A warrior's heart

Part - 7

The king's command was clear: Hardik was to stay by Prince Virat's side at all times.

Virat took this as an opportunity to probe further into Hardik's feelings for Rahul, a subject that had been dancing around the edges of their conversations since their meeting.

"So, Hardik," Virat began, his voice casual as they strolled through the bustling festival grounds. "What do you truly think of Prince Rahul?"

Hardik's cheeks flushed, and his words stumbled. "He's... a great leader," he managed to say, his eyes darting away.

But Rahul had seen enough. He didn't hear their conversation, but the sight of Hardik blushing for another man was like a dagger to his heart.

Rahul strode over, his eyes burning with a jealousy he couldn't quite understand. "Hardik," he said, his voice low and firm. "I need to speak with you."

Hardik looked up, his eyes wide with surprise as Rahul grabbed his hand, pulling him away from Virat. "But, Your Highness," he protested, his voice weak. "I'm supposed to-"

"You're supposed to be my friend," Rahul growled, cutting him off. "Not his."

Virat watched the scene unfold from afar, his eyes dancing with amusement. He couldn't help but hide his smile behind his hand.

"But, the king-"

"The king can wait," Rahul said, his voice unyielding. "You're coming with me."

Hardik allowed himself to be dragged along, his heart racing. He didn't understand why Rahul was acting this way, but he couldn't deny the thrill that shot through him at the prince's possessiveness.

💞💞💞

They stopped in a quieter corner of the festival, the sound of laughter and music a distant backdrop to their tense conversation. "What's going on?" Hardik demanded, his voice shaking.

Rahul's eyes searched his face. "What did you tell him?" he asked, his grip on Hardik's hand tightening.

"Nothing," Hardik said, his voice earnest. "Just that we're friends."

"Good," Rahul said, his voice a low rumble. "Because you are."

There was something in the way he said it, something that made Hardik's heart skip a beat. "But-"

"But nothing," Rahul said, cutting him off. "You're mine."

The words hung in the air, loaded with meaning.

"Prince," Hardik began, his voice trembling. "I don't-"

"Don't what?" Rahul demanded, his eyes boring into Hardik's. "Don't feel the same way? Don't care about me?"

"No," Hardik said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's not that."

"Then what is it?" Rahul's voice was desperate.

Hardik took a deep breath, his eyes searching the prince's face. "I... I care for you more than words can say," he confessed. "But I can't-"

Rahul didn't let him finish. He pulled Hardik into a fierce kiss, his mouth claiming Hardik's with a desperation that took the dragon rider's breath away. Hardik's initial shock melted into something else, something he hadn't allowed himself to feel in years.

He tried to resist, to push Rahul away, but the prince's grip was unyielding.

"Your highness," he gasped, his voice muffled against the prince's lips. "We can't-"

But Rahul didn't want to hear it. He needed to feel Hardik's response, to know that he wasn't alone in this. He gently nudged Hardik's mouth open with his own, and when the dragon rider tried to protest, he nipped at his lower lip, demanding entrance.