For his uncle’s assembly, Blaze genuinely wanted to be there — he needed to see for himself what sort of matters kept a king awake at night.
A soft knock at his chamber door pulled him from his thoughts.
“Brother Blaze?”
Standing there, peeking in with a shy smile, was Bella — his sweet cousin. Blaze’s face lit up the moment he saw her.
“Come in, Bella.”
She stepped inside, her baby-blue gown flowing behind her. A neat French braid framed her face, and Blaze couldn’t help but smile wider.
“You look beautiful,” he said sincerely.
Bella blushed, giggling a little. “Thank you. Are you ready? Father is waiting for you.”
Blaze nodded, glancing once more at his reflection in the mirror — smoothing down an imaginary wrinkle. Together they left the room and made their way to the great hall, where King Philip and the rest of the family waited.
King Philip stood tall — older than Blaze’s mother, Queen Merlyn, but still imposing with his broad shoulders and thick, graying beard. Blaze had always known him like this — stern but fair, never once making him feel like an outsider despite being only his step-nephew.
“And here he is,” King Philip said as Blaze approached. “Let us be going then?”
“Yes, Uncle.” Blaze dipped his head respectfully.
While the women remained behind — the castle’s ancient custom that no women should enter the assembly unless summoned by the king himself — Blaze, Andrew, and the King made their way into the massive hall where matters of the realm were decided.
The assembly was enormous — a testament to King Philip’s power. Blaze’s eyes drifted up, tracing every carved detail on the high ceiling, gilded with gold leaf that gleamed in the light of the chandeliers. The king’s throne sat at the far end — a towering golden seat flanked by smaller chairs, one for Andrew, one for Blaze.
As they entered, the gathered ministers rose in unison, heads bowed in respect. Once King Philip took his place on the throne, everyone settled back into their seats.
But the tension hung thick in the air — Blaze felt it like a physical weight pressing on his chest.
“Start the assembly,” King Philip commanded.
A hush fell as one of the ministers stepped forward, unrolling a parchment with trembling fingers.
“My lord, the culprits are ready to be brought before you. Do we have your permission?”
The King gave a single nod, unbothered.
Two men were dragged in by soldiers, bound at the wrists with heavy iron chains. They looked beaten — bruises bloomed purple and red along their faces and arms. Blaze’s stomach twisted at the sight.
“Here stand the culprits, my lord: David Porter and Shawn Hemsworth,” the minister announced, pointing at each man in turn.
King Philip’s eyes narrowed. “Proceed.”
“Mr. Porter, do you believe what you did was wrong?”
David Porter — the taller of the two, shoulders broad despite his injuries — lifted his chin, defiance burning in his eyes.
“No.”
A single word — but it spread through the room like a spark in dry straw. Gasps, whispers, heads turning. Blaze shifted uncomfortably in his chair, glancing at his uncle, whose jaw had tensed.
“Are you sure?” the minister pressed. “You don’t wish to change your statement?”
“No.” David repeated, his voice stronger this time.
The minister sneered before turning to the other man. Shawn Hemsworth looked like a broken doll beside his partner — head bowed, shoulders shaking.
“And you, Mr. Hemsworth? Do you think being homosexual is right?”
For a heartbeat, Shawn didn’t move — then, slowly, he shook his head no.
A wave of shocked muttering swept through the ministers. The minister slammed his hand on the table.
“You fools! You were caught kissing each other — shameful! And now, before the King’s holy assembly, you dare say it’s not wrong?”
David’s eyes flashed. He barked out a bitter laugh.
“Because it’s not wrong! IT’S NOT WRONG! Do you hear me?” He turned to the crowd, voice echoing off the stone walls. “I love him. He loves me. What’s wrong with loving someone, huh? We are—”
“It is wrong for a man to love another man!” the minister roared back. “It’s unnatural—”
“No! That’s what you want to believe. What all of you pretend to believe!” David shouted, fury trembling in every word.
“Enough,” King Philip’s voice cut through the shouting like a blade — calm, but deadly sharp.
Silence fell again, the tension snapping so tight Blaze felt it in his bones.
“Mr. Parker,” the King addressed the minister. “Your verdict?”
Mr. Parker’s lips curled into a smirk as he faced the chained men.
“My lord, such acts could influence others. It will spread filth among our people. It’s best they be exiled — cast out before they corrupt more of our kingdom.”
King Philip’s gaze stayed locked on the two men — a strange, almost sorrowful shadow crossing his face. Blaze wondered for a moment if he knew them personally.
“Does everyone here agree with Mr. Parker’s verdict?"
A chorus of “Yes, my lord” rang out from the ministers — unanimous, cold.
David Porter threw back his head and laughed. Beside him, Shawn finally lifted his chin — his bruised face split by the smallest, softest smile.
They reached for each other’s hands, fingers tangling together despite the chains.
“I’m glad you’re only exiling us,” David said, voice steady. “Not killing us — or tearing us apart. For that, we’re grateful.”
King Philip’s nostrils flared — anger simmering beneath his composed mask.
“We love each other, my lord,” David continued. “And we’ll stand by that until our last breath.”
“Mr. Parker! Exile them. Immediately!” King Philip’s roar cracked through the hall like thunder. He rose and strode out, Andrew at his heels.
Blaze was left sitting there alone, surrounded by the murmuring ministers.
His eyes lingered on David and Shawn. In that chaotic, hostile room, the two men still found their peace — hands clasped, heads high. They smiled for each other.
And for the first time, Blaze wondered if he too could find his own peace — somewhere in this unforgiving world — with the one he loved, no matter what the world called wrong.
TO BE CONTINUED.....
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I'm Loyal, Not Royal 🗡 (MxM) Book 1
Historical FictionBook 1 THIS BOOK IS EDITED!!! He's a kid who was mute, the royal family took him as a worker under the castle. The only hier of the throne was his friend in childhood, but he was Sent away to complete his studies . But then a self discovery of the t...
