I'm Loyal, Not Royal 🗡 (MxM) Book 1

chapter 10

After storming out of Ms. Moye’s room, Blaze didn’t waste another breath. His mind was a storm, but one thing was clear as the moon above the castle: he needed to find Ash. Now.

He searched every hallway, every courtyard, cornering the kitchen staff, the stable boys — anyone who might know where Ash had run off to. But none of their half-hearted answers satisfied him.

Because Blaze knew. He didn’t need their whispers and shrugs — Ash was predictable, in the best, most heartbreaking way.

If Ash was upset, he’d always run to their secret rooftop — the hidden place they’d claimed for themselves when they were just scrappy boys with dirt on their knees and dreams bigger than the sky.

So Blaze ran. His boots clattered on the narrow stone stairs, his breath caught in his throat, but he didn’t stop until he reached the iron door that led to the rooftop.

When he finally stepped out under the silver light, he saw him — Ash.

There he was, sprawled on the cold stone, one arm folded under his head, the other draped limply across his stomach. One leg straight, the other bent at the knee. And his eyes… they were far away, staring at the stars like they held an answer he’d never find on earth.

“Ash.” Blaze’s voice cracked as he spoke his name, so soft it could’ve been mistaken for the night wind.

Ash turned his head, slow and heavy, his eyes dull and rimmed red. He tried to smile — Blaze could see him try — but all that came was a single tear, glistening under the full moon before sliding into his dark hair.

Blaze’s chest clenched so tight he could hardly breathe. He walked forward, each step slow, as if any sudden movement would shatter them both. He lay down beside Ash, their shoulders almost touching but not quite — that last inch of distance that felt more like a mile tonight.

“Ash…” Blaze whispered again, desperate to pull him back from whatever faraway place he’d drifted to. But Ash only kept his eyes on the stars, and his hands — those hands that had always been so sure and steady — began signing in the air, his fingers trembling in the moonlight.

It all started when… Blaze followed the signs with his eyes, his throat tightening with every word.

A male cook… he tried to kiss me. I thought… we thought no one was there. But someone saw. They told the king.
The king believed me. He sent the man away.
But then… the rumors started. That I must have wanted it. That I must be… like that.

Ash’s hands fell, limp at his sides. His eyes closed, but tears still slipped free. Blaze wanted to catch them all — every single drop — but he just watched, frozen, with that hollow, helpless ache spreading through his ribs.

When Ash finally turned his head to him, Blaze’s eyes were already waiting. Blank, confused, torn between anger and something softer.

Ash bit his lip. He wondered what Blaze was thinking behind that silence — wondered if Blaze saw him the way the others did now, like a cracked mirror reflecting something shameful.

“So…” Blaze finally said, voice hoarse. He sat up, running a hand through his hair. “So you’re not… homosexual then?”

Ash blinked, startled, his brows knitting together in that adorable, puzzled way that made Blaze want to laugh and cry at the same time.

“I mean—” Blaze stumbled over his words, cheeks flushing even in the cold night air. “It’s… it’s fine if you’re not. Or if you are. I just— It’s not wrong. It’s not bad. Anyone who thinks so is an idiot. I just— I don’t—”

He trailed off, staring down at Ash’s wide, dark eyes.

Ash’s hands lifted again, signing this time with a steadier rhythm. I’m glad you think that way. A tiny, sad smile ghosted his lips. But no. I don’t think I am. Not really. Or… maybe I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter.

He sat up, brushing dust from his trousers. The space between them felt like it was stretching further and further apart.

For now, Ash signed, each letter a knife twisting into Blaze’s chest, this should be our last time meeting. For people’s sake. For your sake. Goodbye, Blaze.

And just like that, Ash stood, his silhouette cutting across the silver rooftop like a ghost. He walked away — step by step into the shadows — and Blaze just sat there, too stunned to move.

“For people…” Blaze muttered to himself, scoffing out a bitter laugh. “When have I ever cared what people think?”

His father’s voice echoed in his mind — Do what your heart desires, Blaze. Always.

And in that moment, Blaze knew exactly what he had to do. If the whole castle wanted to keep them apart, then they’d just have to learn what happens when a prince decides he doesn’t care about the rules.

He would not let Ash disappear from his side — not now, not ever.

TO BE CONTINUED.....