Prologue

The

twins*

Moirai, a word that means destiny. Destiny comes in so many ways, some people have their destiny way before they are born. Some find their destiny right after being born, some fight for it, some find it after a long wait and sadly some never find their destiny throughout their entire life. In Felstead kingdom destiny wasn’t an issue it just depends on the last name you hold. For example the Greenes, they are the strongest witches all around Felstead kingdom and their destiny is to protect and serve the royals from generation to generation.

Then there are the Felsteads, the royal family of Felstead kingdom loved and respected by everyone. The Felsteads got into power in the eighteen thousands after wining a war against the monsters that had tried to destroy their world. The creatures were called banes, they were black red eyed creatures that mostly took on wolf shape. Banes almost destroyed the kingdom of Alval ‘it was Alval by the time’ until Julian Felstead, the lead warrior fought a battle that led to their victory. He made the kingdom safe again and this led to king Alval getting over thrown for his incompetence to lead his kingdom to victory. The Felsteads were put in power, the kingdom moved from being called Alval to Felstead.

Generations and generations have become king and the blood line has been going on for centuries. Their destiny was set as every first born male was to become king and continue the blood line, the women in the family also had their destiny and that was to strengthen their kingdom by getting married off to powerful men. Every Felstead had a destiny prepared out for them, everything was easy until today.

The queen of Felstead, Hattie is supposed to give birth to her third child. Everyone is hoping it would be a boy this time. She has been birthing girls and the kingdom needs a heir to take over the throne after king Elude, the entire kingdom has been up and down, praying to the gods for their queen’s safety during this time. The castle is chaotic waiting outside for news, the queen has been in the room with a midwife and her valet for hours now but they haven’t been given any news about a child.

Inside the room, the queen gave one strong push with a yell as Della her valet that has been around through all of her births is helping by holding her hand “The head is out, one more push” Ismene the midwife said when the child’s head came out “My lady one more push and we will be done” Hattie held Della’s hand, she has to do this and meet her child, she is hoping it is a boy this time, she doesn’t want to endure more pain only to birth a girl. Hattie pushed one more time and the baby was out as she laid back down, she was exhausted and tired ready to fall back and sleep but she needs to find out the gender, she can’t give her husband the king another daughter, they need a boy “It’s a boy my lady”

Hattie sighed with a smile on her lips with her arms up wanting to hold her blessing. After a long run she has finally got a son and this is going to make the entire kingdom and the king so happy, she has finally been blessed with a boy “My son” Hattie mumbled looking at her precious one when sudden pain attacked her once. Hattie cried out pushing as Della took the child from her arms resting him into his crib before running over to Hattie “What is going on?” Hattie asked in so much pain, she usually never get any pain after pushing her children.

“My lady” Ismene got out of Hattie’s legs staring at her queen not knowing how she is going to give out the news, this will be a bomb to her and the entire kingdom

“Ismene what is happening?” Della asked after a long wait for Ismene to utter what she has to say. The look on her face scared the two ladies.

“You have another child” Ismene said finally, the queen is going to birth two children at the same time. She had two children all along, Hattie shook her head no staring at her stomach then back to Ismene when the pain attacked her again and she cried out pushing “We need to get it out?” Ismene said getting back in Hattie’s legs, even if this is a shock they have to think about the queen’s life.

“I don’t want it” Hattie yelled out in pain as she pushed. She never thought that her boy was with something else. Having two children is a curse, no pregnancy should hold more than one child and Hattie doesn’t know how she got this curse inside of her. If the king finds out about this her child might get killed because he was in her belly with a curse and she can’t allow this curse to come to the world, her child has to be the heir, it isn’t his fault that something else decided to come with him.

“My lady the head is out, one more push” As soon as Hattie heard that, she squeezed her legs together. She is not allowing a curse to be born, she would rather kill it than have it ever get into this world with her child “My lady, your killing it”

“Let it die” Ismene was surprised by the second child too but if she lets the child to stay between her queen’s legs any longer, this might lead to the death of her queen and she doesn’t want to risk it.

“My lady, if we do it like this we might lose you too, please push one more time and let the child to come out”

“That is not a child” Hattie gritted her teeth, she would rather die than birth that curse. What will everyone say, after a long time of waiting for the heir, the heir has come with a curse.

“My lady, we will find what to do to it but please don’t risk your life” Della tried wiping Hattie’s forehead, Hattie trusts Della, she has been by her side ever since she entered the kingdom and she is the person that knows her the most “I know you want to see your son grow up” Hattie wants to see her son become the king.

“Get it out” Hattie was determined to survive for her son and not let the curse take her own life. She pushed once, feeling angry for the pain being caused by something she doesn’t want, something that isn’t meant to live. Hattie in all the anger that her child was next to this thing she pushed hard until it was out. Hattie fell back tired breathing heavy and when she didn’t hear any cries she didn’t bother to ask why. All she needed was to see her son real son, hold him and let the kingdom know that she has finally given birth to the heir of Felstead kingdom.

“He is not crying” Della announced trying to clean the child as Ismene is cleaning up the queen. Both Ismene and Hattie didn’t reply or even look her way because they don’t care, Ismene has just saved her queen’s life and that is all that matters. A cry made them both leer at Della who was smiling “He is alive” Della said wrapping the child into a clothe to save him from the cold “Would you want to hold him?”

“Don’t bring that thing anywhere near me” Hattie warned with disgust on her face and voice. She can’t stand the idea of it ever being close to her son, her precious son “Kill it”

“But he is-”

“Della” Ismene cut her off with a glare “Do you know what the people will say if they find out about this?” Della knew what they will say, they will kill it first then the heir next but the boy is cute and looks innocent to be killed. Maybe if they looked at him they will know he is a blessing, most people who give birth to more than one child, one of the child comes out unrecognisable that it is taken as a curse to birth more than one child at one time but this one is perfect plus he is also a Felstead, maybe this will take away the law of two children.

“But this one is different, maybe they will see the difference from the others” Della tried, this one is perfect just like the first child. Della believes that no one is cursed on the two, maybe they will change their view after they meet them both.

“That thing has been feeding off of my son, get it out of my sight and kill it” Hattie ordered “And no one can know about this ever” Hattie didn’t care to look at it, she looked to the side and a smile came onto her lips when she saw her son laying in his crib “Ismene, bring my child to me” Ismene moved to the crib bringing it closer to her queen before making her way to Della.

“I am going to go and announce the birth of the heir, pass through the window and make sure no one sees you. Go up the hill of Adelsia and kill it then burry it so that no one can ever find it” Ismene ordered but Della didn’t make move to leave as she stared at the child with tears in her eyes, she doesn’t believe that this child is a curse “Della now, the king can’t find it here” Della nodded wiping away her tears.

“Make sure no one sees you” Hattie confirmed her eyes not leaving her son. Della stared at them, she has known Hattie for so long and she never knew she could do something like this, want her own child dead. Her perfect son that she hasn’t even looked at even one time, The boy in her hands started crying “Get that curse out before it wakes my boy”

“Okay my queen” Della bowed getting to the window that she opened. She pulled off one of her scuffs wrapping it over the boy before jumping to the balcony, she held herself firm with one hand looking for a way to get down without harming the child even if the mother wants him dead. Della did everything she could jumping down safely making her way through the back yard as she could hear cheers coming from all around the kingdom. They had announced the heir to them, Della ran never once finding any problem on her way since everyone is distracted by the birth of the heir not knowing that another heir was being sneaked out.

Della didn’t know what to do as she ran with the child. The only thing she knew was she could never kill off a child because she knew that the boy was indeed not cursed and unless she is proved otherwise, she isn’t killing the prince. To her the boy deserves to be called a Felstead because he is one and he is……..

The second prince of Felstead

Thoughts on this one, it Will be gay As usual with sex between two men and if that isn’t what your into please leave kindly.

Please keep the comment section respectful, don’t forget to vote.

Love you all and thanks for trying my book out

✌️✌️

Chapter 1

Elmer loved gardening, it was one of the things that he loved doing more than anything else. He desires music too but that is something he would do in his free time and away from everyone except his mother ‘sometimes’ She is the only person he could ever be comfortable enough to sing in front of. Elmer is a very calm person, so collected, never gets into anyone’s life (They don’t want him in their life anyway) Elmer could say he had a good life only if his town was not apart of it, sadly they are and they have made it super hard for Elmer to ever feel like he belongs and that is why he likes being alone, he enjoys his own company a lot.

Being thrown at his mothers doorsteps on the day the heir of the throne was born made him get known as the cursed child. They never wanted a child that got thrown out by his own mother onto someone else’s doorstep on the happiest day in the kingdom. Elmer has been hearing those words a lot, they hurt him, he tries to forget about them and most of the times his mother helps him get over those words with the love she gives him. Elmer loves his mother, she is the only person he can tolerate throughout the village. Elmer just hates everyone because they make it their mission to remind him that his own mother never wanted him.

Elmer shook his head focusing on the garden, today he isn’t working in the flowers sadly. He loves flowers but today he is on the harvesting job, his sister is on the flower job. Elmer loves this job too but he thinks that flowers are the best, they smell wonderful, the carrots aren’t too bad too “Elmer” Elmer snapped his head from the carrots he had in his hands to look at his mother who is standing at the beginning of the garden with her arms on her waist “I told you to end at four, what are you still doing here”

“I thought you wanted me to finish everything” Elmer asked putting the carrots in the basket getting up, nothing much is left,  just a few and he will be done.

“I do but it can be finished tomorrow” Elmer was about to open his mouth and tell his mother that he can do it when she gave him the look, the look Elmer knows too well “Now come we take that back home then go to the market”

“Is that why you wanted me to finish early” She always wants to go to the market with Elmer because he is strong and can help her out with her groceries.

“Serene isn’t back yet and I know your exhausted-”

“Mother I am glad to help, I am still as powerful as ever” Elmer comforted walking over to her, he towered over her as she is too tiny when she is next to him “Let’s go” Margret nodded wrapping her hand over Elmer’s hand as they made their way back home speaking softly among themselves. Margret doesn’t know who left the boy at her doorsteps, all she knows is that the woman who left this boy missed out on the lovely boy she had birthed. Margret had only a daughter but ever since Elmer arrived everything had been wonderful in her family and she is glad her husband didn’t reject him

They reached their home, Elmer rested the carrots in the kitchen then made his way into his small room and after cleaning off, Elmer went back to his mother going out to the market to get some staff they would need “Your birthday is getting close” Margret reminded as they walked to the market that is a little further than their home.

