“You’re sure no one saw you?”
 “What you did was for the best. There was no other choice.”
 “I’m aware of that, but…”
 “I need you to remain composed, Captain. What happened tonight cannot be undone, nor can it be revealed. For your sake and the prince’s.”
 “I know. I know. I’ll be alright. Nothing will compromise the prince’s coronation, I swear it.”
 “I trust you. Where is the prince?”
 “Where his father left him.”
 “Let’s retrieve him. We’re in for a long night, you and I.”
 Rey stood with his arms crossed just by the gate, the wind blowing through his hair, the sun’s warmth gracing the flush of his skin. He observed as the prince’s training underwent mass intensity, the boy’s father insisting that he further challenge himself. Despite the prince’s progressive injuries, he moved as swift as a wolf, as quick as a fox with the precision and agility of a true swordsman. Every single one of his knights had gone up against the prince and failed to bring him to his knees; there was a fierceness in those cerulean eyes Rey hadn’t quite seen before. He wasn’t sure whether to be concerned or commend his courage; the strength that seemed to emanate from the core of his soul. He watched, awed and mesmerised by the prince’s graceful and calculated movements, drenched in sweat which indicated the pounding of the young prince’s heart.
 When the final match ended, Jackson helped his fallen comrade back to his feet then wiped the perspiration from his forehead. His eyes met Rey’s, merely flickering in the Captain’s direction. Jackson was suddenly distracted by one of the other knights – Obrion – who had proven to be the prince’s worthiest opponent, who turned his head away during every beating the prince had ever received. Had their circumstances been different, they may have been childhood friends but the king had allowed Jackson no companions. Still, the knight offered what social contact he could over the years.
 The captain smiled at the thought. At least, after he’d left, Jackson had another shoulder to fall back on. Rey moved away from the gate, and approached the two young men. He acknowledge the prince with a courteous bow.
 Jackson smiled softly. “That isn’t necessary, Captain.”
 “You are the prince. It is always necessary.”
 Obrion tsked his captain, which brought something resembling a giggle out of Jackson – a delightful sound to hear after many days of drowning in an abyss. Whenever the prince was locked in the Dark Room, it took him a little longer to recover. Years of conditioned abuse had certainly taken their toll on his emotional state. Although there was nothing in the room that could hurt him, the idea of being locked in for even a minute terrified him.
 “Captain, are you listening?”
 “Forgive me, my prince. My mind wandered elsewhere.” Rey bowed his head apologetically. “What were you suggesting?”
 “A match. Between you and I, if you’d like of course.”
 “I would be honoured.”
 “Watch out, Captain. He’ll give you a run for your money.”
 “Ser Obrion, you know very well that I don’t bet.”
 Obrion gave his captain an exaggerated sigh. “Then there’s no use of my presence. Take it easy on our old Captain, your highness.”
 Rey rolled his eyes, Obrion bowed and dismissed himself for his Captain could even think to threaten him with a punishment.
 “Do you think I’m old, my prince?”
 Jackson gave a thoughtful hum then shook his head. “Not at all. I simply like to think of you as far more knowledgeable.”
 Rey could kiss him right then, but he resisted the temptation. He would show him love in the privacy of his chambers. For now, their physical interaction would need to remain between them until it was safe. Rey knew that it may never be, and Jackson would be married off to a prince or princess for land or money or power. Whatever the reason, he hoped the prince would find happiness, even if it was without him.
 “You’re thinking about kissing me, aren’t you?”
 The captain flushed, cleared his throat and turned away from his prince. “You don’t make it easy…”
 Jackson laughed softly, then moved to stand next to his captain of the guards. “Nor do you, Captain. I must exercise a lot of patience during the day.”
 “I’ll tell you what,” Rey said, smiling at the young prince. “If you win, I will meet you in the stables for a kiss. But if I win, you’ll have to wait until our usual meeting times.” He said, feeling like it was a childish game. But he never felt younger than when he was with Jackson; so filled with life and laughter and cheekiness. It’s what he needed to alleviate the responsibility that came with his title. Besides, nothing could replace the grin that stretched across Jackson’s face at the idea.
 “Challenge accepted. Shall we?” The prince asked, pulling out his sword once more.
 “We shall.” The captain agreed, mirroring Jackson’s movements.
