The Epic of The Tyrant King's Chosen One-Chapter 126: The king’s day off

The mortal realm comprised seven major kingdoms. One in the north—Nahatia, one in the south—Leacus, three in the west; Anderos, Targon, and Volemer. Two in the east, Ergos and Trojas, alongside minor kingdoms like Kalos to the east and Cleves to the west of the country—Polovia and Demer in the South.

Though they were amicable towards each other thanks to the treaty of Aionas that separated each country into their own kingdoms after the old Empire. That didn't mean there wasn't any strife between the seven nations.

The north had a few conflicts with the east thanks to a national incident that occurred between the two princes of Nahatia and Anderos, who fought for the hand in marriage of the beautiful princess of the south several years ago. Since then, animosity had brewed between the two nations.

There was also the rivalry between the West and the South over resources as well. Since both nations were considered to be technologically superior to the others, there were constant incidents of showing up the other.

One day as the prince of Anderos was making his way back from a subjugation alongside his attendant, he noticed something sticking wash up on shore. Curiosity got the better of him and he dismounted his horse to investigate.

His attendant followed behind him and furrowed his brows when he saw the prince staring at the object that was now in his hand. "What is it Prince Darius?"

The young man shook his head, unsure of what the object he was holding was. It was incredibly large, with a curved side and a pointy edge—sharp enough to pierce through skin.

"It looks to be...a horn of sorts?" He murmured before turning to face his attendant. "Look, Leios. What do you think this could be?"

Leios' frown deepened as he looked at the object and couldn't help agreeing to the prince's assessment. "It looks as though it was cut off by some kind of creature's head."

"...Just what kind of creature is it that its horn would be this large?" Darius' eyes widened as he thought of the possibilities, but none of them seemed to fit the size of the horn.

"Perhaps we ought to bring this back and have the researchers back at the palace investigate?" Leios suggested.

Darius nodded, his grip tightening around the horn as he turned it over in his hands. The sea weathered the rough surface, yet intricate carvings remained faintly visible along its curve. Whoever or whatever this horn belonged to, it had once been adorned with markings of significance.

"A wise suggestion," Darius murmured. "But something about this doesn't sit right with me... It looks ancient." He ran his fingers over the worn carvings, a strange chill crawling up his spine.

Leios glanced around warily, his instincts prickling. "Your Highness, I don't think we should linger here too long. If this horn truly came from some great beast, we may not be the only ones looking for it."

Darius exhaled sharply before giving a curt nod. "You're right. Let's secure it and return to Anderos before word spreads." He turned back toward his horse, but just as he was about to mount, a low rumble echoed across the shore.

Both men froze. The earth beneath their feet trembled faintly, as if something vast stirred beneath the waves.

Leios stiffened, hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword. "Prince Darius... I think we've drawn attention."

Darius' jaw tightened as he turned his gaze back to the dark horizon. For the first time since he had found the horn, he felt an unshakable certainty—this was no ordinary artifact. And whatever it belonged to...

It was still out there.

~*~

Things had finally started getting back to normal with Hael going back to his guard duties.

The pair had grown closer since Ceremus' return, and people were starting to notice, particularly a certain advisor who caught Hael twirling a strand of the king's hair as they stood next to each other—gazing outside the balcony.

If it wasn't for Anemone, clearing his throat to gain their attention, they would've remained oblivious to his presence, lost in their own world of sugar and spice.

"What is it, Anemone?" He called from the balcony, not even bothering to gaze his way. The advisor rolled his eyes.

"Theirs is something important I need to report. It is a rather sensitive matter." He said. Hael, who was strangely perceptive when it came to others, could tell from his tone that whatever they needed to discuss couldn't be done in the presence of others and so he took it as his cue to leave, but not before landing a discreet kiss on top of Ceremus' head. The king shoved him to the side, his glare showing that he had gone too far, but Anemone could detect a certain playfulness from his actions. It was only after he left that Ceremus returned inside and sat at his desk.

