Ch 2 - feelings

But as the days turned into weeks, Cyrus started to feel conflicted. He was growing more attracted to Tobias, and he couldn't shake the feeling that maybe he was starting to reciprocate his feelings. It made him feel guilty, knowing that he was manipulating him for his own gain.

He hated how he was feeling this for the guy who was ordered to murder him. Cyrus tried to push his feelings aside, focusing on his goal. But every time he saw Tobias, he couldn't help but feel a mix of attraction and guilt. He knew what he was doing was wrong, but he also knew that he didn't have any other choice.

He found himself looking forward to seeing Tobias, finding excuses to be near him. Every little expression he made, he found endearing. Even the way he walked seemed attractive to him now. It was a strange and confusing feeling for Cyrus. How could he be falling for someone who was willing to kill him?

As he spent more time with Tobias, he started to see him as more than just his brother's loyal knight. He saw a kind, loyal, and honourable man, someone who was fiercely loyal to Kace, but had a soft side that he reserved for just Cyrus.

Cyrus found himself getting lost in the moments they spent together. They would walk together in the gardens, talk for hours about nothing in particular, and even spar sometimes. It was during these moments that he started to see a different side of Tobias, one that was caring, protective, and surprisingly funny.

He also found himself thinking about Tobias when he was alone, imagining scenarios in which they were together, happy and in love. But sadly those scenarios would never become true. Cyrus knew deep down that he was only bringing himself pain. He could never have a real relationship. Especially with someone who was obligated to kill him.

And even if he could, he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that he was manipulating Tobias. The guilt would always be there, reminding him of the reason he started this whole flirting thing in the first place. But even though he knew it was wrong, he couldn't bring himself to stop. Not when he was this close to stopping Kace's plan.

Not when being around Tobias made him feel so alive. He decided to keep going with his plan. He couldn't let his feelings get in the way of his goal. He would just have to deal with the guilt and heartbreak later.

For now, he was going to enjoy every moment he had with Tobias, no matter how short-lived it may be.

But deep down, he couldn't help but wonder if there was a possibility that things could work out between them. Maybe, just maybe, he could convince Tobias to betray Kace and run away with him. But he knew it was a pipe dream, a foolish hope that would never come true. So he pushed that thought aside and focused on the present.

He continued his efforts to seduce Tobias, using every trick in the book to get him to fall for him. He knew it was wrong, but he couldn't stop now. As the days went by, Cyrus could see the changes in Tobias. He was becoming less focused on his duties to Kace, and more distracted by his own thoughts. Cyrus knew that he was getting to him, that his plan was working.

He also noticed how Kace started to become suspicious of their growing closeness. He would shoot them both dirty looks whenever he saw them together, and he would try to isolate Tobias from him as much as possible. Cyrus knew Kace was onto him, and he had to be careful not to let his true intentions and feelings show.

He had to keep up the act, even though it was starting to take a toll on him. But despite the risks, he couldn't bring himself to stop. Not when he was so close to achieving his goal. Not when every moment with Tobias made him feel alive in ways he never thought possible.

But every time he saw Tobias in his royal gear and armor, he was reminded of the cruel and harsh reality of his situation. He was falling for a man who would gladly take his life if his prince ordered him too. It was a painful and bittersweet feeling, knowing that the love he had for Tobias was destined to end in tragedy.

He couldn't have him, no matter how much he wanted him. He was doomed to only admire him from afar, forever longing for a love that would never be reciprocated. And yet, he couldn't bring himself to leave his side. He found himself drawn to him like a moth to a flame, unable to resist the pull of his presence. Even though he knew it was doomed, he couldn't help but cherish every moment they spent together.

Still, he couldn't help but hold on to that little bit of hope that some miracle would happen, that maybe one day they could be together. It was a vain hope, a foolishly optimistic dream, but it was the only thing keeping him going.