Chapter 155:
I Love You
The air grew still around them, and the calm, happy expression on Silas's face fell flat, until he could not hold back his shock and anger at the shocking proposal from Eva. Standing outside in the space, the sound of the river trailing down the path, the rustling of falling leaves dancing on the surface of the water, echoed loudly in the quiet space.
"What?" Lost for words, Silas could only ask again. "Why? Why bring him to the palace? After all that's happened, why should we go back there!?"
"She wants us to bring him back to the palace once the rebels clear the palace. It says that her group will be there at that time." Maeir sighed, holding the letter in her tightly clenched hand. "And that Clarence's presence is necessary for the kingdom."
Swallowing the feeling of unease trailing inside him, Silas said, "This all could be a trap, though. The palace has been cleared already, why do they need Clarence?"
Still holding the letter in her hand, Maeir thought to herself as she said, "Eva doesn't know we have the royal family here with us. She only knows about Clarence. There's a chance that she'll either use him as a hostage to lead the nobles to her side, or she'll use him to stabilize the kingdom by winning over the commoners." She paused, staring at the letter again before she said, "The Yursineans thought well of the royal family's lineage. It would be to her best advantage to win over as many people as she could. Killing Clarence wouldn't be advantageous to her or the rebels as a whole."
"But what if the nobles refuse to comply? They previously sided with Malcolm. If Clarence were to return to the throne, how would Eva possibly give him enough power to make the nobles agree?" Silas asked, shaking his head. "Is that why she wants Clarence?"
"Eva's more than talented enough to do that herself. Money can do wonders afterall during a war. Stabilizing the kingdom and preventing another uproar will be the first thing on everyone's list now that the rebels have won." Maeir replied, "They may want to bring Clarence back to do exactly that."
Feeling the color drain from his face, Silas could only say in response, "As much as Eva's helped us, we can't trust her. I'm afraid something will happen."
"I know." Maeir eyed her son's rapidly changing expressions as he thought to himself, his shock and anger alternating rapidly on his face. "What do you want to do, Silas?"
Silas stared forward, his gaze falling forward as he suddenly asked. "My opinion isn't important. It's what Clarence th-"
"Silas-" Maeir interrupted, stopping her son in his tracks. "I don't have to ask Clarence to know what he will want to do. That's why I'm asking you."
Uttering an awkward laugh, Silas looked puzzled, "Mom, I don't understand."
The expression on Maeir's face could only fall as she let out a deep sigh, raking her fingers through her hair as she replied, her voice low. "I think it would be best if you spoke to Clarence about this first. You'll understand what I mean later… Let me go talk to the rest of the group about the palace first. You can talk to Clarence about the rest in private."
"Mom-" Before her son could refute her words, Maeir walked away, her expression heavy as she began to walk back to the cabin, sure of her son's decision before he could say it aloud.
There was only a short window of hesitation before Silas made the decision to follow his mother back into the cabin, where she would bring the bad news to the group. While Maeir and Silas had a home to return to, it was now obvious the queen and her two children had lost what little they had left in the kingdom, much like the elves had ten years prior.
After the group was gathered, the room was silent as Maeir read the letter aloud, avoiding the portion of Eva requesting Clarence be sent to the palace. The group could only bear so much negativity, and Maeir did her best to keep the news direct and succinct.
"No, this can't be happening-" After hearing the news of the collapse of the palace, Queen Racliffe was reduced to tears, sobbing into the arms of her two children. Eloise, while not understanding the full gravity of the situation, cried with her mom, sobbing aloud with her. On the other hand, Julian could only hug them, tears pooling in his own eyes as he attempted to appear brave as he stepped back, turning to look at his older brother, who appeared nearly as calm as before the news.
"Julian, it's okay." Clarence slowly approached his brother and brought him in for a hug, patting the top of his brother's head in a calming fashion as he spoke in a soft tone. "Everything's going to be fine." Hugging his brother, even Julian began to cry aloud, filling the room with a heavy trace of melancholy, grief, and loss.
The old man, sitting at the table with his cane by his leg, appeared to be distressed, watching the beloved monarch cry so somberly, but he could only wipe his own eyes with his handkerchief, his eyes reddened as he spoke in a wispy tone, "After so many years… the royal palace has fallen." The weight of the room was enough to make everyone feel some trace of depression, including Silas and Maeir, who had well-since been oppressed by the palace.
There were no winners in the war, only losses upon losses of human life and dignity. With the elves having been forced out of their own villages, having lived on the land for hundreds of years, Maeir felt some karma had come through to Queen Racliffe, who had supported and encouraged the attack on the elves during their mass exodus.
"Silas, I think I hear Niran outside. Can you and Clarence keep her company for a minute while the rest of us talk here?" Maeir said as the sound of footsteps approached the door.
