"You called me Your Majesty?"
"Sit down."
Dinner time was about to start. Still in his luxurious office. Weithia and Adam sat facing each other on a wide sofa.
"Did I do something wrong, Your Majesty?" Weithia asked nervously.
"Knowing your strength will create humility, but not knowing your strength will only create a lack of confidence. A knight should not be easily afraid of something. Even with a King. How many times have I told you to always be confident and not bow your head."
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty."
"Raise your head."
Adam's two blue eyes stared at the man in front of him. There was no doubt there. "How is it? Does working with Anthony and Robin make you happy?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. They are very kind and cooperative. But it seems, Mr. Tivius doesn't really like me." He chuckled.
"Really? Did he do something to you?"
"No. It's just... before that I want to apologize about yesterday's incident in the greenhouse." Weithia quickly prostrated herself before Adam.
Adam smiled faintly, "Do you feel guilty? Tell me what you did wrong."
"I hugged the Princess."
Adam's voice sounded deep and intimidating. "Sit back down. And why do you consider it a mistake?"
"Because... I shouldn't have done that to her, Your Majesty."
Adam chuckled. "Do you feel guilty about me or her?"
Weithia seemed confused in answering all of the King's questions. "To you, Your Majesty."
Adam shook his head in disappointment, "Wrong. What made me angry wasn't because you hugged her, I don't care. You're mine now, you've taken an oath. You shouldn't act without my orders first. You're free to hug or kiss any girl. But with my consent." His voice sounded pressing.
"Understand?"
Weithia nodded slowly. She glanced at the King who was now staring at the night sky.
"If I were the moon, I would be willing to make you my night Weithia."
"That's your poem, Your Majesty?"
"No, those were just words that crossed my mind earlier." The man adjusted his sitting position, "What if I offer you a deal?" it sounded like an invitation. "Of course, anything Your Majesty."
The King smiled weakly. He began to speak slowly and intimidatingly. "I will be called Erates. Who educates, protects and sets an example for his eromenos. You. The reward I get will be your beauty, your youth and your loyalty."
"I don't quite understand Your Majesty."
"I will make you the strongest Knight in the entire country. Give you fame, luxury and knowledge. My reward? Your body and soul."
"But didn't I swear that during Your Majesty's inauguration?"
"That's different. Now it's more.... private." Adam turned his face away.
"Private? What do you mean?"
"Think of it as masculine virtue. If you want to remove the word intimacy I don't mind. Right now I'm trying to declare it."
"I-I still don't understand Your Majesty. Masculine virtue?"
Adam laughed, "Maybe you don't realize that soldiers who fight and fight for their country have a drive. That drive is called love. They love their country, so they fight tooth and nail to win. And love also allows them to reunite with their families at home. The sacred ribbon of strength."
Weithia nodded, indicating that she understood the King's explanation. Adam continued slowly, "Same as what I've been talking about. I never had the drive. The drive that gives me the fighting spirit. Therefore, I want. You and I. To take that role. So?"
Weithia raised her eyebrows, "So you mean love?"
"Affection. It could be. Or. Caring for others." Adam explained quickly, starting to regret talking about something like this to Weithia. His self-esteem could fall. "I became a role model. The pederastic paradigm. The ideal scheme for this relationship."
"What should I do then?"
"Nothing, do everything as usual."
"Are you indirectly asking me to be your lover? With a pederastic bond?"
Adam was silent hearing Weithia's words, not knowing what to answer. Now he was the one who didn't understand.
The young man chuckled. "Your Majesty... I once heard a story. A holy guide said, 'Be careful, when dealing with soulmates, never let them meet, because after one meeting, their minds and bodies may forget each other, but their souls will never, no matter how many reincarnations they go through.'"
"Then what happens?" Adam asked.
"They will always try to find their soulmates. Sometimes they can find each other well, and that's good, but sometimes they are so far apart or there are so many misunderstandings that they can't find each other. It's very disappointing"
Weithia continued. "But our meeting was a blessing. I am just a farmer's son who suddenly became a Knight. If you think about it, it is impossible. You who have become a King are also God's decision. Our meeting seems to have been destined by the universe."
