Zarethrone was a kingdom famed not only for its intoxicating beauty and passionate traditions but also for its unmatched strength in battle.
Among the seven realms, it stood as the top-ranked kingdom, its knights the most disciplined, its soldiers the most lethal, and its people born with fire in their veins. From the castle guards to the court attendants, nearly everyone in Zarethrone was trained in the art of defense and swordsmanship.
At the pinnacle of them all stood Prince Kaelith.
He was more than royalty he was Zarethrone's weapon. Flawless in form and deadly in combat.
His mastery of the sword was unmatched, and his ability to wield both desire and steel made him a legend in every corner of the land.
No battle had ever shaken him. No opponent had ever made him falter. He did not fear war, because he knew how to conquer it.
But this challenge was different.
The man who stepped forward to face him carried a fire in his eyes that mirrored Kaelith's own.
He was bold, calm, and disturbingly confident. Fearless. He didn't come to test the prince, he came to defeat him. And that sparked something uneasy in Kaelith's chest.
For the first time, doubt crept into the back of his mind.
What if I fail?
What fate would befall Zarethrone if the very blade that guarded it… were to shatter?
Lady Ysara had warned Zarethrone. If the prince lies with a man, he does not only break a law, he breaks the kingdom's balance. Peace would crumble, and desire would destroy us from within.
Kaelith had always dismissed such ancient fears.
Until now.
Now facing a man as unshakable as himself, the weight of both the kingdom and his secret bore down on him like a blade to his throat.
Then heavy door creaked open without warning.
"Good morning, Your Highness." Hale chirped far too cheerfully for the hour, stepping right in like he owned the palace. Time to rise and shine. You've got a kingdom to impress and a fight to win.
Prince Kaelith cracked one eye open, glaring at the bright intruder from the depths of his silk sheets.
"Do you lack basic manners," he growled, voice hoarse with sleep, or is storming into my chamber your idea of foreplay?
Hale blinked, then gasped dramatically. Oh, my apologies, Your Highness. He spun around, nearly tripping over his own feet, and darted out of the room.
A pause.
Then came the knock.
Good morning again, Your Highness. Hale called sweetly from the hallway. "May I come in?"
Kaelith didn't even respond yet when the door swung open again.
"I'm taking that as a yes," Hale said with a grin as he walked back in.
Kaelith sat up slowly, rubbed his temples, and muttered under his breath, He's dumb as fuck...
But devastatingly handsome, Hale added, already fluffing one of the prince's ceremonial tunics as if he were born to serve and annoy royalty alike. Come on, let me help you get dressed. Unless you'd prefer I look away while you undress?
Kaelith narrowed his eyes. "You're unbelievable."
I've been called worse, Hale smirked. Usually by ex-lovers.
Prince Kaelith swung his legs off the bed and stood with the effortless grace of a man born to command. The silk sheets slid off his bare chest, revealing a lean, muscled torso that glistened faintly in the morning light.
Hale did not stare. Well maybe just a little.
You're still standing there, Kaelith said without looking, his voice flat. Don't tell me you plan to join me in the bath.
Hale blinked. I mean… unless that's part of my duties.
Kaelith glanced over his shoulder, eyes icy and unimpressed. "Out."
Hale chuckled and quickly turned around, holding up both hands. Alright. Just trying to lighten the royal mood. I'll be out here. Folding things.
The prince disappeared behind the tall divider of the marble bath alcove. Hale could hear the gentle splash of water, the clinking of crystal, and a low sigh like the weight of the entire kingdom sat on Kaelith's shoulders.
Hale's voice softened. "Are you nervous, Your Highness?"
Silence. Then "No." Prince answered.
But I'm not stupid. Hale smiled faintly. He folded a ceremonial robe with a bit more care, then cleared his throat. Well… if you need a distraction, I'm quite good at being annoying.
"You've mastered it already," Kaelith replied dryly from behind the screen.
Soon after, the door to the bath opened. The steam rolled out first, followed by the prince bare from the waist up, towel slung low around his hips. His silver-streaked hair was damp, clinging to his forehead.
The sight made Hale forget how to fold anything.
Kaelith raised a brow. "Try not to faint."
I'm fine, Hale squeaked. Then coughed. "Very fine."
Hand me the tunic.
"Right. Yes. Fabric. Clothes." Hale nearly handed him the robe upside down.
Kaelith slipped into the tunic with practiced ease, his body moving like water beneath the silk. You'll need to help with the armor.
Is that what we're calling it now? Hale teased, stepping closer.
The prince didn't smile, but something in his eyes sparked dangerous, amused.
Fasten the belt. And try not to breathe on me while you do it.
"I'll try," Hale murmured as his fingers brushed Kaelith's waist. But you're kind of intoxicating.
Kaelith leaned slightly closer, lips at Hale's ear. "Then try not to get drunk."
Hale swallowed hard. shot back, walking over to the prince's sword rack. He picked up the gleaming weapon, holding it awkwardly with both hands. So this is the famous blade that keeps the kingdom trembling. It's heavier than I thought.
Kaelith strode over and took the sword from him in one clean motion. Their hands brushed. Hale didn't flinch. Kaelith didn't blink but the air between them sparked like steel drawn across flint.
"You know," Hale said, voice dropping slightly, if you're worried about losing, I could always step in and flirt the enemy to death.
Kaelith narrowed his eyes, lips twitching. "You wouldn't last five seconds."
"Oh, come on," Hale replied with a wink, I last much longer than that.
Kaelith shoved the sword into its sheath and turned toward the door. Try lasting through today without getting on my nerves.
As they exited the chamber, the sound of drums and distant horns rumbled across the palace walls. The summoning bell echoed once again, this time louder clearer.
The arena awaited.
Stone steps led down toward the grand coliseum nestled at the edge of the palace grounds, already brimming with people.
Nobles filled the gilded stands, while commoners crowded every crevice of the viewing walls. Cheers roared, banners of red and gold whipped in the wind, and anticipation coiled in the air like a predator waiting to strike.
Kaelith stood at the entrance of the arena, jaw set, the sun gleaming off his armor.
Hale leaned in, his voice just loud enough. So, Your Highness… if you win, you keep your body. But if you lose, someone gets to punish you. That's quite the setup.
Kaelith glanced sideways. If I lose, it's not the punishment I fear.
Hale blinked. "Then what?"
Kaelith looked forward again, stepping into the light. What becomes of a kingdom when its strongest weapon begins to crack?
And with that, the gates swung open.
The battle was about to begin.