 Rey took a few steps back, readying his position. The prince took that as a cue, reciprocating with a similar stance. The air between them was silent, each anticipating the other. The match began with Jackson exercising his first point of attack, bringing his sword down only for metal to cancel out metal in the midst. Jackson had seen Rey fight before, but this was their first match against each other. He always liked a good challenge, especially with a man he aspired to be when he became king one day. But it seemed the day of his death would sooner knock on his door than his coronation. Jackson had come to accept that fate.
 They moved like dancers in the ball room, lovers in a magical garden. Their momentum complimented each other, close one moment and pushed apart the next. While Rey’s swings had more power, Jackson was faster. He remembered Rey explaining to him as a child never to sacrifice strength for speed; fighting was never about overpowering your opponent, but incapacitating them. Death did not need to be the result of winning.
 Yet, Jackson found himself pressed against Rey, imprisoned by the older man’s sword.
 “I see that old rule doesn’t apply to you…”
 “I recommend an even balance of speed and strength, my prince. You simply need to understand how to utilize them.”
 “Well, well, well. I’m impressed. That leaves me at a disadvantage. I don’t know you’re new tricks.”
 Rey laughed. “Try getting out of this one.” He said, holding the prince close, the edge of his sword held to – but not pressed against – Jackson’s throat.
 “With pleasure.” He replied, strategically slipping his sword between the space of Rey’s weapon and his skin, forced it away from him and spun out of the older man’s hold.
 “Impressive.” Rey mused, finally making his strike, leaving the prince on the defensive. While the prince had shown remarkable skill and finesse, Rey had been wielding a sword a lot longer than the prince. He was known for running his opponents down. He smiled as he looked down at Jackson, who’d fallen back onto his rear end. “Give up?”
 “You wish.” Jackson moved so quickly that Rey barely caught the move. Using his own momentum, the prince had knocked the captain’s feet right from beneath him, then pointed his sword toward the other’s throat. Rey raised his arms in surrender.
 “Where did you learn that?”
 “A magician never reveals his secrets.” Jackson grinned. He joked very little about possessing magic because of the dangers it brought. But it was only he and rey, and he trusted the man more than anything.
 “Oh, indeed.” Rey said, accepting the hand that was extended to him. “It seems someone owes someone a kiss.”
 “You would kiss me even when I’m drenched in sweat?”
 “Oh, Your Highness, I would kiss you even if you were covered in mud.” Rey reached a hand out to stroke that cheek, immediately stopping himself before he could do anything foolish out in the open.
 Jackson sucked in a breath, waiting for the physical affection he so craved during the day. “I am going to wash up. I’ll meet you in the stables within an hour.”
 “That sounds like a plan.” Rey smiled, gave a bow, and watched Jackson make his way back to the castle.
 An hour seemed too long. Rey threw himself onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. His eyes chased patterns he’d committed to memory. The castle had not changed in the years he’d been away, the traditions, the culture…the abuse. He had hoped, somehow, someway, it would have stopped; that the king was just expressing his grief in the cruellest of ways. But grief had a way of transforming itself into fear, into hatred and detestation. The prince’s gifts had seeped a shadow into his heart, like a vindictive darkness that lingered in spite of a raging war. He had been away for more than ten years, and now he couldn’t bear an hour away from him.
 The Captain knew…oh, he knew, that should the king ever find out of his indiscretions he would be tried for treason. Rey had tried to keep away, to keep his hands to himself but his prince didn’t make it easy. Sometimes he knew it wasn’t intentional; like when he smiled, or when he sat regal on his throne, or how his crown rest so perfect on his head; the very essence of how he held himself together despite how much the mere act of breathing sent pains through his body. He could gaze at Jackson sitting in between the panes of a window, watch the sun silhouette his darling figure.
 He checked the old clock that sat above his dresser, then began to make his way to the stables.
 Jackson had exceeded an hour. It was his fault, really, wanting to smell and look his best for the knight. He slipped out of his chambers, checking left and right for any of his father’s guards before making his way out through the gardens. The prince had wanted make himself invisible, but he dared not practice magic within the castle walls. He thought not of the punishments he would receive, and instead, on the man surely waiting for him. If there was anything he knew about his loyal captain, it was his consistent punctuality.
 The horses turned their heads toward him, snorting softly and kicking their hooves at the ground. The prince laughed softly, approaching the first beat and pet his nose gently. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He said, reaching to the bundle of carrots and offered one to the palomino before him.
 “I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.” A voice called out, stepping out from behind one of the gates. There he was, Jackson’s gallant night.