"I am happy to be your eronemos, or whatever you call it. If that means putting myself close to you, of course I will. You can create a new life from your dreams."
"Dreams?"
"Mr. Tivius said this afternoon, if you have a dream of freedom. I think even if you are not a King, you are free to do whatever you want."
"Not all storms come to destroy your life. But some come to clear your path. Not everyone has a beautiful past, including you. Falling is just a part of life, but getting back up is the real life."
Adam smiled with his melancholic gaze. "You are much wiser than I imagined, Weithia."
"I am young but my mind is much more mature."
Adam chuckled, "Really? I don't believe it."
Weithia lowered her gaze, "Perhaps you can explain more about our agreement."
"I... am not only interested in your beautiful face, but also your personality, abilities and mind. Not for sexual purposes, but I just want you to feel my affection. I never know who to give it to. Something inside me tells me that you are the right person."
"Could it be that my soul has given me a message?" Adam chuckled. Followed by Weithia's nod that seemed reluctant – or perhaps shy.
"But Your Majesty, I think the pederastic paradigm seems rude."
"Then what do you suggest?"
The night sky felt like a deep abyss, he could be dragged into it. The stars were like an ocean that could make Adam and Weithia drift. With him, was there anything he wanted more than that. Adam stared into those gray eyes.
"I want you to stay here. But for now, go. To dinner. Represent me to meet the Princess and the others."
"You're not coming? Then I will also stay here with you."
Adam raised his eyebrows and laughed, "You just refused my order, young man. The servants know that if I'm not there, they'll bring food to this room. I just want to be alone now."
"I'll accompany you."
"Go."
Something about life is a divine secret. The deepest desires can lead one astray. Strange, isn't it? Every person's life touches so many other lives. The King didn't have forever to be trapped in an imbalance of heart. Adam believed that it would be good if he dared to try – the result he received was not a failure either.
He smiled. Carving a crescent moon on his thin lips. At that time the room was so quiet, the sound of sheets of paper echoed – the wind carried them moving falling from the table to the cold floor.
This year would be the eighth year of his reign.
The dissatisfied parliament members urged Adam to speed up the solution to the case that was terrorizing Wilhelmia. News of the witch spread widely. The death of the woman followed. And now news of the dead nobleman had also reached the ears of the higher-ups. They were angry because the King was not transparent about what was happening.
As a result, one more victim was killed. In fact, Adam was only afraid that someone would betray him from within. He was very careful to choose who had the right to know. "Please calm down, Sirs." All the seats were full at that meeting.
Back to his daily life behind the table and on his throne. "This is my fault. I admit it. Life is inevitable like death. All you can do now is go home, love and appreciate your family while you still have it,"
"What do you mean by that, Your Majesty!?" shouted a Minister.
"I have tried various languages to speak to you. What else can I do now? Please understand! This case is indeed slow but it never leaves my mind day and night."
"Then why don't you let us help!?"
"You all have helped. All the information I got from you is one of them. Look, we ourselves don't know who our enemy is. Who we are facing. It could be that one of them is in this room with all of us."
"Are you accusing us!?"
"I never said anything like that, Sir. Say not always what you know, but always say what you know."
"You seem incompetent in solving this trivial matter!" someone said so arrogantly. Adam tried to control his anger.
"Are you questioning my way of working? You say that I am incompetent? A mouthful of food that enters your stomach in the morning Who is this from? People demand freedom of speech as compensation for the freedom of thought they rarely use. Next time, do not set foot in this place, Sir."
"Your Majesty, please also consider the safety of the people of Wilhelmia. Shouldn't you make a law on magic?"
He laughed wryly, "A Magic Law? Seriously? A legislative rule that calls for hostility towards anything that smacks of magic and black magic?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Religious authorities also have authority in my opinion. Their voices are also worth hearing."
Adam took a deep breath, "I respect your decision, but first, this is not a democratic country. But a monarchy. Understand? Religious authorities will only mobilize the people to make wild movements like yesterday's parade. Not against false threats like I did. I am not saying that I am against your beliefs. And of course I am thinking about the safety of my people."
