The day of the long-awaited feast had finally arrived. Thanks to Anthanasia's insistence, Hael had treated himself to a nice formal tunic, one befitting the occasion. His hair was neatly braided back, and the earrings she had purchased for him sparkled in the light, adding a touch of elegance to his appearance.
The dining room was a sight to behold. A massive table stretched across the space, laden with a variety of Trojasian delicacies that would tempt even the pickiest eater. Hael stood for a moment, stunned by the sheer abundance of food and the warmth of the gathering. Guests laughed and conversed merrily, sipping wine and exchanging gossip with their neighbors. He felt somewhat overwhelmed by the display, grateful that Anthanasia had insisted he bring Loki along for the evening.
The white bird quickly became the center of attention. Servants and nobles alike were enamored with him, doting on Loki throughout the night, admiring his unusual appearance.
Meanwhile, the festivities carried on around Hael. Performers encircled the table, music filled the air, and dancers weaved through the crowd, swaying their hips and offering attention to Hael. While he appreciated the hospitality, it was clear that all the attention made him uneasy.
King Ceremus, observing his guest closely, noticed Hael's discomfort. He had already been considering reprimanding the dancer near Hael, who seemed to be overdoing it. But before he could speak, Hael stopped him with a simple explanation.
"I'm just not used to all of this," Hael said, his voice calm but with an edge of reluctance.
This response seemed to quell Ceremus's irritation. Rather than pressing the matter further, Ceremus stood and motioned for Hael to follow him. The two retreated to the balcony that overlooked the vast expanse of Trojas.
Outside, Hael immediately felt a sense of relief. The space was open, and the absence of the crowded room provided a welcome sense of peace. He leaned against the railing, breathing in the cool air, and found himself reflecting on the past. Back in the forest, before he ever learned to yearn for the company of others, he had been content—surrounded only by nature, animals, and his own thoughts. Now, as he longed to be around people like himself, he realized that while he didn't mind the company of a few, he preferred solitude to the bustle of crowds.
It was strange, he thought. He hadn't known Ceremus for long, but there was a certain ease in his presence, a level of comfort similar to the quiet peace he had known in the forest. Standing there, the fresh air surrounding him, Hael felt a tranquility he hadn't anticipated. Despite the grandeur of the evening, this moment, just the two of them on the balcony, felt like the most at home he had felt in a long time.
As he turned to look at the King of Trojas who was known to be ruthless and tyrannical, he couldn't help wondering how his image became this way. The man he was looking at now was different from the rumours. He still held a certain amount of rigidity, but his face was more relaxed now that he was alone as opposed to when he was with others.
"What is on your mind?" Ceremus asked, breaking the man from his thoughts. "You've been staring at me for quite some time now. Don't tell me you've also taken to my charms?" He said in a serious tone, but his eyes held a playful gleam to them.
Hael didn't take note of this and believed him to be serious about his question, so he answered him truthfully. "I'm thinking about you." He said without any reservation. Thinking about the way you make me feel.
Ceremus' eyes widened when he heard this.
He wasn't really serious when he asked him about what he was thinking. He just wondered why he had gone quiet and looked as if he was contemplating something.
"...I don't know if I can say I've been 'taken' by your charms, but I can say that you've gained my interest."
Ceremus felt his heart beat in his chest. He turned to look at the man who was now staring at him with such fervent intensity that he unconsciously had to take a step back.
The ferocious king, known to the people as a ruthless tyrant, found himself stunned to silence.
Of course this wasn't the first time someone had shown him affection. King Ceremus was a handsome man, regarded as one of the five beauties of the land. He was no stranger to women looking at him with lust and admiration. But this was the first time someone had genuinely expressed their interest in him. Had it been anyone else, he would've ignored them or perhaps if they curried his fancy, slept with them and been done with that. But it was different when he felt those words coming from Hael. Who looked so serious, it was hard to imagine that even a part of him was lying.
What did he even have to gain by winning his affection anyway. It's not like he would like him any more for it. Right?
And yet his heart beat violently in his chest, and that feeling like he was being pulled towards Hael came back once more.
He swallowed. "I-I see. You're quite the honest fellow aren't you." He managed to say after a while.
What does one gain from lying? Hael said as he turned his attention back to the scenery before them.
It was now Ceremus' turn to stare at the man next to him. Taking in his appearance. Hael too was an attractive man. His silvery white hair created a stark and alluring contrast to his caramel skin and his piercing blue eyes that seemed to make your heart stop every time they laid eyes on you.