"Are you alright now, Julian?" Clarence asked as he looked over to Silas, who looked worried for Julian.
Julian, hugging brother, quickly stepped back as he attempted to appear brave, wiping the snot and tears from his face with a handkerchief. "I-I'm fine. Y-you go and help outside."
With Silas by his side, Clarence took the hint from Maeir and left the small home, gently closing the door behind them as they faced Niran directly, who appeared more than ready to play. The sounds from inside the cabin fell quiet as the door closed, hiding the situation inside from the young elven child.
"Hi Niran. The others are a little busy, so why don't we play outside for a little bit?" Silas said, bending at the knees to face Niran, who smiled as he spoke.
Hearing she could play with Silas and Clarence, Niran was more than happy to oblige. "I get to play with you now!" Niran said, giggling aloud as she reached out, grabbing their hands with a light squeeze. "Come see my secret hideout!"
Niran kept the two men on their feet, burning away any lingering fatigue and grief that lingered on their figures. They played a variety of physical games, including hide and seek, but soon the two men were too tired to keep up with the young girl. Niran, bored of the other games, dragged the two men to a small space just under a tree by the river, a basket of tea toys on the blanket resting lonely, as if they had been placed there long before.
"What game is this, Niran?" Silas asked, catching his breath.
"This is my family tea party! We're going to sit and drink lots of delicious tea! You two sit here, and I'll pour you some tea!" Niran's energy was unmatched as the two were directed to sit next to each other. Pink tea cups were placed in their hands and filled with imaginary tea, and the two were made to blow on their cups until it was cool enough to drink.
"We're a family now. I'm the mommy, and you're the daddy." Niran pointed to Silas after she pointed to herself, her expression smug as she stared at Clarence and said, "You can be the butler!"
Staring at the prince's startled expression, Silas laughed, holding a tiny, ceramic pink tea cup in his hand as he laughed, nearly bringing tears to his eyes as Niran dictated the game to Clarence, who appeared all but pleased to be given such a low role.
"I should be the other husband." Clarence muttered under his breath as the two continued to play with Niran, enjoying the time of peace and calm as they allowed their minds to escape the difficult topics and return to easier times.
Unaware of the difficult conversation that was being had inside, the day passed quickly, and while the group had recovered somewhat from the poor news, there were still other topics to be addressed. Finally, after Silas grew the courage to discuss the rest of the letter with Clarence, he found himself nearly in over his head.
…
A day had passed before Silas could bring himself to discuss the journey back to the palace. He was well aware, as was Maeir, they were the only two that could lead Clarence back safely, but it could also risk their own lives again. As much as he wanted to return to the Faelfier Kingdom, to his home, he refused to leave the prince without some closure, without knowing the other man was safe.
Rather than an obligation, Silas felt something pulling at his heart at the thought of leaving Clarence by himself. A deep, unknown desire began to rear itself deep in his thoughts, making him unable to sleep, even as the prince nearly fell asleep beside him in the loft of the barn, his arms wrapped around him naturally, as they had done for the past month.
The moon was hanging high in the sky, lighting the space between the two with a warm white light, fading the edges of the light with a hint of melancholy.
"Earlier, we received a letter from Eva's group, the one about the palace being taken over." Silas began, closing his eyes as he broached the difficult topic. "There was something I didn't want to bring up in front of your family earlier."
The prince nearly sat up, but he controlled himself as he turned his head, facing Silas as he retracted his arms naturally. "What was it?"
The room grew silent as Silas collected his thoughts, his mouth running dry at the numerous times he had run through the thought before. "It's about Eva. She wants you."
Clarence raised a brow, "Wants me? For what?"
"She wants you-" Silas paused again, the stress of what he had to say nearly driving him mad as he bit back his anxiety and spoke aloud. "Dammit. She wants you back at the palace, Clarence!" Silas yelled louder than he intended in the quiet night, sounding like a harsh whisper in the quiet area. Listening to the echo of his words, Silas turned to the side, unable to face the prince.
"She wants me to come back to the palace now that the rebels have taken over." Clarence repeated dryly, his mind vaguely remembering Eva's face as he mulled over what Silas had to say. "
Listening carefully, Silas chimed in, "What do you want to do, Clarence? Do you want to stay here… or return to the palace?"
Hearing Silas's voice grow faint, Clarence turned his head, his blue eyes catching Silas's gaze as he turned his head to face the prince, making them face each other, only a short distance separating them. "What do you think?"
Feeling slightly annoyed by his non-committal answer, Silas repeated himself, "We can stay or go, Clarence." Weighing their options, Silas spoke with their families in mind first, unsure what approach would be best. "She knows where we are, where our families are. I'm afraid she'll try to harm them, but the choice is yours, Clarence. If you go back, Maeir and I already discussed it… we'll escort you there."
"I'd like that." The thought of Silas protecting him made his chest feel warm. "If I can go back to the palace with you, I'll do it."