"As cruel as the animal world is, there is nothing more cruel than human nature which is full of intrigue and rotten politics to eliminate its own kind." Adam emphasized his words.
"You gentlemen don't understand either, huh? You are smart and educated. But your brains seem to be unused. Did you all enjoy yesterday's harvest party?"
The room was suddenly quiet, "No one answered? Silence means yes. Gentlemen, please think and read books. The arrival of witches will only bring disaster. Such as crop failure, livestock deaths, disease. But look at the reality! Our harvest is abundant and there is no epidemic. You are all healthy if I see. Doesn't that open your minds?"
"Ackerley, take note of my words." The man nodded. "I will not open the court for unreasonable accusations. I strongly oppose, declare my open objection to all forms of torture. Put it in the Tropes square for everyone to read. Also, tear down the gallows if the people act arbitrarily."
All the members of parliament present in the room regretted, seeing the King who was angry because of their words. "I end the meeting here. I make sure there will be no more people who die mysteriously. Respecting ourselves guides our morals, but respecting others guides our manners." Adam stood up and walked out of the room with annoyance that had reached the top of his head. Letting the high-ranking officials eat all the words of the King. Weithia and Ackerley followed behind him. "Your Majesty?"
"What?"
The three men walked through the long hallway, with a thick red carpet. "I'm sorry you have to bear the anger of the Ministers." Ackerley said.
"Those people have lost respect for me because I have been soft on them. Now. Where is Trevor!?"
"The General is probably at His Majesty's headquarters."
"How could the news of the nobleman's death be spread too? Who did that? There were only me, you, Trevor and Anthony in the morgue at that time." he said sharply.
Weithia knew that Adam would vent his anger on the General. "Your Majesty, wait! It is possible that the person who committed the murder spread it. There is no way the General would do something like that. Impossible."
"Are you going to defend him, Weithia?" Adam asked coldly.
"No. But look! The General works hard, he is very loyal and dedicated. General, Mr. Ackerley and Mr. Tivius would never betray you. I personally accompanied them to investigate."
Adam paused, his expression softening. "Alright, if that is your assessment. I accept it. Ackerley put all the documents for today's meeting on my desk. Then inform Trevor and Anthony about this. Tell them if I get angry." His feet entered the study alone. Leaving Ackerley in shock.
"How did you do it?"
"Did what, Sir?"
"The King is anger. How did you calm him down like that? So fast." Ackerley narrowed his eyes suspiciously – his forehead wrinkled.
"I don't know, Sir. I just think so."
The man laughed, "You seem to have a place in his heart as a good servant of the Kingdom. His Majesty's nature is quite temperamental like his late father, so be careful. Especially because of the fatigue of formality that became his daily food. Especially the impolite treatment that the Ministers did earlier."
"Are we going to talk about His Majesty in front of his room like this? He will hear us, Sir." Weithia chuckled.
"The King probably won't mind being talked about behind your back by you Weithia."
Ackerley extended his hand, "It is a pleasure to work with the first Knight in His Majesty's government."
He returned the position firmly.
Weithia felt the sun setting earlier that day. The air was sultry – even though she had been soaking in a tub full of cold water for quite some time. His clothes were a little wet, plus the water dripping from his hair. His eyes were now drawn to the blank paper on the table. He remembered last night thinking hard to write a few words with the quill given by the King. But the black ink made his hands dirty, because he was not used to writing. Then her gaze shifted to the pile of new books neatly arranged on the table beside his bed. Again, a gift from His Majesty directly.
His head turned towards the wooden cupboard in the corner of his room which was now filled with expensive clothes. Adam had indeed promised many things at that time, and today he had more or less gotten them. He was happy with the King's treatment. But this happened so suddenly that he believed it was a dream.
He did not crave luxury.
What made the King suddenly pay more attention to him. After the incident in the greenhouse, did he make a decision that quickly. Impossible. Had the King actually planned this for a long time. No one knows.
Weithia tried her best to adjust himself. After the King had more or less declared his feelings - which were quite confusing. A smile crept onto his lips for the umpteenth time that day.