“The prince will be celebrating his, mine doesn’t matter” Margret believes that Elmer’s birthday is on the same day as the prince because when she found him he was only a few hours old. Elmer never wants to celebrate his birthday every year but Margret does, she found him that day so she is his mother and she will celebrate his son even if the prince has his birthday on the same day.

“Your my son and I will celebrate you” Margret insisted, Elmer just sighed but didn’t say anything back. He knows his mother, she takes him as the gift she got on that day but to Elmer it feels like a curse, that was the day his mother decided he didn’t want him and he feels like celebrating it, just makes things wrong. Elmer should be happy with the family he has but he can’t wish to meet his real parents and after nineteen years of his life that is his biggest wish for every birthday even if he loves the family he has.

They reached the market and Margret started getting everything she will need. Elmer just walked along holding the grocery basket as Margret put everything in with Elmer’s mind somewhere else “Don’t mind them, your my son” Margret comforted when some of the villagers started pointing at Elmer. This is the reason why Elmer enjoys his alone time so much, he gets time to think, to relax and not get called out as the cursed child who was thrown at his mother’s door steps.

“Can I go out after”

“Only if you come back before dinner” Margret replied and Elmer nodded, he just wants some free time where he will forget what his life is. They got everything they needed with Margret making conversations with the owner of the stalls, Elmer zoning everything out so that he won’t hear what they have to say about him. No one has ever thrown a child,  ‘At least no one he has ever heard of’ he was the first person to get left at another families door steps which makes him the never wanted cursed child. Spending time with his mother is always fun but never in public, in public Elmer keeps on getting reminded how Margret isn’t his real mother.

Elmer sighed when they finished everything they wanted and they made their way back home. The way back was quiet with Elmer in his head the entire walk and when they reached home, he put all the groceries down, said goodbye to his mother before walking out going to the place where he doesn’t get interrupted. Elmer believes no one knows about the place, he made his way up the hill humming a song that calms his brain and nerves. The song belongs to the reigns, Elmer usually sneaks on the roof to hear them sing because he loves their music and he wishes one day he could get the money to pay for the entrance and maybe also find out what ‘Reigns’ means.

Some of the words the reigns use are unheard of by Elmer but he still enjoys their music, so calming that Elmer usually sings them when he is alone which is always “Where to Elmer” Did Elmer ever say he hates the entire kingdom, he doesn’t hate it as much as he hates the person behind that voice. The cause of his anger, shame and embarrassment, the person Elmer would love to stay as far away as he can but that mostly seems impossible since, he seems to be everywhere ‘Bert Greene’ If Elmer were to explain how much he hates Bert, they would spend an entire decade speaking.

Bert Greene comes from a very powerful family, the Greenes they are witches and not just witches but the most powerful witches of all Felstead. Bert is a strong witch and Elmer usually knows not to mess with him but Bert always makes it so hard. Elmer looked down at Bert, Bert is a small person who loves to cause trouble. Elmer stared at Bert’s light brown eyes that only show mischief in them “Where to Elmer?” Bert asked in a mocking voice “Are you off to look for your parents”

Elmer clenched his jaw, he is not in the mood to be dealing with Bert but he is never in the mood for Bert ‘Who can ever be in the mood to deal with a privileged witch’ no one. Elmer decided to turn around to just leave him before another fight breaks out between them that Bert will surely win “You’re a cursed child, I think they got rid of you because they didn’t want you”

“What do you want?” Elmer asked glaring at the little witch.

“For you to disappear”

“That is exactly what I was doing or do you want to join me”

“Eww, why would I want that” Bert asked his face turning red for some unknown reason “I-i-”

“No words” Elmer asked in surprise, Bert always has a come back with everything but this time he seems to not have one. Elmer turned around to leave the witch alone before he can get a come back for him that he doesn’t want to deal with for the minute. Elmer wants to be alone and enjoy his own company because that is the only moment when Elmer is himself without facing judgement, sometimes he wishes things are easier and people would forget to remind him about his life for once, just one day of being normal ‘Is that so hard to ask for?’

Chapter 2

Bert stood exactly where Elmer left him, he hasn’t moved an inch because he has just messed up. He stuttered and didn’t have a come back because of the surprise Elmer threw his way that he wasn’t expecting. Bert’s heart was excited when Elmer invited him to join but he had to say no for obvious reasons but that threw him off of his game. This isn’t how he is supposed to play this game, he was supposed to be the impossible witch that destroys Elmer’s life left and right but now Bert has shown Elmer his weakness, the thing he wasn’t supposed to show.

“Ugh” this was going well, not getting attached to the cursed child. The weird child that came out of nowhere, the weird child that no one wants to get close or talk to scared that they might get cursed too. The child that his parents warned him about. Bert sometimes wishes everything was just fine and things could just go as planned, on his own accord and not because of his family’s name, the first thing he should care about. He has to hate Elmer because that is right and at first it was fine messing with Elmer until it just became exciting for Bert. Then it became an obsession that when Bert didn’t see Elmer he would miss him and want to see him and maybe throw some words at him.

Bert realized slowly that he was getting off of the thing that brought him in the first place. Showing Elmer that he doesn’t belong with them because they know nothing of where he came from, they don’t know who brought him, what kingdoms might have brought him and even if no one smelled him as a threat the Greenes are protectors of the land and they have to be cautious about everything. This was Bert’s task, to keep an eye on Elmer and make sure he didn’t come to cause harm to the kingdom but as a mess up Bert is he actually fell for Elmer.

Bert doesn’t know how that happened but staring into the Elmer’s golden gray eyes just captured his being. His tall frame, this strong arms that seem warm to hold Bert for the night. Bert knows these kind of thoughts are the worst, they can lead to his death because same sex relationships are banned all over the kingdom, in fact no kingdom allows same sex marriages. How can they when the biggest kingdom doesn’t allow it either and they need protection and trade from them.

Bert knows this is bad but he just can’t help it, Elmer is the guy he fell for. Bert always knew there was something different with him from the beginning, at the way he would focus on guys more than women yet it should have been the other way around but the first person to waken the real feelings inside him has to be the cursed child who surprisingly has the same eyes as both the king and the prince. It has always weirded Bert out, those kind of eyes are rare in the kingdom and it was said that only Felsteads could have them but Elmer is clearly not a Felstead so maybe the eyes aren’t rare as they thought plus not every Felstead has those kind of eyes. To Bert, Elmer just has the perfect eyes, Bert is so whipped by the curse child he doesn’t know how to get over it.

Bert finally found the courage to go back to his house that is very far from where he is. Yes that is how long it takes him to come see the cursed child, Elmer lives in a village with poor people and the Greenes can’t live in a part like this. Bert conjured a horse, it appeared right in front of him as the perks of being a witch help him out. Bert jumped onto the horse riding off from the village to the Greene side of the town that is spacious, the Greene land sits on five acre of land. The Greene family has been around for generations and they have been protectors who helped the Felsteads take over the kingdom and win over the monsters that were trying to destroy the kingdom, Greenes are a well respected family.

“Where have you been?” Lyra, Bert’s mother asked as soon as Bert arrived into the land ‘Old witches and their seeing’ Bert grumbled in his head. He still doesn’t get how his mother can sense him even when he hasn’t reached the house.

“Checking up on the cursed child, was I needed” Bert asked making his horse disappear getting down standing face to face with his mother who is the same height as him. Bert isn’t that short but depending on kids his age, they are taller than he is but that is the least of Bert’s concern.

“Training” Lyra reminded, Bert had training with his father at five but he disappeared “How will you live up to a Greene potential if you miss all of your trainings, how will you protect the prince”

“You don’t have to put a hard hand on him” Ernest’s voice came from behind Bert. Lyra can sense his son from a mile away, funny how he can’t sense the prince when he is right under her nose “I know he will do great” Ernest finished after getting closer to them. They both bowed showing respect to the prince “I told you never do that, you’re family”

“You’re still the soon to be king” Lyra replied bowing lower, if she wasn’t around Bert wouldn’t have even bowed because Ernest might be the soon to be king but he is his friend. A close one to that, Bert has known Ernest his entire life as he had to get close to him since he will be the one who has to be his protector. Bert has older brothers but they are not in the same age as Ernest and a protector has to be around the same age. Ernest is about to make twenty while Bert just made nineteen “Would you need anything my prince”

“Just to borrow my protector, I will bring him back as soon as possible” Lyra smiled, she has never met a prince as nice as Ernest, he is the sweetest prince and she can’t wait to see him rule.

“Take him as long as you need” Bert rolled his eyes secretly, he was about to get scolded for missing training now he is being given to the prince for as long as he wants “Bert behave, nice to see you my prince”

“The pleasure is all mine, my lady”

“You flutter me, my prince” Ernest chuckled giving a nod before they walked away with Bert “I have just saved you back there”

“I know, thank you” Bert mumbled saved from all the training he was about to do. His father Proteus doesn’t joke with training and when Ernest saves him from them Bert is always grateful “So why did you come to get me”

“Do I always need a reason to come see my friend” Ernest asked his eyes cast straight forward just like a prince, his poster straight, his arms behind his back. Bert’s father tries to train him to walk in a great posture but that is another thing Bert seem not to be very good at, he likes walking freely so that he can move his head as much as he wants not walk like a rock “Were you in the village again?”

