Cepheus (BoyxBoy)

F o u r t e e n

"This can never happen again."

The King's voice was low, although the tone in which he spoke was deafening, calling the room to silence.

Zane, the nymph's personal guard, was positioned outside the door of the King's chambers. More guards were stationed throughout the hall, preventing anyone from getting within even a breath of the East Wing.

"I'll make sure it doesn't, Your Majesty." Melesandra assured.

Being Chief of the Kingdom's defence was the only reason she was permitted in the room with Cepheus' wounded mate.

She was not particularly surprised when she walked in and saw that the King's special guest bore his royal mark. The way the boy was coddled by the vampire when she saw him previously, hinted at the intimate relationship the two shared.

She stood at the foot of the bed while a doctor applied a cooling salve on the boy's injuries. He hadn't yet awakened, and she worried that if the prince's current condition prolonged, it would send the Vampire King into a destructive spiral.

"I'll organize a border watch rotation with our strongest guards. It'll be known that no-man's land is no longer, and the forest line falls under your ownership."

Cepheus nodded absentmindedly, his attention fully captured by his mate. The vampire had not seen the boy's silver eyes since he closed them almost 12 hours prior.

He willed his mind to busy itself with new plans to ensure his mate's safety. He had been too lax in his attitude, reliant on his power and title as King, as if that would be enough to protect his beloved. The outside world was dangerous, full of evil and contempt. It was no place for a soul as delicate and pure as the beautiful boy that lay in front of him. Being alive as long as he has...the vampire was ashamed to say that he'd forgotten what it meant to face adversity.

"When will he wake up?" Cepheus questioned for the umpteenth time.

The doctor paused his movements and peered at his King from the corner of his eye, knowing that he had to choose his next words carefully as to not upset the inpatient man.

"He should wake when his body feels it's ready. His injuries are not particularly severe but the stress of the entire situation sent him into shock. I wouldn't want to set high expectations about something that no one can predict."

This was not what Cepheus wanted to hear. Not the first time he asked and certainly not again after his mate had been unconscious for nearly half a day.

He stood up abruptly from his chair, making it fall over and clatter on the wooden floor. The troubled man pulled at his already messy strands in frustration.

"For once, could you just tell me what I want to fucking hear!" He roared.

Both the doctor and Melesandra looked taken aback by his outburst. They knew their King to have a temper and often speak with vexation, although, despite this, he had always been a level-headed man.

"I-I'm sorry that I can't give better news. But—wait, he-"

"Just get out." Cepheus intercepted bitterly. He was facing the window now, his fists clenching as he fought the urge to hurt someone who his rational mind knew didn't deserve it.