The King and His Lover

the moment pressing down on his shoulders like a physical force. The scent of beeswax candles and fresh-

ne steady and commanding. Aldric felt a swell of admiration for his father's unwavering strength. "It is with great pleasure that I anno

etched on the faces of the assembled nobles. Their eyes sparkled with bright anticipation, their smiles wide and genuine. This was a moment of celebration

und his eyes deepened as he spoke, his voice lowered for Aldric's ears alone. "Aldric, this a

t quite reach his eyes. "Yes, Father. I understand." Th

the corridors, their arms laden with linens and flowers. The kitchens were a cacophony of clanging pots and shouted orders as the

abric felt oppressive in the warm summer air. He stared at his reflection in the ornate mirror, noting how his face seemed o

hues catching the light. Garlands of flowers-roses, lilies, and peonies-cascaded from every surface, their sweet fragr

rustle of fine fabrics and the murmur of hushed conversations followed in his wake. He took his place

was resplendent in her bridal gown, the ivory silk shimmering in the candlelight. Her dark hair was adorned with tiny white flowers, and

ut distant. He offered his hand, noting how smal

r tone equally formal. Her finge

lds apart. Aldric could feel the coolness of her skin, the tension in her grip. The of

ith pride, his eyes shining with the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Earl Maverick mirrored that sentimen

a turned to face the hall, their faces reflecting the solemnity of their uni

on," he said, embracing Aldric warmly. The familiar scent of his f

, his voice barely above a

come to the family, Crown Prince Aldric," he boomed, clapping Ald

g another smile. "Tha

utes filling the air. Dancers twirled across the polished floor, their colorful garments creating a swirling kaleidoscope. Long tables laden with food

interactions were cordial, their smiles practiced, but beneath the surface, a palpable ten

barely audible above the din. "Your Highness," she began, her eyes meeting his with a hint of vulnerab

, fragile but present. "I hope so, Lady Elara," he replied, his voice softening for

ast. The celebration spilled out into the palace courtyards, where children played games and vendors sold sweet tre

tfully rearranged, took center stage. Platters of succulent meats, colorful vegetables, and exotic fruits stretched as far as the eye could se

ation filled the air. Servants moved silently between the guests, refilling goblets and replacing empty platte

o see his father's face contort in pain, his hand clutching his chest. Blood, dark and visc

he King's side. The scrape of his chair against the stone floo

o the cacophony. Guests recoiled in horror, goblets and plates clattering to the floor. Al

raw with panic. The words tasted bitter in

inhale seemed to rattle in his chest. Aldric's mind raced, struggling to make sense of the scen

king. He could feel the warmth of his father's bloo

g's hand gripped his weakly, a final gesture of love and reassurance. His skin felt

ve the din of the panicked crowd. Each word seemed to c

e to find the words. The weight of his father's command settled on his shoulders, the

t it was too late. The King's body went limp, his final breath escaping in a

w a scene of mourning and chaos. The music had stopped, replaced by screams and

filled with a mixture of shock and sorrow. Her face was pale, her lower l

ire igniting within him, fueled by rage and a thirst for justice. "We

vier, charged with fear and uncertainty. Guests huddled in groups, their hushed whispers a c

n the kingdom. The joy of his wedding day had been violently torn away, replaced by the grim reality

st the Crown Prince; he was now the King, thrust into power in the most tragic of circumstances.

t hall. "A great tragedy has befallen us this day. But we will not be cowed b

ad been slack with shock now hardened with determination. Aldric felt a

ofter but no less determined, "I fear our union has been baptized in blood. But I swear to you, I

ightly. "We will face this together, my lord," she re

w and betrayal. But in the midst of tragedy, a new bond had been forged. Aldric and Elara stood side by si

ed out over the chaos of the hall, he knew that his reign was beginning in the most challenging of circumstances. But he would honor his