ACROSS THE MEADOW (book one)

Chapter 16: Hope

Yewahi

TWO YEARS AGO

Meadow comes rushing into his room. Sweat beading against his forehead, his breathing ragged. When his eyes finally find Yewahi's, he jumps into the princes arms, knocking wind from out of him. His hands tentative as they wrap around his back.

"You're safe." he whispers to himself. A sigh of relief slips from his lips.

A chuckle escapes him as he is puzzled. He pulls Meadow from out his grips, his hands on his arms.

"Why would I not be?" he laughs inwardly. Though his smile is quick to fall into consternation as he notices the fear that furrows in Meadow's face.

"Did something happen?" he whispers.

Meadow shakes his head. He backs away from the prince, his mind far. "Sorry. It's just," he runs his hands on his shaven head. His hands falling to the scar on his lips. "there's been a bombing at the honorary king's speech. I thought you were there."

Yewahi jolts up straight. His jaw tightening. "Is everyone okay?"

"Your whole family is on their way back home. I didn't hear about you at all in the call so I thought—"
Meadow stops himself. Tears brimmed him. He places his hand against his chest, calming his heart.

Yewahi quickly places his hands into his. "I'm okay." he coos. "It's okay."

"God this is so embarrassing." he mutters to himself.

"You're fine."

"But I'm not," he pants. Meadow unlocks his hands from his. "do you even know why they attacked?"

Yewahi cocks his head back. "How could I know?"

"My people are suffering. Fighting with god's with violence if necessary and here I am, running to you like a mistress in the dark."

"Meadow," a pang of grief echoes in him."you are not my mistress. I do not know where this is coming from."

He scoffs. "Of course you wouldn't."

Meadow moves away. He sits on the edge of Yewahi's bed. His hand tracing the scar once again.

Yewahi watches him. He swallows hard, scared to continue the conversation any longer, to sit with him.

"Are you angry with me?" he whispers sheepishly from afar.

"No," Meadow says with love. He reaches for his hand, pulling him next to him. "I just feel like I should be."

"Why must we discuss politics between us? I love you. That's all that should matter."

Meadow flinches, releasing his hand again. He stands up quickly, his brows furrowed.

"You just don't get it." he spits. "I am basically sleeping with the devil."

His words hurt him, but he refused to hold it.

"I'm not my father."

"But you will be. You will be king one day," his head is in hands. "what happened today..." Meadow did not continue. Fear heavy in his expression.

"Their act of terror did not hurt me," Yewahi reassured. "I told you, I am okay."

Meadow bites his lip, scrunching his nose as though he'd bitten into something bitter. "Act of terror? You people have been terrorizing my people for years, Yewahi! You can not expect us to stay submissive to your fathers horrors!"

"Why are you angry with me? How is his crimes mine to suffer for?"

"I just," Meadow takes a breath. He closes his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. His heart far from his. "I need a moment, okay." he murmurs.