Confiding In Someone

"Lazarus, love can change everything,” Liam said, trying to convince Lazarus to give Daniel a chance.

"If love can truly change everything, then why are you still single?” Lazarus asked with arched brows, Liam looked surprised, but before he could reply, Lazarus continued. “I believed in love many years ago, and I gave my heart out to the most gentleman on the planet, but you know the end, not only did Theodore crush my heart and tore it into pieces, but he also took out my life, leaving me with nothing but a bitter soul.”

“Theodore didn't deserve you, he was merely using you to get to the throne. Also, you need someone to cure and love your bitter soul, and I think Daniel is the one for you,” Liam replied with a smile. "About why I am still single, well it's because I haven't found my cure, but you have, so don't let it go.”

Lazarus's expression turned cold. "Theodore may have shattered my heart, but Daniel wants my head on a platter. No, Liam, I won't risk it."

Liam's smile faded. "You're letting fear control you, Lazarus. Love can heal your wounds, but you must take a chance."

Lazarus shook his head. "I've made up my mind, Liam. I'll keep my distance from Daniel. I will try to find out what he wants, if I can give it to him, I will, and if not, I will send him far away from my Kingdom."

Liam sighed, "Fine, but know this: you're not just rejecting Daniel, you're rejecting your own happiness."

Lazarus's jaw clenched. "I'd rather be miserable than dead."

Liam's eyes narrowed. "You're blinded by your curse, Lazarus. You can't see the truth.”

Lazarus stood up, his voice firm. "Enough, Liam. I won't change my mind."

Liam's expression turned somber.
"Very well. But remember, love can conquer even the darkest curses, and your mistresses won't be able to satisfy you for long. There's little that they can do."

"Rubbish!” Lazarus murmured and turned away, dismissing Liam's words.

Daniel and Frank said their goodbyes to Justin as they parted ways. They were both exhausted from the traveling and on getting to their small apartment, they both jumped on the mini-sized bed.

Silence was maintained for a while, each of them lost in their own thoughts, until Frank's belly groaned, reminding him that he had not eaten any quality food that day. Back in Northeast Kingdom, they (the guards) were served pie and tea, while the king and his Lords sat at the royal table, enjoying a hot yam pottage with chicken pepper soup.

“Argh! The royal people are so mean!" Frank growled and sluggishly stood up from the bed, he walked up to the small food container in the room, and on opening it he found out it was empty. “Oh no! We have eaten everything. god, I am so hungry!” He yelled and sat down on the floor, the container covered in his hand.

Daniel sat up, looking at him with furrowed brows, wondering what to say. After a while, he sighed. "Don't worry, Frank. We'll figure something out." He stood up and began rummaging through their small apartment, searching for any leftover food.

"Maybe we can scrape together some coins and buy some bread or fish soup," Daniel suggested, trying to sound optimistic.

Frank's eyes lit up. "That sounds amazing, Daniel! You're always so resourceful."

Daniel forced a smile, but his mind wandered to the Northeast Kingdom. He recalled what happened in the river, the warmth of Lazarus’s mouth, and his piercing gaze. A shiver ran down his spine.

"Daniel?" Frank's voice snapped him back to reality.

"Yeah?"

"I know things are tough, but you seem... distant. Is everything okay?" Frank asked concern etched on his face.

Daniel hesitated, unsure how to share his thoughts. "It's just... the kingdom, Frank. I keep thinking about it."

Frank's expression turned curious. "What about it?"

Daniel took a deep breath. "T…The dancing, foods, and river."

"What do you mean? You slept through the dancing presentation, we were served good food only on the first day." Frank's eyes widened.

Daniel felt the need to tell someone about what happened with the king, but he didn't know how much to say or who to confide in. “The river…” he stuttered.

Frank's eyes widened. "The river? You mean...something happened with Lord Astro?"

Daniel's face flushed as he remembered the touch of Lazarus’s hand on his prick, and he looked away. "No, nothing like that. Just... the scenery."

Frank raised an eyebrow. "Save it, Daniel. I know something's bothering you. You've been distant since the river incident, I thought everything would change since we've left the kingdom, but it's still the same."

Daniel sighed, knowing Frank wouldn't let up. "Fine. It's just... King Lazarus."

Frank's expression changed from curiosity to concern. "What do you mean? What happened? Did he catch you and Lord Astro?"

Daniel hesitated. "Nothing ever happened between Astro and me. But something happened with the king, he's... complicated. And I think he feels something for me."

Frank's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa, that's heavy. Are you sure? You know just how much the king hates gays."

Daniel shook his head. "No, I'm not sure. But what if... what if he's not the monster we thought he was? What if his hatred for gays is justified?"

Frank's expression turned thoughtful. "That changes everything, Daniel. If Lazarus is genuinely interested in you, a lot of things will be changed in our kingdom, and you might face a lot of pressure from the homophobic people."

Daniel's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Just then, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation.