𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄// 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐔

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏// 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧

Nico wasn't able to sleep that night. He tried to fall asleep, had forced himself to lie down and close his eyes, but the absence of a certain someone would cause him to start pacing his room like a caged animal. He was surprised; he was once so used to sleeping alone.

At last, when first light spilled through his window, Nico rushed to Healer's Tower. He knocked on the door to Will's room; when there was no answer, Nico assumed that Will was asleep, and slipped inside.

Will was curled up in the bed, staring at the wall, eyes empty. Nico walked up to him, gently touching his shoulder, frowning when he didn't stir. "Will?" He shook his shoulder, but Will continued to stare at the wall.

The realization hit fast-- he was dissociating. Lee had told him where he kept the ammonia in case this happened. Nico rushed to the cabinet, grabbed a vial of it, then rushed back into the room and placed it under Will's nose.

It took several tries, but Will at last grounded himself. He jolted out of his trance and frowned up at Nico. "I... What?"

"You were dissociating." Nico capped the vial and gave Will a concerned look. "Are you okay?"

"How long was I dissociating?"

"I don't know. Do you remember when you started?"

"I.." He frowned, then put his face in his hands and exhaled. "It feels like it's been months since the marriage thing. I.. How long ago was it?"

Nico bit his lip. "Will, it was last night."

Will's mouth parted in shock. "Oh." He was silent for a moment, unease gleaming in his eyes. He plucked the ammonia vial out of Nico's hands and tucked it into his pocket. "I keep forgetting to have these on me."

Nico opened his mouth to reply, but the door opened. Kayla came in, observing the two men with cool eyes. Her once bubbly personality was now withdrawn and somber.

"We need to get you dressed, Your Majesty," she said. "Your..." She swallowed. "Your betrothed wants to see you."

Betrothed. The word echoed like a gunshot.

"I'll go get your clothes, Your Majesty. I'll be back in a few minutes to help unchain and dress you." She could barely look at Will as she turned and left.

Nico looked back at Will. His face was tight with panic. "I can't do it."

"Will--"

Tears filled his eyes. "I-I can't."

"Look at me. Look at me, love." Nico cupped Will's face, pressing their foreheads together as Will's shoulders shook. "It's gonna be okay."

Tears slipped down the prince's face. "How can you be so sure?"

"We'll find a way out of this." He wiped away Will's tears and pressed a tender kiss to his mouth. "I promise."

Will pulled Nico closer, wrapping his arms around him. Nico smiled, leaning in for another kiss, but heard footsteps in the hall. They pulled away just as the door opened, and Kayla walked in with her arms full of clothes. With a final look, Nico left the room.

☀️☀️☀️

Will was unchained, bathed, and dressed in a simple tunic and pants.

"His name is Jalgan Abaddon, third son of the former Shade King." Kayla fastened a cloak at his throat and combed back his hair before placing a crown on his head. "He is skilled with magic and mind control, according to the Head Sorceress. And has a short temper."

Will didn't reply, only nodding before exiting the room. Nico stepped up behind him with a look of encouragement. "I'm right here if you need me," he whispered.