 “Nothing could stop me from receiving my prize, Captain. You know that.” He replied playfully, offering the older man the cheekiest of smiles. He stepped away from the horse and the few steps that led him to the taller man.
 “Mmm. Worry not, my prince, I have it right here.” He murmured, tucking a gentle finger under  the young prince’s chin. With the smallest breath, he pressed his lips to Jackson’s, who did not hesitate to wrap his arms around the other’s waist.
 Rey smiled, feeling like the world suddenly only revolved around them. He’d heard stories, little tales of others seeing sparks when they kissed their true love. Now, Rey wasn’t sure what to call what he had with the prince, but he saw more than sparks. Rey envisioned far more; endless skies and waterfalls, freedom and beauty, cerulean eyes glazed with dreams and imagination. He saw the future, of his prince one day ruling as King, of the kingdom existing in a dimension without famine and poverty, war or violence. What Rey saw was a world beyond words. Sparks simply did not begin to define what kissing his prince was like.
 He felt fingers grip the back of his hair, then solely cup his neck. The familiar action of having the short strands on the back of his neck played with, melting every bone in his body. When he pulled away, the prince was leaning against him; just as flushed and breathless as he always was.
 “Was that satisfactory?”
 Jackson gave a small nod, wrapping his arms around Rey’s neck and offered him a deeper kiss. Rey lifted the boy around his waist, ankles crossed around his lower back. He held the young prince up by his thighs, then leaned against one of the stands. He’d been so hesitant to touch him, so reluctant. With every grimace and every wince, Rey feared he would offer the boy harm than affection. When they were together, he knew he could take Jackson away. His lips, his hands, they had that ability. All he needed to do was make contact with the prince’s skin, and somehow he knew, that Jackson slipped into a state of pleasantness. Rey knew this, because Jackson had the same effect on him. Using one hand to hold Jackson up, he pulled apart the strings of his hood, let the fabric fall off his shoulders then carried him into an empty stall. Just a kiss, he thought. That’s what they agreed on, nothing more. yet, he couldn’t stop. Not because he was physically incapable of controlling himself, but because he didn’t want to let him go. The moment Rey let go, they go back to the castle and pretend there was nothing incinerating between them.
 Rey laid Jackson on his back gently, kissing him, breathing him in, being ever so tender with such a fragile body. When the knight pressed his lips to the sensitive areas over Jackson’s throat, the prince more than happily submitted himself to Rey’s warm breath. He gasped, holding onto Rey even tighter as he felt that slight grazing of teeth. Suddenly, his lips were occupied once more and he couldn’t stop smiling. He placed his hand on the back of Rey’s head, while the other worked his way beneath his shirt, caressing rigid muscles.
 The knight pulled away, focusing on eyes that made his heart pound. “I thought this would be just a kiss…” he murmured, brushing his lips over Jackson’s sharp jaw.
 “You know as well as I that it is never truly just a kiss,” he replied, his hand moving even lower. “I can offer you much more if you’d prefer.”
 Rey closed his eyes. His mind was racing. Much more was what he wanted. Truly, he could feel it in the pits of his stomach to the organ beneath his legs.
 “Not tonight.” Rey smiled gently, reaching for Jackson’s hand in his trousers and kissed his fingers. “Perhaps we should keep it slow tonight.” He suggested, resting against Jackson but didn’t exert his weight against him.
 “Why is that?” He asked, tracing patterns over the knight’s cheek.
 “I can feel you grimacing. How bad is it?”
 Jackson averted his eyes, turning his head so that he was no longer facing this man. “I don’t believe such a scale exists.”
 Rey frowned, eyes tracing over Jackson’s cheekbones, the curve of his lips. When he’d left, the prince was but a young boy; he was a tiny human being, a child whose gift had been declared a curse by a man who was supposed to protect him. He couldn’t help wondering how horrible growing up in the castle must have been, how terrified he was of just hearing his father’s footsteps…of looking in the mirror. He lay on his side now, reaching for Jackson’s free hand and entwined their fingers.
 “This can’t last forever. You know you won’t survive.” Rey said, the seriousness in his turn forcing Jackson to meet his eyes.
 “I left this castle when you were but a babe. I thought…things would have had to have changed. Your father he…he was simply grieving, he was angry. It didn’t excuse what he did to you; what he’s doing to you-“
 “I don’t wish to discuss it.” Jackson interrupted abruptly, his eyes a mix of demand and vulnerability. "I am managing.”
