[BL] Rules Of Desire: His Majesty's Secret Chapter 34 - 32: Days Without You

Theyrethrone had been unusually ca,lm recently, a rare stillness settling over the kingdom like a soft lullaby. But peace in a kingdom founded on freedom rarely lasted forever.

That morning, the royal court assembled under the high golden do of the Grand Hall. King Aldric sat on his throne with Prince Kaelith to his right and Darius standing at attention just beside. The court buzzed with low murmurs until the main guard entered, kneeling with haste.

"Your Majesty, a woman and her son, request shelter in Zarethrone. They have travelled far and claim to need safety."

King Aldric raised a brow, thoughtful. "Zarethrone welcos all who seek peace. Bring them forth."

Monts later, the heavy doors opened, revealing a woman of dignified grace and a young man at her side. She held her head high despite the long journey that showed in the dust on her shoes and the tiredness in her eyes. Her skin was fair, refined, her dress simple yet pristine, marking her not poor, but not of high nobility either.

Her son, however, commanded more than a passing glance.

He stood beside her with an elegance that felt practised yet natural. Feminine in appearance, he had a delicate beauty, soft lips, high cheekbones, long lashes framing eyes that lingered a mont too long on Prince Kaelith, who glead with curiosity and calm boldness.

Prince Kaelith caught the boy’s gaze almost instantly. The boy’s eyes didn’t stray. It wasn’t disrespectful, but it was intense.

King Aldric leaned forward slightly. "Your na, madam?"

"Girallh, Your Majesty," she answered with a respectful bow. "And this is my son, Nigel."

Darius interjected, "From which kingdom do you co?"

Girallh hesitated, then spoke with poise. "We co from Southwind Vale, my lord, "A small kingdom. Peaceful in the past... but not anymore."

The na brought a faint murmur from so of the court. Southwind Vale, tiny but independent, far from the central political turmoil of the major powers. Few nobles here knew more than its na.

"And your purpose in coming to Zarethrone?" the King asked.

Girallh t his gaze firmly. "Your Majesty, all I seek is freedom. My son and I... we’ve lived through quiet unrest. Recently, that unrest has turned violent. I want peace. I want safety. Not luxury. Just the right to live without fear."

The sincerity in her voice quieted the murmurs. For a mont, even the noble court softened.

The court murmured in approval.

"A reasonable answer," Aldric nodded. "And what are your hopes while staying here?"

"If there is any way my son can contribute," she added respectfully, her eyes lifting toward the court, "we will not take your kindness for granted. I only ask for a place to exist, away from danger."

Darius glanced toward the King, then back at the woman. "You may rest for now. The guards will escort you to quarters, and arrangents will be made. We will call upon you again.

Girallh bowed again. "Thank you, Your Majesty. May the stars bless your reign."

As Girallh bowed in gratitude, Nigel’s gaze still hadn’t moved from Kaelith.

After they were dismissed, a low chuckle echoed from one of the court mbers.

"That boy has the face of a siren," soone murmured. "Be careful, or he might charm half the palace before nightfall."

Another voice replied, Don’t start planning scandals already. Let the newcors breathe.

Kaelith said nothing. But as he stood, preparing to leave the court.

A ripple of laughter stirred the court as one of the lords cracked a light jest, subtle, teasing, but laced with a aning everyone caught. Everyone except Kaelith.

When the chuckles faded, another noble smirked and leaned toward his peer. "Ah, our Crown Prince wouldn’t understand," he said under his breath but just loud enough to be heard. "He’s forbidden, after all."

The others laughed softly, nodding in amusent, as if his chastity were a shared secret joke among them.

Kaelith’s golden eyes didn’t flinch. He stood in composed silence, his face a flawless mask of princely grace, betraying nothing.

He turned calmly toward the King, gave a slow and respectful bow. "Father."

King Aldric gave him a small nod in return, but said nothing.

Without another word, Kaelith stepped back from the circle of amused nobles and exited the court, his long royal cape whispering behind him like a shadow.

He didn’t look back.

Their laughter followed him like an echo, but he left it all behind.

Outside the court doors, only silence welcod him, quiet and clean, like the truth he hadn’t yet dared to speak.

A shift had co to Zarethrone. One was wrapped in silk and staring straight at a prince.

And Kaelith, for all his royal calm, felt the stir of unease or was it curiosity?

The night fell heavy like a woollen cloak, pressing Kaelith into uneasy silence. Hale hadn’t returned.

Kaelith lay on the vast bed, tossing, then lying still, hoping, expecting, he might feel the warmth of Hale slipping in beside him. But the emptiness lingered. The air remained still.

By morning, Kaelith rose with tired eyes and a heavy chest. Another servant stood in place of the one he yearned for, quietly assisting with his armour and setting his blade at his side. Kaelith offered no complaints only silence.

