"No! That's impossible!"
Alaric's voice cracked, panic and fear lacing his words, emotions he rarely displayed since ascending to the role of crown prince.
"I do care about you, but my feelings towards you are only those of friendship and brotherhood. How could I suddenly shift my feelings to something romantic?" He continued, massaging his aching temples in an attempt to stave off the impending headache that this conversation was causing.
He had previously entertained the thought that if Carlton and he were indeed married in the future, maybe they had their own agreement which forced them to get married. Perhaps during their marriage, Carlton developed feelings for him? And as a responsible person, Alaric would pretend to reciprocate those feelings just to have a harmonious married life?