Soleil woke up to the night sky. He recalled everything that happened over the last few hours and then blushed. He couldn't believe that he cried in the arms of the one he crushed on. He thought about Elafi's reactions. He did not get angry nor expressed unhappiness. In fact, he seemed rather angry at the ones who hurt him and strangely protective. Soleil was willing to court the man but he was scared. What if Elafi realised that he was useless and stopped loving him ? What if he decided that he was unsuitable ?
Before his thoughts spiralled further, the door opened and in walked Elafi. Soleil looked up and smiled. "Hi." he said shyly. Elafi smiled a slow smile. He walked to Soleil and sat next to him. He pulled Soleil into his arms. "Hi. How are you feeling ?" he asked lightly running his hand up and down Soleil's back soothing him.
Soleil unused to the affection remained stiff and tense but couldn't help but relax at Elafi's touch. "Better than before." he said but their was a trace of shyness in his voice making Elafi smile. "I am glad to hear that. Would you like something to eat or drink ?" Elafi asked still in his gentle voice which relaxed Soleil making him snuggle further into Elafi's side. "I would like something light if possible." Soleil asked feeling warm, drowsy and above all safe. Elafi chuckled at how cute Soleil was acting. He signalled for a maid and asked to bring up some light food. The maid bowed and rushed to complete her duties.
Soleil just lay in Elafi's embrace. He began to run the idea of coming clean to Elafi as he felt extremely attracted to him and did not want to keep secrets. Just as he was about to talk, the maid came back with a tray which held a covered bowl, cutlery and a cloche. She put it on the table and left. Elafi propped Soleil up against the headboard and grabbed the steaming bowl.
It was filled with porridge and the cloche had eggs which was perfect. Elafi began to feed Soleil which made him feel a little spoiled but didn't object to the intimate action. The food gave him more strength and he relaxed as Elafi fed him. Soon, he polished the food off and Elafi put it all away. He gently helped Soleil lie down and was about to leave when he felt a tug on his hand. Elafi looked down to see Soleil holding onto his hand. Soleil had a look of nervousness which was close to distress. Elafi lifted his other hand and cupped Soleil's cheek. "What is wrong, darling ? Are you worried about something ?" he asked with concern. Soleil looked at him with a look of apprehension. He took a deep breath and spoke while looking at their hands. "I am in love with you, Second Young Lord Vasilias. I was hoping to court you when Heir Apparent Asteri decided to put me in Hell. I want to be with you but I am scared that you will not want me as I am broken and dirty. I understand if you hate me but please accept my feelings." Tears welled up in Soleil's eyes covering his vision. He did not notice Elafi's stricken expression. Suddenly he was pulled into a hug. He felt Elafi put his cheek on his hair. Soleil felt a wetness. His eyes flew open in shock. Elafi was crying.
He tried to get out of the grip but Elafi tightened his arms around. "Soleil, you are not worthless or broken or dirty. You are just bruised. I am honored that you wanted to court me but I will court you. I will prove that there are more wonderful people out there that care for you. I will help you in your revenge and I am more than willing to stay by your side because I have fallen for you as well." Elafi's determined voice carried out stunning Soleil. Soleil exhaled shakily and spoke " You are sure ? I don't want to be hurt again by the one I really love. I....." he was cut off by a soft pair of lips. Soleil's brain shut down. Elafi was kissing him. He felt joy and sparks fly. Soleil melted into Elafi's embrace and kissed him back. Elafi snaked his hands to the back of Soleil's head and tilted it back making the kiss deeper. Soleil moaned giving access to Elafi who started mapping out all the sweet spots. Their tongues were engaged in a battle of dominance to which Elafi dominated making Soleil melt further and hold onto Elafi's shoulders and pressing closer. They were locked until oxygen became a necessity at which point they broke apart. Elafi stared at Soleil with loving eyes which made the latter hitch his breath in awe at the determination. Soleil hugged Elafi and buried his head into the crook of his neck. Elafi nuzzled his cheek against Soleil's hair. "You are my priority. I will always be your shield and guide. Never fear." Elafi vowed.
Soleil nodded and then pulled Elafi into his bed surprising the man. "Stay...wanna....cuddle.." Soleil muttered sleepily feeling the warmth and tiredness return. Elafi smiled tenderly and got into bed. He gently pulled Soleil to him so that they were spooning and covered themselves. Soleil let himself be maneuvered and felt Elafi drop a soft kiss on the side of his temple. " Good night love." Elafi softly whispered to which Soleil softly murmured and fell into sleep with Elafi joining him swearing to protect him from the nightmares. Meanwhile in the Capital, three men were toasting in celebration. They were Leon Asteri, Gerald Keyes and Rey Herick. These men were the reason why Soleil nearly died. "Leon, I am very impressed with how you dealt with the bastard. Now we don't have to worry anymore about the succession and marriage." Rey crowed. Gerald smiled fondly as he was pleased to marry his lover and now that 'thing' was dead. Leon darkly smirked as his plans have all fallen in place. "Indeed. I am pleased. Now that he is dead. Father will have no choice but hand over the Lordship to me as I am the only heir. A toast to our new beginnings." The three clinked their glasses and happily chatted away.
Unaware to them, stood in the shadows was the youngest Keyes brother, Darrien keys who was totally flabbergasted at the words he just heard. Soleil was his favourite person in the world was hiding all the pain. He knew that he was supposed to be a kid at 15 but he loved Soleil even more than Gerald. Soleil was the papa he wished for. Hearing that he was thrown in Alempos Forest, he ran to his room to pack a few things and head to the Vasilias Duchy to gain permission to look and treat Soleil. He swore to take the Count Lordship. With that, he ran to the train station and save his papa. On the other hand, Marquess Asteri was praying to the Gods with a bad feeling in his gut. He hoped nothing happened to his boys.
However, the path of their lives were going to change forever.