“Yeah, you know the task with the cursed child”

“I thought your father told you to stop visiting him”

“He said that he is no threat but I still kind of like to visit since I have been doing it ever since I was young plus I enjoy the journey”

“That is literally the only exercise you ever do and enjoy” Bert laughed shaking his head. It isn’t his fault that he hates physical exercise and he enjoys the journey not because of the reasons Ernest is thinking of “I got you a gift”

“You shouldn’t have” Bert said stopping, Ernest pulled out a clothe pin showing it to Bert “Thank you” Bert smiled taking the gift from Ernest’s hands “I didn’t get you anything”

“My birthday is coming up, you will get me something then” Bert nodded staring at the pin, it has an amazing design on it, like his initials were engraved into it by stones “Do you like it”

“Yes, could you help me” Ernest took the pin putting it onto Bert’s shirt “It’s beautiful” Bert loves it, the fashion, his initials are beautiful. Bert smiled up at Ernest before they continued with their path that he doesn’t know where it will lead.

“I want to tell you something” Ernest said getting Bert’s attention though Bert didn’t stop walking, his eyes dancing all around the field.

“What did you want to tell me?” Bert asked after sometime passed with Ernest not voicing out what he wanted to say.

“It’s nothing”

“You sure” Ernest nodded, as he seemed like he had changed his mind “If you say so” Bert didn’t want to push the topic. Him and Ernest don’t have secrets except for the one Bert is keeping but that will stay in forever because Bert is not willing to say it out loud ever, if he still wants his life, Bert knows the only thing he’s got, is to keep his secret from ever getting out.

Chapter 3

The prince

Ernest raised his hand as his valet Samuel fixed his robe that is made of silk with fur on top of his collar. Ernest held his posture as Samuel helped him get ready for his birthday that he can’t wait to be on as he makes twenty years of age. Only a few more months until he can become the new king of Felstead, Ernest has known his destiny from the day he was born, he can’t wait to become king and fulfill his destiny as it is supposed to be.

Ernest has to be king, get a queen get married, have children and live happily ever after but what if that wasn’t the happily ever after he wanted, what if he wants something else or maybe he is just broken since he has never found any woman attractive, the only person Ernest has ever found attractive enough to get him off of his destiny is Bert. Ernest smiled, the thought of Bert just brings a smile on his lips, their is nothing less attractive on the little witch. Ernest fell for everything the witch does, his laziness in training because he hates exercise, light brown eyes, lips. Ernest just feels like he wants to pull him into his arms and let him stay their forever even when he knows that the fantasy will never happen.

Ernest has wanted to inform Bert of his feelings but he chickens out she he gets into his brain so much. He reminds himself that those feelings are never going anywhere and it is better to keep it in than risk it out there in the open “My prince” Ernest turned to find his sister Elude, she is the eldest at the age of twenty six. Married to the general of Pereto kingdom with two children “You look lovely”

“You look gracias” Ernest complimented giving her a kiss on the cheek. She is wearing a royal silk dress with long sleeves. Her hair is braided into a bun showing off her beautiful face with red lips “How was the trip” Ernest asked turning back letting his valet finish off his look.

“Nice, I always like coming back home” Eluned said making Ernest to nod turning to her when he was done.

“I need to welcome my guests, shall we” Eluned smiled putting her hand up. Ernest took it and they made their way out of the room hand in hand. They passed a few guards, most of them are from the  Greene family since they are the protectors. Ernest can’t wait to see Bert tonight and the gift he will be giving him. Bert isn’t someone who knows how to gift people, in fact he is terrible at it but Ernest appreciate the gifts Bert provides just because they came from him. Last year Bert conjured a horse for them to go horse back riding because he didn’t find a gift to give Ernest. It was fun and Ernest enjoyed it, he will treasure the moment but again he would like something that wouldn’t disappear right away, something tangible, something to keep close to his heart.

Ernest met up with his other sister Era who is twenty three. She is married to but with no children, she has spent three months into the marriage with the second prince of the Dagen kingdom who is so much older than her, Ernest greater her then made it to the door welcoming all of the guests, royals from all kingdoms here to celebrate the birth of the next king of the Felsteads “Ernest” Hattie called making her way towards her son. She is wearing a velvet renaissance dress with gloves, her hair let loose to the sides “Happy birthday” She said with a proud smile, handing Ernest a birthday shirt that she made herself.

“Thanks mother” Ernest replied pecking her cheeks “You look as beautiful as ever” he complimented handing the shirt to Samuel.

“Thank you” she smiled, the way she loves her son. Nothing has ever been more important to her than her son ever since she held him in her arms. He is the greatest gift the gods could have ever gifted her with and she feels proud of how her son turned out “I want you to meet someone?” Hattie motioned for a lady a few feet away from them to get closer “This is lady Ryee Anagnos from Caldor” Hattie introduced

“My prince” She gave curtsy with a smile, her blond hair held up into a head bun showing off her high cheek bones. In her neck rested a beautiful jewelry with gold gems on it and it is the only thing that captivated Ernest’s eye. It is beautiful and it deserves someone just as beautiful, someone like Bert.

“My lady” Ernest bowed “Nice jewelry” he complimented, lady Ryee passed her finger tips over it with a smile thanking the prince for noticing.

“It has been going down from generations, my mother handed it to me” Ryee said, Hattie knew she had done her job, now her son will have the perfect wife for him. Hattie knew that Rylee would make the perfect daughter in law.

“Would you fancy a dance?” Ernest asked with his arm up, Lady Rylee accepted putting her hand into the prince’s hand before they made their way onto the dance floor “How is your kingdom?”

“We are in winter, we are usually inside now days” she replied with a smile her red face “Our kingdom is so cold, we rarely get a chance to enjoy the sun” Felstead rarely gets winter, it is mostly fall and summer so are the most neighbouring kingdoms. But since Caldor is so far up in the mountains, it barely enjoys any warm weathers which means that planting is less done in those parts and they mostly pend on other kingdoms. Caldor is well know for their gems, they have beautiful gems and they make them the second richest kingdom after Felstead.

They danced around, trying to get to know each other. Ernest tried focusing on her but his mind was on when will Bert arrive, their dance got cut short when Ernest had to go meet other guests, like the king of Dagen. Ernest spent some time with them until the rest of the Greene family arrived, they wished Ernest a happy birthday with a family gift that Ernest treasured but he could not see Bert anywhere “Is Bert coming?”

“He is still in the stables, enjoy your celebration he will be in anytime” Proteus, Bert’s father and the head of the Greene family said. Ernest nodded excusing himself leaving the party, he wants to see Bert and waiting doesn’t work when he has been doing that since the party begun. Ernest walked into the stables where Proteus said they left Bert, Ernest laughed when he found Bert running around after a horse in the stables

“What do you happen to be doing?” Ernest made his presence known when Bert didn’t look back but focused on the horse.

“This horse has just eaten your gift” Bert replied chasing the horse around.

“What was it?” Ernest asked excited, Bert had brought a gift, a real gift and the horse decided to eat it.

“Father taught me how to conjure food and I thought you should be the first to try it out but this horse ate it when I was trying to fix my coat” Bert groaned leaning against the wall breathing heavily, that was too much exercise for him to do.

“I know I would have enjoyed it” Ernest would have wanted to taste it but now it is destroyed.

“I have some left” Bert said opening his palm to show a squashed cake in them. Ernest took it out of his hands “Am joking that is dirty….hey don’t eat that” Bert tried stopping him but Ernest put the piece into his mouth “Why did you eat it?”

“You made it” That is all that matters, Bert made it.

“So, it was all squashed and maybe hard horse saliva all over it” Bert scrunched up his face “Your going to get sick”

“I will tell them you gave me that cake that made me sick”

“I didn’t force you to eat it” Ernest chuckled looking around the stables, the messiness of Bert just cracks him up “Why are you laughing?”

“Have you ever finished something?” Bert always finds a way to mess something up, always.

“For your information I do finish a lot of things, like the cake but that horse had to come and just eat it. It should get a royal punishment” Ernest laughed staring at the horse.

“It’s fine, at least you made it, that means a lot”

“Your so understanding, if it was someone else my head would have been chopped off a long time ago” Bert knows how much he messes up but Ernest is a good friend who understands him more than anyone or his parents who expect him to do each and everything perfectly just like a Greene

“Your my friend”

“And protector” Bert added making Ernest nod “Speaking of protector, we need to get back to the party before they ask where the birthday prince disappeared to”

“Good thing I am with my protector”

“You mean the amateur, can’t risk that”

“Your not an amateur”

“Have you met me” Bert asked fixing his clothes, wiping sweat from his head, just a one minute run and he is sweating like a pig “Am ready, let’s go” Bert said breathing heavy before leading the way. Ernest stayed back giving a chuckle, Bert just never fails to make him smile everytime and it makes him fall in love with Bert even more, he is waiting for the time he will be able to tell him that.

Chapter 4

Elmer yarned walking into the small garden of flowers that he has behind his house, where he spends most of his time. Smelling them caring for them, he loves all of his flowers but the most flower he would say he loves so much would be the pansy. Their fresh smell, like a very delicious salad and their bi colours just capture everything in Elmer. Elmer walked over to the plants smelling them, so fresh, so fresh that they took all the sleep he still had. These flowers made his boring birthday interesting yesterday night because these flowers were available.

Not many were at his party but that would be expected since everyone was at the prince’s party and no one cares about Elmer obviously. Elmer enjoyed his party though since it was filled with people who truly care about him. His sister Serene, his father and his mother, they were all present and that meant everything to Elmer more than anything. The day might have been the day his mother abandoned him but it is the day he got an amazing family that cares for him “Enjoying yourself” Elmer turned his head back to find aunt Della staring at him with a smile.

“Aunt Della” Elmer got up walking over to her, he pecked her cheek but didn’t hug her since his hands have dirt on them “What brings you here so early?”

“I missed your birthday, I had to come give you your gift” Elmer thanked her taking the bag from her arms after cleaning his hands on his trousers. Della never forgets to bring him a gift though she always misses his birthdays every year, she works in the castle for the royal family and since his birthday collides with the prince, Della gets no time to come attend Elmer’s birthday and he understands that. Elmer opened the gift and they are new shoes.

“These had to be expensive” they look like the shoes a prince would wear. Della doesn’t get paid that much to be able to afford such shoes which means that she might have spent her savings “I can’t take them”

“Don’t worry, the queen gave them to me” Elmer stared at her, why would the queen give her shoes “They were for Treit but since it is your birthday and I missed it, I think you deserve them more than him” Elmer smiled hugging Della thanking her. He can’t believe he has gotten such expensive shoes like these to be his instead of Treit’s. That is another story.

“Thank you so much” Della nodded.

“I will go in and see Margret then get back to work” Elmer nodded thanking her again as she made her way back to the house leaving Elmer in the garden staring at the shoes. The shoes are expensive, Elmer has never touched something as expensive as these shoes and he can’t believe that they are his. He rested them down going back to his flowers, his morning is so far going great. Elmer worked on the flowers a song in his head, the song for the Reigns called ‘Lucky’ Elmer loves the song so much, he thinks it is the best song in all Reigns songs.

The remedy and the voices are just so melodic, the beat. Most reigns songs rock but this one had a slow part that just captured Elmer. Elmer can’t do the beat of that song but he wishes he can sing one time with all those instruments. Elmer dreams of a lot of things, just getting into the theater to watch the reigns sing live would be wonderful but him standing there singing with those instruments would make it better, he doesn’t want to be like them but he wants to know the feeling of being up there. He knows it will never happen in his life that is why he enjoyed singing in the mountains where it is free and peaceful.

Elmer got up with a bouquet of flowers in hand, picked up his box where his shoes are making his way back to the House, it is time for work and he can’t be in flowers all day “Am back” Elmer announced resting the flowers next to the window at the sink. He put his box down, poured some water into the vase before setting them in.

“Go get ready, your late for work” Margret said without looking back at Elmer.

“Aunt Della gave me these” Elmer said walking over to her showing her the shoes, he loves the shoes so much he doesn’t know if he can actually wear them anywhere, they might get stollen.

“You will miss work” Margret seemed to not be into having a conversation right now and Elmer got that from her attitude. He walked into his room, rested his shoes next to his clothes, he washed off all the dirt on him even though he is going into another dirt but still he will need to be clean. Elmer works at the Felstead winery, where he harvests grapes. It is a very big garden and it has so many employees, they don’t get much and it depends on his much you pick.

Elmer finished getting out of his room, he walked into the kitchen and he found his lunch already packed, he thanked her then said goodbye “Elmer” Margret called before he could get out of the door.

“Yes mother”

Margret sighed turning around “Your aunt was here” Elmer nodded, he saw her first before she came here “She gave me a proposition, I had said no but this is about you….” Margret trailed off tears falling down her cheek.

“What is it?” Elmer asked, had they found his parents, maybe that is it. Maybe he will finally get a chance to meet them, that has to be it, why would his mother be crying now if that wasn’t it.

“She wants to give you a job working for the royals” The disappointment on Elmer’s face didn’t go unnoticed “What is wrong?”

“No, I just thought….let us leave that” Elmer laughed nervously biting his bottom lip, how could he assume something like that “Ah, about the job. What will I be doing?” Elmer decided to change the subject, being sad about things that won’t happen just end up making him sad all the time.

“You will be working in the garden, their gardner died and she wanted you to replace him”

“That is amazing” Elmer loves gardens and getting a chance to work in a garden of flowers, that won’t be a job, he will be having fun. The royals must have the most beautiful flowers all over the kingdom, he has a garden but it is so small compared to the garden that the royals must have, he will spend the day doing what he loves and earning from it. Now all his sad thoughts have left his body, with this opportunity he can save up money to go into the theater to watch the reigns sing, this is amazing “Did she say, when I will be starting or if I got the job” Elmer was excited that he forgot about his actual job where he is now two minutes late.

“I see you want to go”

“You didn’t want me to go?” Elmer asked confusion on his face.

“That’s not it, I just don’t want you close to the royals. They are not good”

“But everyone says they are” Elmer has never met one of the royals, how can he when he is just a peasant but again those who have had the pleasure of meeting them say only good things. Aunt Della says only great things about the prince “Plus they say the prince is so laid back” so caring.

“They are not like that, trust me”

“Aunt Della works for them and I have been working for them all this time although they don’t pass by the winery” Elmer has never gotten that chance “And I will have Aunt Della with me, I won’t even be working for them directly I will be in the garden just like in the winery”

“Do you really want to do this” Elmer nodded, it involves a garden of course he would love to do it “Will you manage being so far from home”

“I am twenty years old mother”

“I know but I don’t like that you will be so far away”

“I love you” Elmer hugged her, she is the best mother in the world and it is so unfair to her that he always wishes he could meet his real parents. She is enough, his family is enough and that should stick into his head more often.

“What if I want you to sing to me” Elmer laughed pulling out of the hug.

“I will always sing for you” Margret pulled him into another hug, she has to let go of her son to go into the royal family after what they did.

“I want you to be careful okay” Elmer nodded even if he thinks that his mother is being paranoid over nothing, he will be okay, nothing will ever happen to him and the Felsteads are the royals, they have to be good right?

Chapter 5

Elmer got the job, his aunt Della brought him to the castle about a week ago. Showed him all around the castle, not every place but the places he is allowed in and those are the servants kitchen, servants quarters then the garden, nowhere else but also those places look better than his house. The castle is massive with so many workers and guards. Elmer knew that the royal garden would be big but nothing prepared him for the massive garden he found, filled with all different types of flowers.

Elmer had bought a book about flowers, he didn’t go to school but he has tried educating himself through something he loves the most, flowers though mostly his sister taught him all that he knows, how to read, write and so on since she went to school. His parents couldn’t afford both of them to go to school but they made sure Seren taught Elmer about staff she learns.

Elmer has been reading most of the flowers from the books and seeing them with his own eyes makes it so wonderful. Reading about something then seeing it with his own eyes made Elmer think he was in heaven, he has been living in heaven for days now and he finally got a chance to meet the prince. He was in the kitchen having lunch when the prince came in, they used to tell Elmer that he had eyes that resemble the prince’s eyes but he never believed them until he had a chance to see Prince Ernest’s eyes. They are exactly like his that even the prince was shocked but most of all it is prince Ernest’s behavior that put everything to shame.

He was so sweet, so casual that he shook Elmer’s hand. Elmer had heard that they don’t do that unless you’re a noble and Elmer is just a nobody but the prince touched his hand and welcomed him. He was as sweet as they say he is even more, so friendly, the air that comes from him is welcoming. What made Elmer fit in more was the fact that nobody knows about him being a cursed child, this is the only time Elmer hasn’t been called out on what he is, he feels normal just like everyone else “And this is Elmer” Elmer turned around when he heard the prince’s voice.

“My prince” Elmer’s voice came out shocked as he bowed earning a laugh from Ernest “My lady” Elmer bowed again as the two smiled, he has just come into this and he knows literally nothing on how to great the royals, it is so nice Ernest is so kind or he would be dead by now.

“He is the new gardner” Lady Rylee nodded smiling at him “So Elmer, what flower would you give to this beautiful lady right here” Ernest said pointing at Rylee whose face turned bright red “What flower would suit her?”

“If you could follow me…..I mean I want to take you where the flower is- I didn’t mean for you to be a follower, it is just-”

“Just be free, nothing bad is going to happen” Elmer tried calming his heart. No matter how sweet Ernest is he is still a royal and any mistake can lead to his death just like now. How can he tell a royal to follow him, was he even thinking, clearly not if he could say something like that “Take us where you wanted to take us” Elmer shook his head from his thoughts making his way to the flower that he sees fit for the lady. They walked behind him having small conversation and the way Ernest is speaking just makes Elmer want to find someone who he will talk to except his mother. Their are some things that deserve to be told to a lover or a friend.

Elmer reached the flowers he has been searching for, Carac lilies, they are beautiful but hard to grow. They need a lot of water and that is why they are in pots, Elmer got them from the swamp. The previous gardner might have put them their for their need of so much water but Elmer believes they are more beautiful in a house than somewhere far away. Elmer picked up two handing them to Lady Rylee who took them with a smile “Why that flower?” Ernest asked.

“She is beautiful, she deserves a flower that symbolizes her beauty”

“Thank you” Lady Rylee said smelling the flowers in her hands with a smile. Ernest smiled thanking Elmer before they continued on their way. Elmer’s eyes followed them as they disappeared in the sea if flowers, he released a heavy sigh of relief. He didn’t know he was holding his breath all along, the prince talking to him so casually, who would have thought that Elmer would ever meet the prince or talk to him or get his woman flowers and get a thank you in return. Nobody has ever thanked or smiled at Elmer except his family but now he is being smiled at by the prince ‘Who knew’ Elmer smiled getting back to his work, he loves this job so much.

---

“Bert more” Proteus yelled again for Bert to do it harder, Bert tried a little harder encouraging himself that just a little more and it will be done. He has been in training for the last two hours and this is it, if he can do this it will all be over and he can fall back down and rest for the rest of the day. Bert fought harder, this is the biggest thing he has ever been asked to conjure and it is hard to finish, he is usually asked to conjure weapons, swords, spears and so many but today he has to create two guards each with a weapon making it harder than ever before.

He didn’t know what this helps but he has to do it and be done with it. Bert focused his mind finishing them up and as he fell down to his knees two guards with swords were standing in front of him. Bert was so tired to care why he was asked to make them, he was just relieved they were done “Good job, now go get ready for dinner”

“Wait” Bert breathed in and out hard while pointing at the guards he has just made “What are they for?’

“For when your powers are low, they can fight for you. Now make them disappear” Bert groaned, it took him hours just trying to make them now he has to take them apart.

“Why can’t they stay, I might need them”

“Then you will make others, hurry or you won’t get diner tonight” Proteus made his way out of the training room leaving an exhausted Bert down who now needs to hurry to the dinner table. Bert made the two guards disappear, it has always been so annoying how it is hard to conjure staff but so easy to make them disappear, Bert got up walking into his room where he took a well needed shower before going into the chaotic dining room that is filled with the Greenes. The Greene family is filled with so many people that the house never quiets down as they have an entire clan living in one place, that is why Bert had to hurry up and get to dinner so that he won’t miss food.

Those are the disadvantages of having a very big family, Bert made his way to his favorite aunt Clio sitting beside her as the rest took their seats. Everyone started having conversations among themselves, the table never quieting down. At the head sat, Proteus and on his left sat Lyra, Bert’s mother. The table went on with uncle Damon, Bert’s cousin Hernia and next to him had to be Bert’s older brother “Where is Atlas?” Bert asked his aunt, the closet one to him.

