,INNOCENT LOVE

"Are you serious?! Please, take back what you just said. The former king cannot be dead! He was strong, full of life." Madin exclaims, his legs nearly buckling under the weight of the news.

Removing his apron, he sinks into a chair, his mind reeling.

Thoughts of Arthur flood his mind, piercing his heart. He imagines the grief Arthur must be enduring and longs to be by his side, to hold him and reassure him that he is not alone.

"Marsel, do you really think I would spread false news about something as serious as the former king's death? I value my life too much to risk execution." Paul responds gravely, setting down the tray he had just cleared from a customer's table, his expression clouded with sorrow.

Everyone in the kingdom had loved King Elias. He was a ruler who placed the needs of his people above his own, a king who earned their hearts through kindness and fairness.

Madin strokes his fake long beard, his fingers trembling slightly as they brush against the disguise he has worn for so long. He has almost grown accustomed to his assumed identity as "Marsel."

For years, palace guards had come and gone from his hotel, even booking rooms to stay overnight.

They often questioned him, asking if he had seen a young man named Madin and describing his features in detail.

Even Arthur had once stayed in his hotel, unknowingly so close to him. That night had been agonizing for Madin.

He had been torn between running into Arthur's arms and keeping his distance.

He had chosen the latter, watching from the shadows until Arthur departed the next morning, leaving Madin weeping silently for hours.

Now, the urge to see Arthur again burns brighter than ever. Madin knows what his father meant to him. This loss must be destroying him, he thinks, his heart aching.

"Marsel? Are you okay? Your face has gone pale. Are you coming down with something after hearing the news? I know it's devastating," Paul says, his voice filled with concern.

Paul had been working at the hotel when Madin arrived three years ago, using money he had earned during his brief time at the palace to purchase the establishment. Paul had stayed on as an employee, unaware of Madin's true identity.

Madin had deliberately chosen this location, not far from the town where he and Arthur had first come together the day he was chosen by him.

He had reasoned that staying so close to the palace would throw off any search efforts. Surely, no one would think to look for him nearby.

The idea of a disguise had lingered in Madin's mind long before his escape. When the opportunity arose, he transformed himself—donning a fake beard and thick eyebrows that made him appear older and more distinguished.

Even those who interacted with him daily had never suspected the truth, not even Paul, who had become a trusted friend.

Despite his clever ruse, staying away from Arthur had been a torment. Knowing that Arthur was searching for him, hearing whispers of his efforts, and listening to Paul's musings about the king's desperation—it had all been unbearable.

Yet Madin had convinced himself that staying away was the only way to protect them both.

"Hey, are you even listening to me?" Paul snaps his fingers in front of Madin's face, breaking his reverie.

"No, sorry. What did you say?" Madin asks, blinking as he snaps back to the present.

"Clarita overheard some customers saying that the former king was killed—by that woman in the palace," Paul replies gravely.

"What?!" Madin exclaims, his legs giving way as he stumbles backward again. Paul rushes to steady him.

"Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. This news is hitting you hard," Paul says, his voice tinged with regret.

Madin struggles to process the revelation. Never, not even in his worst nightmares, had he imagined that Catherina could go so far.

The thought sends a chill down his spine. If she was capable of harming the king, then surely, she would have had no qualms about killing him as well.

"Thank you, Paul," Madin says after a moment, straightening himself.

His voice is steady, but his mind is in turmoil. "I think I need to head home for a while. If I don't return, make sure everything runs smoothly here." He grabs his sweater from the kitchen counter, already planning his next move.

"Wait," Paul calls after him. "If you don't come back, then let me ask this now, should we close the hotel tomorrow for the king's burial? I'd like to attend."

"Yes, yes, of course," Madin replies, swallowing hard.

"Should I stop by your place so we can go together?" Paul persists, his concern evident.

"Sure, that works," Madin answers absently, already heading for the door.

As he steps outside, the cool air does little to calm the storm raging within him. Thoughts of Arthur, the late king, and the treacherous Catherina swirl in his mind.

He knows he cannot stay away much longer. Arthur needs him, and this time, he cannot ignore the call.