Chapter Nineteen.

After the intense confrontation with the king, Madin is assigned a room in the main mansion. However, as punishment for concealing his true identity for so long, the king insists that Madin remains Prince Arthur's servant.

Arthur protests the decision, ready to argue with his father, but Madin stops him. The king's resolve is unyielding, and Arthur knows he has no choice but to comply. Despite his frustration, Arthur reluctantly agrees, though his displeasure is evident.

For Madin, the arrangement is acceptable. As long as he can be close to Arthur and no longer needs to hide his identity, the rest feels manageable—for now.

Once the meeting with the royal family ends, Arthur and Madin retreat to the Arthur's chambers. The tension between them is palpable, but Arthur breaks the silence first.

"So… what do you think?" he asks, watching Madin closely.

"About what?" Madin replies, his thoughts already tangled with everything that transpired.

"You know... everything my father said."

"I'm fine and happy," Madin says quickly, focusing on the fact that they've been allowed to stay together.

Arthur's frustration builds as he hears this. "Even with the fact that he's making me marry someone else? You're still fine and happy?"

Madin flinches at the words but refuses to dwell on them. He doesn't want to ruin what little joy remains in this moment. "Can we not talk about that now?"

"When should we talk about it then?" Arthur demands. "Didn't you hear him? He already has someone in mind! I'm supposed to marry her in less than a week, and you'll just stand there like you're nobody when you're the person I actually love! Does that not bother you at all?"

The weight of Arthur's words finally crushes Madin's fleeting joy, and anger flares within him.

"Do we have a choice?!" Madin snaps. "Do you have any answers to all these questions that you are asking me? Because I don't! I'm tired. I'm going to rest."

Without waiting for a reply, Madin storms out of the room. Arthur doesn't follow, and Madin doesn't look back.

In his new quarters—far more private and luxurious than the servant quarters he once knew—Madin sinks onto the bed. His chest feels tight, his thoughts heavy with anger and despair. Tears threaten to fall, but he refuses to give in.

"I'll just be a nobody," he thinks bitterly, "so what? At least my identity is no longer a secret. That's enough for now."

As exhaustion overtakes him, a knock at the door interrupts his thoughts. He opens it to find a servant holding a tray of food. The servant's disdainful look doesn't go unnoticed, but Madin chooses to ignore it, taking the tray and shutting the door.

The food remains untouched as Madin lies down again, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts spiral. Where is his life headed? What options does he have left? The answers feel distant and out of reach. At some point, sleep claims him.

○

The next morning, loud banging on the door jolts Madin awake. His head pounds, and when he tries to stand, dizziness washes over him. It's only then that he realizes he hasn't eaten in over a day.

Opening the door, he finds the same servant as before. "You're to prepare the prince for training," she says curtly.

Madin nods, about to close the door, but the servant smirks and adds, "You thought you won, didn't you?"

Confused, Madin turns back. "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing much," she replies with a condescending smile. "Just don't make me come here to remind you of your duties again. You're still just a servant."

The venom in her tone stings, and Madin recognizes her. She's the same girl who replaced him when he went missing with Arthur and the one who openly criticized his position as Arthur's servant.

Before Madin can respond, she walks away, leaving him simmering with anger.

Despite his dizziness, he forces himself to Arthur's chambers. On the way, he stumbles, nearly falling, but Jeremy catches him just in time.

"Madin, are you okay?" Jeremy asks, concern clear in his voice.

"I'm fine," Madin replies quickly, steadying himself.

"It's good to see you back," Jeremy says warmly. "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Madin nods, unsure what to make of Jeremy's sudden kindness, and continues on his way.

When he enters Arthur's room, he stops in his tracks. Arthur is being dressed in knight's armor—by the same servant girl from earlier.

"There you are," Arthur says, striding over and pulling Madin inside. "I've been asking for you all morning."

He turns to the girl and dismisses her. "Thank you. You may go now."

"But the king said I—" she begins, only to be cut off.

"Not now," Arthur says firmly.

The girl glares at Madin as she leaves, shutting the door behind her.

"What's going on?" Madin asks as soon as they're alone.

"Nothing much," Arthur says evasively. "How did you sleep?"

Madin's patience wears thin. "Is there something you need me to do, or are you ready to go?"

Arthur frowns. "Did you just ignore my question?"

"I slept fine. Is there anything you need me to do?"

"Not now. Maybe tonight after training," Arthur replies.

"Okay. Let me know then," Madin says coldly, turning to leave.

Arthur grabs his arm. "You didn't even ask what I want you to do tonight," he says, his voice softer now.

"Oh I didn't know I was supposed to ask that now, so what is it?"

"Stay with me tonight," Arthur pleads.

Madin shakes his head. "That's not part of my duties."

"But it's part of being my boyfriend! Why are you acting like this?"

"Why don't you ask yourself that? That girl clearly knows something. I heard you cut her off earlier, and when I ask you about it, you say nothing. What do you expect me to feel?"

Arthur sighs, running a hand through his hair. "She's my father's personal maid now. She's the one who suggested the arrangement—the marriage alongside keeping you. My father liked her idea so much that he gave her a position of influence. And now… he wants her to be my…"

"Your wife?" Madin finishes for him, his voice void of emotion.

Arthur hesitates before nodding.

Madin's expression hardens. "Okay. Have a good day," he says, walking out before Arthur can stop him.

---

Pain and suffering have followed Madin for as long as he can remember. This, too, is just another chapter in his story.