“He is in Dagen, your dad told him to take care of something” Bert is so close to his brother and he would have known if he was taking a trip to Dagen, that didn’t sit well with Bert for the entire dinner.

Chapter 6

Greene’s game day*

“You’re here earlier than ever” Ernest questioned giving Bert a pointed look. Bert likes sleeping in but today he is at the castle earlier which means something either happened or he is running away from something that involves his family

“Game Day” Bert grumbled “Atlas isn’t around and they still want me to join them, I had to run away as fast as I could” Bert shivered in disgust, who is going to be around an entire Greene family as they play their game using magic. Bert’s magic hasn’t become strong like theirs and the games are so aggressive, Bert comes out wounded and that is the last thing he needs when his protector Atlas isn’t around. Atlas usually saves him from those savages he is sadly related to.

“I enjoy your family games”

“You’re the prince they favour you” They can never harm Ernest in those games but with Bert it is another story. They know he is weak, gets exhausted quickly, everything makes him an easier target for everyone “How was your date with lady Rylee?”

“It was good”

“Just good, you don’t like her” Ernest shrugged pulling the door open as they walked outside “Your not into her, you’re giving me that face”

“She is beautiful but I don’t think she is the one”

“What are you going to do, I heard they wanted you to marry her since you know…” Bert trailed off his eyes catching someone he has not seen in a week, one day, two hours, forty five minutes and now three seconds. Yeah, Bert has been going to Elmer’s house everyday and he never finds him nor does he ever see him up the mountain enjoying his own company like he usually does, Bert admits that he has been stalking Elmer, he would blame it on the job but it was personal for him. He is so into the man that he can’t stand not seeing him that is why this past week has been horrible.

“Bert” Ernest called putting his hand on Bert’s shoulder “Did you see something?”

“No, no, nothing it is just happened to be so col-warm, so warm. I need a drink” Bert was stumbling over his words, he turned around getting back into the castle before Elmer could spot him. Bert has not been seeing him and when he does he has to see him in the most unexpected place of all with sweat all over his body. That isn’t what Bert was expecting and he definitely needs a drink or much less a shower.

“Your acting weird” Ernest voiced out but Bert didn’t even dare to look at him. He was storming down the hall like a rogue animal searching for something “Did the warmth get to you that much?”

Bert stopped at the door looking at Ernest then remembering the sight he just saw “Yes” he said waving himself with the collar of his shirt because he needs some air, the warmth got to him that bad. Now his family game doesn’t sound so bad at all, he would rather get tossed around than get this bothered at the castle moreover. What would happen if someone found out about his secret, his family’s name would be ruined, his future, he doesn’t know how Ernest would react to that news. Ernest is his best friend and his opinion matters a lot ‘I am screwed’ Bert thought.

Bert made his way inside the kitchen where a lot of workers bowed upon seeing their prince. Bert didn’t wait to get served, he walked straight to the pantry pouring himself a glass of water that he chugged down like a lunatic but he didn’t care, all he cared about was for his heart to calm down. Bert had finally calmed down his beating heart, and his hot skin when the silence in the room captured his attention and when he glanced up everyone, had their eyes on him and he would say he is used to embarrassing moments, Bert is the king of embarrassing moments and the servants have seen him embarrass himself on several occasions but this time the queen is here.

She isn’t new to these moments but still, she is the queen and Bert sure knows how to embarrass himself. He hurried and rested the glass back down before bowing to the queen, she smiled pointing to his chin. Bert knew he had something on himself, he lifted his hands wiping his chin then wiping it on his shirt making everyone in the room to laugh “You’re really something” Hattie said walking over to her son who was laughing quietly to himself “Hi son, don’t forget we have diner with king Fletcher” the king is Dagen

“Is Era joining” Hattie nodded kissing her son on the cheek before walking out. Ernest’s attention moved back to Bert who is standing there with a red face and a wet shirt “Come on, you need to change” Bert didn’t say any word, even after so long of embarrassing himself, it never gets easier everyday it gets worse “send someone to come get his clothes” Ernest said as they walked out of the door.

“You laughed at me” Bert accused trying to glare at Ernest who only chuckled his sight cast in front of them.

“What was wrong with you anyway, you chugged down that glass like a starved person”

“Whew, don’t ask” Bert said as if it is a long story yet it is the shortest story in history. He saw a hot guy, he got hot and bothered and the rest is what happened “It is so hot, I feel like I never want to leave my bath”

“It is only spring, summer is coming up”

“I will be so sweaty by then, I hate summer”

“Then move to Caldor, it is winter all the time”

“Ugh, I hate winter” Bert groaned more, can’t the weather just be both. Not too cold, not too warm either just in-between where it balances. Feel the warmth, then feel the cold and just balance. Bert just hates weather because when it is hot then it is really hot and when it is cold then you feel like your freezing to death, if he had the power he would change that.

“You’re impossible”

---

Era excused herself when she saw that she was no longer needed. The only reason she joined the visit was for king Fletcher to remind king Elude of Felstead that he has a daughter in their kingdom. Era hates being used for other people’s benefits. Her destiny was never to get married into that kingdom, she doesn’t belong there nor does she feel at home no matter how much they try to make her comfortable. Most of all she hates her husband, the guy is too old with a lot of beard for her taste. She feels disgusted every time she finds out she has to kiss him.

Era hates her life yet it has only been three months in marriage. She doesn’t know if she could do forever or if she will ever fall in love just like Eluned says. There is nothing common between her and the man she got, her sister at least got someone close to her age, someone not disgusting. Someone worth loving “Miss” Era wiped her tears before turning around to find the most handsome guy in chubby clothes, he had his brother’s eyes intriguing Era “I saw you crying, I wanted to make sure you’re okay?” Era shrugged staring around “I know what can make you smile”

“Nothing can make me smile at this moment, could you please leave me alone” Era wasn’t in the mood to be dealing with anyone. He is handsome but she needs time alone. She turned around walking away in her thoughts smelling all the flowers around her when the same guy stood in front of her again “Didn’t you hear what I said”

“I just wanted to give you these” The guy held out, violet flowers. Era was confused but took the flowers in her hands “Those flowers are called allysum”

“Why did you give me these?”

“So that they can remind you of what your truly are”

“And what would that be”

“You’re worth beyond beauty” the guy smiled before turning around, walking away. Era remained standing there stunned by that, her eyes moved to the flowers and indeed they brought a smile to her lips. No one has ever said such words to her, she has always been face, do this and make sure your pretty enough. No one has ever seen her beyond the face except for the guy that didn’t even leave a name.

Chapter 7

prince of flowers*

“How is work?” Elmer got startled by his aunt Della when she spoke behind him “I didn’t mean to startle you”

“No it’s fine, it’s just this-” Elmer fought with his zipper trying to get it to work, it has jammed and for the last five minutes Elmer has been trying to make it work but it hasn’t, yet he needs to get back to work.

“Wear something else, I will take that and get it fixed”

“No, it’s fine I can do it, I wouldn’t want to get in the way of your work”

“Do you know where the seamstress is?” Elmer shook his head no, he hasn’t been here that long to know something like that “Then hand me the trousers, I will get them sewed then bring them back to you in the evening”

“But you could direct- fine” Elmer took off his trousers handing them to Della who smiled saying goodbye before leaving Elmer’s living quarters. Elmer picked out other trousers then made his way out of his room after saying goodbye to his roommate, he passed through the servants lounge where done of the servants are seated chatting among themselves. Elmer passed through them, he is not one to make friends that easily and he hasn’t tried doing so ever since he arrived here plus they seem to know each other and Elmer still feels like a stranger just like always feels.

“Elmer” Someone called “I wanted to thank you for covering for me yesterday evening”

“It’s fine” Elmer didn’t mind spending more time in the flowers, in fact it helped him get a sad miss to smile. That is what flowers are supposed to do, make people smile and when it was accomplished Elmer knew the flower job was done.

“If you ever need anything don’t hesitate” Elmer nodded then continued his way into the garden. Elmer put on his gloves making his way to the fertilizers singing to himself ‘lucky’ the song he loves to death until a voice said behind him.

“What are you doing here?” Elmer dreaded the voice even before looking at the person. That voice is for someone who can destroy his day with just a voice and he has just did, Elmer ignored him picking up a small shovel with his bucket of fertilizers before going to the plants “I am talking to you”

“And I am ignoring you but you’re clearly not getting the hint” Elmer replied sarcastically, how can someone ask such an obvious question. He can see what Elmer is doing and Elmer is ignoring him clearly, how clear does Elmer have to make himself.

“Then don’t ignore me and reply to my question” Elmer glanced up at Bert looking away from the plants as he gestured around trying to give Bert an hint on what he is doing without saying a word “How did you get here?”

“The king’s carriage brought me here”

“Watch your tone”

“Then stop asking obvious questions” When you ask obvious questions, expect an obvious but sarcastic answer. Bert groaned but didn’t say anything nor did he move like Elmer expected him too, Elmer decided to ignore him and do his job, Bert is the last person deserving of his time.

“I hate you”

“Trust me when I say” Elmer looked up “I feel the same way”

“What way?” Ernest’s voice sounded pulling the two out of their intense glare. Elmer got up bowing whereas Bert just smiled making his way towards Ernest “what were you two talking about?”

“I was getting to know the Gardner” Bert acted as if he and Elmer didn’t know each other and the way he was talking casually with his hand on the Prince’s shoulder meant Bert was a good friend to the prince. Usually those two types of people don’t get a long. Bert is bad news while Ernest is a saint, they should be sworn enemies not friends.

“Did I tell you he gave lady Rylee a flower that described her beauty, she was so happy”

“Oh really” Bert smiled turning his head to Elmer “What flower would you give me” Elmer scoffed, that evil witch doesn’t deserve a flower but he can’t say that out loud with the prince around. The prince seems fond of Bert so he has to watch his mouth.

“To describe what” Elmer asked, if he was to describe the witch it wouldn’t be a good flower

“His messiness” Ernest replied with a chuckle, Elmer wanted to laugh as Bert glared at Ernest. Messy, Elmer didn’t know that but he sure does know the rest.