If I stay, Silas will go back to the Faelfier Kingdom and leave me here. I won't let him leave without me, not without keeping him by my side. Even if it makes me selfish, Silas can't leave me. Clarence thought, smiling as he watched Silas's expression shift, the older man's pointed ears growing visibly hot. The temptation to touch them was strong, but he kept his hands by his side, unwilling to be greedy.
"What?" Silas turned away, feeling his face flush as his words faded.
"I'll go back to the palace, but only if you want me to." Clarence answered with a teasing smile, his smile like a small crescent moon in the night.
Silas's head quickly turned to face Clarence once again, his neck nearly snapping as he shot out, "Stop joking around, Clarence, this is your life-"
"Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it." Clarence spoke directly, the weight of his gaze persistent as he stared at Silas fixedly, as if wanting to hold him there with him at that very moment. "Because I trust you."
Silas, laying next to Clarence, felt his heart speed up following Clarence's words. He turned to face Clarence with a hint of impatience. "This isn't about what I think, Clarence, it's about whether you return to the palace or not. I don't know if we can even trust Eva to keep you alive!"
Clarence smiled, "But I can trust you to keep me alive."
"Clarence-" Silas spat, his face growing more irritated.
"Because I trust you wholeheartedly, Silas. Whatever you want to do, I'll do it."
The room was filled with the sound of the rustling wind, but the sound of their hearts was explosive. Silas's face was beaming red, his eyes flushed with a moisture that made him appear vulnerable under the dim moonlight. He looked at Clarence with shock, surprise, and a trace of relief, as if his own thoughts had been reciprocated by the prince's words.
He's so cute. I just want to wrap him in my arms and hold him there forever. Maybe, just this once, he'll let me. The trace of control Clarence was holding was growing thin, but just this once, he felt that he and Silas had grown closer. Just this once, he wanted to try something he had never done before.
There was the sound of movement, and the hay bed shifted under the pair as Clarence moved closer to Silas, climbing over him with fast, adept movements. Straddling Silas's figure with the other man laying flat on his back, Clarence's thighs rested to the sides of Silas's hips, looming over Silas like a dark shadow. However, even in the dim light, Silas could still make out the prince's expression, his face nearly flat, almost fixated on something he could not quite yet understand.
"Clarence, what are you doing?" Silas said with a hint of panic, nearly anticipating the man to lift his hands and strangle his neck until his face grew purple. The words the prince spoke earlier, however, gave him a much different impression, and soon, Silas's thoughts shifted in another direction as he stared up at the prince, his expression mixed.
Clarence's hands were suddenly resting next to the sides of Silas's head, his breath nearly falling on Silas's face as he spoke, looking down at the short distance separating the two. His eyes were bright, even in the dim light, and shone like flecks of stars in the midsummer night. The once threatening chill and fog of depression in his lens had faded, showing a fragrant determination and affection that felt nearly lost on Silas as he stared up at the prince with confusion.
"Silas," Clarence's voice was raspy, dripping with heated emotions as the warm whisper danced beside Silas's ear, making his face flush. With his hands cupping the pillow beneath Silas's head, Clarence drew closer, until their chests touched, and their lips were pressed together, causing the room to fall silent. Their hearts were thudding, nearly beating as one. "I love you."
The kiss fell upon Silas lips suddenly, nearly startling him still as he stared at Clarence with wide eyes, unable to hide his shock. His nails dug into the blanket, but he did not push the prince away, finding himself falling still under the pressure of the kiss.
…
Within the month that had passed, the Yursear Kingdom began to take on its own changes. Without the law and order of the palace guard, some positive changes came to the city, including the disappearances of the haughty nobles that wandered the towns, taunting the commoners. Without the palace's support, the nobles hid, accumulating their wealth the best they could at their estates as many attempted to flee the kingdom entirely, much like the elves they had killed. The weak nobles could only stay in their territories, keeping their heads low to avoid unfortunate outcomes for their families.
With the exiting of nobles, merchants continued to grow, selling their wares to the incoming soldiers and rebels freely without the worry of palace oversight and taxation. Eva's soldiers maintained their supply, and soon, the past merchant trails began to see a resurgence, allowing even the smallest of merchants to profit out of the palace's sudden demise.
Not far from the Yursinean capital lay a bustling town, while smaller in size, offered a diverse array of nobles and common folk alike. The town was busy enough to allow someone to hide effectively, particularly those whose goal was to disappear. The cover of palace guards was quickly erased due to the looming war, and the people were determined to keep the town safe, taking it upon themselves to keep the town the same as it was during the war.
One store in particular, a store full of women's clothing. The store itself, while appearing demure on the outside, had a full interior, dressed inside with expensive-looking fabrics and other items. With the lace curtains half-pulled shut on the main area of the establishment, it appeared nearly empty, shooing away most potential customers, but the people inside the establishment paid no mind.
