[BL] Rules Of Desire: His Majesty's Secret-Chapter 35 - 33: Unspoken Tension

Hale’s lips lingered on Kaelith’s far too long, pouring warmth and silent longing into the kiss. But Kaelith didn’t respond. His lips remained still, frozen, heavy with doubt.

Sensing the distance, Hale slowly pulled away, eyes clouded with something unreadable. He exhaled, low and tired. "I should go for now... We’ll talk in the morning."

He turned slightly, already preparing to rise, when Kaelith’s hand reached out and seized his wrist not harshly but firm enough to halt him.

"Just because you mean something to me," Kaelith said quietly, his voice strained, "doesn’t mean you’re allowed to treat me this way."

Hale turned, startled by the depth of hurt in those golden eyes.

Kaelith’s hand didn’t let go. "Just because I can’t be seen with you in public doesn’t mean you can come and go whenever you please." His voice cracked at the edges as though holding back more than just anger.

"This secrecy, this silence, it’s already hard. And now you’re making me feel like... like I don’t matter. "His voice trembled. "Do you think I have no choice? That I’ll accept anything because this is forbidden?"

For a long second, Hale didn’t speak.

Then he knelt back onto the bed, cupping Kaelith’s hand between his own. "I’m sorry," he said softly. "I’m sorry I made you feel that way."

Kaelith stared at him. "Then answer me. Where have you been?"

Hale looked down, his jaw tight. "I don’t want to lie to you anymore," he said, voice low. "So I’d rather say nothing... than speak more lies."

He looked up, his expression raw. "Just know I’d never hurt you. I’d never play with your feelings or take advantage of what we shared. I only need a little more time, Kaelith. Please. Let me process everything, and when I have... I will tell you everything."

Kaelith’s gaze held his, unwavering. "Everything?"

"Yes," Hale nodded. "Everything. Just be patient with me."

He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss onto the back of Kaelith’s hand... Hale’s voice trembled slightly. "I missed you."

Kaelith was silent.

Hale gave a shaky smile. "I guess... You didn’t miss me."

But then Kaelith gently tugged him closer, wrapping his arms around Hale’s waist. The motion was quiet and vulnerable.

"Kiss me," Hale whispered. "If you missed me."

A small smile lifted on Kaelith’s lips. He leaned in, brushing a kiss on Hale’s nose, then his forehead, then his cheek. Only after savouring those small moments did he claim his lips slow, tender, longing.

The kiss deepened gradually, warming something aching in both their chests. When they finally pulled apart, breath mingling, Hale rested his forehead against Kaelith’s.

"I’ll make this work," Hale murmured. Not just in secret. I don’t want to be hidden. I want us to be seen.

Kaelith arched a brow. "You’re speaking like you already have a plan."

Hale chuckled faintly. I don’t. I know I’m just a servant, but I’ll find a way. I’ll do whatever it takes to stop hidden or just your secret lover.

Kaelith shook his head with a soft exhale. "It should be me assuring you... But here you are, doing it."

Hale only smiled and kissed him again. "It doesn’t matter who says the words. What matters is that we should keep trusting each other."

But Kaelith’s face darkened slightly. They’re already making plans, Hale... I might be married off soon. I’m afraid this will all end when I do.

Hale whispered. But I’m not giving up. Even if you get married until the day you stop wanting me, I’ll never stop trying.

Kaelith’s eyes glistened, and he held Hale’s face for a quiet moment.

Then Hale stood, brushing his robe. You should sleep. I’ll head to the servants’ quarters.

"No." Kaelith reached for him again. Stay. I missed you too much. Just stay with me tonight.

Hale hesitated only for a breath, then nodded.

He climbed into bed beside him, and Kaelith wrapped himself around him, arms tight, like he feared that if he let go, Hale would vanish again.

In that silence, they both drifted to sleep.

The morning sun had yet to peek fully into the room when Hale stirred first. Quietly, he turned toward Kaelith, still lying peacefully on the bed, one of Kaelith’s arms tucked beneath Hale’s head like a protective pillow.

For a long moment, Hale simply stared admiring the prince’s serene expression, the gentle rise and fall of his chest, the softness of his parted lips. Unable to resist, Hale leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss to Kaelith’s lips. It was soft, meant only as a whisper of affection.

But he didn’t stop.

Another kiss followed. Then another, each one a little longer, a little deeper. Still caught between sleep and waking, Kaelith instinctively returned the kiss, lips moving slowly in response though his eyes remained closed.