“Don’t listen to him, I need a flower that describes me” Elmer bowed walking away to look for the best flowers to describe that cold-hearted witch. Bert has managed to make his life a living hell for years, this garden has been his hiding place but he has to be here, Elmer is worried that Bert might ruin this too, make him feel unwelcomed all because he was left on his mother’s door step when he was young.

Elmer has had to hear all that ever since he was young. Other children not wanting to play with him, getting seen as a foreign plant that no one wants to touch. When Bert joined the group it all just became worse, Bert is evil and he deserves to know that. That is why Elmer has picked up the best flowers to describe Bert very well. Elmer made his way back to the two, handing Bert the flowers “Why is there a vegetable?” Bert asked seeing a lettuce in his flowers.

“You might find out that it describes you more than anything”

“What does it mean?”

“Boldness” Elmer lied with a smile “The hydrangeas mean, you are a kind in and out and the marigold means care”

“You have described him perfectly” Ernest praised clapping his hands, Elmer has described Bert perfectly except for the few that he misses but that was perfect “How did you know?”

“I can just see it on him” Elmer replied, Bert wasn’t buying any of it, there is no way Elmer sees that in him and he knows it.

“Thank you Elmer” Bert walked over to Elmer “I have a feeling they don’t mean what you have just said” Bert voiced out his worry in a low voice so that Ernest wouldn’t hear him. He moved back and placing a fake smile on his lips “I love them, I will leave happy just like Lady Rylee”

“Am glad you like them, I picked them with care to make sure they describe you” Bert scrunched his face, he was tired of this acting. The flowers meant something bad obviously, he just has to find out what, Bert turned around making his way out of the garden as Ernest followed after thanking Elmer once again.

“He wasn’t happy about his flowers” Elmer turned away from where Ernest and Bert disappeared to, to look behind him to find the sad lady he saw last night.

“Miss, you’re back” Elmer smiled.

“I loved my flower so much I had to come back” Era smiled putting her hand out, Elmer took it pecking her hand softly before letting it go “Era”

Elmer’s eyes widened when the name sounded familiar “Era, as in the second princess of Felstead Prince’s Era” Elmer jumped over his words hoping he is just mistaking the names but he has a feeling he isn’t. He has just touched her with his hands and he…..Elmer bowed apologizing frantically, he knew he should be more careful, in this place there is a high chance to meet the royals and he just didn’t notice, he should have noticed by the clothes, her skin.

“It’s fine, no need for that” Era comforted, the royals seem so nice. Everyone Elmer has met is friendly “What is your name?”

“Elmer Moirai, my princess”

“No need to add that, call me Era” Elmer nodded but can he do that, obviously not “So you’re destiny” Elmer didn’t know what she was talking about he found himself saying ‘huh’ Era laughed holding onto her fingers “Moirai, means destiny in Greek”

“Ohh” Elmer didn’t know that, he can barely capture English, Greek would sound like baby talk to him.

“So what is your destiny Elmer Moirai”

“Ah…” Elmer scrunched his head, he doesn’t have a destiny “Flowers” he said with uncertainty in his voice making Era to chuckle.

“That is a nice one” Elmer smiled nodding “Elmer Moirai, the flower prince”

“That can never happen” Elmer replied turning his head but he couldn’t hide the smile on his lips.

“You’re a Moirai” Era clarified “You can write your own destiny” Era smiled, then turned around leaving Elmer confused. It is just a name that was found by his mother when he was picked from the doorsteps. The name means nothing plus no one can choose their destiny, if your not born with it, then you have to fight for it and Elmer only loves flowers so, he chose his destiny. He is the Gardner, not the prince of flowers

Chapter 8

heartless*

“You keep looking outside is something wrong?” Ernest asked, it has been an hour since Bert arrived but his eyes are outside every time Ernest’s eyes go to him.

“Nothing” Bert tried lying but it is still itching him up like a fly on his ear “I will use your restroom” Bert got up going to the door leaving Ernest in the study where they have been learning about Felstead history. Ernest needs to know about it since he will be king any time soon. Bert walked out and into the long hallway, he passed the bathroom taking a right straight into the garden. He went home yesterday and checked out the meaning of the flowers and the specific vegetable he was given and Elmer had the nerve.

Bert can’t get them out of his head that he isn’t focusing on anything other than this. He needs to give Elmer a piece of his mind, Bert isn’t heartless or cruel or cold hearted. He just has a different way of expressing his feelings and since these feelings could lead to his head getting chopped off he decided to guard himself before he could cause any damage but now Elmer thinks he is….. ‘I am gonna give him a piece of my mind’ Bert walked through the flowers looking for Elmer, he is determined to find him even if he makes himself as small as a bug.

Bert spotted Elmer in the nursery working on a plant with a smile on his lips like this is the best day ever, it isn’t for Bert as he stormed over with a fuming face. He closed the door aggressively behind him to get Elmer’s attention. Elmer turned to him, snarled before going back to his work “You’re going to listen to me this time” Bert started moving in front of Elmer “I am not cruel, or cold hearted or heartless you’re just making all of those things up”

“If they are not true then why are you getting yourself worked up”

“I-” Bert looked for words in his head “Because what you said is a lie-”

“I didn’t say anything”

“You did, your flowers did” Bert huffed folding his hand above his chest “I am going to prove to you that I am neither of those things” Bert doesn’t know how he will do that but he has to prove that he is neither of those things, Bert is having a hard time to think that someone thinks of me like that. Bert is messy, weak but he is not a cold hearted, cruel or heartless. His heart is in his chest and it is warm not cold, he has no bad bone in his body at all “I will show you that I am not cold hearted”

“Bert I don’t care”

“You should” Bert was determined to prove he is neither of those things. He spotted Ernest in the distance, he glanced back to Elmer who is back to his plant when an idea popped in his head “Stay here”

Elmer looked at him as if he was crazy, Elmer was in the necessary before Bert came in and he wasn’t going to leave before finishing up what brought him here. Elmer watched Bert leave the necessary and he shook his head, he should have added weird to the flowers because Bert is a load of….things and all bad. Elmer went back to work pushing Bert out of his brain when the necessary door opened again, this time when Elmer glanced back Bert was with the prince.

“Your highness” Elmer stood bowing as Ernest nodded his eyes on Bert.

“Why did you bring me here?” Ernest asked

“You know when I said I didn’t know Elmer, I lied” Bert confessed, Elmer doesn’t know what is going on but he expects nothing good to come out of it “Me and Elmer know each other, I found him on one of my trips to the village. We became really close but I did something bad that I am embarrassed to say and now he is mad at me” Elmer doesn’t know what Bert is playing but that is exactly not the story though he kept quiet not adding anything to the teary Bert, his face is so believable that if Elmer didn’t know the real story he would have believed him “He is ignoring me now”

“Maybe you should first apologize” Ernest advised glancing between Elmer and Bert.

“I did but he acts all busy and ignores me, I wanted to get some alone time with him to prove that I am not as heartless as he thinks” Bert turned to Ernest “Will you give him time off so that we can work things out between us”

“Of course, we wouldn’t want someone to think bad of you” Ernest said, Bert smiled nodding glancing back to Elmer with a smirk “Elmer give him time, he isn’t a bad person and I know whatever he did was an accident” Nothing about what Bert did was ever an accident, he is making himself out to be a victim in this, Elmer isn’t going to forgive him whatsoever.

“I will, your highness” Ernest nodded tapping Elmer’s shoulder before walking out leaving the two “What are you playing?”

“Trying to prove that I am not as heartless as you think”

“By lying to the prince”

“I didn’t lie I changed the story” Bert defended as if that changes the fact that he lied “I didn’t want him to know who you are back in the village, things would be as bad as they were back then if they find out what you are-”

“You mean a cursed child, that knows nothing about where he came from. Remember you were the one who used to throw it in my face every time” Elmer reminded through gritted teeth.

“I want to apologize for it all, I was young and-”

“It doesn’t matter and if you want to tell everyone just say so, just get out of my job” Elmer pulled his gloves back on and was ready to get back to his job but Bert took his hand.

“The prince gave you permission to spend time with me, we are going to do so”

“I don’t see him anywhere”

“I can go and inform him that you have disobeyed his order”

“Then you say you’re not heartless” Elmer pointed out taking his gloves off throwing them down in anger “What do you want to do?”

“I don’t want to spend time with you when you’re angry”

“You want me to smile” Elmer asked with a frown, how can he smile when he is with someone he doesn’t want to be with “I don’t have time for this I have things to do” Elmer bent down picking up his gloves before going back to taking care of the plants, he still heard Bert standing behind him but he focused on his work, he doesn’t need to know anything about Bert for that matter.

Bert knew that if he wants to prove that he isn’t as heartless as Elmer thinks he shouldn’t be doing things that only prove otherwise. He needs a strategy that will not be him forcing Elmer to do staff but something that will make him know the real him. Bert being called heartless is like the word is walking on his forehead and anyone can see it, that isn’t what Bert was trying to do, he didn’t want Elmer to think of him like that ever though he still can’t blame Elmer that he thinks like that but not it is time Bert made Elmer to stop thinking like that.

Bert had to do anything in his power to prove himself that he is the opposite of what Elmer thinks.

Chapter 9

Acting*

Bert has been searching in his head for ways to change Elmer’s thoughts of him but he has been coming out short. He asked for his brother’s advise Atlas who finally came back from his trip. Apparently he has gone to look for the girl he had seen on Ernest’s birthday party that caught his eye. Bert has not been informed about the entire story but his brother said she had agreed to see him again, so they might be going somewhere. Bert had asked for advise and the only thing his brother said was to have patience and try not to nag Elmer too much, if someone has a bad impression on you, they tend to catch onto everything you do and you need to be extra careful about everything.

That is what Bert has to do but with Elmer, patience isn’t going to work and Bert has found out that if he doesn’t give Elmer a much needed push it won’t work that is why he has asked for Ernest’s help again, this time it won’t be permission ‘That didn’t work the last time’ this time Bert has come up with a great idea that will work. Bert believes it will work only if Elmer doesn’t destroy it as usual.