 “For how much longer?”
 “It will end, Rey,” he said, the sound of the man’s name on his tongue surprising even his ears. “When he dies. No one lives forever. When he passes, it will be done.”
 “Oh, my prince.” Rey murmured, stroking his cheek gently. “Why don’t we run away somewhere? Let’s not wait. We can leave tonight. All we need is one horse, some supplies, our swords. We don’t need much. You once told me that you wished to travel. Why don’t we? Just you and I.” He offered.
 Jackson’s worried face suddenly burst into a smile. “You would leave your rank…for me?”
 “I would lay my life for you. We can leave this place. Never return to court. It is such a tedious responsibility. Wouldn’t you rather swim in the clearest oceans? Ride across the greenest fields? Lay under clear skies and paint pictures with the clouds?”
 The prince curled into Rey’s chest, laying his head over the man’s arm, gazing into his eyes. “That sounds like a magic my burden could never offer me.”
 Rey stroked Jackson’s hair with a small tilt of his head. “Tis not a burden. You should be proud.”
 “I’ll certainly remember that the next time my father requests an audience.”
 Suddenly, Rey felt foolish. It was because of Jackson’s powers that he’d been receiving such abusive treatment. Any whisper, any rumour or allegation against the prince exercising magic, and the king showed no mercy. He did not stop to ask. Jackson knew the rules. Whether he was guilty or not had never been the point. If someone described what they saw, that alone was enough for punishment.
 “I will take you somewhere you can be free. You can practice magic, show the world the true beauty of what you have to offer. Just like I have seen countless times.” Rey said, pressing a kiss to Jackson’s temple.
 The prince sat up, pushing Rey onto his back and straddled his waist. He pressed his hands over the man’s chest, looking into his eyes. “I’m not sure how I ever survived without you.” He said, leaning down, pressing a kiss to the side of Rey’s lips. “You are truly the most wonderful being on this planet. I will never let anything unjust happen to you.” He swore, pressing their heads together with a smile.
 “Are you going to protect me, little prince?”
 Jackson laughed softly. “I haven’t been called that since you left. Do you remember the wooden sword you carved for me?”
 “The one you named Nimble?”
 Rey lay his head back and chuckled at his sweet prince, rubbing circles over the other’s thigh with his thumb. “You were the wittiest four year old there was. It was always such a pleasure to be in your presence. As it is now. I am honoured to serve you.”
 Jackson leaned down and kissed Rey deeply; filled with gratitude and love and yearning. He pulled away, their lips still lingering, only just brushing. “Promise me something.”
 “You won’t do anything foolish.”
 Rey furrowed his brows, confused by the command. He’d been a foolish boy, a foolish young man, and sometimes, even a foolish adult. Foolishness had many levels of concern, and he could only imagine what scenarios the prince’s mind had concocted.
 “To save me,” He clarified. “don’t do anything foolish. Do not risk your life for me against my father. I can save you from bandits, but not from the king. I cant love a man without a head.”
 Rey had taken in many things from what he’d just been told. Yet somehow, his brain had processed only one thing. “You love me?”
 “With all my heart.”
  The captain sat up, his beautiful prince still straddling his waist. The prince’s strength and courage had always awed him, inspired him. even as a boy, Jackson had always tried to remain optimistic despite the odds. He was the boy who insisted everything was fine even when he couldn’t stop crying. Rey sees those tears; in eyes that deserved to be filled with laughter and happiness. He wished there was someway to save him, to end this tyranny. Â
 “Well saysomething.”
 Rey realised he’d been quiet for too long, lost in an oblivion of his thoughts. He gave a small smile, cupped Jackson’s cheeks and kissed his temple. “Just as I love you with all of mine.”
 The prince’s smile could end wars. It is something Rey would swear to.
 “Are you simply telling me what I want to hear?” he asked, playing with the back of his captain’s head.
 “Now, my prince, would I lie to you?”
 Jackson smiled. This was a little game they played – even when the prince was but a child. “You promised you’d teach me how to ride, and you did. You promised to always make me smile, and you have. You promised that one day you would come back here with countless stories, and you did. I know you wouldn’t lie to me.”
 There was one promise the prince had failed to mention; Rey’s promise to protect and serve him as a night. He’d failed Jackson. How could he shield him from the one person who overruled them all? He smiled, kissing the bridge of Jackson’s nose. “And I will always be here for you, my little dove. No matter what happens.”
