[BL] Rules Of Desire: His Majesty's Secret-Chapter 45 - 43: The Path Ahead

Both men stiffened instantly.

The pleasure that filled the room moments ago was shattered by the chill that swept in behind that whisper.

Kaelith’s eyes widened, his lips still parted from Hale’s mouth.

Hale swallowed and said, Do you understand now... why I didn’t want you to check outside?

Kaelith nodded slowly, breath caught.

If that scream had been meant for everyone, Hale continued, the guards would’ve responded. But it didn’t echo, it stayed close. It came here. That means whatever it was... it was meant for no good.

Kaelith said nothing for a long second.

Then he leaned forward again, kissed Hale deeply, and whispered, "Thank you."

The morning arrived in Zarethrone not with peace, but with a strange, aching quiet. The warmth of dawn did little to calm the unrest settling across the kingdom. And as sunlight poured over the rooftops, it illuminated more than just cobbled streets and silent towers, it revealed the aftermath of the night.

The spell had lifted.

The burning desire that once swept through the hearts and bodies of the people was gone. Just like that. The fog of need, the fever of touch, the madness that turned shadows into lovers and silence into moans, had vanished as if the wind had stolen it away. Yet no one woke relieved.

Instead, they woke emptied.

People stepped out of their homes dazed, shaken. Their bodies ached in strange ways, some bearing the marks of hands they could not remember. Others wept in private corners, shame curling into their skin. But the worst of it came with the screams that rose with the light.

Bodies had been found.

Five in total. Each one lying cold in a different quarter of Zarethrone.

One near the market square a merchant boy barely fifteen, lips curled in a twisted grin as if he’d died laughing.

Another in the Temple Courtyard, arms reaching toward the heavens, eyes wide open in fear.

A pair lovers, or perhaps strangers drawn together under the spell, found behind the bathhouse, their bodies tangled, lifeless, still joined.

And the fifth... by the palace gates. A royal page, one Kaelith had passed countless times. His throat slashed. His shadow pointing in the wrong direction.

The kingdom stirred in chaos.

Crowds gathered. Whispers turned to shouts. The name Whisperer began passing from mouth to mouth like a curse, or a prayer. No one knew what it meant but everyone knew it was no longer just a myth.

Inside the royal quarters, Kaelith stirred from sleep.

The heat of the night still clung to his body, but it was the noise outside that finally pulled him from slumber. He blinked against the light, then sat up slowly, turning toward the window. The moment his eyes caught the movement in the streets, the shouting beyond the palace walls, he stilled.

"Hale," he said, voice urgent.

The servant groaned slightly, half-asleep.

Kaelith stood, walking to the window, pushing the heavy drape aside. His heart sank at the sight. Hale, wake up. I need to go to the King. Now. We might have to leave before nightfall.

That snapped Hale into motion.

He threw the sheets aside and quickly rose, pulling on his robes. While Kaelith stared out the window, Hale busied himself arranging the room, folding Kaelith’s night clothes, cleaning the tray that had held their evening drink, brushing Kaelith’s tunic smooth with efficient hands.

Then came a knock.

Both froze.

Kaelith turned. "Who is it?"

"Elion."

Kaelith stepped forward, only to find the door wouldn’t open.

He turned toward Hale, one brow raised.

Hale cleared his throat awkwardly. Your Highness... I locked the door this morning. When I came in. I was afraid the Whisperer might follow me in.

Kaelith gave him a long, incredulous look.

Are you daft, Hale? You think locking a wooden door will stop the Whisperer? He doesn’t need to walk in through the door.

Hale opened his mouth to reply, but Kaelith cut him off, exasperated. Just shut your mouth and open the door.

Hale moved quickly, unlocking the latch.

As he reached the handle, Kaelith stopped him with a gentle touch and whispered, "I’m sorry."

Then, softer, he pressed a quick kiss to Hale’s forehead.

When the door opened, Elion stepped in, his armor polished but his face tired.

He didn’t bow.

Instead, he stared straight at Kaelith, tone sharp. Your Highness, I’ve never liked your servant much... but this time, he was right.

Kaelith’s brows drew together.

The Whisperer could be anyone a shadow, a voice, even a person you know. None of us truly understand its nature yet. So instead of scolding Hale, maybe you should appreciate him. He’s watching your back while the kingdom loses its mind.

Kaelith said nothing. He turned slightly, glancing at Hale, then back to Elion. "Why are you here?"

"The King summoned you. Not to the throne room. To his private chamber."

"His chamber?" Kaelith echoed.

"Yes. So if you’re done with your... servant, get ready. The King waits."

Elion turned without another word and walked out.

Kaelith stood still for a beat, then turned to Hale, who was now folding a sash.

"I was harsh."

But Hale waved it off. I understand. I’m just glad you played along. He didn’t notice anything.

Kaelith nodded slowly. Then he exhaled. I need to go.

I’ll prepare your cloak.

Moments later, both stepped into the hallway. The palace had changed. Guards moved with unease. Servants whispered in corners. Fear had returned to Zarethrone.

And Kaelith knew...

The real war hadn’t even begun.

Kaelith moved through the palace with long, sure strides, Hale trailing close behind him. The deeper they went into the heart of the fortress, the quieter it became. As they approached the King’s private chambers, guards stepped aside without a word.

He was expected.

The moment Kaelith entered, he saw his father already dressed in his royal robe, a map rolled out before him and several documents stacked on the table. King Aldric looked older this morning, not from age, but from wear.

The King glanced up. "You’re here. Good."

Kaelith bowed his head. "Your Majesty."

King Aldric motioned him forward. Come. We need to speak quickly.

Kaelith approached and stood across from him. Hale stayed just beyond the doorway, quiet.

"Five are dead," the King said, without ceremony. Others are traumatized, shamed, or unresponsive. Some of our own guards are broken. The temple priest is calling it divine punishment. Others say it is the Whisperer’s curse.

Kaelith remained silent, letting his father speak.

Then he said I saw it myself. One of the dead boys at the gate. I knew him. Loyal. Clean. Good blood. His shadow was reversed.

That is not the work of a man.

Kaelith nodded slowly. I believe it was the Whisperer. And I think it was only the beginning.

A silence passed.

Kaelith spoke again, his voice calm but resolute.

"We’ll begin preparations to leave soon, Father. Peace and freedom must return to the kingdom as quickly as possible."

The King looked at his son, seeing the strength in his eyes, the same strength Aldric once had in his youth. For a moment, he said nothing. Then, quietly, with pride in his voice, he responded:

"I won’t stop you. Go now, and prepare yourself."

Kaelith gathered Elion, Lysaro, Hale, and the two knights assigned by the King. They stood in a quiet chamber, the tension in the air unmistakable.

"We leave in two hours," Kaelith told them, his voice firm. "Make your final preparations. Travel light. Stay alert."

Without hesitation, the knights saluted, and Elion and Lysaro nodded in understanding. Hale moved beside Kaelith, quiet but focused. Outside, guards were already moving, loading provisions, saddling horses, and preparing the House for their departure.

But before they left, Kaelith made one final appearance before the people.

He stepped onto the palace balcony, his eyes sweeping over the crowd that had gathered in fear and confusion. Silence fell as his voice rose above them.

"People of Zarethrone," Kaelith began, I know many of you are frightened. I see it in your eyes. What happened last night... what we all felt... we do not yet understand it. The truth still hides in shadow. But know this, we are seeking answers, and this will be solved.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"I beg you, for your own safety listen to the warnings that have already been given. Do not walk the streets after nightfall. Do not answer voices in the dark. Do not open your doors if you hear whispers at midnight. Some of those who died... they did so because they ignored these signs.

He paused, letting the words settle.

The peace of our kingdom will return. Until then, take care of yourselves. Protect your families. Obey the warnings. Help each other. Zarethrone stands together, even in darkness.

With that, he stepped back. The guards began to dismiss the gathering, and slowly, the people returned to their homes, hushed but moved by his words.

From one of the highest balconies, King Aldric stood watching his son.

And for the first time in many years, a quiet pride shone in the King’s eyes.

As Kaelith and Hale walked side by side through the palace corridor, heading toward the stables, a voice called out from behind them.

Your Highness...

It was Nigel. He ran up quickly, a little breathless, stopping just before Kaelith. He bowed, then looked up with wide, determined eyes.

I overheard people talking... about you heading south, Nigel said. I don’t know the details, but, if there’s a chance you’ll need help, I’d like to come with you. I can be useful.

Kaelith paused. He glanced at Hale, then turned his eyes back to Nigel. His voice was kind, but firm.

The plan is already set, Nigel. And the road ahead is dangerous, too dangerous. I can’t drag you into it.

Nigel lowered his head slowly.

"I understand," he said, quietly.

Stay in Zarethrone, Kaelith added, gently. And stay safe.

Nigel nodded, bowed once more, and stepped back into the shadows of the hallway.

Kaelith watched him go, then continued walking beside Hale.

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