Hidden Secrets

Chapter Eighteen

Mehdi slowly regained consciousness. His eyelids fluttered open, adjusting to the bright light streaming in through the balcony window. He stared up at the white ceiling, not making any effort to move. He felt numb. Everything was lost and no one could fix it.

The prince sat up and moved his head to the side, noticing that he was back in his room. He couldn't remember how, but he didn't care. Nothing matters anymore.

There was a soft knock at the door. He didn't get the chance to say anything before the door opened, revealing Theo. He paused at the doorway, noticing that Mehdi was awake before giving him a sad smile.

Mehdi didn't want to believe it, but he needed to ask. He was afraid to hear the truth because he knows he'll have to accept the fact, and he's not ready.

"She's gone, isn't she..." His voice broke mid-sentence.

Theo's smile faded and looked down at the ground. That reaction was enough for Mehdi to understand that he was correct. And yet, he couldn't bring himself to believe it. How could he? She was right there in front of him, smiling. Her eyes filled with life, and then it faded away just as her last breath did.

Mehdi looked down at his hands, remembering the blood. Her blood. However, he was surprised to find them clean. Not a spot of crimson. The thought of how they got clean left his mind when the image of his uncle pointing the gun at him popped into his head.

"Your uncle is dead," Theo told Mehdi, seeing the prince deep in thought on the bed.

Mehdi slowly glanced up at Theo, looking small on the king-sized bed. "What happened?"

Theo sighed, leaving the doorway and made his way over to the bed, sitting down on the edge. "You passed out," he started. "I was able to get you away before Blythe was in a position to shoot again. And that's when the chaos started. Our guards barged into the room and Blythe tried to run for it, but was shot in the process."

"What about the other rebels?" Mehdi asked in a small voice.

"Captured. We were able to identify who the enemy was." Theo looked Mehdi in the eyes. "Now we're waiting for the heir to make a decision on what to do with them..."

Mehdi's breath caught in his throat. He grew up learning to make his own decisions so when the time came, he would be ready. But this? This was all too early. It was overwhelming. He'd thought he would have another couple years before taking over these responsibilities. He was only eighteen, after all.

"I don't—I can't..." Mehdi tried to speak but it was coming out in short gasps. His eyes widened at the realization. There's no one left but him. And he wasn't ready. He gripped at his hair, his breathing shallow.

"Mehdi!" Theo clambered next to him. "You need to breathe."

"I can't do this," Mehdi wheezed. "How...how am I supposed to do this alone..."

"Mehdi, look at me...look at me," Theo pleaded, resting his forehead against Mehdi's.

Ocean blue met honey brown.

"There you are," Theo said softly. "I need you to breathe."

Mehdi inhaled deeply, eyes still wide. He exhaled, the breath ghosting over Theo's lips.

After a few more breathes, Theo decided it was enough to continue talking.

"You're not alone. You have me, Reyan, Sam..." he trailed off. "We are here to help you if you ever need it. And you don't need to do anything right now. People will understand."

"What if they don't?"

"They will, trust me." Theo paused, admiring Mehdi's captivating blue orbs. "I'll be by your side...if that's what you want..."