𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Chapter 11

Gemini’s heart raced as he watched the tension build in the grand hall. The sword pressed against his skin felt cold and unforgiving, much like the fear that consumed him. He could see Fourth struggling against the guards, desperation etched across his handsome face. The sight of his love in such turmoil sent waves of despair crashing over him.

As the queen's cruel smile taunted them, Gemini felt a single tear escape down his cheek, followed by another. The weight of his circumstances crushed him, and he could no longer hold back the flood of emotions. He felt weak, defeated, and utterly helpless.

“Fourth…” he whispered, his voice breaking as he looked at the prince, his heart aching. “I’m so sorry… I didn’t want to put you in this position. I never wanted to be a burden to you.”

“Gemini, don’t say that!” Fourth shouted, anguish lacing his tone. “You’re not a burden! You’re everything to me! I would trade my entire kingdom for you!”

The queen’s laughter echoed through the hall, chilling and merciless. “Love is such a foolish notion, isn’t it? Look where it has brought you both. Pathetic and weak.”

Gemini’s breath hitched, the queen's words cutting deeper than the sword pressed against his neck. “I’m not weak,” he murmured, though the tremor in his voice betrayed his resolve. “I love you, Fourth. And I can’t bear to see you forced into a life you don’t want.”

Tears streamed down Gemini’s cheeks, and he couldn’t stop them. Each drop was a mix of pain, fear, and love—a heartbreaking testament to the bond they shared. The guards holding him seemed unfazed, but Fourth’s expression twisted with pain as he witnessed Gemini’s despair.

“Stop it!” Fourth roared, anger boiling within him. “Don’t you dare talk to him like that!”

The queen’s expression hardened. “Your defiance will cost him dearly, Fourth. You need to choose wisely. Your precious servant can pay the price for your stubbornness.”

“Gemini,” Fourth said, his voice softer now, filled with an urgency that sent chills down Gemini’s spine. “I won’t let her do this to you. I promise, I’ll find a way to save you. I’ll protect you, no matter what.”

“Fourth, please,” Gemini pleaded, his voice cracking. “You can’t sacrifice everything for me. I couldn’t live with that. I just want you to be happy. If it means letting go… I—”

“Don’t say that!” Fourth interrupted, his eyes wide with fear. “I can’t live without you. I won’t! We’ll find a way to be together, I swear it.”

The queen watched the exchange with a cold smile, enjoying the torment she had caused. “How touching. But remember, Fourth, the longer you delay, the more pain he will endure. I won’t hesitate to carry out my threats.”

The guard pressed the sword closer, a small trickle of blood running down Gemini’s neck, igniting a fire within Fourth. “Enough!” Fourth shouted, his voice filled with determination. “I’ll marry the princess. But know this, I will do everything in my power to protect Gemini.”

The queen raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of surprise crossing her face. “So you will obey, then?”

“For now,” Fourth said, his voice steady. “But I will find a way to free him. You can’t keep us apart forever.”

The queen’s expression shifted from surprise to fury, but before she could respond, Gemini spoke, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with emotion. “Fourth, please. Don’t do this for me. You deserve a chance at happiness, even if it’s not with me.”

Tears continued to stream down Gemini’s face as he looked into Fourth’s eyes, searching for understanding. “I love you too much to let you sacrifice your future for me.”