 The prince swallowed back a lump in his throat, stubbornly willed tears to remain at the rims of his eyes. He draped his arms around his knight’s neck and nuzzled into his shoulder. “I don’t know how I ever survived without you.”
 Survive. It was a nasty word; toxic in its own sound. The prince shouldn’t have needed to survive. He deserved to live, to rule, to smile as if the skies were open only for his eyes. He held onto his darling prince, caressing the back of his hair.
 “Well, Your Highness, you’ll never have to wander that again. I’m not going anywhere.”
 The Captain held the prince’s hand as the young boy walked across the stony ledge, humming something the man didn’t quite recognise. Nevertheless, he listened, allowing the silence to surround them under a blanket of stars. He glanced up at the one he served, the only king he would truly kneel to, always taken aback by his grace and kindness. Jackson is a man now and yet, he couldn’t shake off the protective nature he’d felt for the boy. While he was off on his grand adventure, the prince had been stuck behind these forsaken walls that hid him; sinking in a sea of people that betrayed him, and Rey had been one of them.
 Jackson frowned. “You wandered off again.”
 “Forgive me. It was never my attention to ignore you, my prince.” Rey apologised, then kissed those darling fingers that offered him so much more than a tender stroke.
 “You’re awfully distracted tonight. Is there anything I can help you with?” The prince asked, stopping in his tracks and sat on the ledge he’d walked on. Rey did not hesitate to sit beside him, entwining their fingers together. Jacks lay his head over the man’s shoulder, gazing up at him. “What’s on your mind, soldier?”
 “You,” Rey replied with a teasing smile. “As always.” He murmured, pressing a kiss into the other’s hair.
 Jackson peered at his companion and shook his head. “You’re cheeky.”
 “How is it you’re only just finding out?” Rey asked mockingly, cupping the prince’s cheek and leaned in for a gentle kiss. “The only remedy I need for my troubles is your smile.”
 Jackson tried to remain neutral, but he couldn’t help offering the knight that smile he seemed to adore. Most of the time, it was forced, expected, but with his honourable Captain it appeared ever so naturally. “Any other way?”
 “Rest assured, my prince, I’m merely exhausted.”
 “Mmm. I heard I can be quite the trouble.”
 Rey let out a laugh that warmed Jackson’s bones, reaching up to peck his cheek. “You are certainly a handful, I’ll admit. It keeps me on my feet.” He said, stroking his beautiful head of hair. “I should get you back to your chambers now. It’s getting late. And you must be just as tired.”
 “I admit I have every intention of sleeping right on your shoulder.”
 “Nothing would make me happier. I would carry you all the way back inside if you wished.”
 Jackson considered the thought. While the idea of being held was endearing, he decided against it. There was no telling who would see and what they would say to the king. He couldn’t imagine Rey’s head on a spike; it is the one fear that kept him awake at night. Losing Rey because of his own actions. No matter what the king did to him, that was all worth it when he got to wake up to the captain’s voice. “That won’t be necessary,” he reassured. “I can walk.” He said, moving to stand up reluctantly then pulled the man up to his feet.
 “Then I will escort you.” The Captain said, reconnecting their fingers for the moments they had before approaching the entrance doors once more. they moved apart, Rey’s hands behind him, his head tall as he pushed open the doors. He lit a torch to light the darkness of the halls, feeling the prince tremble beside him. “It’s alright. I’m here. We’re almost there, my prince.”
 The prince nodded, saying nothing. He’d always hated wandering about the halls once the castle was put to sleep. But when they opened the door, the king sat waiting on his bed. Jackson’s heart sank into his stomach.
 Jackson’s body hurt so much he could barely formulate the words to speak. Rey bowed to his king, feeling ashamed for showing any ounce of respect to a man he despised.
 “You may rise.” He said.
 Jackson stood frozen, immobilised in his father’s presence.
 “Have you or have you not?”
 “I have not.” The prince replied. All he wanted was to lay his head down, feel Rey’s hand in his own until he fell asleep but he knew that was not to happen now.
 “Are you lying to me, little boy?” The king asked. Although seated, there was still something intimidating about him. A feature that terrified Jackson most, even as a young boy. Everyone in the room was silent; they knew what was to come.
 “No, father, I would never. I swear to you, I haven’t.”
 “Why are you trembling?” The king asked, leaning forward on his knee.