His thoughts turned to the Princess, still busy having lots of fun in the palace with her ladies. Going home probably didn't cross the girl's mind. Her relationship with Weithia hadn't changed either. Even though they rarely spent time together now, they both still often greeted each other. Carmellia understood that Weithia had more important responsibilities as a Royal Knight.
That night the Knight rested in his room after accompanying Adam to visit several places for state affairs. Several days had passed after the heated meeting. Who spread the news was still a mystery, he didn't expect this case to be more complicated than he had imagined. The King didn't punish Trevor, fortunately. Weithia began to feel that this case was sinking when she visited Haven headquarters to meet with Robin and his best friend Thomas. Not many people were talking about it anymore.
There was actually no one demanding proper justice for the two victims. There was only a group of frightened nobles who wanted to protect themselves. Weithia sighed. That was the state of the monarchy. The nobles pressed Adam only for his own safety.
Sir Tivius had also not been seen in the past few days. The last time was when they went to look for potions. It was said that he returned to the East. But no one knew – especially since he was a foreigner. And only related to His Majesty.
Weithia rubbed his neck in frustration, his brain like a wild thing that could not be controlled. Like a messy book page.
Then an orange light from a candle was seen walking from the gap under his door. Familiar with the King's habit of reading when he had trouble sleeping. Quietly going to his library alone.
All he could do was not make a sound and follow Adam's footsteps, making sure that the man was always safe. Among the towering bookshelves, Adam carefully chose which book he should read.
The moonlight entered through the window softly, enough to make the room dim. "Will you help me choose, Weithia?"
The man was shocked from his hiding place, "Did I get caught?"
"Why haven't you slept yet?"
"I can't, Your Majesty. When I saw your candlelight, I immediately came here."
Adam sat on the soft sofa with a thin book in his hand. "Then please chat with me for a while here."
"May I?"
"Of course. I am very happy to have you here with me."
"Do you often? Before I became a Knight, go to the library in the middle of the night?"
"Sometimes. Can you feel it?"
"What is it, Your Highness?"
"Silence and peace. I deliberately did not turn on the lights. It is almost full moon now – the moonlight is much more beautiful. There is no one here, just the two of us. So peaceful."
Weithia rubbed her neck, "Can I ask something else? About the witch rumor that you mentioned at the meeting last time." Weithia also sat on one of the sofas. Facing Adam.
"Oh yeah? What do you want to know?"
"About witches, Your Highness."
Adam lay down on the long sofa, "The massacre of people accused of being witches has been going on for a long time. It happened in many countries out there. It started because of religious authorities who opposed all forms of black magic. The era of human darkness that I am trying to eliminate is very difficult, because it has been embedded as a teaching that has been believed since humans were born."
Weithia listened attentively.
"Even scientists, healers, mothers, young girls have been executed barbarically since long ago. Without any clear reason, hung from a pole or shackled. All of that could lead to a trial, members of parliament even asked me to make a new law. Tragically, the courts seem to give as much space as possible to citizens who routinely arrest people suspected of working as shamans."
"But not in my government, they wouldn't dare."
Adam continued his explanation, "There is not much history or complete identity about the witch nation in books. Because of the limited information that can be obtained. Their lives are nomadic, today in Wilhelmia, maybe next week they might be somewhere else. They are always being chased by humans. Because witches are hated and hunted down to be executed. Even after being executed, it turns out that people are still afraid. If they rise from the grave with the power of the devil to take revenge."
"There will be no end to human hatred." Weithia said.
"Fear to be precise. Fear is the root of hatred. Humans can be wilder than animals."
"Then what will you do?"
"Now? Maybe read this book."
Weithia chuckled, "No, I mean about this matter. What about the future?"
Adam looked at Weithia, "You sound like those Ministers now – young man, don't pressure me. Please."
The young man smiled shyly, "Im sorry, Your Majesty."
"By the way, do you like my gift?"
"I think it's too much, I gave almost everything to the parents in the village. So that they don't have to work hard in the fields and can eat well. I'm already very well off here. There's nothing I want to do more than be with you, Your Majesty."
