Chapter 23: Didn't I say I don't want you anymore.

As Ira's grip on Hylos tightened, Hylos let out a cry of pleasure and pushed Ira away, turning to the side with a hint of shame and a flushed face.

"Stop this, have you forgotten what I said when you saved me in the desert? I said I don't need you anymore," Hylos' voice was cold and detached, with a hint of bitterness.

Ira was taken aback, as if wounded by Hylos' words. He stood up in the large bathtub, the water dripping from his body as he stared at Hylos with a mix of shock and hurt.

The air was thick with tension as the two men locked eyes, the only sound the gentle lapping of the water against the bathtub. Ira's chest heaved with emotion, his eyes searching Hylos' face for any sign of the passion and love they had shared just moments before.

But Hylos' expression remained cold and unyielding, his eyes flashing with a hint of anger and resentment. The warmth and intimacy of the moment had been shattered, replaced by a sense of unease and uncertainty.

Ira's voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke, his words laced with emotion. "Is that really how you feel, Hylos? That you don't need me anymore?"

Hylos' gaze faltered for a moment, and Iras saw a glimmer of the passion and love they had shared. But then Hylos' expression hardened again, and he turned away, his voice cold and detached. "Yes, that's how I feel. Let's just forget this ever happened."

The two men were already dressed, with Iras leading the way and Hylos following behind, his footsteps hesitant. "Where are you taking me?" Hylos asked, his voice laced with concern. "I should be returning to the palace. They're probably searching for me, and you know I'm already the king."

Iras turned to face him, his eyes burning with intensity. "You're not going back there," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "You're going to stay with me, whether you like it or not."

Hylos' eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "What are you talking about, Iras? I have responsibilities, duties to attend to. I can't just abandon my kingdom."

Ira's face twisted into a determined grin. "You don't need to explain anything to me, Hylos. I know all about your kingdom and your duties. But I also know that you're life is in danger there. You're trapped in a life you didn't choose, and I'm offering you a way out."

Hylos' eyes searched Ira's face, looking for any sign of deception or manipulation. But all he saw was sincerity and conviction. Iras truly believed that he was offering Hylos a better life, one free from the burdens and responsibilities of the kingdom.

For a moment, Hylos wavered. He thought about the freedom and excitement that Iras was offering, the chance to leave behind the stifling protocol and tradition of the palace. But then he remembered his duties, his responsibilities to his people and his kingdom.

"Just leave me " Hylos said finally, his voice hesitant. "I don't need your help."

Ira's face fell, but he quickly recovered. "You don't need to decide now," he said. "But you do need to come with me. We'll figure everything out later."

And with that, Ira turned and walked away, leaving Hylos to follow him into an uncertain future.

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"Meanwhile "

They boarded a carriage, its wooden frame creaking softly as they set off towards the Pyramids of Giza. The camel's gentle hum and the soft jingling of its harness filled the air as they rode across the desert sands. Hylos' expression remained sullen, his eyes fixed on Iras with a mixture of anger and resentment.

Iras knew that Hylos was still upset with him, but he was determined to do whatever it took to keep Hylos safe, even if it meant going against his wishes. As they rode along, Iras couldn't help but steal glances at Hylos, who was sitting beside him, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

Despite the tension between them, Iras was determined to protect Hylos from those who sought to harm him. He knew that Hylos was still in danger, and that he had to do everything in his power to keep him safe. The Pyramids of Giza loomed in the distance, their majestic peaks reaching for the sky, and Iras knew that he would do everything in his power to keep Hylos safe.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the desert sands, Iras leaned back and pulled Hylos close, holding him in a gentle embrace. Hylos didn't resist, but he didn't relax into Iras' arms either, his body remaining stiff and unyielding.

Iras didn't mind. He was just happy to have Hylos by his side, safe and sound. He knew that it would take time for Hylos to forgive him, but he was willing to wait, to do whatever it took to regain his trust. The carriage rode on, the camel's gentle hum and the soft jingling of its harness filling the air, as Iras held Hylos close, determined to keep him safe from harm.