"I take it you and sir Hael are getting along." He said, earning a raised eyebrow from the king.

"...No more than usual." He said nonchalantly.

Anemone pursed his lips as he contemplated bringing the subject at hand. But the more he thought about it, the more he felt like it needed to be addressed, and swiftly.

"The Elders have been pressing Your Majesty concerning your lack of marital status. After your rejection of Princess Nastasya, they have been waiting to hear about your next moves. You have been on the throne for almost a decade now, and you have yet to have a queen sitting by your side. The Elders are growing restless. The consul has put the decision off since your return, but eventually, the matter will be brought once more." He said.

Ceremus paused, his eyes slowly looking up at the advisor before narrowing. It was clear he was trying to imply something, but didn't have the guts to say it outright.

"What is it that you're trying to say, exactly?" He asked as he leaned into his chair, waiting to see how the young man would respond.

Anemone was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath. "Nothing good will come out of dragging this on. Whether it's one-sided or mutual. If you have no plans on taking his feelings seriously, you should reject him properly." He said with a stern expression, surprising the king.

"You owe it to Hael, but more importantly, you owe it to yourself. You are the king of a nation, Your Majesty. You have a duty to serve and protect your people and produce an heir in the future."

His words cut through Ceremus like a gladius through the gut. He had never thought that far ahead before. Of course, he had a responsibility to bear an heir that would succeed him. How could he have forgotten? The promise of a lover who would love and understand him has blinded him from reality. How could their relationship even work? What would other people think? Could they ever accept such a union? Hael was a man who couldn't bear him any children, and yet, the thought of having to break things off with him caused great pain to the king.

No, he couldn't end things. Not now, not when he had just gotten Hael back.

Anemone watched him intently and could see how conflicted Ceremus was over the matter. It proved his suspicions. Both Hael and Ceremus loved each other.

The advisor couldn't help sighing. "Rumours are floating around that Lady Amelia will make her return to the kingdom soon. It also looks like the Elders might consider arranging a marriage between the two families. Lady Amelia comes from royalty, even if she is from the side branch. If you don't decide soon..." Anemone didn't have to finish those words for Ceremus to understand.

An exhausted sigh escaped his lips as he thought of Hael and how he would take this news. Things wouldn't end well if Hael caught wind of this.

Things just got complicated, he thought to himself.

~*~

"Hael, let's go out." Ceremus said as he entered the dining hall and took a seat at the head of the table.

"Go out?" He echoed as he took the seat next to him. A few servants came and went—setting the table with an array of foods, all incredibly mouth watering in the eyes of the guard. He didn't waste any time as he grabbed his cutlery and dug into the dish of meat and potatoes, one he had come to love since living in the palace.

"Yes. We've been stuck inside for some time now. I already let Anemone know I will be taking the day off." He said as he cut through some of the steak in front of them and placed it on Hael's plate.

The young man shot him a grateful smile before putting the succulent meat in his mouth. He thought about Ceremus' words and realized how right he was. It had been an entire month since Hael woke up and Ceremus was locked in his office, stuck catching up to all the work he had missed since being away.

Anemone had been hounding him tirelessly to get everything done and wouldn't allow the king to have even a moment of rest. The king had no choice but to do as he was told, mostly out of guilt since he knew how much work the advisor had to pick up after him. Working was the least he could do.

Because he had been so busy, he had little time to spend with Hael. It was only after the guard went back to work (which Ceremus insisted wasn't necessary), that they could spend some time together.

"Hm. Perhaps you're right." He said after a while. "Let's go out."

Ceremus' face was expressionless—cool and composed like usual, but there was a certain glint in his eyes, a rare one that only appeared whenever he was around Hael. An unmistakable glimmer of joy and satisfaction he normally didn't express outwardly, but it was there.

The two men enjoyed their meal and later that evening took a stroll in the plaza, the cool air creating a nice and comforting ambiance in the city.

Hael couldn't help thinking back to that night when they had first gone out to the market. A moment that felt like so long ago, yet also so close.