The truth finally revealing itself I

"Your Majesty? Sir Hael?" Anemone called from behind the door. 

There was a long moment of silence as Ceremus stared at Hael, his embarrassed face had since morphed into a troubled grimace. He wanted to speak and ask what he was about to do and why, but he couldn't bring himself to do so. Perhaps it was out of fear. Knowing about someone's feelings and being told about them were two separate and very different things. Once Hael admitted his feelings to him, he'd be expected to answer them. 

Unfortunately, Ceremus still wasn't ready to face the vulnerable part of himself that he had locked away. 

With a shaky sigh, the king marched towards the door, revealing a distressed-looking advisor. 

"What is it?" He asked. 

Anemone looked in surprise before shooting the man a sheepish smile. "Apologies for disturbing you two, but it looks like Mister Loki wants to see Sir Hael." He said. 

Ceremus raised his brows when he heard this. As soon as Hael heard Loki's name, he made his way towards the door, his chest accidentally pressing against Ceremus' back. The King jolted from the brief contact, startling Anemone and Hael. 

"Your Majesty, are you alright?" Anemone asked, the concern evident in his voice. 

Ceremus grew annoyed with the awkwardness of the situation. He didn't like the fact that he felt so self-conscious about Hael standing behind him. "I'm fine." He hissed as he turned to the white-haired giant. "Hurry up and tend to your bird. I would like to rest now." He said. 

Hael's gaze stayed on the man for a moment, his eyes indiscernible before nodding his head. He could tell the energy in the room had shifted and knew that the best thing to do at that moment would be to give the King the space he desired. As he was about to leave, he felt a hand pull him back. 

"You can take the day off tomorrow since I won't be needing your services," Was all he said before slamming the door in the two men's faces. 

Anemone and Hael were left standing there, completely dumbfounded. 

~*~

Hael woke up that following morning unsure of what to do. It was the first time in a while that he had a day to himself, free to do whatever he wanted. 

He had gotten used to waking up, meditating, and going to the training grounds to exercise before making his way to the king's chambers and getting his guard duties started. But now that he didn't have to guard Ceremus, he wasn't sure what to do with his free time. 

His restlessness was apparent to the white bird who had been eyeing his anxious friend for some time now. "Did something happen with the King?" He asked. 

Hael's gaze darted up before going back to his book. Thanks to Anemone's guidance, the young man was slowly getting introduced to texts that pertained to morals and ethics. Since he had some time to spare, he decided he'd put the books to use. But no matter how much he tried to read the lines written in front of him, he had trouble concentrating. 

"Why else would he give you a day off so suddenly? You guys are practically glued to the hip." He commented. 

Hael abandoned the book, no longer finding any point in reading it as he let out a frustrated sigh. 

Since he had nothing to lose in seeking advice from his wise friend, the young man began recounting the events that took place last night. Loki listened intently to his words, and once Hael was done talking, the bird stayed silent for quite some time before letting out a sigh. 

"…Hael, please answer this question as honestly as possible." The bird started to say. 

He could feel the seriousness in Loki's voice, making him feel tense all of a sudden. He sat up as he faced his friend properly before nodding his head. 

"Do you fancy the King?" 

Hael frowned. "Fancy?" It was clear he was confused by the question and so the bird changed his wording. "Do you like the king?" 

Hael didn't speak as Loki's question hung in the air. It took him a few minutes to process them. He knew he was fond of Ceremus, finding a certain kinship with the haughty king, but he didn't know how to describe the way he felt whenever he was around him. Was it like? Hael didn't know. He understood that he didn't dislike Ceremus, in fact, he felt the opposite, but for some reason, the word 'like' didn't feel right. It was too simple, too formulaic to encompass the profound sentiments he felt towards the man who took him in. 

"I don't think I like him." He finally said. 

His words surprised Loki, who expected Hael to be honest about his feelings. 

"You don't like him? Then what do you feel? Because the actions you committed last night say otherwise." The bird said. 

The young man hesitated. "…I feel infatuated?" He said as he tried to recall the emotions he felt when Maximus had asked him the same question back in the Aphthonia Forest. 

"Infatuated?" Loki repeated, his head tilted in confusion. 

Hael nodded. "It's as if my entire existence is dedicated to him. Like he was set apart for me, I wish to see him and to know him…for him to want me as much as I want him. To conquer him, consume him…. To show him how much I care. He belongs to me and I to him." 

Silence invaded the room; the only sound was Hael's heartbeat. The words the man uttered shocked the bird greatly. "Oh goodness me…" Loki managed to say. You have really done it now, goddess. 

"How would you describe these emotions?" 

Loki sighed. "What else could these feelings be you fool?! It's love! You have fallen in love with King Ceremus, and quite deeply too!" 

"…Love?" Hael repeated. "I see. So this is love." Suddenly a large goofy grin appeared on his face causing the cockatoo to flinch back. 

What is this abominable sight I'm witnessing right now? The bird thought. 

Meanwhile, Ceremus without even bothering to let Anemone know, ran towards his mother's temple, wishing to seek guidance and asylum over his clouded heart.