[BL] Rules Of Desire: His Majesty's Secret-Chapter 62 - 60: Unspoken Answers

Kaelith leaned against the terrace rail, gazing at the horizon as the golden sun melted into shades of amber. Hale stood beside him, silent for a moment before breaking the quiet.

"Take a trip with you?" Hale asked, his voice soft. "To where?"

Kaelith smiled faintly, not turning to look at him. "I don’t have any place in mind. I just want to go somewhere that’s only me and you. Somewhere I don’t have to act like a prince... where I can just be myself, around you."

Hale chuckled, brushing his hand through his hair. "Is there even a place like that? Most people know who you are, Kaelith. The Zarethrone Kingdom is too famous, and so are you."

Kaelith finally turned to face him, laughter dancing in his eyes. "Maybe you’re right. But... there is a village, quiet and tucked away. I’ll be welcomed there, without titles or duties. So, Hale Eryndor, I’m asking, will you follow me?"

Hale laughed gently, raising a brow. "You’re talking like you’re proposing to me."

Kaelith laughed too. "I might just propose to you. Why not?"

They shared a laugh, but the air soon grew quiet again.

Hale glanced at Kaelith. "Have you ever thought about the day people might find out about us?"

Hale’s expression softened. "Let’s say someone does find out and tells the King... You know what that would mean. I would be exiled, if not executed. The King wouldn’t show mercy."

Kaelith’s smile slowly faded as he studied Hale’s face, sensing the weight behind his words.

"If I died today," Hale added in a whisper, "would you forget me?"

Kaelith stood abruptly, a flare of anger in his chest. "Why do you always talk about dying? Is that funny to you?"

Hale rose too, leaning forward. "Kaelith, I know what I’m saying. I knew the risks before giving you my heart. I knew it was forbidden, but I love you anyway. And if one day, the King finds out."

"Stop." Kaelith turned his back to him, voice trembling. "Just stop."

But Hale kept going, his voice gentler. "Fine. I won’t die. But if it ever happens."

Kaelith turned around, grabbed Hale’s face in both hands, and kissed him deeply, fiercely, like it was the only thing keeping them alive.

"I won’t let it happen," he whispered against his lips. "Even if my father disowns me. I won’t let anyone take you from me. I love you, Hale."

Hale’s hands slid around Kaelith’s waist, pulling him close. "I love you too, Kael."

Their lips met again, this time softer, slower, as the sun dipped behind the horizon. The tension melted into something more tender as they sank into each other’s arms. Kaelith guided Hale back gently down onto the bed, the air between them humming with unspoken promises.

Kaelith took his time, fingers tracing every inch of Hale’s body with reverence, memorizing the shape of him under his palms. Their eyes met, no words needed. Love burned slow and steady between them like a sacred flame.

Every touch was soft, every movement intentional. They made love slowly, like a dance neither wanted to end. Kaelith’s lips brushed against Hale’s jaw, down his throat, across his collarbone as if he were tasting sunlight. Hale arched into him, breathless and trembling beneath each caress.

There were no crowns in that moment, no danger, no fear. Just skin on skin, heart to heart, and a desperate need to feel whole in each other’s arms.

Afterward, they lay tangled together, Kaelith’s hand resting on Hale’s chest, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat under his fingers.

"I wish this moment could last forever," Kaelith whispered.

Hale turned his face toward him, eyes half-lidded. "It already feels like it does."

They drifted into sleep like that, wrapped in each other, holding onto a love strong enough to defy kingdoms.

The golden rays of morning sun stretched over the training field of the royal palace, casting long shadows behind the young warriors gathered for their daily drills. The sound of clashing swords and focused breathing echoed as the soldiers practiced tirelessly under the watchful eyes of their superiors.

Kaelith stood tall among them, dressed in light battle robes, his hair tied back neatly as he wielded his sword with fluid grace. Nigel, already drenched in sweat, had been his sparring partner for the past twenty minutes.

Their swords met mid-air with a loud clang. Sparks flew. Every strike Kaelith delivered was deliberate, powerful, and elegant. Nigel matched him with skill, but the Prince’s rhythm carried an innate royalty sharp, controlled, and honed by years of training.

Then, just as Nigel took a step back to catch his breath, Kaelith’s eyes shifted.

"Hale," he called out, voice loud enough to catch the attention of everyone around, "come train with me."

A brief silence swept through the field.

