The Prince's Male Concubine

Chapter 23: Bitter Jealousy

The next morning, Archer woke up bright and early. He yawned and stretched due to a peaceful slumber. What helped him even more with sleep was Nathaniel's arms around him at night. But the prince wasn't in bed. Huh... well, he does wake up rather earlier than any functional human being.

Regardless, Archer got out of bed and called for a maid. "Good morning, Young Master" the maid said.

"Morning. Would you be a dear and prepare my bath for me please?" Archer said.

"Of course, Young Master" the maid bowed and left the room as Archer then got out of bed.

"Hmm... what should I wear?" He was deep in thought but could not decide whether to wear formal or casual. Decisions, decisions...

                              --

After his bath, Archer was walking through the main hall of the palace and was about to take a turn but overheard two maids speaking to each other. He decided to eavesdrop because he is a little nosy.

"I cannot fathom that there are two men in love in the palace" one said.

"Indeed. It is immoral and wrong in so many ways. For starters, how does one conceive an heir?" The other said.

"Well, I truly do hope that King Jonathan does live long enough to sire a child, otherwise the second prince will be next in line for the throne and that would bring shambles to Lendorr"

"Indeed. I honestly do not like this Young Master. Sure, he is the prince's lover but he is not beneficial to the royal family in any wa-"

"I don't think tarnishing the prince's name is a part of your minimum wage" Archer interrupted as he stood behind the two maids. They turned in horror and hurriedly bowed.

"Forgives us, Young Master! We did not mean any of what we sai-"

"Oh but you said it with such chest. Any fool wouldn't take it as bunter" he neared the two maids. "The prince and I will be getting married. From now on, I am not his lover, I am his husband. Now, if I do get you two fired, no one would be able to provide for your families, correct?"

The maids began trembling in fear as they nodded.

"Oh but you might have an ill relative or a young child. How despicable would it be of me if I ever told Nathaniel to fire you" he said in sarcastic sympathy. "So know your place, before you die an early death" he ended as he walked away from the maids.

"Tsk" one of the maids said as they hurriedly walked away.

As if that encounter wasn't enough, he sported a number of coaches coming toward the palace. With the Gother Family Crest on them...

     --

"Jordan, what is the meaning of this?!" Jonathan yelled. Everyone was sitted in the palace lounge, wondering why the Gother family was summoned.

"Well you tell me, your majesty. You did summon us" King  Jordan said as he sat down.

"Well, a little pigeon told me that one of the five governors of Lendorr was murdered, on the land of Speldia. So I ask again, why did you assassin one of my country's most vital politicians?" Jonathan asked with fury.

"Woah, Jonathan. You seriously can't be implying that our people murdered your governor" Augustus butted in.

"Well, in case you've forgotten, King Alexander was murdered on his way to Speldia, and not so long ago, my mother was murdered as well. The man who killed my mother, his gun was manufactured in Speldia. And now Governor Henry has been murdered on Spledia? This is a high act of treason" Nathaniel said.

"An act of treason that my husband couldn't possibly be able to do. I do not know why you're trying to tarnish our name, Nathaniel" Josephina said.

"It's Prince Nathaniel to you" Brandon said.

"Jordan, do you know how old Henry's son is? Twelve years of age! This government position has been held by Henry's family ever since the first king! I could not possibly elect a child!" Jonathan yelled.

"Well I guess that's the end of your government then" Mariana slightly smirked. This angered the King of Lendorr even more.

"My decision has been made. Lendorr will not form an alliance with Speldia. We will be cutting ties with the trade of jewelry, currency, weaponry, warfare aid until further notice. All trading points from the two kingdoms will be severed, excluding the food trading points. Watch your back, Gothers. If I ever find out that it has been you who's been destroying my kingdom and my country, I will declare war against you." Jonathan stormed out of the room.

Rachel coughed and slightly looked at Augustus, as if gesturing him to do something. Augustus cleared his throat and turned to Archer. "If it alright with you, may I speak with you privately, Archer?" he asked.

"My fiancé will not be going anywhere with you" Nathaniel replied.

"It's alright, Nathan" Archer said as he got up and left the room with Augustus.

"This is so pathetic" Alaric scoffed.

"Dears, I think it is best if we leave, isn't it?" Queen Hillary said.

                           --

Archer and Augustus were stood in the hall. "What is it?" Archer asked.

"Archer Hastings-"

"Archer Hawthorne, Augustus. Well not officially but still, proper terms are needed"

"Right. Archer Hawthorne, I would like to formally apologize for how we last ended speaking. In the Speldian garden of course" Augustus bowed.

"Is that all?"

"Well I was hoping if we could become acquainted with each other once again"

"I'll think about it"

"...oh, okay. Wow, that was.. easier than I thought"

Suddenly, a maid made her way next to Archer and bowed. "Young Master, your crowning preparations are underway" she bowed.

"Oh, yes. Forgive me, Augustus, I must depart now. Good day" Archer bowed as he turned around to leave. But, Augustus grabbed his wrist and said, "Wait!"

"Hmm? What is it?" Archer turned back around.

"I just... congratulations on your engagement" the prince smiled.

"Oh... thank you" Augustus let go of Archer and he continued to follow the maid. Augustus stood there, ashamed that he was about to confess his love to another man's spouse. Worse, he already got rejected by Archer. For the first time since their rivalry, Nathaniel finally defeated Augustus.

☆•°