The truth finally revealing itself III

Despite his mouth feeling dry and desperately wishing for a cup of water to appease his thirst, Anemone knew he could not get what he wanted if he didn't answer his question first. 

"To love someone means showing them that you care, by listening to their troubles, being there for them when they need your presence, all of these are examples of love." He started to say. And as he spoke, Ceremus couldn't compare those loving acts to himself. Since they didn't apply to his situation, he believed that what he felt for Hael wasn't love until he heard the rest of what Anemone had to say. 

"…A wise man once said that the greater part of love is in the loving. The lover gets the most meaning out of love if only they learn to love in the right way. However, I believe no 'correct' way to love someone exists. As long as the person receiving your love is happy, what more can you ask for?" 

The advisor's expression softened as he said this, his mind wandering to a particular person before returning his attention to the king. "Love is a lot of things, Your Majesty. It's happiness, it's pain, it's selflessness and sacrifice. It has its good sides and bad sides. It is such a strong feeling that some people would go as far as to say that it conquers all. It comes in many forms and varying degrees, but it also remains a constant."

Ceremus frowned when he heard this. "How do you know when you've fallen in love with someone then?" 

Anemone smiled. "When you truly love someone, you just know. It isn't something you need to think so deeply about. It just is." 

Ceremus was silent for a moment before he nodded his head. "Thank you, Anemone. That will be all." 

The advisor looked up in surprise. He was filled with many questions and wondered what brought his sudden curiosity about love. However, no matter how curious, he knew better than to pry. He bowed his head before exiting the room. 

Ceremus slumped into his chair as he let out a heavy sigh. "Different types of love, huh? So the love I felt for my father isn't the same as the love I feel for Hael." 

Anemone's words resounded in his head. His cheeks took on a deep shade of red, and his mind wandered to Hael. 

"Ha. How unsightly." There was no use denying it now that everything was out in the open. But in that acceptance, there was a sense of relief, a peace that washed over him. 

He was in love with Hael, the man he was destined to be with, his chosen one. 

"Now what?" He wondered. This was his first time liking someone, and he didn't know how to proceed. "How does one court a man anyway?" 

He thought long and hard about it when an idea came to mind. 

~*~

Since Hael was free to do as he pleased, he decided to visit Anthanasia, as he hadn't seen her for a while. 

He knew she wouldn't be home at this hour, so he approached the huntsmen guild tucked away in a private section of the royal district. Since it was his first visit, Loki acted as his guide, having been there before with Anthanasia. 

The guild was a multi-story building at the heart of the area, easily accessible to the public, even without a hunting license. According to Loki, there were two entrances: one for those looking to commission lower-level jobs and another leading directly to the core of the guild hall, where all the high-ranking huntsmen worked. The second entrance was restricted; however, it was only open to those with a special seal.

Hael worried they might not get inside, even if they claimed to know someone in the guild. Just as he was wondering what to do, a guard at the entrance spotted the white bird from afar. 

Loki was hard to miss—his stunning white feathers and bright green eyes made him stand out, and the guard was sure it was the same bird he'd seen during a previous shift. 

"Is that you, Loki?" He exclaimed. His previous tired eyes were now filled with delight at the sight of him. 

Loki flapped his ivory wings and flew towards the man, landing on his finger. "It is you. It's been a long time since I've seen little one!" 

Hael watched as the guard stroked the top of Loki's head with surprise and confusion. It was rare to see the bird so open towards others, let alone another human. 

"Are you here to pay Lieutenant a visit?" He asked him as he continued to pet the bird. 

Loki nudged his head against his hand in response before turning his head to stare at Hael, who didn't know how to react to the sight before him. The guard followed his line of sight, and his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when his gaze landed on Hael. 

"T-The Ultimate Warrior?" He shouted, earning a few looks from passersby. 

Hael felt everyone's eyes on him, the whispers around him getting louder and louder as they wondered what a man like himself was doing near the guild. He furrowed his brows in response, not wanting to draw any more attention to himself despite how impossible that may be given his stature and size. 

With a troubled sigh, he approached the guard and addressed him adequately. "I'm here to pay someone a visit, if possible, " he said. 

The guard, still stunned by his presence, quickly cleared his throat as he tried to compose himself. There were now several people staring at the group, and he knew his behavior wasn't befitting of someone from the guild. The one thing that had been instilled in them since joining the guild was hospitality. If anyone wished for help, no matter their status, it was vital for them to accommodate them as much as possible. 

"Uh, yes, that shouldn't be a problem. You're here to see the Lieutenant, I presume?" 

Hael frowned. He wasn't sure who this 'Lieutenant' person was, but he assumed he was referring to Anthanasia when he mentioned her position and rank. So, he nodded his head, hoping his assumptions were correct. 

"Right, then you can feel free to enter the building. There should be someone at the front that can guide you to the huntsman's quarters. Luckily, the Lieutenant hasn't gone on a mission yet." He said. 

Loki flew back towards Hael, and the two entered the guild. Just as the guard had said, an older woman was more than happy to assist them. They made their way up a flight of stairs that led them to the quarters. As they walked along the corridor, they passed by a few huntsmen who doubled back at the sight of him. 

Huntsmen were known for their tall and bulky builds, with an average height of 6'5". Compared to Hael, who seemed to tower over them, they looked like tiny ants. He stood out without trying, especially since he was still widely known for his duel against Damas and the King. Rumors were floating around that Hael had officially become the King's guard, but very few believed it. 

Word quickly spread that the Ultimate Warrior was walking amongst them, and Anthanasia, who was preparing to head out on another mission, nearly stumbled on her feet when she heard this. 

"Is that true?" One of her colleagues whispered. 

The one next to her nodded as she strapped on her protective armor. "Yes, apparently, Horus saw him walk by as he exited. He said the man had striking white hair, which isn't uncommon. Who else could it be but him?" 

Anthanasia brusquely touched her shoulder, shocking the young woman and her companion. 

"Are you certain of this?! Where did you see him?" She exclaimed. 

The woman's eyes grew wide. "Lieutenant! Uh, I wasn't the one who saw him; that was Horus. I believe he's making his way up here as we speak." She nervously said. 

Anthanasia nodded before exiting the changing rooms. The two women, their faces a mix of surprise and curiosity, watched her retreating figure. 

The huntress didn't waste any time as she left the private sector of the building reserved only for personnel before going down the steps that led to the more familiar area open to everyone. As she made her way down, she could hear hushed voices and was able to pick up a familiar one from the small crowd. 

Standing before her was the same white-haired man the others were talking about. He was speaking to the vice-captain, Laurel, who happened to come across him as he was also making his way to the huntsmen's quarters. 

As if sensing her presence, the young man looked up, and his blue eyes locked with hers. Anthanasia noticed the soft crinkle at the corner of his eyes and the light glimmer of delight as he saw her. Though the rest of his face remained neutral, she could tell he was glad to see her, and she shared the same feelings. 

"Hael!" She called as she ran towards them.

She didn't hesitate to jump in his arms as she'd always done, making Laurel's eyes widen with shock, her mouth slightly agape.