 “I’m just…cold. And tired, I would like to sleep.” He said, averting his eyes. The prince looked down at his feet, the floor, anywhere but his father, praying it would all just go away. That everything would just disappear into the white noise that made his head hurt.
 “You know how much this pains me.”
 “Father, please…”
 “But you’ve broken the rules. And for it, you’ll be punished. You know magic is forbidden.”
 Jackson sucked in a breath, clasping his hands together. He shook his head. “I didn’t practice magic, I swear it. I have not. I would not disobey you.”
 “More than one has come forward with allegations, my son.”
 “Then they’re lying. I’ve done no wrong!” He argued, meeting his father’s eyes. He shook where he stood, but he did not waver.
 “Sire, please, heed him. I have been escorting the prince all day, even now. He has committed no such acts. Anyone accusing him of crimes should have their tongues cut out of their mouths. Our prince is innocent of any charges.” Rey pleaded, his heart pounding in his chest. He stood between the king and the man he loved, shielding him, doing whatever needed to be done in order to shelter him from harm.
 “I’m afraid the majority overrules your defence. Take the prince to the great hall.”
 “No, no, no…father, please don’t do this.” Jackson pleaded, eyes frantic as he was ceased. “Father, I beg you not to do this. Please don’t hurt me.”
 “This is of your own design. Now be silent, you sound like a coward.” With a single motion of his head, Jackson was dragged out of his chambers and down to the entrance hall.
 Rey tensed his jaw and closed his fist, watching helplessly as his love was carried out like some criminal. The king followed, ignoring his son’s cries – as he always had, walking with his eyes trained on the boy. It was as if the king had disconnected himself from his son, that the prince was merely a ward living among the castle walls. Rey tried to reason with their kingdom’s leader, attempted to get through to a man as immoveable as a stone wall. The King had simple responded with a threat; if Rey didn’t silence himself, he’d lose his head.
 The Captain was stunned by such a response. He knew, at this point in his life, he shouldn’t be. Rey found it hard to believe that this very king had fathered their beautiful prince. The younger knights looked from one to the other, eyes glancing subtly from one man to another. They read something Rey’s narrowed eyes; a fierceness they recognised all too well, a sense of defiance that was bubbling in the emeralds of his iris’.
 The prince was thrown at his father’s feet in the grand hall. Jackson managed to find some composure and moved away from his father, sitting back on one of the steps that lead to the throne where his father ruled.
 “Are you afraid of me, little boy?” The man asked as he pulled off his gloves, his cape, his crown. Stripped himself of everything that made him royal, mighty and powerful before his subjects.
 “Please, believe me, I didn’t-“
 The king had silenced his son with the back of his hand before Jackson could continue his defence. The prince rolled over onto his side from the force, a hand pressed to his cheek where the shock still stung.
 Rey forced himself not to look away as the king battered his only heir, reducing him to nothing but blood and bruises right before their eyes. The captain’s hand curled into a fist at his side, enduring the sounds of whimpers and groans and cries from a boy he loved more than anyone else. Jackson met his eyes, in his own silent way, trying to reassure that he could take it. It would be over soon. The prince was kicked in his side, punched in his stomach, pulled to his feet only to be knocked to the floor once more. it felt like an eternity before the abuse was finally over. Jackson’s body lay in front of them like an exhausted heap, like a boy who learned there was no use in fighting back.
 But Rey would not let this injustice go unpunished.
 As his prince was dragged into a Dark Room he feared more than his father, crying and begging to be spared of this one torment, Rey couldn’t simply stand by and allow the king to get away with the cruelty he put the boy through.
 He would pay for the last ten years.
 “Place him on the bed, carefully.” The physician instructed, his old body just as worn as the prince’s. While the man did not suffer Jackson’s injuries, the toll of healing him had taken much out of him. Before the queen died, he has sworn to her that he would keep her son safe. He had not kept his promise.
 Rey, Obrion and two other knights carried their prince into the infirmary on a stretcher. The physician wasted no time in cutting away the fabric of Jackson’s garments, quickly assessing is wounds; injuries upon still healing injuries that never had a chance to fully recuperate with the consistent abuse. The four men stood back, watching as their prince was tended to.
 “You three need not be part of this,” Rey said, looking over at his men. “This was my doing and no one else’s.”
 Obrion gazed up at a man he’d admired for more than half his life. “It is not your responsibility to bear this alone. If any evidence leads back to you, I will not allow you to suffer the consequences alone.”
