental importance. But even as he sits by the queen's side, offering words of comfort, his mind betrays him, dragging him back to the confrontation in Madinโs room.As the hours pass and the child is born, Arthur forces himself to remain present, maintaining the image of a dutiful father and king. Yet, the moment he steps out of the chamber, the weight of Madinโs words crashes down on him."Are we even still together?"The bitterness in those words replays in his mind like a haunti
Arthur stares blankly at the floor of Madinโs room. The silence presses in on him, broken only by the faint creak of the walls. The scent of Madin lingers in the air, faint but enough to twist the knife already lodged in Arthurโs chest. Jeremyโs words replay in his mind, each one cutting deeper."You donโt deserve him, Arthur, and you know it."He drags a hand through his hair, frustration and confusion swirling inside him. Is that true? Has he been blind to the pain he caused? Arthurโs thoughts are chaotic, one moment consumed by rage, the next by guilt. He doesnโt want to admit it, but Jeremyโs words make him feel like heโs staring into a mirrorโand he doesnโt like what he sees.He gets up, pacing the room. His eyes land on the scattered remnants of Madinโs belongings: a forgotten scarf on the bed, a worn notebook tucked under a pillow. Arthur grabs the notebook, opening it with trembling fingers.Inside are sketches and notesโsmall, fleeting pieces of Madinโs thoughts. Some pages
The weeks drag on, and with each passing day, Arthurโs frustration grows.Madin has disappeared as though swallowed by the earth, leaving behind only the faintest tracesโan innkeeperโs vague memory, a merchantโs passing mention of a cloaked figure matching his description.Yet no sighting brings Arthur closer to him.He stands at the edge of a vast forest, his breath misting in the cold morning air. His horse paws the ground restlessly, sensing his masterโs unease.The trail has gone cold again, leaving Arthur with only his doubts and Jeremyโs words echoing in his mind."You punish him for wanting it."Arthur clenches his fists, the leather of his gloves creaking under the pressure. He doesnโt want to think about Jeremy, or the accusations in his tone, but the truth is inescapable.This search isnโt just about finding Madinโitโs about confronting his own failures.โYour Majesty,โ one of his knights approaches, his voice hesitant. โWeโve checked the nearby villages and taverns. Thereโs
As Arthur sits in the dimly lit chamber, his head heavy with exhaustion. He remembers the night that he spent with Madin, the unforgettable night.The night he never wanted to end , he wanted to spend all his nights like that, but he doesn't know how that never even came to happen.Catherina enters without knocking, her movements graceful and deliberate. Arthur barely glances at her, his jaw tightening.โLeave,โ he says flatly, his voice devoid of warmth.โArthurโโโI said, leave!โ His tone sharpens, and she hesitates before retreating, her skirts rustling as she disappears into the corridor.Ever since she gave birth to the twins, none of them breastfeed, the royal servant and family wonders why such little innocent Soul would refuse to breastfeed on their own mother.While Catherina doesn't even care about that, she doesn't even go to see her babys , she's been busy conducting secrete searches for Madin because, the more Arthur ignores her , the more hatred for Madin grows , now she
So apparently, people have been scolding me saying... I've limited Madin and Arthur's happiness, I felt it too. And For that reason, I've decided to add one more chapter, just brushing overall on what's been happening since__โโโโโโโโWeeks turn into months, and the palace begins to reflect the quiet joy that surrounds Arthur and Madin. The once grand, imposing walls now seem to glow with a warmth they had never known before.Their lives intertwine more deeply with each passing day, creating a rhythm that's both natural and comforting-a dance of shared laughter, unspoken understanding, and love that feels unshakable.The mornings are peaceful, the hours before the world awakes their favorite time. Arthur wakes first, his eyes always drawn to Madin's peaceful form beside him. For a moment, he simply watches him sleep, his heart swelling with affection.There's something so intimate in the quiet stillness of those early hours, a perfect start to their day. Madin shifts slightly, a s
WARNING!There's mention of some nasty things in this chapter. Though not that intense... but I feel the need to warn those who things like those are not their cup of tea.ยฐThe wedding that night is a grand affair, with laughter, tears, and joy spilling over into the early hours of the morning.Regardless of the sorrow they still have for loosing their former king.Arthur's mother cry silently because now she sees hope in her son's future.Arthur and Madin stand side by side, their hands intertwined as they exchange vows under the starlit sky.Madin looks at Arthur, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and hope. Despite the pain and struggles they have endured, in that moment, he knows he has made the right choice.Arthur, overwhelmed with gratitude, kisses Madin gently, sealing their union. The crowd erupts into applause, and the celebrations carry on through the night, a testament to the love that has triumphed over the darkness.All Arthur's remaining family gather around them.
