King Kyle's Poems"

✧ Chapter Thirteen ✧

My gaze was fixed on the strange individual brandishing a dagger at us, threatening to come closer. I quickly took a few steps back to position myself near the king, wrapping my arm around his waist and pulling him closer. 

This time, I would not let anyone harm him.

I glanced back at Craig, anticipating his reaction, while I kept Kyle by my side. The head of the guards didn't even draw his sword. 

The king, noticing the tension, shouted:

"What the hell are you doing, Tucker? Put that thing down!"

As the blonde man continued to approach us, and with Tucker failing to act, I took matters into my own hands. I shoved the stranger to the ground and pointed my sword at him, ready to defend the king this time. My first instinct was to cut his throat open right there, but wasn't he the barbarian the other guards had told me about? Keeping him pinned down, I glanced back at the king, whose breath was coming fast. Supposingly because it wasn't the first time his life had been threatened.

This time, though, I was there for him.

Kicking the man's dagger away with my foot, I told Craig: 

"Go lock him up. I will continue on with His Majesty."

Craig hesitated, confirming the rumors I had heard.

"It must be you who brings him back to the dungeons. I will—"

Kyle interrupted him:

"You will bring him back, Tucker. And immediately."

With a sigh, the other guard took the barbarian and headed back to the castle.

While the he walked towards the castle, I waited for the king to catch his breath so we could continue our path towards the church.

"Thank you, Stan," he said shakily, grabbing my arm. "I'm really glad you were here with me this time."

As much as I appreciated his gratitude, I retrieved my arm. 

"We must continue, Your Highness."

He looked at me for a moment, nodding slowly, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

We reached the church, and Kyle greeted everyone with his gentle tone before proceeding to take a seat in the front rows. I followed closely behind. The ceremony to inaugurate the building began, and soon the air was filled with beautiful notes played on the organ. Unlike the last time I was here, the music was coordinated and rhythmic, enchanting everyone present.

Lost in the melody, I didn't immediately notice Kyle beside me. He was looking at the ground, appearing troubled. It wasn't long before he suddenly stood up and ran outside towards the church's garden.

I immediately followed him outside, reaching the garden. His figure was kneeling beside a bush of roses, admiring them and gently caressing the petals of one.

"My lord? Why did you run out here?"

He didn't answer at first, continuing to handle the flower while I came closer, kneeling beside him.

"My lord?" 

I repeated softly, one of my hands reaching his face, my thumb lightly brushing against his cheek.

"I'm sorry for running away. I just felt so overwhelmed and couldn't stand all those memories flowing through my mind as I listened to those notes."

"It's alright, my king. We can just go back inside and tell them you don't want to participate."

After a few seconds of silence, he spoke again: 

"Stan, why did you come back?"

I stood silent.

"Why didn't you run to another place? To someone else?"

"Because I wanted to see you again, my lord."

He turned his gaze to me.

"Why?"

"Because I cannot tolerate your absence, my lord."

He stayed silent as he slowly stood up.

"You would be happier with someone else."

A few silent seconds passed as I moved closer to him.

"My lord,"

I whispered, my arm reaching around his waist and pulling him closer to me. My hand reached for his cheek once again, caressing it slowly.

"There is no place nor anyone I'd be happier with."

A soft and tired smile appeared on his beautiful face as I gently pulled his face closer, and our lips met in a tender, delicate kiss under the glazing moon of that night.