A fairy tale (gay) Christmas

🌨December 10th🌨

Head knight Jackson Winters🌨

As water turns into ice, and sunlight into darkness, the winter season has begun. It always starts with the biggest party of the year, Christmas. Christmas stands for joy, hope and love, with lights and decoration and music. But what about a winter without Christmas? What about a Christmas without joy, music or any hope at all?

It's harsh to remember moments of happiness, when none of that exists in the present...

❄️🌨❄️

"I swear I don't know anything!"

Jackson chuckled darkly where he sat, in the castle dungeon. It was way smaller than any dungeon he had ever encountered and it was cold and wet. Next to him sat Mina and Clearblue, and opposite of him sat his present enemy.

"How about you turn that pretty little head of yours in the right direction, and tell me the truth? I'll make you scream it out through pain and fear unless you comply"

And he was right, the enemy knight was quite pretty. He had big black eyes and sharp features, perfectly matching his now ruined black armor clothing. He was dressed like a spy, or an assassin.

Clearblue hadn't said a word since they started, only sitting on his chair in the interrogation room with seemingly zero interest or pity for the enemy.

"I just work for them! I have no connection whatsoever!"

Mina rolled her eyes and Clearblue soon followed. Jackson punched his fist into the table, and none of them flinched except the enemy knight. Did they really bring the wrong guy and kill someone with information?

"What were your orders, and I suggest you tell the truth... or I'll have a fun time ending your life right here and now"

Jackson threatened with the sweetest voice, clenching his fists and staring into the enemies soul. The assassin, or spy, felt like he was making a deal with the devil. He started to sweat and even tear up, he seemed young after all.

But should he really betray his boss, whoever it now was? Should he really risk being accused of treason incase he got out of here? Or would he be accused of treason either way, unless he told the truth and protected himself from Clearblue and the other royals?

"I don't know who gave us our orders, but... our leader is knight Secil"

Jackson immediately frowned at the mention of his name. It couldn't be...

"But Secil is a knight from our kingdom? Has he betrayed us and joined the enemy?"

The enemy knight widened his eyes at the question.

"Please! I didn't know we were attacking the royal family! All he said was that we were going to take back the castle from the enemies hands, and so we thought that the enemy had gotten over the boarder and taken over the castle! He never mentioned the crown prince or any knight or royal!"

Desperation was practically glowing off him. He didn't mean to commit treason, he was tricked. Was it the knight Secils fault then? Clearblue's eyes softened, and Jackson and Mina softened on the inside.

"We won't accuse you of treason, if you speak the truth. What is your name and where are you from?"

Clearblue spoke up for the first time. The knight was shaking even more because he was now talking with the crown prince.

"I'm Teno Bloom, I have worked for Secil as a knight for two years now, by the southern boarder, your majesty"
Teno said in a shaky voice. He didn't dare to look directly into the princes eyes, and chose to look down instead. He was only seventeen! He can't be imprisoned for treason when his life what just begun...

"Teno, how old are you"
Mina asked calmly.

"Seventeen... I've been training to become a knight for eleven years, because my family is poor..."

Now even Jackson and Mina calmed down completely, as they saw right through him. He was young, too young for this. And he was speaking the truth, no matter how nervously.

"I don't know why, but we had clear orders to kill whoever was inside the castle without asking any questions. Secil said that if we failed the mission, a very important man would become very angry"

A very important man? Was there a traitor at court? Who would want the royal family dead, particularly crown prince Clearblue and his fiancé? Was Secil only a loyal knight doing what he was asked to do, or was he lying about there being a higher accomplice?

But although there were so many questions, there was a clear red line. A powerful man wanted them dead, most likely the crown prince, and knew where they were hiding. Would he really stop at just one attempt, Jackson did not think so.

"Thankyou for speaking the truth Teno. I'm hereby making you one of my knights until the war is over"

Mina smiled at the young knight, and even though Jackson was hesitant at first, he could clearly see the relief and happiness radiating from the boy. There was no doubt about his words, which also concerned them all.

They exited the room and left Teno with the other knights, telling them to show him around and introduce him. More specifically Richie was in charge of him.

After leaving Teno they ran up the stairs and into the big meeting room, where they royals and Zyr were already seated. Daisy and Amalia looked at them with worry, while Zyr and the duchess were discussing something quietly.

"So how did it go?"

Clearblue took a deep breath and started explaining. The others listened carefully, and when he was finished they all knew exactly what to do. Even though they were all worried and sad, the answer was clear.

"I'll leave with Jackson tonight, before any coming enemies get closer. Zyr and Amalia are in charge, while I trust Mina with the guards"

Clearblue looked at all of them with a heavy heart, but they all knew that it was the right thing to do. Clearblue was the future of their kingdom. Clearblue has to be protected at all costs.

"If the enemies attack again, I suggest that either Amalia or Daisy leave as well, if we keep separated the enemy won't be able to kill us all. Remember to keep strong no matter what"

And through slight tears, the group of friends and family had to say goodbye.

❄️🌨❄️