Hidden Secrets

Chapter Seven

Not much happened for the next couple of days. Theo was training harder than ever, Mehdi was always in the king's quarters, and Reyan was in the queen's quarters.

Apparently the rumours were true: the rebels were back. There was an attack last night in Mainqur. They killed people that had some relation to the royal family or had a royal background that connected back to Fergin Arowdor. The rebels then set fire to those people's houses; two houses to be precise. Most think it was a warning. What for? They're not sure.

Once the news travelled to Oakaine, the king took action. He immediately went to the royal guard and instructed that they start training new recruits and send a couple of guards out to Mainqur—Theo was one of them.

Theo discreetly excused himself from the guards' quarters after he had heard that he was going to Mainqur. He went straight to the king's quarters in hope to talk to Mehdi before he left. Luck was on his side today because when he arrived, Mehdi was alone in the room. Theo stood at the doorway silently watching his love, who was bent over and looking at a large piece of parchment that was spread out on a table. He seemed to be talking to himself.

Theo smiled to himself and quietly made his way over to the prince, sneaking his way up behind him. Once he was close enough, Theo wrapped his arms around Mehdi's waist. Mehdi stiffened.

"Theo?" Medhi asked out, unsure.

"Yes?"

"Oh thank goodness," Mehdi breathed, relaxing back into Theo's touch.

Theo chuckled. "What? Who'd you think it was?"

"I don't know," he shivered. He could feel Theo's hot breath brushing against the back of his neck. Theo started to kiss the crook of Mehdi's neck. "Theo..."

"Mhmm..."

"What if...someone walks in," Mehdi muttered between breaths.

"Let them," Theo responded against his nape, making Mehdi shudder.

Against his own protests, Mehdi turned around to face Theo. "Theo, you know—"

"I know, sorry," Theo sighed. He gazed down into the prince's eyes and gave him a quick peck. He then fixated his eyes over Mehdi's shoulder to see what he was looking at. "What's this?" he asked, unhooking his arms from Mehdi's waist and bringing them to the parchment.

"Oh" —Mehdi turned to face the table— "that's our strategic map for the rebellions," he explained. "Father says he's sending guards over to Mainqur to make sure everyone is okay."

"About that..." Theo rubbed the back of his next and looked to the ground.

"Don't tell me you're one of the guards being sent." Theo gave him an apologetic smile. "Are you kidding me!"

"I wish I was. The worst part: I leave tonight. I was able to come and see you—say goodbye and stuff—but I need to leave soon."

"But you'll be gone for three days," Mehdi whined.

Theo sighed, "I know, but just think, I'll be back in time for the engagement party."

"I'm going to miss you," the prince pouted.

"I am too, but you're strong, Mehdi. Plus, you still have Reyan."

"I guess so," Mehdi shrugged. He moved closer to Theo, took his hands in his and looked up at him. "Promise me you'll stay safe."

Theo bent down so he was level to Mehdi and said, "I promise." He leaned in and kissed him with more force this time.

Way too soon for Mehdi's liking, Theo pulled back. Theo straightened up and glanced at Mehdi, who's eyes were pleading for him to stay. He slowly started backing up and put on a smirk.