The sulking king

A few days passed after the incident, and Hael couldn't help but feel the chill in the air, a stark contrast to the warmth he was used to from the king.

 Usually, they would spend the mornings chatting before Hael had to start carrying out his duties, accompanying the King to his meetings, keeping watch over him as he worked, and going on outings when he felt stifled inside. Despite his busy schedule, Ceremus always allowed Hael to have the freedom to do as he liked during the day, and Hael liked to spend his time in the training grounds where he would spar with Atilla, and they would each teach each other a couple of things. But now, Ceremus refused to let Hael out of sight, insisting he must always be by his side. 

The white-haired man wouldn't have a problem with this since he liked being in Ceremus' company. The problem was that they never actually spoke to each other. The King acted as if he wasn't there, which deeply upset and confused Hael. 

Not only did he notice the distance, but Loki and Anemone also noticed it. "Did something happen between you two?" The advisor asked while the king was away. 

Hael shook his head. "No, I don't think so. We were getting along quite well a few days ago. He suddenly stopped talking to me. I'm not sure why." He said dejectedly. 

Anemone frowned. "There must've been something that happened between now and a few days ago that would cause the King to be upset." 

Hael thought about it but couldn't recall an incident in which he might've upset the King. Loki, who was perched on his shoulder, shook his head almost exasperatingly. "It's because of that human…Anthanasia," he corrected himself. "I don't think he liked it when you went off with her, " he said. 

Hael's eyes widened while Anemone looked between him and the bird. He found it strange that they always seemed to be able to communicate and understand each other. 

"I see. So that's the reason." He mumbled. 

"It's good that you found your answer," Anemone said urgently as he heard the king making his return. "I suggest that you rectify whatever problem it is and quickly. He has been in a rather foul mood lately, and it's starting to affect the people in the palace greatly." 

Yesterday, he nearly flogged a man to death for merely suggesting the king try a brand-new blend of spices. 

Hael nodded, his determination set. He decided he'd devise a way to liven the king up once again, no matter what it took. 

That night, Hael, the trusted guard to King Ceremus, knocked on his door. Luckily, the King was still awake. Ceremus looked surprised when he saw the tall, white-haired man standing behind his door so late at night. Ceremus was usually the one who took the initiative, so it was quite a shock to see Hael taking the plunge first. 

"What is it?" He asked languidly. 

Despite his disinterested tone, his eyes were burning with curiosity and something Hael couldn't quite place. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Ceremus, but I was wondering if you are free now?" Hael asked. 

Ceremus raised an eyebrow. "Why?" 

"I was thinking of going on a midnight hunt tonight and hoping you'd like to join me." 

"A midnight hunt?" 

Hael nodded. Midnight hunts were a popular activity usually reserved for younger hunters who liked to use the cover of darkness as an opportunity to hunt the rare sea elk found at the border of the river. They were called sea elks due to the color of their pelts—a beautiful midnight blue that closely resembled the color of the sea at night. Though it was under the guise of hunting rare creatures, it was a popular activity young couples liked to partake in, thanks to the beautiful scenery by the river. 

Ceremus wasn't sure if Hael was even aware that midnight hunting was something only couples partook in. Of course, there were a few exceptions, such as himself, who liked to hunt at night because of the solitude that particular time of the day provided him, but it was still a strange spot to go to in the company of another man. 

Seeing the innocent look on Hael's face, Ceremus could tell that he was unaware of this fact. He pursed his lips as he contemplated whether or not to accept his invitation. He was still rather cross with the young man for the incident a few days ago. Leaving him by his lonesome to be in the company of a woman. However, he couldn't understand why that particular situation had unnerved him. His inner turmoil was palpable, a mix of anger, confusion, and a strange sense of vulnerability. 

With a deep sigh, he nodded, agreeing to his proposition. The young man's face lit up like a sky filled with bright and shining stars. Ceremus felt his heart leap into his chest at the sight. 

Ignoring the strange sensation, a mix of excitement and unease, he put on his robe, and the two men walked out of the palace without drawing any attention to themselves. The night wind blew through the air as they walked towards the infamous river in comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts. 

Hael could feel himself getting excited at the thought of hunting with Ceremus. He sincerely hoped that the thrill of the hunt would help and liven up the King's mood. Since they two were similar in many ways, he knew that being active and getting to move your body was something Ceremus enjoyed. His hope was not just for a successful hunt, but also for a brighter mood for the King. 

Ceremus, on the other hand, had other thoughts. This wasn't the first time he'd gone out at night, but he felt different from when he was alone. Instead of feeling empty and melancholic, he felt oddly filled just by having someone by his side. Of course, he wasn't mad at the chance of shedding a little blood and feeling the thrill of the hunt, but he knew the reason for the heavy beating of his heart was walking right next to him. 

Once they arrived at the border of the river, they didn't see the prey they were looking for. Ceremus signaled with his eyes that the two would hide behind the boulder and await until midnight when the elks would come out. 

They were notorious for being cautious and only came out when they couldn't sense human presence. 

The two men waited three minutes when they heard the sounds of hooves walking against sand. Hael peered behind the boulder and was amazed at the creatures slowly approaching the river. There was an entire horde of them, enough to fill a whole beach. 

They were as beautiful as Ceremus had described them, their majestic and eye-catching fur. Hael was in a daze, unable to take his eyes away from them. Ceremus had to nudge Hael to get him out of his trance. 

"We should start hunting them now to bring at least one back." He said. 

Hael shot him a confused glance, which made Ceremus shake his head. 

"If you're going out to hunt something, you should at least research them beforehand." He reprimanded. 

Hael shot the man with a sheepish smile. 

"Sea elks are known for their speed. They can run up to 80 kilometers per hour. Normal humans can only hunt them because their senses are dull in the dark. It's easy to sneak behind them, but once you are seen, it's over." He explained. 

Hael nodded his head. Excitedness rushed through his body at the thought of capturing such an amazing creature. 

"I suggest concealing your presence as much as possible. Should be easy for you to do if you use some of your divine powers." He said.

Hael closed his eyes as he concentrated on closing off his divine nodes. Ceremus could no longer sense his presence. The King smiled, impressed by his mastery of his powers. It took him a while to hide his presence completely. 

The two were now ready to start hunting. 

Hael and Ceremus sneaked behind the elks with their stealth and agility, knocking them unconscious.

They were quick on their feet, moving with great speed. It only took the two men eight minutes to take out twenty elks each.