Chapter Three: Truthful

Michael was at the training grounds fighting with his dragon Jenkins. It was a crafty creature that did not use its fire until the very last moment. Michael knew this and he wanted to time it just right. He had his sword on his left hand swinging it smugly in order to cause the dragon an early release of that fire feared by all. Usually dragons did not like mortals acting smug to them so they always wanted to strike first when they saw that they were being disrespected. They saw themselves as the kings of kings. They had been alive for centuries. While the mortals only lived for years and then died ever so quickly. 

Jenkins was not so easily fooled. He could take this just like any great soldier. He would strike when necessary. Michael huffed. Only causing amusement from Jenkins.

"Fine then" Michael said in a battle cry his sword aimed directly at Jenkins who would not be swayed. He went to run and could see his target . His audience was captivated. His mother was nodding her head looking very proud of herself to have given birth to such a son. The envy of all. Her precious son. She would give out fruits when her son finally decided to give her a grandchild. Oh what a day! She could already see herself carrying her first grandchild on her arms. What a day!

Other women in Mona's age group were either envious or just plain out jealous. They didn't see their sons being this brave to dare a dragon. Dragons were untrusted creatures. They were never friends with mortals. Even at war a dragon could betray their master. Simply because they saw themselves as masters too. They did not want to be herded like cattle. They wanted to lead. Which was an impossibility. Dragons were too reckless to be left on their own or left to lead. They were too dangerous for all to handle. So they were given to the Knights. To help them fight their battles.

But no knight ever stayed more than a year with a dragon. No bonds were made between beast and man. Every knight except Michael. He had made a bond with his dragon since childhood. He had seen the big dragon that scared all the others. Even the older men of the kingdom. His five year old self saw Jenkins as a big pet. At first the dragon was annoyed by the little mortal that kept on calling him names like "butterfly " or "fairy" but he melted eventually. Because he saw Michael's genuine heart. He really wasn't like the others. He was truthful as he was courageous.

Their battle was put to an end when the king came running to the grounds in a deliberate stance he went to fall onto Michael who had been too focused on the battle that he did not hear the king's hard to miss footsteps.

They both rolled over until they came to a stop. Michael breathed out. Exhausted from all the energy he had used in his training and the impact the fall had on him. He stared at the king on top of him. "Is it done?" He asked in a voice that breathed out for air.

The king nodded. "It is done."

Michael patted the king's arm. "So you are about to be a father?" The smile on his face was fake. And the king knew that. But chose not to comment on it.

"Well there has not been a confirmation yet. I am hopeful though"

Michael still with the false smile nodded. "Good then. I am to be an uncle" his eyes were on the clouded sky. It was obvious it would soon rain. "We should get inside" he advised not knowing what else to say at this moment.

"Hm" was the king's only answer as he leaned over to graze Michael's lips. The minute they touched both of their lips melted into each other. It was not uncommon for men to kiss each other in the kingdom. Kissing was a very big part of their respective kingdom. Kissing someone was a show of adoration, loyalty and trust. So the people who were now leaving did not see anything wrong with the king kissing his trusted knight. Even though the kiss was not like the others. The kiss over stayed itself. Unknown to the people was the fact that these two were not just kissing because of tradition. They were kissing because of all unsaid truths to each other. They were kissing for love, desperation and desire .

Only one woman knew this. Mona Diya. She had a huge self pleased smile on her face. "Only time will tell" she too got up from the seat she was sitting on.

Michael wanted the kiss to last. But it was impossible. The kiss broke. Allowing both of them to stare at each other. For a long time they didn't say anything to each other. The king touched his knight's lips. So sweet. Sweeter than the ones that belonged to his wife. Not that he even noticed how they tasted. All he did was what he had to with her. This. This wasn't forced. It was purely felt.

Michael playfully bit the king's finger. Making Arthur chuckle. "I'm going to miss this when I am gone " he confessed. His confession brought back the knowledge of the King's not long from now death to Michael who quickly now looked distant. He looked away from the king. His eyes looking at the sky again.

The king grabbed his head. Forcing it to look at him. He smiled softly. "Mike. Me not saying it won't make it go away. I am going to die. Whether I say it or not"

Michael linked his hand with the king's. "Have you told her?"

"Told who?"

Michael bit his lip. "Her. Your wife have you told her about your death?"

The king shook his head. His other hand caressing Michael's face.

"She deserves to know. She's your wife"

The king sighed. "Can we not talk about her."

Michael was the one to shake his head now. "Not talking about her does not make her disappear. You married her. Meaning she is part of your life. Even if you married her for an heir. "

The king knew it was true. Sometimes he hated Michael's truthful nature. "I will tell her when she has given birth. I can't afford her to lose the child. "

Michael only closed his eyes. The rain he had foretold raining down on them. But neither seemed to care. The king only saw this as another opportunity to kiss Michael yet again.