 The captain couldn’t help but offer the smallest of smiles. Obrion had always been loyal. It was a quality that made him all the more gallant as a knight. “Don’t be foolish. You have your life ahead of you.”
 “Obrion,” Rey said, placing his shoulders on the younger man’s shoulders. “There is no need to worry. I was careful and thorough, I assure you. Come morning, we will have a new king. A beautiful, radiant ruler who will be just and fair to all his people.” The man smiled, looking down at their broken prince. The healing process would take time; not only for his body, but also the emotional and psychological damage he’d sustained.
 Nothing had compelled Rey more to commit regicide than the driving thought that Jackson would be safe and happy without his father.
 “You two don’t need to be part of this either. You are free to walk if you wish.” Rey assured.
 The two men looked at each other, close friends of Obrion’s, making a pact between them. “Our loyalty to you and the prince will not waver, ever. We are in this for the long haul. You can trust us.” One of them spoke, giving the Rey a little bow.
 Obrion smiled at them, then moved to stand in between them. “Then it’s settled,” He announced amidst the quiet. “Here’s to our new king.”
 Nightmares were the worst. It was horrible enough that his thoughts haunted him when his eyes were open during the day, but when he slept, it felt as if he was drowning. The prince often woke up in a sweat that did little to cool him. The physician did what he could to ease Jackson’s pain, always mixing a sleeping draft for him. The first couple of weeks after the announcement of the king’s death had been a challenging. They had known the extent of the risks, but they had no choice.
 That’s what Rey reminded himself when he saw Jackson standing at the balcony, looking over his kingdom. He had not been fit to rule, not yet. By law, he was king, but the coronation was yet to be celebrated…Jackson was yet to be crowned. The older knights still questioned him about his father’s death; that is seemed suspicious and unnatural. The physician had explained that the king had died of a heart tremor that he’d been suffering from. A condition kept secret in order to prevent the kingdom from any unwarranted attacks. While that risk occurred in the event of the king’s death, no such trafedy occurred. The people believed in their prince, praised him, loved him, sent him what gifts they could. Truly, Jackson had appreciated every single one. he’d opened the doors to everyone; offered shelter, food, clothing, toys, basic needs that all the people had the right to experience without discrimination.
 As Rey looked at him now, he wandered if it was too soon. With a deep breath, he approached the young man and stood by his side on the balcony. They were silent for a moment.
 “I’m scared.” Jackson said, holding onto the rails of the balcony. “Terrified that one day, I’ll become him.”
 “That could never happen. You are too good to become such a…” he couldn’t find the right word. Despite the king’s cruelty, Jackson’s biological bond to his father was undeniable.
 “Monster. A monster.” He said, his entire body tensing at the thought.
“That is not what I see.” Rey said, moving behind Jackson and ever so gently wrapped his arms around the other’s waist. “I see a mighty king. Fair, just, selfless. Someone who never overlooks those who need him most, who offers solidarity, safety and compassion. Someone who has suffered too, and refuses to allow others spend their lives in agony. I have known this prince since he was merely a boy. Over the years, his smile had been stolen from him. but I know he can get it back. And I know it hurts now. I can’t imagine the kind of pain you’re in. No one is rushing you, sweet prince. The people are patient. There is no denying their love for you. I have no doubt in my mind that you will be the king this kingdom needs, a king who will live on in legends and history books. Everyone will know your name. What matters is not how much power you have, but what you decide to do with it.”
 With tears in his eyes, Jackson turned around and pressed his face into Rey’s shoulder. With a heavy breathe, his shoulders shook gently. The captain held him carefully, stroking the back of his hair. “I have faith in you, my prince. I will be here, by your side, for as long as you need me.”
 Jackson raised his head, looking into eyes he trusted more than anyone else’s. He placed his hands on Rey’s chest, feeling that solid heartbeat beneath his palms. “What if I need you forever?” He asked.
 Rey smiled and kissed Jackson’s temple. “Then I will forever be by your side.”
 Jackson offered his own smile, reached up and kissed him softly. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
 Rey played with the back of Jackson’s hair, then brought the prince’s fingers to his lips and kissed each one delicately. “You will never have to worry about that, I reassure you.”
 Jackson blushed softly, then rest his head against Rey’s chest. The captain held his prince on the balcony, ensuring his safety. If there’s one thing Rey could believe without a doubt, it’s that he was the luckiest man in the world.
