"Go rest," Sylas replied, continuing to walk. His mind was busy, coming up with ways to fix the situation.
The guards looked uneasy as they followed him. Of course, they couldn’t leave the prince alone.
Amos walked quietly behind Sylas. His eyes were sharp, watching every movement. His hands clenched every time he saw anything move—even just a leaf blowing in the wind.
Sylas glanced at Amos. The man was still very young, only nineteen, but very capable. Huron had discovered his skills during this year’s palace guard recruitment. He came from a remote village in the Westmere region. His sword skills were still far below Alvaro’s, but above average for a knight.
Huron said he was sure Amos had trained hard since childhood. His reflexes were amazing. After a few months of training, Huron recommended him as Alvaro’s companion.
There was only one problem. Amos didn’t like to talk. It was hard to get him to say anything unless it was really important.
"Amos, do you have any family?" Sylas asked, surprising Amos with the sudden question.
The man just shook his head.
"None at all?" Sylas asked.
Amos nodded. He stared at Sylas, trying to understand the reason for the question. His face was serious.
"Well... I was just asking. Sometimes family can be comforting, sometimes they give you a headache," Sylas sighed, thinking about his current problems.
Amos pressed his lips together. He looked at Sylas but stayed silent.
Sylas looked up at the night sky. The atmosphere seemed peaceful. And for the next month, he would be stuck with Amos, since Huron had ordered Alvaro to stay away from him for a whole month.
"Your Highness, Prince Anam..." said one of the guards.
Sylas immediately tensed up. The prince was scheduled to return to Emeria tomorrow. So tonight was his last night. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by nοvelfire.net
They must not meet. Lately, they had only met during dinner, and even then, Sylas had struggled to avoid him. Anam always wanted to be close to him.
Now he really didn’t want to see the man.
Sylas started walking fast toward the side door, like a thief trying to escape.
The guards panicked. They didn’t want to deal with Anam—it would be a headache to come up with an excuse to make him leave.
Amos drew his sword, sensing danger.
Sylas was startled. He stopped immediately.
"No, Amos. Don’t draw your weapon in front of another royal guest," Sylas said. A small mistake could cause a war.
Especially now, since he couldn’t accept Anam’s proposal, their relationship was already tense. Amos stared, confused about why Sylas had run.
The cheerful voice rang out, but to Sylas, it sounded like a death sentence. He lowered his head in resignation.
Prince Anam quickly walked toward Sylas.
The guards moved aside to make way. They exchanged glances, knowing exactly how Sylas felt.
Amos stood still, staring at Anam, confused by his wide smile. He didn’t understand why Sylas was avoiding him.
Amos bowed respectfully.
Anam smiled. "I finally got to meet King Adrien tonight. I’m so glad he’s awake. You must be happy too."
Sylas smiled. "I’m grateful for that."
"Want to go for a walk? I bet you can’t sleep either. I’ll be leaving tomorrow. I’m sure you’re not happy about that, but I’ve stayed too long," Anam said kindly.
Sylas just smiled politely. If only Anam knew—he was desperate for the man to leave.
"Let’s go to the park," Anam suggested.
Sylas wanted to refuse, but Anam looked too hopeful. He couldn’t bring himself to say no.
They sat in the gazebo by the pond, like lovers.
Only this time, it was Anam doing all the talking. Sylas still responded kindly, so Anam kept going.
"I heard there’ll be a festival to celebrate King Adrien’s recovery," Anam said, suddenly looking sad.
Sylas nodded. "That’s in a week."
Anam sighed. "You must want to go with me. Should I delay my return—"
"Oh no! It’s fine!" Sylas quickly cut him off. "You know I don’t like crowds. Don’t worry about me. You should go home; I’m sure they’re waiting for you."
Anam nodded, looking sad. "I’ll come back as soon as I can."
Sylas turned away, then looked back at him more seriously.
"Prince Anam, I don’t know how to say this. I’m not interested in marriage. The only marriage I’ve had was to produce an heir for the kingdom," Sylas said, watching his reaction.
Anam just smiled. "I know. You’re going to marry Princess Eresia of Ganesh."
Sylas was stunned. How did he know?
"I knew the first time I came here. King Adrien wants you to marry her because the kingdom needs an heir. But I’m sure you love me," Anam said confidently.
Sylas was speechless.
"I’m willing to be your concubine," Anam said without hesitation.
Sylas choked on his saliva. He coughed hard. Anam quickly stood and rubbed his back.
"Are you okay?" he asked, worried.
Sylas waved that he was fine and took a deep breath. He looked at Anam again.
"Prince Anam, how can you be a concubine when you’re a crown prince? Your people need you. How can you leave them for love?" Sylas wanted to say "a one-sided love", but he didn’t want to hurt him.
"Emeria won’t be without a king. My younger brother will take my place," Anam replied.
"You have to think of your people first."
Anam smiled. "I don’t care. I can’t live without you. I’ll go crazy. I’ll do anything to be with you. We still have a chance."
Sylas felt his face heat up, torn between guilt and fear to reject.
"Prince Anam, go back to Emeria. Support me by becoming king. I don’t have much power here. If you become king, we can help each other. Emeria and Valigria could become two strong kingdoms," said Sylas.
Anam stared at him. "I won’t get to see you often if I become king."
"No. We can still meet. I’m not promising a romantic relationship, but I’ll always support you," Sylas said.
Anam looked heartbroken. His usual cheerful face turned sad. But he knew it was hard to become Sylas’ concubine. His kingdom would never allow it. It would be a disaster.
Sylas was right. Without power, he couldn’t support him.
Anam looked at Sylas again. "I might leave very early tomorrow. Can I kiss you before I go?" he asked.
Sylas swallowed hard. He didn’t want to. But the thought of Anam becoming king and holding a grudge—leading to war—held him back.
He took a deep breath. But before he could answer, Anam was already sitting beside him, pulling him closer by the waist.
Sylas gasped, surprised.
Then Anam’s warm lips touched his. A soft, patient kiss. Their tongues met, and the sound of kissing echoed in the quiet night.
The guards looked away. At that moment, all they could see was the moon hanging in the sky.