A Chance Encounter:
Three days had passed, and the masked stranger remained elusive, much to Hylos's frustration. He was eager to settle the score.
On a sweltering day, Iras was working outside the palace, awaiting orders, when a palace guard shouted, "Make way for the king!"
Everyone stepped aside, clearing a path for Hylos, who sat on a grand throne-like chair carried by his bearers. Iras stood at the edge of the crowd, watching.
As Hylos's procession moved forward, the camel he was riding suddenly lurched, causing Hylos to lose his balance. He was about to fall when a figure rushed forward and caught him, steadying him. It was Iras.
Hylos was taken aback by Iras's sudden appearance, and for a moment, their eyes locked. Hylos sensed a deep anxiety emanating from Iras, which sparked a flicker of unease within him.
However, Hylos quickly brushed off the feeling and stood up, turning his back on Iras without so much as a word of gratitude. Iras remained standing, his eyes fixed on Hylos's retreating figure.
Hylos paused for a moment, turned to face Iras, and gazed at him with a serious expression. "As a reward for saving me, I'll make you my personal bodyguard," Hylos declared, his face flushed with authority.
Iras was taken aback, unable to believe what he was hearing. He wanted to speak, but Hylos continued, his voice firm. "My wishes are to be obeyed without question. Do I make myself clear?" Hylos's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he awaited Iras's response.
Iras had no choice but to nod submissively, his head bowed in defeat. Hylos turned and strode back into the palace, accompanied by his attendants.
One of Hylos's attendants approached Iras and spoke, "Your new role begins tomorrow, so be prepared. From now on, you'll be the king's constant companion."
....
In the grand hall of the palace, Hylos and Ajah sat drinking and chatting. Hylos lounged on a golden throne, one leg crossed over the other, as he held a cup of wine. Ajah sat on a silver chair, smiling as he spoke.
"I heard' you have a new personal bodyguard," Ajah said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Hylos took a sip of wine before responding, "Yes, because I don't want what happened in the garden to happen again."
Ajah's smile grew wider, but he said nothing more.
Meanwhile, in the servants' quarters, Iras prepared to report for duty as the king's new bodyguard. Just as he was about to leave, Rabik knocked on the door. Iras opened it, and Rabik asked, his voice tinged with worry, "Is it true you're the king's new personal bodyguard?"
Iras smiled wryly, seeming reluctant to confirm. "Yes."
Rabik's eyes widened in alarm as he grasped Iras's arm. "What if he recognize you?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Iras chuckled and hugged Rabik. "Don't worry, I wore a disguise. He doesn't know who I am."
Rabik's expression softened, and he trusted Iras implicitly, knowing his brother would handle the situation.
Iras stood at attention in the palace hall, awaiting further instructions. A palace guard approached him and asked, "Are you the king's new personal bodyguard?"
Iras nodded, and the guard continued, "Enter the king's chambers. From now on, you'll accompany him everywhere. You're responsible for his safety, and if anything happens to him, you'll be held accountable. Do you understand?"
Iras nodded again, and the guard dismissed him. Iras made his way to the king's chambers, knocked on the door, and waited. However, no one answered, and he grew anxious. After a few moments, he pushed the door open and entered.
Inside, he was met with a shocking sight: Hylos stood naked, his hair dripping wet, and his eyes gleaming. Iras's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly turned away, trying to compose himself.
Hylos, seemingly amused by Iras's reaction, approached him, still unclothed. "You're here," he said, his voice low and husky.
Iras, flustered, stuttered, "I-I apologize, Your Majesty. Please, get dressed. I'll wait outside."
Hylos chuckled, clearly enjoying Iras's discomfort. "Very well," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Iras hastily exited the room, his face burning with embarrassment.
An Accidental Kiss:
Iras waited outside Hylos's chambers, and when Hylos emerged, he was taken aback by the king's stunning appearance. Hylos wore a golden-trimmed garment that exposed his chiseled abs, and his hair was adorned with golden jewelry.
As they locked eyes, Iras was rendered speechless, and Hylos didn't utter a word either. Instead, he walked ahead, with Iras following closely behind.
After a few moments of silence, Iras spoke up, "Where are we headed, Your Majesty?"
Just then, Hylos suddenly stopped and turned to face Iras, their faces inches apart. In the brief moment of proximity, their lips accidentally touched, leaving both of them startled.
Hylos stepped back, his eyes wide with surprise. "What did you do?" he asked, his voice tinged with astonishment.
Iras was at a loss for words, but before he could respond, Hylos spoke again, his expression stern. "Ah, it's my fault. I turned around too quickly. Don't stand so close to me."
Hylos's words were laced with a hint of reprimand, leaving Iras feeling embarrassed and unsure of how to react.
..... wait of the next chapter...