Roshan was disappointed that Zane didn't do anything to him.
He had already breathed into his mouth once so what was the big deal with exchanging a kiss.
Roshan knew he wanted King Zane. He was sure of it now. He didn't know what to do about it though as he wasn't even sure if Zane was attracted to men like him.
Perhaps Zane was repulsed by the idea of them kissing?
He wasn't sure anymore.
But he remembered the look in the king's eyes. It wasn't one of repulsion or disgust. It looked like he wanted him too.
Roshan sat on his bed in defeat. He looked into his palms and felt liquid drop on them.
He reached for his cheek and soon realized that he was crying.
He was scared. Scared of not being wanted back when he finally felt like he found someone he wanted.
He went quickly to wash off the events of the day in the shower and bury himself in his bed. He would think about it the next day.
.....
It had been three days since Roshan's encounter with Zane. The palace spirits were calming down from the festival that was just concluded.
The people were still happy as the kingdom would stay decorated until the next festival which would hold two months after.
Roshan hadn't seen Zane since that night and he was very relieved.
Whenever he thought of Zane, his heart began to race and his skin became flushed almost instantly.
He imagined such a handsome face gazing at him lovingly much too often.
He had heard from Layel that the small battle would take place in a few days. This meant that the people of Vendet would soon return to their kingdom, only to be seen occasionally.
Roshan felt a sharp pain in his chest whenever he thought of Zane leaving. He didn't want him to but what he wanted didn't seem to matter.
"Ros?" A soft voice called out to him.
Roshan turned abruptly, slightly irritated that he was called out of his thoughts.
"Yes?" He said with a frown. It was his cousin, Jiji.
"Where's everyone?" Jibaro asked.
"And emergency meeting for the battle, I suspect"
....
In the conference room sat King Thames, King Zane, Layel, Zichen, Jihan, and three high ranking security officers from both kingdoms each.
The strategy for the battle had just been completed and the officials from Vendet along with their king had exited the room.
Once the door was shut, one officer from Delsgade spoke, "My King, asides the food we will be supplying to Vendet, we will need a gift that guarantees a permanent connection with King Zane".
The king was silent but agreed in his heart.
Another official spoke, "what do you suggest?"
"Marriage"
Gasps erupted throughout the room.
"Marriage to whom? The King has no daughters or nieces" the second official spoke.
"I'm not quite sure about it, but I have heard that King Zane fanices both women AND men"
There was silence.
"And what do you mean by that?" Layel asked in a stern voice, trying to stay respectful.
The officer was quiet.
The third officer spoke out, "are you saying we should marry one of the princes to the king of Vendet?"
After what felt like an eternity of silence, the first officer replied, "yes, that is what I'm saying "
"And how would that work? Wouldn't he think of an heir to his own kingdom?" Jihan creased his brows.
"My prince, that's not our problem. Our business is to form an permanent alliance with Vendet.
The three princes and the three officers began going back and forth. However, the king remained silent.
After thinking for some time, King Thames heard his son call his attention.
"What do you think Father, isn't his suggestion outrageous?"
The king was torn between the two because he saw the situation from both perspectives. It wouldn't be considered an ideal match up, however, their people were dying and caring for ideality wouldn't help the safety of their kingdom in the long run.
"Let us discuss this at a later time. Perhaps after the battle "
Zichen's face dropped. He knew what that meant. He knew his father was considering what the officer had suggested.
And who would he marry off?? Layel the playboy? Zichen? Jihan? Or... Roshan?
Zichen frowned deeply and turned his face away from the people seated around him.
They were suggesting Roshan being married off to King Zane, to form an alliance.
What about Roshan and what he wanted and didn't want?
Everybody had left the conference room except for the king. He was still deep in thought, considering what was suggested.
He knew his wife wouldn't be glad when she heard what the suggestion was.
She was already paranoid about the rumor of the sorcerer and wouldn't let Roshan out other sight, let alone sending him off to another kingdom.
King Thames let out a frustrated sigh and rubbed his temples. He knew a lot would be unfolding soon.