Bert and Ernest appeared in front of Elmer who was startled this time like he usually is “I wanted you to come join us for horse back riding” Ernest went straight to the point of what brought them here, he has seen how unsettled Bert has been and if he needs Elmer to forgive him for him to be fine again then Ernest has no problem playing a part.

“My prince, I know nothing about horse back riding” Elmer replied his eyes dancing between Ernest and Bert having a feeling that this was Bert’s idea and he wishes to squash that little witch into pieces.

“It doesn’t matter, Bert will teach you. Meet us at the stables in ten minutes” Ernest left no room for argument before turning around, Bert acted innocent waving at Elmer before walking away too. Bert knows playing the prince card is dangerous but why have a prince as a best friend and you can’t use his power once in a while. Bert had thought about using his powers to force Elmer to spend time with him but that sounded more like him forcing Elmer into doing something with him and that will only prove he is cruel, which he isn’t.

This time he asked for Elmer’s time through Ernest. That isn’t the worst thing a person could do, that is why he isn’t going to feel bad about it “You know I can’t spend much time with you, I have a meeting with my father”

“I know but you only have to be there for thirty minutes, I will take it from there” Bert replied holding onto his horse as Ernest nodded a servant bringing out his horse too. Bert asked for someone to bring out another horse that will be for Elmer, he conjured a spell to help the horse walk on his command.

“You should let him learn by himself”

“What if he falls off, he will hate me more”

“Why do you want him to not hate you that much, you rarely care about what others think about you” True but still not everyone thinks of him as a heartless, cruel, cold-hearted like Elmer, that makes it personal plus some other things. Elmer walked in, in his full attire before Bert could reply.

“You’re here, take that one” Bert didn’t mask his excitement, Elmer nodded praying he doesn’t fall off. He has never been on a horse in his life and if he falls off that will be the most humiliating thing ever, he has to be careful “Hold it like this” Bert instructed showing Elmer how he should hold the horse “Perfect, now keep relaxed and take it slow” Elmer nodded as they begun walking out to the Field with Bert in between him and Ernest.

Elmer was so focused on not falling off of the horse as his heart pounded holding onto the horse for dear life “Elmer, what did you do before you came here” Ernest asked cutting out the silence

“I used to pick grapes”

“Why did you leave?”

“My aunt found me this job and she knows how much I love working with plants, especially flowers” Elmer replied his focus on the horse, he hasn’t calmed down even if it is going well so far.

“I didn’t know Della was your aunt, funny how she has never mentioned you” Elmer didn’t know what to reply to that, maybe she talked about her son and not him. Silence consumed them again, it was calming with a nice view of the mountains in the distance “Do you think you have gotten a hung to it.”

“I guess” Elmer doesn’t know if he has gotten a hung to it but he hasn’t fallen off so that might be a good sign.

“Okay let’s race” Elmer didn’t get a chance to object when Ernest and Bert had already taken off. He didn’t do anything to his horse when it increased speed running after the two. Elmer has never known a horse could be this terrifying but he knows one thing, he isn’t enjoying this. He is being thrown up and down like a sack, holding onto the horse for dear life not wanting to fall, with his gear on he is still terrified of the fall that might bruise him for the rest of his life.

He knew this wasn’t a good idea but he had no choice in this, he couldn’t say no to the prince. Elmer saw Ernest and Bert stop their horses and his horse stopped at once, Elmer didn’t know it was going to happen that when the horse stopped he was sent flying all the way into the river and the worst thing Elmer can’t swim. He tried fighting with the water trying to get back up but he couldn’t, he couldn’t breath and he was taking in so much water, he felt arms around him pulling him above, the moment his head came out of the water he gasped for air wiping his face “Calm down I got you” Ernest said swimming them back to the shore.

“Are you okay?” Bert asked when they reached the shore laying down looking up, Elmer coughed getting up on his elbows breathing in as hard as he can. He almost drowned and died.

“Thank you” Elmer thanked looking at the prince who nodded getting up, he put his hand down for Elmer who took it getting onto his feet.

“I think this is enough for today, we should get back” Ernest said climbing up the small hill back to where they left their horses. Everyone followed and they climbed back up.

“I will walk back” There is no way Elmer is ever getting back on a horse ever again, first time and the last time.

“Ride with me” Bert suggested but Elmer shook his head no, he isn’t getting onto another horse “Ernest you should get back, we are going to walk”

Ernest nodded starting his horse riding away, he has meeting he should be in and he should let them patch up their friendship, Bert made both horses to go leaving the two behind “You didn’t have to do that”

“I am the one who brought this idea, am sorry” Elmer shrugged beginning his walk “I made the horse walk on my command”

“Why did you do that?”

“So that you won’t fall but I guess I did what I wanted to avoid in the first place”

“Just stay out of my life” Elmer warned walking as fast as he could but Bert was right next to him, even when Elmer took big steps Bert ran after him with his shorter legs catching up with him.

“That is not going to happen” Bert confessed getting in front of Elmer “I want you to hate me knowing the real me, not the character I have been portraying”

“You mean you have been acting”

“Yes” Elmer understands nothing, acting is for the theater not in real life “You came out of nowhere, the Greene’s had to make sure you were no threat, I had to keep an eye on you and to do that I didn’t have to get close to you. I had to piss you off and see what you’re capable of but now, that it is over and I want you to know me as me”

“How do I know you’re not acting now?”

“You can’t, all you need to do is give me a chance please”

“I will think about it”

“Perfect”

“I didn’t say yes”

“Thinking is good enough, it means you have already given me a chance” Bert said with a wide smile, the trip might not have gone as he was hoping for it to go but it sure gave him a chance to start getting Elmer to know him as the real him, the messy, embarrassing, weak, never finishes things witch. Now that he thinks about it, is it right to let Elmer know him as him or should he pretend, no, he wants to show Elmer who he is and if he is going to get hated for that then fine.

Chapter 10

Execution*

“You trying to prove you’re not cold hearted doesn’t mean you have to do my job” Elmer didn’t know that this was going to happen when he said he will think about it. There are so many ways to prove you’re not evil like letting the person do their job, Bert helping out doesn’t prove that, he is just getting in the way of Elmer’s job by messing things up. What the prince said was true, Bert is messy and Elmer has gotten a chance to witness that sadly

“Only if I spend time with you, will I ever get a chance to prove I am not cold hearted”

“If you say so but please stop messing up my job”

“What did I do?” Bert asked as if he doesn’t see what he is doing to the pot “I feel like the plant will be happy staying in this”

“It will die, if you don’t fix it”

“Then teach me how” Elmer groaned as Bert smirked, he is trying to prove himself but he just can’t help but mess with Elmer more and more because it is fun “I am messing with you, I am a Greene gardening is in my blood”

“What is up with you people and names?” Elmer doesn’t get it, he is Moirai but it doesn’t mean he is destiny as Era said, it is just a name it only works if it has power behind it but since it is with him, it means nothing.

“Names are everything”

“I know that but just because your name is this, it doesn’t mean you have to be it” Bert seems like he is getting it but actually he isn’t getting it that he asked Elmer to elaborate on what he means on that “My name is Moirai, princess Era said it means destiny in french- no, in-”

“Greek”

“Yes Greek” Elmer didn’t remember what she said, there are a lot of weird names and sometimes they just drive Elmer to the edge “She said it means destiny and that I am destiny yet it is just a name”

“They all start out like that” Bert pulled a stone taking a seat “They are just names until they become more than that like Felstead. No one knew who they are until Farren Felstead won the war between the monsters and our kingdom which was called Alval by then, when he won the war with us the Greene’s by his side, the people wanted king Farren to be the king, together they overflew king Alval. So what I am trying to say is, live up to your name, it has to describe you in some way”

“I didn’t-” They heard commotion coming from the town cutting Elmer off before he could finish what he was about to say, all maids were up and running throughout the castle “What is going on?”

“Public execution, come we go” Elmer didn’t want to witness someone getting killed but he was left with no choice when Bert pulled his hand all the way from the garden. They ran through the castle, Bert took Elmer into a place he has never been in since he isn’t allowed in those places. Bert pulled him up the stairs, Elmer thought they should be getting off of castle grounds since the execution is out in town but Bert pulled him up a tone of stairs.

They ran up with Elmer getting scared, he was told specifically by Aunt Della to not come this ends because servants are not allowed here. Bert pushed one of the door open and they passed through a piano room to the balcony where they found Ernest “You’re already here” Bert said breathing heavily.

“I have been looking for you”

“I have been in the garden helping Elmer out” Bert replied pulling Elmer onto the balcony who bowed greeting the prince “Who is getting executed?”

“A woman gave birth to two children” Ernest replied leaning on the balcony, here they can see clearly down below in town where everyone is, gathered. Giving birth to two children is a curse in the kingdom, in Felstead it is believed that one pregnancy can’t have more than one child and if it has more than one it means one of them is cursed and since it is hard to know which of the children is cursed both children get executed yo save the kingdom from the curse.

Elmer has heard about it in the village but he has never witnessed it before. He glanced in the town where the execution is going to take place and there is a woman  on the platform with two men next to her, she is holding one child while the other man is holding the other child. They pulled the two children from the blankets, the children got pulled out of the blankets and they were held by the legs before they were waved around as a guy with a knife walked to them

Elmer watched the child getting executed by the man, he didn’t move, blink, he just felt sad. Watching two young children get executed just made his eyes water without him noticing it. Just seeing those children being laid down lifeless, he might not have heard the cries from the distance he is in but he felt their pain in those last few seconds “Excuse me” Elmer didn’t wait for their replies as he made his way past the piano room and back in the hallway, he walked down the stairs wiping his fallen tears away as hard as possible but his eyes just seem to not stop.

He has never witnessed an execution before, he saw a punishment once. He didn’t like it even though the man had deserved it for raping a woman. Now his first execution and he has to witness two children get executed, Elmer feels like there could have been a way to stop this because it just doesn’t seem right - “Elmer what are you doing here?” Aunt Della asked in a hushed whisper looking around.

