What a pleasant surprise, my king"
"enough"
The young boy chuckled, opening his cottage door wider for him to enter. The place, despite being small, was cozy.
A familiar smell of firewood hit his nose as soon as he stepped in. He found it strangely comforting.
There were a number of shelfs filled with many books, probably medical ones judging the jars of herb that decorated the table.
The young boy made his way to one of the chairs facing the chimney getting comfortable. He gestured to the other across from him to sit,which he obliged. It was late after all and he'd be lying if he said the fatigue didn't cling to him.
"So, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, your highness?"
"Drop the formality, I get enough of it"
"Okay, okay" He laughed. "What brings you here this late, Hyunjin" he corrected himself
It was pretty dark outside, the shiny moon lighting the night sky. The king was no stranger to sneaking out of his castle at these late hours, riding his horse for hours outside the kingdom into the forecast looking for the cottage that made his heart skip a beat whenever his eyes landed on it.
To avoid any conflict, the two have landed on a specific schedule to meet up including a bunch of rules to avoid getting caught.
It gave him something to look forward to.
But today wasn't one of these meeting days, which made the younger one surprised, and concerned.
Hyunjin didn't answer, either taking his time, or just brushing it off, either way he decided to bathe in the comfortable silence, settling on giving him enough time to collect his thoughts, he would eventually spill.
The younger one put his hands on top of his, squeezing it gently while offering a smile. He started at their intertwined fingers, feeling the warmth radiating from the young boy. It was comforting. So soft.
"These villagers are foolish" He spat.
The young boy narrowed his eyes in confusion
"What do you mean?" he questioned
He sighed, stroking his hand as an attempt to ease the tension. He wasn't sure how to bring it up without disturbing the cozy mood that was settled. Yet he had to. This matter was important
"Lately, there's rumors going around about a wicked creature that lives in the depths of the north forest. They say that he disguises himself as an angelic young boy to lure in the misfortune take their souls, there even planning to attack you"
Hyunjins tone was growing angrier by the minute, showing his frustration about his subjects lack of sense.
He didn't need to elaborate any further for the boy to understand what this was about.
"At Least they called me angelic, which i'm willing to take as a compliment" He chuckled
He knew this would happen eventually, he had heard enough stories about men being accused of witchcraft just because some found it shady and suspicious for a man to live far from civilization, in an isolated area by himself.
They didn't understand that some simply preferred it that way, he felt a hand on his head, fingers running gently though his soft locks. It was a simple action, yet enough to pull him from the anxiousness that started to creep in.
He looked up at two chestnut eyes, staring down at his brown ones with a hint of softness and care.
"They won't get through the gates, I've put some selected guards specifically to guard the forest. So rest assured.
He held a fierce look on his face, one that spoke authority, it might've intimidated many, yet it did nothing but make relief wash over the boy.
He smiled, resting his head on his shoulder and closing his eyes softly, he took a deep breath.
This wasn't fair, life wasn't fair.
They finally found one another after such a long time, yet the circumstances were not in their favor. He was a simple girl, who liked the feeling of dirt beneath his feet when he ran. And the other was a king, who ruled with fairness and an iron fist, admired by many and even feared by many more.
Anyone could tell they weren't meant to cross paths in the first place yet fate was cruel.
"I love you, so much it hurts" He stated in almost a whisper. Letting sleep finally consume him.
The young king rested his head on the other, enjoying the domestic feeling.
The moments were rare, and he cherished every single one he spent with him.
"I love you in this life, the next and the ones to come. That's my vow to you. Felix"
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆☆ ☆ ☆☆ ☆
Fire painted the forest, what was once the home of many harmless creatures turned into ashes, a memory in the sea of time.
Hyunjin stood before the young boy he knew for more than 2 years now, fire surrounding them from every corner, it's been a few minutes since they embraced their fate, knowing there's no way out of it this time.
Smoke was starting to squeeze the air out of their lungs, cough echoed through the burning cottage, but it went unheard.
This was it.
They embraced each other one last time, savoring the smell, the feeling, the touch of one another. Yet instead of fear, they felt at peace, for at last they can be together, and that was enough
They pulled away enough to lock their eyes offering each other one last smile before leaning in and capturing the other's lips, salty tears can be tasted as so much love and grief was poured into that kiss.
"I'll complete my vow to you, I'll see you in a better life, my love"
