The eight of them resumed eating their dinner together. The dining room was filled with light chatter and laughter, enveloping them in the warmth of a large family that sincerely cared for, protected, and loved one another.
Amidst the warmth and laughter of the family, Davin's thoughts slowly drifted to a puzzle that had been bothering his mind for a while. He felt deeply puzzled by his husband's behavior and decision this morning, which instead had him go with the others back to the capital of the Astoria Kingdom.
Didn't he specifically ask me previously in the capital of the Victoriaz Kingdom to always be by his side without leaving him even for a second? Davin thought, his brow furrowing slightly as he pondered the contradiction. But, why did he command me to go home to guide the others and return to this capital first? What is his main goal in ordering me to investigate the forests around the capital? Is there a hidden danger he is being wary of from afar?
However, after thinking for quite a long time about the matter he considered quite strange and full of puzzles, Davin finally shook his head slowly. He decided to stop thinking about it and not to doubt his husband's decisions.
Whatever his plans are, he is my husband! And as his spouse, I simply need to execute what he commands without hesitation! Davin thought, closing off his doubts, choosing to trust fully. He was more than willing to carry out the tasks his husband had ordered with absolute loyalty.
Meanwhile, within the grand walls of the Victoriaz Kingdom's palace, the atmosphere in the royal kitchen was bustling with chefs and servants scurrying about.
In a slightly quieter corner of the kitchen, Kaydan stood before the hearth. The gray-haired youth was stirring the food in the pot he was cooking. However, his movements suddenly halted. A highly familiar, warm sensation had just rippled and resonated within his soul.
The youth's lips slowly curved, forming a deeply sincere and captivating smile.
It seems... one of them has just bound his soul to my husband. Kaydan thought. There was a mix of relief, swelling happiness, and a struggling impatience within his chest. I am certain, it will not be long before he comes to pick me up and gets me out of this sickening palace.
While resuming stirring his cooking, Kaydan's thoughts drifted to the rumor that had exploded since this afternoon and spread wildly throughout every corner of the palace. The servants and soldiers continuously whispered about the incident that occurred in the capital.
But to be honest, I never expected that my husband would act so boldly to humiliate a king directly in public. Kaydan continued in his heart, holding back a laugh as he recalled how panicked the palace officials were. This entire palace was thrown into an utter uproar because of that incident. And I heard King Estadian and Prince Lionias are currently extremely furious and harboring a deep-seated grudge against him.
Instead of feeling afraid or worried about the ruler's anger, Kaydan actually smiled with full satisfaction at what Arvin had done to the royal family. Furthermore, he was very well aware of his husband's grand plan, which indeed intended to destroy the Victoriaz Kingdom from the inside.
I truly cannot wait to see this arrogant kingdom fall apart, right after he takes and drains all the wealth inside that treasure room. Kaydan thought, his eyes radiating a cold anticipation behind his warm smile.
While the Victoriaz Kingdom's palace was struck by an uproar, the same could not be said for the cabin of the carriage traveling steadily toward the Flamort Kingdom. The atmosphere there felt incredibly silent.
On one of the beds, Kylen was lying on his side. Next to him, Arvin lay motionless, already unconscious and plunged into a very deep sleep due to the effects of exhaustion after performing the Soul Seal ritual.
The bluish-white-haired youth propped his head up with one hand, staring intently at the peaceful face of the figure lying beside him. His other hand reached out, gently caressing the cheek of his husband, who still looked slightly pale.
"Even though I was looking forward to this moment so much. I thought I could finally monopolize you entirely here without any interruptions from the others..." Kylen said in a very soft voice, his tone sounding annoyed yet laden with affection. "...but in the end, you ended up unconscious like this."
Kylen let out a soft sigh, still continuously caressing his husband's face gently.
Mwah!
He leaned his body forward and kissed Arvin's cheek very tenderly.
Through that lingering kiss, Kylen seemed to want to channel all the feelings of affection he had harbored all this time. He hoped Arvin could feel the sincerity of his heart, even though the consciousness of the person he loved so much was currently far away in the dream realm.
"You are the source of my happiness." Kylen said softly, pulling his face back, yet his hand continued to caress his husband's face. "Ever since I met you, my monotonous and boring life has truly changed drastically."
He smiled faintly, laughing at his past self.
"Initially, I was just a stubborn prince who was highly antisocial and always restricted myself from the outside world. And because of you... now I have changed into a much better and more open person than my previous self." he said again, this time with a tone filled with pride and gratitude. "I am absolutely certain, the meeting between the two of us was not a coincidence, but a destiny. And as your destiny, I swear I will never be willing to let you go, ever."
Mwah!
Once again, Kylen landed a very gentle kiss on his husband's cheek.
"Thank you... thank you for being willing to give me this new world full of happiness, Darling."
After whispering that sincere sentence, the bluish-white-haired youth lay down completely. He slipped his left arm under to hug Arvin's body tightly, seeking warmth. Slowly but surely, he began to close his eyes, letting exhaustion take over and preparing to sleep, following his husband into the dream realm.
However, Kylen was completely unaware that on the other side of the cabin room, there were four pairs of ears still awake. Vian, Tania, Ziona, and Anna, who had not actually fallen asleep in their respective beds, heard very clearly every loving sentence Kylen spoke to Arvin amidst the silence of the night.
Hearing such an honest and fragile confession from a prince who was usually so stubborn, Vian could only stare at the cabin ceiling with mixed feelings.
Kylen... he truly has fallen that deeply in love with Arvin. Vian said in his heart. However, behind the feeling of being moved by his childhood friend's happiness, an immense worry continued to seep into him like a dark fog. But, what about His Majesty the King's decision later when we arrive at the palace? What will his reaction be if he finds out that his son has actually chosen and insists on marrying a man?
On another bed, Tania turned on her side, hiding her face behind the blanket with her eyes wide open.
The prince's change in personality has truly been very drastic since he began to know Arvin Vedegra. She thought, still in disbelief at all the romantic developments happening so quickly before her eyes. He has become gentler and more open. But the problem is, will the palace factions and His Majesty be willing to bless their same-sex relationship?
Meanwhile, Ziona, who was lying flat on her back staring at the ceiling above her, could only smile in awe.
Arvin Vedegra is truly an incredible and terrifying man! she exclaimed in her heart, amazed by the absolute charm and charisma possessed by the Vedegra descendant. Even a stubborn, selfish, and antisocial prince like Kylen could be subdued and change drastically into someone so obedient after knowing him. But... what will become of the fate of their love after our group arrives at the palace later?
On the other side of the room, Anna lay on her side with her brow furrowed, thinking about the future.
Oh my... Prince Kylen... the girl said worriedly in her heart, sympathizing with the Prince's position. As a human being, you do indeed have the right and are free to choose whoever you want to marry. But, you are a royal prince! Will His Majesty the King be willing to bless this unconventional relationship between the two of you?
That night, the four of them stayed awake with the same thoughts. Behind their awe toward the power of the two youths' love, they were deeply worried and afraid of the rejection and the decision of the Flamort King regarding the same-sex relationship between Kylen and Arvin in the future.