Out on the training ground, steel clashed and boots echoed. Kaelith threw himself into every move with practiced aggression, but his focus was fragile.

Then he saw him.

Nigel, his long hair tied loosely behind him was strolling across the edge of the grounds, wide-eyed and impressed. Their eyes t.

Without hesitation, Nigel approached with a small bow. "Your Highness... You move like a warrior born," he said, voice soft but sincere. "Forgive , but..." Would I be allowed to train beside you?"

Kaelith tilted his head slightly, taking in the delicate beauty and boldness behind Nigel’s graceful deanour.

"You know how to hold a sword?" Kaelith asked, unreadable.

Nigel smiled. Don’t underestimate , Your Highness. I may look like this, but I know how to handle a blade.

Kaelith gave a nod to a nearby guard. A training sword was passed.

Nigel accepted it with fluid fingers, then spun it into motion, displaying sharp, elegant moves with nas he whispered. The Wind’s Embrace, Falling Petal, Fox’s Tail.

They all watched, captivated. Despite his delicate fra, there was no doubt Nigel was skilled.

When he stopped, Kaelith clapped once, then again. The servants and guards followed suit with respectful applause.

"You have talent," Kaelith admitted.

Nigel’s cheeks flushed faintly. "Coming from you, that ans more than I can say."

They trained together. Nigel stayed close, showering Kaelith with complints. "Graceful form, Your Highness. That pivot was flawless."You truly are unmatched."

Kaelith remained cordial but guarded. His mind wandered searching, aching for soone else.

"Have you replaced your little shadow already?" Elion’s teasing voice broke in from behind.

Kaelith turned, sighing. "Must you always speak nonsense?"

Elion smirked. "I’m just saying..." The new one’s pretty too. You have sharp eyes, Kaelith. You always pick fine ones."

"This is Nigel," Kaelith replied curtly. He’s new to our kingdom. Hale isn’t around. But he’ll be back. I’m not replacing him.

Afterwards, as Kaelith was heading back to his chambers, Nigel lingered a few steps behind.

"I didn’t know you had a personal servant," Nigel said gently. "I haven’t seen anyone besides you until now."

Kaelith offered only a smile before walking away.

Three nights. Still, no Hale.

On the fifth day, a knock stirred Kaelith from his quiet.

He moved to the door quickly hope tightened in his chest.

He opened it... and felt it fall.

Nigel.

The other boy’s smile faded at Kaelith’s obvious disappointnt.

"It seems I’m not the one you were hoping to see," Nigel said quietly.

"You just caught off guard," Kaelith replied, his voice polite but distant. "Why are you here?"

Nigel held up a small cloth. "I ca to prepare your things. We could train again today."

Kaelith stepped aside without a word.

Nigel arranged the day’s attire, smiling all the while, but Kaelith barely noticed. His thoughts remained with Hale. With questions unanswered. With silence growing louder.

When Nigel was finished, Kaelith said softly, "You may wait for in the courtyard."

"Of course," Nigel said with a gentle bow and left.

Kaelith dressed in silence.

He trained. Went through motions. Kept his composure.

But his smile had faded.

Later, he made his way to the king’s chamber.

"Ah, my son," King Aldric said warmly, lifting a goblet. "Co. Sit with ."

Kaelith took the seat beside him, shoulders stiff.

The king studied him for a mont. "You look troubled."

"I’m fine," Kaelith replied too quickly.

The King let the silence linger before he said, "I haven’t seen your servant lately. If he’s beco unreliable, we can replace him."

Kaelith’s eyes narrowed slightly. "That won’t be necessary."

King Aldric said with a smile."You’re crown prince, Kael. You’re allowed to want better."

But the na, Kael, rang differently. Not from his father’s lips... but from Hale’s.

That soft moan. That whispers in the dark.

That na ant sothing else now.

That night, Kaelith lay still, waiting again.

The door creaked open.

He didn’t need to look. He recognized the soft shuffle, the asured steps.

Hale.

He felt the weight on the bed shift behind him, felt fingers glide across his back, and a kiss on the nape of his neck.

"I know you’re still awake," Hale whispered. "Won’t you turn to look at ?"

Kaelith remained still.

More kisses followed, soft, slow, teasing along his neck and ear.

"That won’t work tonight," Kaelith said coldly. "Where have you been?"

"You don’t look happy to see ," Hale murmured, dodging the question.

Kaelith sat up. "Where. Have. You. Been?"

Hale didn’t answer. He leaned in and caught Kaelith’s lips instead, trying to drown the question in a kiss.

Kaelith let him... for a mont.

Then pulled away, eyes locked in warning.

"I’m here now," Hale whispered. "Isn’t that what matters?" And I missed you, he said. Hale leaned in, cradling his face, and kissed him again.

Kaelith didn’t kiss back.

He just stared, wondering how long desire could cover truth.