Chapter 1. The Discovery

Hendrick's POV 

After I left high school, I felt empty because I missed the romantic and sexual relief I got just by sitting close to Julius Reagan, my handsome seatmate and crush. I know I am gay but I would not like my sexual identity to be known yet. My father, the King of Westminster was opposed to homosexuality and may shoot me if he discovered that I am one. As the prince and his successor, I would like to ascend the throne before I reveal myself and change the prejudice against the gay people.

Julius was my friend and straight, or so I thought, but I love him so much. To avoid losing him or getting reported to the authorities, I did not make any love advances to him. Although I was close to him and protected him from my fellow gays, he never suspected anything. I planned to do that after we left school. Unfortunately, my parents were in a haste to return to Westminster the day we graduated and I could not do that or give him a valedictory kiss.     

Probably, whisper to him in a loving tone, "I have always loved you, Julius, and wished I could have you."

"We would continue the celebration at home, Elizabeth," my father said to my mother and interrupted our photoshoot.

"I got it, Michael," she responded and faced me.

"Congratulations once again, Son," she complimented me with a broad smile.

"We are proud of you, Son," my father added and moved.

To cover up my disappointment, I cheered up and accepted the compliments, "Thank you, Dad and Mom, for the compliment."

"You are welcome," they answered me simultaneously and took steps.

I scanned the graduation arena with my eyes in search of Julius but could not find him.

"Let's go, my Prince," Philip Hoover, my knight, who had arranged my belongings in the car, said, and I stopped searching for him.

"All right," I said and followed him.

Not quite long, we were at our elegant and rich palace.

I missed the palace. I had not visited home since I left for school in April. The domestic staff welcomed me warmly and I responded happily. Two weeks later, my father invited me to the throne room. He often did that when he had serious issues, especially the issues of the kingdom, to discuss with me.

After I arrived and sat on my seat, he looked into my eyes and asked me, "Why haven't you introduced your girlfriend to us, Son?"

I was awestruck and lost my voice immediately. He read my body language and mistook it for shyness.

Notwithstanding, he cleared his throat and repeated his question. At that point, I remembered Julius and my penis became erect due to increased blood flow to my erectile tissue. 

"I don't have a girlfriend yet, Dad," I answered him honestly.

He doubted me and grinned. Then, he spoke, "You are too smart not to have any, Hendrick. Why are you keeping her away from us?"

"You have to believe me, Dad. I don't have any," I said firmly.

"Why, if I may ask," he asked me worriedly.

We locked eyes for a few seconds before I promised him, "I will get one when I am ready."

"Your mother and I thought you were ready. We don't want a late bloomer and will assist you with blind dates," my father stated not seeking my opinion.

I was disoriented and tried to discourage him, "Thank you for your concern, Dad. Don't bother. I will be fine," I said, but it triggered his anger.

"You are not going to be fine without a girlfriend. I want you to be married and take over the kingdom now that I am still strong. I will help you to stabilize as the king," he said conclusively.

I did not argue with him because it would be of no use. Afterward, I began to work as the king, but the citizens thought that my father was in charge. Just like my father said, I was smart because the kingdom flourished with so much economic growth, and political issues were resolved amicably. 

The citizens were happy while the kings of the other kingdoms envied my father for having a supportive heir because we were always together. He was proud of me and wished to show everyone that he had a smart heir but could not.

"I'm proud of you, Son," he often said to me with a dry smile.

Since I knew where he was going, I would answer him curtly, "Thank you, Dad," and inch away.

He would shake his head and watch me walk away. To avoid offending me which would affect the kingdom, he dropped the idea of blind dates. My knight, driver, and soldiers were happy with me because I related freely with them and was focused. They compared me with the princes of the other kingdoms who were alcoholics and womanizers. 

"See how they ruined their kingdoms due to excessive spending on clubbing and partying," I heard them saying among themselves.

"You are right but our prince is not like them. The king raised him properly," the other staff members pointed out.

We worked cordially as a team and they never disrespected my orders. The bonding strengthened us and we defeated our enemies. To my chagrin, one day, my father fired all my domestic staff in one fell swoop and replaced them with beautiful and seductive ladies.

I walked angrily to his chamber and met him sitting with the queen.

"Long live, the king. Long live, the queen," I mumbled grudgingly and made awkward obeisance.

They could read my mood and seemed to be expecting it. Without minding my expression, they answered me in unison, "Good day, Son."

"You may rise," my father said and ushered me to a seat.

"There is no need to sit down, Dad. If I may ask, why did you change my staff members without seeking my consent?" I asked him bitterly. 

"Oh! Is that why you are fidgeting?" He asked me nonchalantly and faced the television.

My mother smiled softly and asked me, "Aren't you supposed to be grateful? We did it for your good since you couldn't get a girlfriend," she explained.  

"Huh!" I exclaimed, sank into the couch, and panted, "My good indeed. How can you employ girls without good work ethics and a good sense of dressing and expect me to work with them?"

"That is it. Teach them how to dress," my mother declared.

"And how to serve you and you will like their services," my father proposed.

"I will do no such thing, Dad," I said and got up.

"Then get a girlfriend," my mother declared again.

Before I could stumble out, my father halted me, "Stop, Son."

I stopped at once and faced him. He looked at my mother before he looked at me and began, "Just like your mother said, it is for your own good. You have made me a proud king and I am happy with you."

He paused, looked at my angry face, and continued, "I wish to hand over the kingdom to you on your next birthday. I'm afraid I will arrange a marriage for you if you continue like this."