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Sweet lilac filled his nose. From somewhere, he can hear a light humming. However, the silk sheets were too lovely to leave quite yet and the sun still hadn't made its way through the arched windows. Instead, he lied contently in place as his lover quietly sang. It was in different language, one light and languid. Each sound swirled together. He could barely tell where each word began and end. He merely appreciated the harmony of the foreign words. There was something soothing about the simplicity of not understanding. He must've of drifted off again, because now he felt a hand softly rouse him awake. "Meldanya, it is time to wake up." A honeyed voice purred above him.
---
He wished he could return to those simpler times, those days filled with tenderness and sweet words. Unfortunately, it'd be futile attempting to ignore the cruelty of their current world. How could he enjoy such goodness when his lover was withering away before his eyes. Stress gnawed at the royal's sides. He'd never seen his lover so hollow. His beauty was being drained away. They'd suffer through countless sleepless nights. All he could do was hold the sweet creature in his arms. He knew nothing of politics or the particular rules of a noble. There was no way to alleviate his lover's pain. If he could dissipate all these issues with one word, he would. But he technically didn't even belong there, in a castle filled with luxury.
The world had turned on them, on him. A once-loved king was now facing words of spite and venom. A hate born from senseless violence. Instead of retaliating, the king remained benevolent and attempted to compromise. There was nothing to appease the hate-filled souls. Only bloodshed could satisfy their angry cries. Maybe he once could sympathize with that craving, but not now. Not when they were threatening the one he cared most for.
---
It was bizarre. He had stepped out for a moment, only to get some fresh air. There were times when the pressure inside the castle was suffocating. His only remedy was a stroll along the perimeter of the grounds. However, upon his return, the castle was empty. No maids bustling about. Guards had abandoned their post. His gut coiled into a knot. Everything inside him screamed that this was wrong. He needed to find him.
His footsteps echoed against the walls. He rushed along the empty corridors until he caught sight of another life. A simple maid. He order her to stop as he approached her. She froze, a look of terror clearly written on her face. "Where has everyone gone?" He demanded. She regretfully explained that the king had ordered everyone leave the castle, even the Devoted. At that, he felt the world stop. The cold claws of fear dug deep into his heart. He dismissed her without another word. He pushed onward.
His feet lead him to the familiar stairs. His brain had gone blank. So many memories were made here, but he could not entertain a single one. Not even when the scent of lilac entered his nose and filled his lungs. No, he had to see him. He had convince him that his plan was foolish, whatever this plan was. He finally reached the apex of the stairs.
The room felt empty, as hollow as the king. What once had been a safehaven now felt tainted. There his lover sat alone. He must've startled him, because his indigo eyes were wide with shock. "What are you doing here?" The king breathed. "Are you insane?" He barked. No response came. He barrelled on. "You evacuated the castle? Why? That leaves you vulnerable!"
"I know." The king confessed. "I did it for the safety of my people. Insurgents will be on our doorstep by dawn. I refuse to have anyone harmed on my behalf."
"You wish to be killed?" He scoffed. He could not believe what he was hearing. Fear pumped through his heart. His ears rang. What his lover was doing could be considered suicide. Realization hit him. His lover was trying to become a martyr.
A long silence followed his question. He tried to gather himself in this time. Yet, he was in shock. Finally, the king answered him. "I do not wish to die. But there's nothing I can do." His lover's voice sounded so small at that moment. His words shook with uncertainty and pain. Lexus felt like a knife had plunged into his heart. He immediately went to his lover's side and wrapped him up in his embrace. He felt the other man lean into him for moment, but then pulled away. Regret was clear in his eyes. "I need you to leave as well, Meldanya."
"No." His decision was immediate.
"It's not an option. You must leave. I will stay here alone." His lover pursued.
"Zephyr," He began, voice firm. "There's nothing out there for me without you. You are everything to me. If you are going to stay, then so will I. I will not let you die alone."
His soul felt exposed. Still, his words seem to have the desired effect. Tears welled up in those beautiful eyes and spilled over smooth cheeks. A face far too young to know the fear of death. Yet, as his lover buried his face into his chest, they both felt the heavy weight of their looming demise. It was not one filled with the iciness of dread. They accept what was to come.
That did not stop the heart-wrenching wails from escaping his lover. The male pleaded with fervor. He begged for an escape from their doom. His once silky voice turned raw as he cried the same words over and over again deep into his chest. He remained silent as he comforted him.
---
The sun had barely risen when they heard banging ricochet throughout the abandoned castle. Neither had slept that night. There had been to much on their hearts to let themselves succumb to unconsciousness. They filled their last hours with only love, refusing to confront the dark thoughts lingering in their heads. Now, the moment had arrived. Zephyr waited patiently for the enemies to enter. His lover looked perfect in that moment.
---
He gasped at the pain striking his side. A knee dug into the small of his back, effectively keeping him to the ground. It did not deter him from struggling against his captor. A brute held his lover in place, arms pinned behind his back and his chin held high. Easy access to his neck. The supposed leader of the group had been spouting insanity to his mindless followers. A sword was held to his lover's throat throughout the whole ordeal.
Eventually, it seemed the speech was over. The leader moved into position. He lowered his head to the ground. Tears were threatening to escape. Although he had accepted what would happen next, he still wanted to refuse it. He wanted to lash out, fight against it. Unfortunately, it was too late. A hand snaked through his hair and violently gripped it. His head was wretched upwards. "You'll want to see this," A slimy voice hissed in his ear.
His eyes immediately found his lover's. He felt sick. Yet, at that moment, as his lover stared death in the eyes, he looked almost content. His lips began to form a word. Melda-
The sword sliced clean through his neck. His lover's head fell to the ground. His body crumpled into a heap. He felt himself scream, but could not hear himself. Blood roared in his ears. He thrashed against his captor, screaming. The last thing he saw was his lover's eyes, once so full of expression now void of life. Then, his world went black.