Two women sat at a table in one of the downstairs rooms to the back, their hands both clenching the sides of a neatly written letter they had received only moments ago, tightly packed with words dictating the situation from the palace in detail. The two pairs of eyes were so focused on the paper in front of them, they were surprised by the loud sound of tapping on the wooden table they sat at, seeing a figure suddenly appear from the front area like a ghost.
"Theo, you scared us!" Philomena spat out, twisting her lips into a pout as she turned the paper towards him in the corner, attempting to not disrupt Charlotte's reading as much as she could. "Look at this! The rebels have already taken over the palace. Can you believe it? The Yursinean palace!"
"Hm." Theo leaned over Philomena's shoulder, reading over the paper as he let out a sarcastic snort. "Serves them right. Now those elves that they despised are running the palace. The king must be turning over in his grave about now." Theo rolled his eyes stepping away as he said, "Philomena, that letter you asked me to send was received. Getting a response would be too risky, but we did the best we could with the current situation."
"Thank you so much, Theo. Just sending the letter was enough…" As is spurred by a sudden thought, Philomena turned to ask Charlotte, "What about your family, Charlotte? I'm sure they must be worried about you." Philomena said with a frown. Theo had already helped her contact her family, using couriers and merchants that were well-traveled, allowing them direct access to Maarit Country to deliver the letter. While Philomena could not receive a letter in response, she found solace knowing her family knew she was safe. "Have you tried to contact them?"
"No." Charlotte frowned, looking down at her hands with a trace of melancholy as she replied, "With the current state of the Yursear palace, I wouldn't be surprised if they assumed I'm dead."
"Charlotte-" Philomena began, but Charlotte stopped her by abruptly changing the subject.
"In truth, things have worked out as I wanted, Philomena. I'm clothed, fed, and safe." With her thoughts shifting, Charlotte shifted the topic again as she asked Theo, "By the way, where's Alywin? I'm sure he would want to hear this too."
Theo's lips were flat, his expression mixed as he looked outside of the familiar shop with an unreadable gaze. "Alywin's upstairs on the roof. He's worried about Clarence."
"Ah," Charlotte sat forward, her expression flat, "In my experience, Clarence is like a cockroach. He'll be fine if those elves are still helping him." While she did not have many pleasant thoughts left for Clarence due to his sudden abandonment of her and their marriage, Charlotte could only hope for the best for the man was her husband only in name.
I wonder what would have happened if Malcolm never took over the palace. Would things have stayed the same as before? Would I have wanted that? Charlotte thought to herself, her expression still as pensive as Theo's as she sipped at her tea.
While the three fell quiet, the abrupt sound of the store door bell ringing brought them back to the present. "Didn't you place up the closed sign?" Charlotte turned to face Theo, distinctly remembering the store was closed this early in the morning.
Theo nodded, "I did."
The group grew silent, staring in the direction of the door. Without a word, Charlotte's knight moved from the side of the room and began to walk towards the door, no longer dressed in his armor. Without the helmet and other embellishments, Basch appeared like a larger than average man, but his distinct facial features were enough to make him handsome. Wearing the light clothes, he walked to the front of the store through the narrow doorway as the trio stood back, waiting for anything to come forward.
"I'll go upstairs and get Alywin. Stay here." Theo whispered, moving quickly towards the upstairs as he disappeared up the covered stairwell, making no sound as he hurried to find Alywin.
The front of the store was deafeningly quiet, but after a moment, there was the sound of someone speaking animatedly to Basch. Philomena wanted to stand up and see who he was talking to, however they both froze as the footsteps approached the room they were hiding in.
As the pair hurried to the side of the room, hoping to avoid being seen by the stranger before Basch could stop them, the familiar voice that rang out from the room made them stop, their eyes wide in surprise.
…
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I might be late, but I have the chapter done on the right day ;u; Apologies, all. Hunny, Luvly, and I are back from Youmacon after hosting 3 panels about Japanese culture. It was a lot of work and super exhausting, but it was worth the lovely cosplay photos and fun. The con controversies, however, make me not want to return next year ahaha
I feel a little bad jumping topics around this chapter, but I think the kiss, though, was better timed than I could imagine for Clare. He's young and impulsive, and I like that about him. Seeing Silas being so open about his emotions made me feel warm and fuzzy inside too >y< Hope y'all got what you wanted.
Again, sorry... my health is struggling atm, so I apologies for any unspoken delays. I'd rather skip and get back to it than announce every time my health is struggling. I really appreciate y'all reaching out to me to tell me how much you enjoy YMtK (especially y'all learning English... literal mood). It helps keep me motivated!
See you all hopefully soon. I'll keep working hard to stay on schedule with the approaching holidays (I get time off work soon~~)! ありがとうね.