He assumed it was just a fleeting gesture. A good morning kiss. But when Hale didn’t pull away, Kaelith’s brows furrowed slightly. His eyes fluttered open, half-lidded with sleep, and met Hale’s gaze, full of warmth and quiet yearning.

"Good morning," Hale whispered, his voice thick with longing.

Kaelith’s only reply was a slow, sleepy kiss.

Then Hale’s lips brushed the shell of his ear and murmured, "When will you break the wall and come in?"

The question, though spoken gently, carried weight. It wasn’t about the kiss. It was about everything they hadn’t yet crossed. The final barrier. The moment of complete surrender.

Kaelith drew in a breath, letting his hand trail along Hale’s jaw. His voice was soft. "I’m waiting for the perfect time..."

Hale didn’t respond right away. He simply looked at him, quiet and unreadable. Then, with a faint nod, he pulled away and sat up, reaching for Kaelith’s robe.

Before he could stand, Kaelith reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him back onto the bed.

"Are you upset?" he asked gently, eyes searching his.

"No," Hale replied. But the quiet in his tone, the subtle downturn of his lips, spoke differently.

Kaelith cupped Hale’s face gently, his thumbs brushing against his skin.

"Hale... I’ve never been with a man that way. I want to truly understand. When it happens... I want it to be real. Not rushed. Not out of expectation or pressure. Just... when the moment feels right."

Hale let out a small breath and rested his forehead against Kaelith’s. I understand. But that doesn’t mean I stop wanting you.

"I’m not hesitating because this is forbidden," Kaelith added, his voice firmer now. I’m hesitating because I need to be sure I can give you everything, not just my body, but all of me.

A soft smile finally returned to Hale’s lips. "Then I’ll wait. Until you’re sure."

Kaelith pressed a light kiss to his forehead. "Now kiss mine."

Hale smiled and did the same, his lips lingering just a second longer on Kaelith’s skin.

Then he stood and moved about the room, quietly preparing everything Kaelith would need for the day, his movements steady again like a man with patience and hope

When the first golden rays of morning stretched across the palace, Kaelith sat before the mirror, already dressed in his training attire. Hale stood behind him, carefully brushing the long strands of his silver-blonde hair, gently tucking loose locks behind his ears with a soft, familiar touch.

Kaelith closed his eyes for a brief moment, savouring the intimacy, the calm before another demanding day.

A knock echoed at the door.

"Good morning, Your Highness," came Nigel’s voice, polite and cheerful.

Kaelith didn’t need to look. He already knew.

"Wait outside, I’ll be there shortly," he replied without raising his voice.

Still holding the brush, Hale asked quietly, "Who is that?"

Kaelith met his eyes through the mirror. "Nigel," he said casually. One of the newcomers. He and his mother came to Zarethrone seeking shelter. He’s skilled with a sword.

Hale’s hand paused mid-brush.

"He’s been training with me lately," Kaelith added, glancing at Hale’s subtle shift in expression.

Hale raised a brow but said nothing.

Kaelith chuckled softly and turned to face him fully. You should see him. He’s unbelievably attractive.

The words hung between them for a beat too long. Hale’s jaw tensed, his expression unreadable. Kaelith immediately cupped his face with both hands and gave his cheek a playful stroke.

"You’re enough for me," Kaelith said gently. He can’t even come close to taking your place. Not even a little.

Only then did Hale let out a short breath and smile, and Kaelith leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before heading for the door.

Outside, Nigel straightened, ready to greet the prince, but froze when he saw Hale following close behind.

There was no hiding his surprise.

A flicker of awkwardness passed through Nigel’s face for just a second, but enough. He hadn’t expected anyone to be in the prince’s chambers, especially not someone this striking.

This is Hale, Kaelith said.

His piercing gaze, tall frame, and quiet dominance were enough to steal attention on sight.

Nigel quickly bowed. "Oh, so this is Hale," he said, managing a smile. Finally, I get to meet you.

Hale gave a short nod, his eyes calm but alert, reading every twitch in Nigel’s face.

"Nice to meet you," Nigel added quickly, glancing at Kaelith for cues. Shall we go?

As they walked toward the training grounds, Nigel’s mind buzzed with silent thoughts.

Was Kaelith just dressing up casually in front of his servant?

His gaze flicked once more at Hale.

Or was that man not just a servant after all?

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