"Do your mother and father like the money, jewelry and clothes?"
"Of course, Your Majesty." Weithia laughed again. "My father and mother are very grateful to you. They've never had anything like that before. They'll use the money to buy a new house, land or maybe open a new business in the city."
Adam nodded in understanding, "But don't give the sword to anyone. It's yours. Because I can't stay with you forever, while the sword can. Let it continue to accompany your days, Weithia. To make it a reminder of me."
Weithia smiled, "Of course. I take care of it as best I can." The young man then took out a piece of paper from his trouser pocket and gave it to Adam nervously.
"I made this, Your Majesty. For you." His voice sounded hesitant.
He saw a messy writing with ink that made the paper a little dirty. Adam began to read it out loud.
"I will find you in the burning sky, where ashes rain down on your sorrowful mind. I am lost in the sky swimming among the stars, with a feeling of hesitation."
"You are like a dandelion dancing on the wind, which provides warmth in winter. Your voice is as beautiful as the crashing waves on the beach, your smile is as cool as the flow of water in the river."
"I found you in the vast green grassland, like rain falling in the dry season."
Adam glanced at the Knight, who looked away to hide his face which was as red as a ripe tomato. "Is that all? Or is there a continuation?"
"I can't think about it, Your Majesty."
"You mean giving this to me, so I can correct it or what? Yes... I think this is good. The right choice of words, it seems that you are also someone who really cares about natural conditions. But you put in too many elements, like stars, beaches, rivers, seasons. Too boring in my opinion."
Adam corrected his position and gave the paper back to Weithia who was silent. "Make it with a broader discussion. A little abstract is also okay." Weithia was still silent.
"I will be back, you also rest."
Adam turned away, walking away from the library. Weithia felt that was not what should have happened. He was a little annoyed because the King misunderstood. Boring words, like arrows piercing his head.
"Your Majesty, wait. Would you like to be with me a little longer?" he said softly.
"Tomorrow we have to work, we both need sleep. Study your poem again, if you want I can give you a private tutor." Adam leaned his shoulder on the entrance. Staring at Weithia.
His gaze weakened, "No need, Sir. I just want to study with you. Thank you for reading it."
Adam came back in and approached the young man, "Why? I don't like seeing you make that face."
"Did I make you sad? Or do you want something? Just tell me."
"I want you to stay longer." He answered softly. The moonlight fell between the two men. Adam obeyed and sat back on the sofa, next to him Weithia sat weakly.
"Talking to you every day, for hours. It's actually quite destructive. Because it will there are days when we won't talk at all. And that's the saddest feeling. Something about you makes me a little more alive, curious about what tomorrow will bring."
"Yesterday, it never crossed my mind that I would spend the night with you in the library. Watching the sparkling silver light of the moon, like this."
The two fell silent and the atmosphere turned quiet.
Weithia smiled melancholy, "Speaking of the moon, we do have to go through a phase of emptiness to feel full again, Your Highness. You make me feel special. Even though I'm nothing. Just a stranger who met you at the end of winter."
"You don't have to be anything to be mine." He touched Weithia's hand gently. "Are we going to spend the night throwing compliments at each other like this?" Adam chuckled. "It sounds lame to me."
"One more thing, don't be shy with me Weithia. From now on, there's no need to be so formal. If you want, you can call me Adam."
"I can't possibly call you by your first name. If other people hear it, wouldn't it be a problem?"
Adam frowned, his smile fading. "No need to think too far about the problem. I don't care, if there are people who don't like it, just come to me."
The King's body now leaned slightly. "Are you afraid? If you do this with me?" He stared at Weithia deeply.
"You taught me not to be easily afraid. I just don't want you to get into trouble because of me."
"I don't want to let your head think about problems that haven't happened yet. As long as I'm here, you'll be fine."
The sound of the fountain from a distance broke the silence of the night. Weithia understood very well that she would cause trouble for the King. "Haven't you thought about marrying a girl?"
"No, why?"
"Is it because of me?"
