Jeremy exits the room swiftly, his footsteps echoing through the grand hallways of the palace.
After some time, another figure follows, though not along the same path. Doubts plague his mind as he walks, his thoughts circling around Arthur's sudden interest.
Why is Arthur looking for him now? They barely speak anymore. He isn't even Arthur's servant, nor does he hold any position in the palace these days. No one seems to question his presence, but the void of purpose gnaws at him.
His musings deepen as he walks. Staying here seems pointless, yet leaving feels impossible.
The roof over his head and the meals he receives are enough for now, but what happens if those are gone? Where would he even go?
Thoughts of escape often dance in his mind, particularly when Arthur's tempers flare. If the situation worsens, perhaps Jeremy would offer him an out.
Yes, that might be his fate—to wander aimlessly, clinging to whoever offers him a shred of belonging.
The murmur of voices grows louder as he nears the room. Pushing the door open, he finds Arthur pacing like a caged animal. His family and Jeremy stand nearby, their attempts to pacify him proving fruitless.
Arthur's anger crackles in the air like a storm about to break. Then, his gaze shifts, locking onto the late arrival.
"Where the hell are you coming from?" Arthur demands, his voice cutting through the room.
The question hangs for a moment. Instead of answering, Madin hesitates, unsure of how to respond.
Arthur wastes no time, striding across the room to grab him by the arm. His grip is firm as he drags the him through the corridor, ignoring the startled looks of those left behind.
They enter Madin's room. The door slams shut behind them.
"I asked you a question," Arthur snarls. "Where were you?"
The response is calm, almost detached. "I needed to clear my head. I couldn't sleep."
Arthur's glare sharpens. "And where exactly did you go? They've been searching the palace for you! I thought you... you ran again."
"Does it matter?" The irritation seeps through now. "Do you need something from me? Why were you looking for me at all?"
The question stings Arthur, who falls silent. His silence is unnerving, but it doesn't last long.
Unbothered, Madin begins removing his shirt, ready to put an end to the exhausting exchange.
But as the fabric slips away, Arthur's eyes widen, and his expression shifts from anger to shock. Hickeys mar the skin of Madin's chest, their dark marks impossible to miss.
"You… What are those?" Arthur's voice is unsteady, a mix of disbelief and fury.
"What do you think they are?" The reply is cold, challenging.
"You've been cheating on me?!" Arthur's voice rises, the accusation hitting like a hammer. He moves closer, shoving Madin against the wall with a force that makes the wooden panels creak.
"Cheating?" The words are followed by a bitter laugh. "Are we even still together?" Madin asks not caring.
The question lands like a slap, and Arthur's expression twists with rage. "How dare you, Madin?! Now I'm convinced—Catherina was right about you all along!"
"She's always right, isn't she?" The sarcasm drips heavily from Madin's words.
Arthur's patience snaps. "Who is it? Tell me who you've been with!" His grip tightens, anger boiling over.
"Someone who actually cares about me. Someone who loves me," Madin retorts, his voice steady despite the chaos surrounding him. "Not that it matters to you. You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Besides, I won't risk you hurting them."
"You call that love?" Arthur spits. "You think letting someone do this to you is love?"
"For me, yes."
Arthur's face hardens, his voice dropping to a low growl. "Then get out of here. Go to them. Get your skeletal self out of my sight."
Madin doesn't hesitate. "Gladly," he snaps, starting to gather his belongings. "Thank you, my lord, for finally letting me escape this hell!"
But as he heads for the door, Arthur blocks his path.
"Where do you think you're going?" Arthur's tone shifts, less harsh but no less intense.
"You just told me to leave," Madin shoots back. "So, I'm leaving."
Arthur shakes his head, his anger giving way to something more vulnerable. "Madin, wait. I'm sorry. I've treated you terribly, and I hate myself for it. But you had no right to betray me. No right to cheat."
The words cut through the tension, and for the first time, there's a crack in Madin's armor. "I didn't sleep with him," he says quietly. "It was just a moment. Just today."
"Even so," Arthur says, stepping closer. "Even if you didn't go that far, he touched you in ways no one else is supposed to. Who is it, Madin? Tell me."
Madin shakes his head firmly. "No. I'll never tell you. Kill me if you want, but I won't betray them."
Arthur exhales sharply, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his emotions. "Why do you always ask me to kill you? You know I'd never hurt you."
Madin remains silent, confusion flickering in his eyes.
"I never stopped loving you, Madan" Arthur confesses. "I've been pretending for months, playing along with Catherina's games. She was carrying my child, Madin. I couldn't risk her doing something reckless. But it's over now."
Madin stares at him, struggling to process the revelation. "Pretending?" he whispers.
Arthur nods. "Yes. Even Father knew. She tried to poison him, Madin. A servant saw her, and when we checked the drink, it was true. She's dangerous, and we've been watching her. Everything—her lies, the tea incident—was all her doing. I'm sorry for shutting you out. I thought it was the only way to keep you safe."
Madin's anger melts away, replaced by a deep sadness. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"She would have found out," Arthur says, his voice breaking. "She is so smart, I couldn't risk it."
He steps forward, pulling Madin into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry," Arthur whispers.
"I'm sorry too," Madin murmurs. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"It's okay," Arthur says softly. "But there will be consequences for this."
A faint smile touches Madin's lips. "Fine. Punish me however you want."
Arthur chuckles lightly, brushing a hand over Madin's hair. "Haven't you been punished enough? Nine months of hell, and you only faltered today. You've proven your strength more than I ever could. You have no idea how much I miss you!"
A knock interrupts the moment. Jeremy's voice carries through the door, uncertain but firm. "Madin? Is everything alright?"
"Yes , come in." Arthur says.