The moon hung high in the sky, its silver light casting a soft glow over the still waters of the river. The king sat by the edge, his cloak draped loosely over his broad shoulders, his piercing eyes locked onto the spot where his river beauty had stood just hours ago.
He had searched for him.
He had sent his soldiers out under the guise of patrols, hoping they might catch sight of the ethereal figure who haunted his thoughts. But nothing.
The boy had vanished.
Just like last time.
A sharp exhale left his lips as his fingers curled into his palm. Who are you?
For the first time in his life, he felt restless. His desires had never lingered before—his body had needs, and he had always fulfilled them with ease, yet forgotten them just as quickly.
But this was different.
This was torment.
The way the moonlight kissed that smooth, golden skin. The way those long, wet strands of black hair clung to his back. The way his crimson eyes burned like fire in the dark.
A rare beauty. A forbidden sight.
And he had fled.
The king's jaw tightened, a slow burn of frustration creeping through his veins. No one had ever run from him. No one had ever denied him anything.
Yet this boy had.
And that only made him want him more.
He leaned forward, dipping his fingers into the cool water, watching the ripples distort the reflection of the sky.
How do I find you again?
He would.
He had to.
And this time, he wouldn't let him escape.