"Of course. I can marry any woman right now. But I don't want it. If I could make you a Queen, I wouldn't think twice about asking for your hand in marriage."
Weithia lowered her head weakly, "I'm sorry I can't grant your wish."
The King laughed softly, "Now you're apologizing because of your gender? I don't mind at all. Life is short, I will do whatever makes me happy. If this is the way it is, I will not ask for more. Like asking a witch to turn you into a girl." Adam laughed.
"What if someone finds out I am in a relationship with you?"
"Well, let it be."
"Aren't you ashamed?"
The King tightened his grip on Weithia. "Not at all. Let people say whatever. As long as you accompany me to face it, everything will be fine."
The two men looked at each other, "Do you trust me Weithia?"
"Yes, I do." He laughed softly, "This incident happened so suddenly."
"Are you surprised? Forgive me then. It takes so long to express a feeling. Maybe you don't know, the first time I heard your name was three years ago, on the first day you studied at Haven."
"Really?" Weithia sounded surprised.
"Yes, the young man who kept falling while riding his horse. And look at you now! Blooming like a wildflower. Your heart is like a wildflower. What amazes me is your freedom and enthusiasm to grow."
"I didn't have a youth like you, and that makes me jealous. All I do is huddle behind a desk with piles of papers and books."
"Then why don't you talk to me first?"
"What do you think a sixteen-year-old boy would feel when suddenly summoned by a King. I don't want to scare you. Besides, I didn't have any feelings for you back then."
"Is that so? Then since when have you been interested in me?"
"Of course it's a secret." Adam laughed. "Only God knows, since when have you been interested in me?"
"Since I first met you, a few months ago when you saw me sparring with Senior Robin. Then you taught us about military arts. At that time I was very amazed to see a real King. My feelings were mixed with joy and fear."
The young man's gray eyes wandered into his memories, "But you turned out to be very kind and wise. At that time I said to myself – I will continue to follow your every step faithfully. I want to protect you with my own strength."
Adam's expression showed that he was proud. He smiled. "Your feelings for me are truly like a flower that has not yet bloomed. Shy and hesitant. You remind me of something, there used to be so many women who wanted to be my lover, they sent love letters with the scent of their perfume. A girl from the nobility of this country, I once invited to dinner at the palace because she was so beautiful and smart. So special."
"We chatted all night like this, talking about many things. I was amazed by the girl's intelligence. But I realized that all she wanted from me was a throne and luxury. Although not all women are like that, but I'm sick of people who beg from me in the name of pure love."
"Is that so? So I will be eliminated from this contest?" his voice was weak.
The King laughed, "They are not Weithia's rivals. I am not opening a race to win my heart. Our relationship is not official in the name of the Kingdom. It's different if I propose to the girl, she will be my queen. Get a title and a throne."
The Knight bowed weakly as he released his hand from Adam's grip.
"Don't be sad, you are my lover. We don't need an inauguration ceremony or anything. Isn't that right?"
Weithia nodded slowly.
"Don't be jealous just because I talk about a girl."
"I'm not jealous, Your Majesty."
"Tell me if you start to hate this relationship, okay?"
"No sir, there's no way I would do that. I swear I will never break it. So you don't need to worry."
"Then... whatever happens tomorrow will we face it together?"
"Yes. I promise."
'I want to plant a seed in your mind, which contains a part of my heart. Grow into your reminder of me. A shadow that will accompany every minute, every hour and every day. When you wake up in the morning or have trouble sleeping at night. Hunting in the middle of the forest or reading a book in the library. When swinging a sword on a horse or drinking chamomile tea in the afternoon.'
Love feels so intoxicating. The scent of lavender wafts from the burning candle. Under the silver light of the moon. A sacred garden becomes the meeting place for the two people when night falls. Promises are spoken and hearts are tied. Adam realized that maybe that feeling will remain forever. Meanwhile, from behind his shining armor, the Knight could not hold back his turbulent feelings.
"Your Majesty? Lord Weithia?" a soft and gentle voice was heard from the entrance. The door was wide open with the figure of a woman standing in the shadow. Not believing what was in front of her at that time.
The night felt so long