Hale, who had been standing at the side like usual, blinked in surprise. The sudden order wasn’t something he expected, especially not in front of the guards and royal trainers. But he had no choice. A prince’s command, even in jest, was not to be disobeyed.

He stepped forward. "Yes, Your Highness."

The two faced each other in the center of the field. Hale picked up a training sword. He looked calm, but a quiet tension simmered beneath his movements.

Their swords met.

The first few exchanges were slow, almost casual. Hale moved like someone unsure then, like lightning, something changed. His stance shifted, his footwork grew precise, and each counter he made was firm and calculated.

Nigel’s brows drew together as he observed. That form... it’s not from the palace. That footwork... I’ve seen it before, but where?

He watched closely, and though Hale tried to mask it, pretending to fumble or misstep, it was clear to Nigel that this wasn’t a servant dabbling in swordplay. This was someone who had been trained... deeply trained.

After a few more rounds, Kaelith stepped back, smiling as he lowered his sword. "Not bad, Hale. You’re kind of good... though not as good as me."

That earned a round of laughter from the onlookers. Hale bowed his head lightly, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Nigel stepped closer with a lopsided grin. "I never thought Sir Hale was good with a sword. That was impressive."

Hale offered a small smile. "Thank you."

They wrapped up the session. As the other knights returned their gear, Kaelith and Hale moved toward a shaded bench nearby, away from the others. Hale poured himself a small cup of alcohol from the flask tucked in his side pouch, sipping slowly while Kaelith sat beside him, quietly observing.

"You haven’t told the King what you want," Kaelith suddenly said, tilting his head toward Hale.

Hale glanced at him, puzzled. "Told him what?"

"For the competition. The Lost Shame Night Festive you won it, remember?"

Hale smiled, the corner of his lips curving slowly. "When the time is right... I want to claim you instead. There’s no prize more valuable than you, Kael."

Kaelith’s eyes softened as a quiet smile tugged at his mouth. He didn’t respond, but the air between them shifted warmer and heavier.

A moment passed.

"I want to speak to Nigel. Outside," Kaelith said suddenly, standing up.

Hale raised a brow. "You could have spoken to him earlier on the field, but you didn’t."

"He’s already outside," Kaelith replied. "I sent someone to fetch him."

As if on cue, a guard approached and bowed. "Your Highness, Sir Nigel is here."

Kaelith nodded. Without another word, he turned and walked out, leaving Hale to his quiet drink, still thinking about the moment their swords had crossed.

And Nigel... he waited, a storm of curiosity brewing within him.

Something about Hale wasn’t ordinary and he was determined to uncover it.

Kaelith stepped outside, the light breeze brushing against his robe as he spotted Nigel already waiting by the garden arch. He walked toward him, keeping a calm demeanor, though his thoughts were elsewhere.

"Nigel," he called softly, drawing the young man’s attention.

"Your Highness," Nigel bowed slightly, standing upright as Kaelith joined him.

Kaelith gave a small smile. "How’s your grandmother?"

Nigel’s eyes lit up. "She’s better now. Ever since the Kingdom asked for her forgiveness... she eats well, sleeps on time, and lately she smiles more often. It’s like she finally found peace."

Kaelith nodded slowly. "I’m glad to hear that. She deserves it."

There was a small pause before Kaelith looked at him more seriously. "I wanted to say... I’m sorry. About your mother. The Kingdom’s judgment took her away from you, and I know nothing can ever make that right. But I want you to know, I’m truly sorry."

Nigel blinked, caught off guard. "Your Highness... honestly, I only just learned about her story. But I’m glad... she received justice. Her name’s been cleared. That’s enough for me."

Kaelith gave a faint nod. "It means something to hear that."

They stood in silence for a moment, both staring off toward the horizon. Then Kaelith turned a bit toward him again. "Have you thought of what you’d like to do? Now that you’re part of the Kingdom?"

Nigel thought for a moment. "I haven’t really decided yet... But maybe I want to become a knight. I want to protect Zarethrone with my own hands."

Kaelith smiled softly. "That’s a noble choice."

The conversation started to fade into quiet, and Kaelith turned slightly as if to take his leave, but Nigel’s voice stopped him.

"Your Highness..."

Kaelith paused, glancing back. "Yes?"

Nigel hesitated, then asked, "Can I ask... which Kingdom did Sir Hale come from before arriving at Zarethrone?"