The art of courting II

Time seemed to stand still, the background noise fading until the only sound they could hear was each other's heartbeat.

That same jolt from their first meeting surged through them, warmth spreading through their bodies at the same time. In that moment, Hael knew—without a doubt—that Ceremus was the one. And Ceremus shared the same sentiment—albeit begrudgingly. 

The play ended and the two men quickly slipped out of the theatre without drawing any attention to themselves. It was already a shock that the King of Trojas was attending a play and they already started a commotion when they made their appearance. Ceremus didn't want to risk attracting more attention as he didn't want to have to deal with the scared and intimidated looks from his people. It always left him feeling unsettled. Unconsciously grabbing Hael's hand, he led the tow to their chariot and rode off to their next destination—this time, a fighting ring. 

Sports were an integral part of entertainment in the kingdom, with fighting pits and rings being the most popular arenas. These venues featured leveled grounds where warriors, wrestlers, and boxers competed, while terrace stands and raised platforms ensured spectators could watch safely from a distance. The King and his guard took their place on the elevated platform reserved exclusively for the monarch, awaiting the start of the match. 

Once again, Hael found himself marveling at the ingenuity of it all. Excitement sparkled in his eyes as he watched the two competitors step onto the stage, anticipation coursing through him. 

While Hael's attention was fixed on the match, Ceremus' was fixed on Hael. Unbeknownst to him, his expression softened each time Hael cheered alongside the crowd, his joy infectious. 

For the first time in a long while, Ceremus felt he had made the right choice in stepping away from his duties—if only for a night—to spend time with Hael. Strengthening their connection had been his intention, but as he watched Hael, he realized he had gained something even more precious. 

At the same time, Kaleeso watched the scene from her glass mirror, and a smile bloomed on her angelic face. She could see the darkness blocking their connection was slowly disappearing and Ceremus was starting to accept his feelings for Hael. Their bond would only get stronger from here and she couldn't be happier for the two. However, her joy was short-lived when one of her subordinates came to her quarters alerting her that there was movement in the lower realms. According to their informants, Dicaeus was planning on sending the bull of judgment soon. 

There was no time to waste anymore so she contacted Cornelia and let her know that the time had come to send the two heroes to conquer the sphinx. 

Now it was a matter of letting the King know about the problem. 

~*~

The fight ended and the two left the arena in high spirits. They'd been out for the majority of the day and had since grown hungry. The markets were open and bustling with people eager to have a taste of the delicacies presented in front of them. 

Hael eyed the selection with ravenous eyes, and Ceremus couldn't help finding the scene amusing. He took out a few coins and paid for whatever the white-haired giant wanted. Hael was like a child in a candy shop, devouring whatever he could lay his eyes on. 

The pair found a secluded pavilion to sit down and enjoy their meal. The King couldn't help finding it strange being in the presence of another man like this, not that he would go out of his way to do this with a woman. It was different in the sense that he didn't feel the need to put on a front when he was with Hael. He could just be himself without worrying about appearances or being judged. 

It was rare for the King to be so comfortable with someone else. He almost wished that the night wouldn't end, but unfortunately, reality often had a way of ruining things at times. 

"It's getting late," Hael remarked as he looked up at the sky, noticing how dark it had already gotten. The moon was now on full display, its light shining on the now dimly lit streets. 

Ceremus followed his line of sight and nodded in agreement. "Let's get going then." 

As he got up, Hael's eyes followed his every movement, taking in his appearance under the setting sky. The King truly was an ethereal being, he looked out shining the many people he'd come across this far. It was hard to believe that a man who exuded such power and dominion with everything he did could also look so wonderfully graceful and cherubic not just in countenance but with the way he carried himself. 

Case and point—the scene that unraveled before his very eyes, a group of young men who were babbling rather loudly, their chatter seized almost instantaneously the moment they sensed his tremendous aura. 

The women walking around stopped in their tracks, eyes laced with trepidation and awe. Their desires were brought to the surface, but none of them dared to step forward for fear of being smitten. 

Hael watched the effect Ceremus had on people, an array of emotions spreading across their faces, and yet, none of them held a candle to the emotions running through Hael's cerulean eyes as he stared at the man before him. 

His steps slowed for a moment as he realized how impure his thoughts had become. The longer he stared at Ceremus, the more unhinged his musings became. The man in question turned back to look at the young man who had fallen behind, and his breath hitched as he saw the expression on Hael's face. 

For the first time since they'd met, instead of the warm, charming, and innocent face he'd grown used to seeing, he was met with a dark look filled with convoluted yearning. 

Ceremus hesitated for a moment before calling his name. "Hael." His voice was low and hoarse. 

"Yes, Your Majesty." He called back, not forgetting to refer to him formally since they were still out in the public. 

"What do you wish to do right now?" He asked, his voice tense with inexplicable emotion. 

Hael's head snapped up, Ceremus' words bringing him out of his daze. He noticed the King's blank expression was now laced with urgency, confusing him. 

"I, uh," he stammered, unsure of how to answer the question. 

Ceremus didn't say anything as he waited for Hael to respond to his question. He felt pressure under his piercing gaze and could feel himself losing control with each passing moment. 

With a deep sigh, he finally spoke. "I wish to hold Your Majesty." 

Ceremus raised a brow. "Hold me?" 

Hael nodded. 

"Where?" 

The white-haired man felt himself grow nervous but despite his nervousness, he still managed to utter an answer. 

"Your hand." He finally said. 

Ceremus stared at Hael for a long time without saying anything, and his silence worried the young man. He thought that he had once again overstepped his boundaries with the King…. 

"That is all you wish to do?" He heard him ask. 

Hael's eyes widened. 'All I wish to do?' What more could I want? He thought. Just feeling the heat from his hand on my own is enough to make me feel content, anything else would be too much. 

Seeing the troubled expression on his guard's face made him sigh. "Alright then," he said as he extended his hand. 

Hael stared at the wide hands that were now in front of him. He felt warmth spread across his face but took the king's hand despite his embarrassment. 

His long fingers intertwined with Ceremus', and he felt a pleasant jolt run down his spine as he did so. 

With their hands now clasped together, the two men walked through the streets that were becoming less crowded now that night had settled in.