Arthur freezes, his breath caught in his throat, his heart stopping momentarily. Overwhelmed, he stumbles back, collapsing onto the bed, tears streaming down his face.Madin, equally shaken, moves toward him. He wraps his arms around Arthur tightly, holding him as though afraid to let go.Arthur clings to him, his own arms encircling Madin in silence. There are no wordsโonly the shared weight of emotions, the years of pain and longing expressed through their embrace.A knock at the door shatters the moment. A guardโs voice filters through. โMy lord, King Harris of the Bugada Kingdom wishes to speak with you before he departs.โArthur struggles to steady his voice. โTell him Iโm unwell. Iโll visit him tomorrow.โ he says.โMaybe you should see him. It might be importan__,โ Madin begins, trying to pull away, but Arthur tightens his grip.โNo, just... โ Arthur murmurs firmly, unable to even say what he wants to say. Burying his face into Madinโs shoulder."Madin, I don't know where to sta
"Speak again," Arthur commands, stepping further into the room, his piercing gaze locked on Madin, who is frozen in place, staring back at him.Madin remains silent, his mind racing. Why does Arthur want him to speak again? Surely, he couldnโt have recognized his voice.Madin lowers his head, unable to meet Arthur's eyes again. By now, little Prince Adriana had already slipped out of the room, with the lady following close behind."Who are you? What are you doing in my sonโs room?" Arthur asks, suspicion thick in his voice.His initial shock at hearing a familiar voice that he has been longing to hear has faded, replaced by guarded curiosity.Madin adjusts his voice, letting a trembling tone creep in. "My lord, I didnโt mean to intrude. I was brought here to assist.""Do you work in the palace?" Arthur presses."No, Your Highness," Madin replies, his head still bowed.Arthur exhales sharply, his irritation evident. "Ugh, whatever. You can leave." He strides toward the little oneโs be
The palace is teeming with people. Usually, events of such grandeurโespecially ones involving the royal familyโare strictly regulated, but today is an exception. The grief-stricken faces of Sabia's people reflect their collective sorrow as they gather to pay their respects to their beloved former king.Madin stands in the crowd, lost in the sea of mourners. From his position in the middle of the throng, he can barely see the front where the ceremony is taking place. Yet, when Arthur's voice carries through the air, even without seeing him, Madinโs knees nearly give out.The raw emotion in Arthurโs voice cuts through him like a blade. Every word spoken resonates with pain, and itโs unbearable for Madin.His heart screams to rush to Arthurโs side, to hold him, to offer comfort. But he knows he canโt."I have lost two men who meant the world to me , both without a chance to say goodbye. I don't know how to move on from that. Perhaps one day I might be lucky enough to meet with the one
"Are you serious?! Please, take back what you just said. The former king cannot be dead! He was strong, full of life." Madin exclaims, his legs nearly buckling under the weight of the news. Removing his apron, he sinks into a chair, his mind reeling.Thoughts of Arthur flood his mind, piercing his heart. He imagines the grief Arthur must be enduring and longs to be by his side, to hold him and reassure him that he is not alone."Marsel, do you really think I would spread false news about something as serious as the former kingโs death? I value my life too much to risk execution." Paul responds gravely, setting down the tray he had just cleared from a customerโs table, his expression clouded with sorrow.Everyone in the kingdom had loved King Elias. He was a ruler who placed the needs of his people above his own, a king who earned their hearts through kindness and fairness.Madin strokes his fake long beard, his fingers trembling slightly as they brush against the disguise he has worn
"Tell me everything!" Arthurโs voice booms, unrelenting and charged with fury. "And donโt even think about lying or skirting the truth! If you do, Iโll make you regret every breath you take. Youโll suffer, day by day, feeling the agony youโve caused, and when you can no longer bear it, Iโll ensure thereโs no escape! Speak!"Catherina trembles violently, her knees threatening to give way under the force of his wrath. Her throat feels constricted, and her mind races, but no words come. She knows thereโs nothing she can say to absolve herself in the eyes of everyone present."Are you waiting for someone to give you permission?!" Arthurโs voice slices through the heavy silence."Iโฆ I didnโt kiโ" Catherina begins, but Arthur cuts her off with a sharp, menacing glare."Is that where the story starts? Jona, does it begin there? ' by I... I didn't ki__'!?" Arthurโs tone is dangerously calm, an ominous contrast to his earlier shouting.Jona, pale and shaking, whispers, "No." He looks down, gu
When Jona arrives at his menโs camp, the news he receives crushes the flicker of hope he had carried. The person they believed to be Madin was not him.Fury burns in his chest, and he punishes his men harshly for their mistake, venting all his frustration. "I cannot do this anymore!" he roars, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. "Iโm tired of this endless chase! Let it be! Maybe I was just never meant to have this throne after all! Maybe my brother truly belongs there!"He paces in frustration, muttering to himself, "So what if Father doesnโt trust me? Thatโs his problem. I believe in myself. Iโll make myself proud by taking responsibility for something else, something meaningful. Maybe then heโll see that Iโm not worthless!"Mounting his horse, Jona takes a deep, steadying breath. He has made up his mind. The past three years of schemes and failures have drained him, and he refuses to continue down this path of destruction.As his horse trots back toward the palace,
Three years later...The grand hall is alive with laughter, music, and lively conversations. Guests swirl across the floor in exuberant dances, while entertainers captivate the crowd with their skill and artistry.At the head of the hall, the royal family sits in regal prominence, observing the festivities with a composed air of pride and celebration.Former King Elias stands, his face glowing with joy as he raises a golden chalice. His warm, commanding voice cuts through the lively din of the room."Thank you all for joining me in celebrating my son's exceptional leadership. Arthur has proven himself to be a ruler who deeply cares for his people." He turns to Arthur, his eyes shining with pride. "Son, would you like to say a few words to your people?"Arthur rises from his seat, his movements measured but tense. Forcing a faint smile, he speaks briefly. "Thank you all," he says, raising a hand in a quick wave.Without waiting for applause or acknowledgment, he excuses himself and str