His aura, his strength, his honesty, kindness, even Ceremus who now possessed a rotten heart could see how pure hearted Hael was.
The two created a strange picture. One good, one bad, one light , one dark. Hael seemed to shine so brightly that it made Ceremus want to flee from him, yet made him want to draw nearer to the man. He truly was an enigma and this unknown figure standing next to him scared him. He felt fear and uncertainty for the first time in a long time.
"I quite like it here." Hael finally said. "This kingdom, this land, everything about it is beautiful. I'm glad I left the forest and came here."
Ceremus furrowed his brows. "Left the forest?"
Hael nodded. "I'm not from this land. I used to live in the Aphthonia forest, amongst the animals."
A knowing look suddenly took over the King's face. "So you're the one who injured those huntsmen and have been making it difficult for the people to hunt." He said.
The white haired man had a sad and forlorn look on his face. "Yes it was me. Since the animals were part of my family, of course I couldn't let them be killed, even if it meant the survival of your people. But now that I have left, the forest should be open to the huntsmen once more, unless Yuuja decides otherwise."
"Yuuja huh." The king said in a low voice. "Then, have you been living in the forest your entire life?"
"Yes, for as long as I've known, the forest has been my home. I suddenly woke up one day as a child, and the following day I grew to become the man you see now. All I know is that I've been blessed with incredible power and strength, and that the blood of a goddess courses through my veins." He explained.
"I see. So we have a lot in common." He replied owlishly.
Hael turned to look at him curiously. "Were you also born in a forest?"
The King laughed when he heard Hael's innocent question. His laughter was light, and melodious. Pleasing to the ear. " Ha! Do I look like someone who was born in a forest?" He gestured to his royal tunic and robes.
Hael blinked a few times before realizing his blunder. "I suppose not."
"Of course not! This appearance can only be maintained through hours of grooming and a strict regimen. I don't know how you survived in the wild for so long."
Hael took no offence to his words despite how denouncing they seemed. He wasn't ashamed of his upbringing nor his previous living situation. He lived a happy and content life in the forest. But now that he was out here, he could understand where the King was coming from. This kind of life was much easier and most certainly wasn't for someone as pampered as Ceremus.
Hael had gone quiet, and the king wondered if perhaps his words had offended Hael. His words did come off as rather haughty. "Uh, so what will you do now? He asked, changing the subject."
"Now? I'm not sure. Anthanasia told me that I was free to stay with her if I wanted until I got my own place. She also offered me a position in the royal huntsmen guild. Apparently the vice captain is quite taken with me." He said.
Ceremus' face darkened at the sound of her name. "Anthanasia? Is that the woman you're always with" He inquired casually.
Hael nodded. "She's treated me well since coming here. I'm thinking of taking her up on her offer."
Ceremus didn't like the sound of Hael staying with another woman, and even more so the sound of him joining the huntsmen guild. The guild was infamous in the country, made up of powerful warriors as well as hunters who were blessed by the goddess of hunt—Armedes. However, since their loyalty is sworn to the goddess, the king didn't have much say in their decisions. Not only that, but they had to swear a vow of chastity in order to get stronger. Though it wasn't mandatory for the men in the guild, most of them ended up entering the bow because like most warriors—they craved power.
Ceremus was worried that Hael might do the same. He didn't know why Hael taking a vow of chastity pertained to him, but he didn't like it one bit.
"I think you should join me instead!" He said abruptly.
Hael raised an eyebrow when he heard this. "Join you?"
"Yes. I've actually been in need of a personal knight. The spot has remained vacant until now since I've never had any need for a guard." He said.
Hael frowned. "Why are you in need of a guard now then?"
Ceremus felt himself pause. Yes, why did he even bring this up? He was the strongest man in the nation, having a guard would be pointless, and yet, he pressed on with his idea.
"It would be in name alone, but you would receive all the benefits that come with the job. A place of lodging, food, as well as a salary. You'd be able to accompany me on my conquests or hunts as well." He said.
Hael stayed quiet for a bit, not saying anything. Ceremus thought that he might refuse, but he was surprised to see the man agree.
"Yes, I would be honoured to take the position." He said.
Ceremus found his heart swelling with delight. Of course he agreed, why would he refuse? No one has ever refused me before. He thought to himself.
But the man didn't realize that Hael agreed for his own personal reasons, reasons he wouldn't find out until much later.