“Bert brought me here to see the execution” Elmer replied wiping his eyes “They have just executed children”

“Shhhh” Della snapped “Never talk about it again, do you hear me, don’t ever talk to anyone about what happened” Della was serious, her eyes showed how serious she was about what she was talking about and Elmer has never seen her like this, like she is trying to protect him but also not saying from what.

“Who is this?” Hattie asked appearing next to Della, Elmer bowed so low with what his aunt told him working in his head.

“Elmer, my sister’s son” Della introduced “The one I told you about, for the job in the garden”

“Oh, nice meeting you Elmer, why so sad”

“He has just witnessed his first execution” Della replied for him, Elmer was great full, he doesn’t think he has the energy to say anything with all the things moving around his head and the fact that he is in the presence of the queen, Elmer has not seen Hattie ever since he arrived to the castle.

“Don’t worry, just know that no one is ever executed without a reason. Those were just cursed children” She touched his shoulder “Your eyes are just like my son’s eyes just sad, but don’t worry. Della will make you something to drink with some cookies, you will be back to normal” Hattie smiled walking away getting into her room. Elmer didn’t get time to admire her more when he was pulled by his aunt

“She is so nice and beautiful, she smells like lavender and her skin looks soft, she touched my shoulder” Elmer said looking back, the way she talks just like the prince and her smile is filled with light, just like Margaret’s smile. Her warm soft comforting hand- Elmer got yanked into a room so hard that he felt his hand get bruised.

“I told you, I gave you one instruction. Don’t get out of the servants quarters, now look what you have done”

“But Bert-”

“I don’t want to hear your excuses” Della snapped in a dealt tone scaring Elmer “When I tell you something do it without a question, never come back here do you understand” her tone left no room for questions

“Yes aunt Della”

“Now get back in the garden” Elmer didn’t know why his aunt was reacting when the queen didn’t, Ernest didn’t either but he didn’t question that. Elmer has noticed how his aunt becomes so cautious when it comes to the royals, which she shouldn’t be, they are the sweetest people Elmer has ever met.

Chapter 11

Crow and

Clown*

Elmer has been doing as he was told, he has not tried going beyond the servants quarters as his aunt requested though the queen visited him yesterday. She was so sweet as usual and thanked him for the job he was doing. The air around her felt so homey, so loving as they talked about that Elmer hasn’t forgotten that moment. He has never focused on someone that much like he did with the queen.

The way she talks, holds herself, it all shows she was born to be a queen. Elmer appreciates this job so much, it helps him talk to people like that, see the way they behave, hold themselves, the way they think, it all just captures Elmer’s head. Elmer now looks up to the queen so much “Elmer, I need a favour” Ernest said, Elmer greeted him but shortly since they are kind of connecting and he sees Ernest as a friend.

“Anything”

“I like this person and I would want a flower that show how much love I have for them but I can’t tell them, could you get me something like that” Concealed love, Elmer asked himself looking around. He nodded with a smile running over Futher in the garden searching for specific flowers. He found the perfect ones bringing them back handing it to Ernest.

“She will love them, they represent concealed love”

“You’re the best Elmer” the prince praised running away. Elmer smiled making his way out of the garden for his lunch break. His morning has been slow today since Bert was nowhere to be seen, Elmer has become quite attached to Bert since he appears to do crazy staffs, Elmer would not want to admit to it but he enjoys Bert’s company a little more than he used to do.

“Hey prince of flowers” Era said with a curtsy making Elmer to chuckle bowing “I brought you lunch” She showed her closed container.

“You shouldn’t have, I was about to go get my lunch”

“But I did” Elmer denied, he can’t eat food from the princess “If you don’t take it I will be sad” She gave a sad face that Elmer quickly took the container. She has been so sweet to Elmer and even if Elmer doesn’t want to become a burden this was just a gesture

“Thank you”

“No big deal, I wanted to tell you something” Elmer nodded giving her his full attention “I was thinking maybe tonight you can wait for me in the garden, I want to tell you something before I go back to Dagen tomorrow”

“Alright” Era smiled pecking his cheek, she pulled back waved before walking away down the hall. Elmer made his way into the servants dining room with a smile, the royals have been so nice to him ever since he came that he feels like home with them, he opened the container that is filled with chicken and rice looking so good and smells yummy that Elmer couldn’t wait to dig in.

“Whoa, what is that smell, I don’t remember cooking chicken” the cook Oda announced.

“You have never cooked chicken” Elijah fired back making everyone in the room to laugh.

“And that mouth looks like it has never tasted chicken before” Oda replied back making Elijah to scoff “Who has chicken in here” Elmer raised his arm “Where did you get the chicken?”

“Princess Era gave it to me”

“Why would she give you chicken?” Oda asked taking a piece from the container taking a bite of it, she groaned taking another bite “Guys you should come and taste this chicken” Elmer stepped aside as everyone came in taking a piece of his chicken and when they cleared up the container was empty “am sorry we left nothing, you know it is long since the last time we had chicken”

“No it’s fine” Elmer has also taken long but it doesn’t matter. Elmer smiled getting himself food, he took a sit at the dinning and ate as other talked among themselves. Elmer enjoyed his lunch his mind going from all the other servants to his parents, his sister and his mother, it has now been two weeks and he hasn’t gone back to see them. He knew what he signed up for when he took this job but each day it gets harder the more he doesn’t see his mother, his flowers or go up the hill to sing to himself. He enjoyed that so much, his free time.

It is fine being around people all the time now days but still his quiet time was nice and he treasured it a lot. He finished his lunch went back to his work and gladly everyone gave him his free time for the rest of the day until it was time for his rest at six. He went into his quarters to have some rest when Bert walked in disturbing his well needed nap “Hey” Elmer nodded getting up to his elbows, he noticed Bert had. Flowers in his hands “What do these flowers mean?”

“Concealed love” Elmer mumbled sleepily, he remembers giving those types flowers to Ernest “Did someone give them to you?”

“Yeah a friend” Elmer nodded shaking that thought out of his head because it is so wrong beyond measure that even a thought could be so bad “Take them” Elmer caught the flowers

“Your friend gave them to you, why are you giving them to me”

“I want you to have them” Bert took off one petal resting it in my right chest pocket “There, come one we have to go” Elmer didn’t get a chance to comment on that when Bert pulled him out of bed.

“Bert my shoes”

“Hurry we can’t miss it” Bert said excitedly jumping over what happened like it was nothing, Elmer pulled on his shoes and Bert pulled him out again taking him out of the servants quarters and back the castle “Ernest” Bert called in the dark, Ernest came out with a cape covering his head “Are you ready?”

“Why is he here?”

“I want him to join us” Elmer didn’t know what was going on but Ernest nodded glancing left and right before the crossed as if hiding from the guards “Get down, the guards shouldn’t spot us” Elmer got more down, he doesn’t know why they are sneaking out but they are “Now” Ernest was the first to run into the storage room, Bert followed never letting go of Elmer’s hand as they also entered the storage room. Bert put his hand up creating a door into the wall “Let’s go” Ernest walked out then, Bert and Elmer.

Elmer noticed that they were outside the castle and into the town. Bert made the door he had created in the wall disappear as they laughed with Elmer looking at them confused “Now let’s go” Ernest didn’t take off his cloak and they walked with him staring down the whole way.

“Where are we going?” Elmer had to ask, he has been following them for long enough. They have taken him into town, the town he has never gotten a chance to tour, it looks beautiful at night, light shining from above lighting the roads, people walking around, a lot of noise, food on the streets, laughter.

“You will see” Elmer noticed that Bert hasn’t let go of his hand until now. Elmer took in the town, it is so different from the village, so much lively and rich. People are just playing around, some are groping themselves kissing like no one is watching. Elmer took his eyes from those who didn’t get a room, his eyes moved back to where they are going and it is a theatre. He has always wanted to go to a theatre, the one in the village that looked so beat down but this one looks so spacious that he couldn’t stop staring at it “Elmer, we have to climb up”

Elmer nodded watching the way Ernest climbed up, Bert followed letting go or Elmer’s hand who followed finally. They got onto the side of the roof holding onto the timber that was close by taking a seat, they could see inside clearly plus hear what is happening. The theater is full, Bert laughed next to him and that got his attention from the people inside and back to the stage where a guy in a crow costume paced around. Another one in a clown costume joined him on stage, they started arguing until the one in the crow gave the one in the clown costume a light punch that wouldn’t have thrown him off of his feet but it threw him into the wall making everyone laugh “Think you can mess with me eh” the crow asked walking over to the clown “I am better than you”

“Your a crow, your only job is to scare off birds, I scare even humans” The clown retorted getting off of the floor but fell back down making everyone to laugh. The show went on with the crow and the clown trying to prove who is the better one, who is more scary, who is powerful. In the end no one won but everyone got a laugh until the show ended.

“I think the clown would have won” Elmer commented, the clown is scary than the crow, it might have been a comedy but he enjoyed the clown more and he thinks it can win.

“Yeah the clown is the best and more funny” Bert agreed

“I am team crow”

“What?” Bert asked “We should run away from you” Bert said getting up, he got down as fast as he can as Elmer followed then Ernest who chased after them yelling the crow will win “We don’t associate with team crow, we are team clown” Bert yelled back

“When I get you, you all become team Crow”

“You can’t force us” Elmer replied and they laughed running the whole way back to the castle like children enjoying the night.

Chapter 12

Magic*

Elmer has been living his life at the top, so high than ever before. His life is much fun and he actually got friends he can count on, sneak out with, have fun just doing staff that is fun. Elmer has never had this much fun like he is having with Bert and Ernest, they are like three peas in a pot. Where you find Bert is exactly where you find Ernest and Elmer, the cycle is unending, Elmer meets the queen like it is normal, the king is always busy and Elmer has only met him twice but as the royals he has been sweet and nice and kind.

Elmer can never trade the life he has now with anything else because he is happy. He feels like he belongs for the first time in his life, no one takes him as the cursed child. Being the outsider who preferred his own company than actually having to deal with people, now he is around people and it is fun. Bert proves himself that he isn’t cold hearted as Elmer had thought before, he is actually a messy person who messes up, never finishes anything and knows how to embarrass himself occasionally.

On several occasions Elmer has had to witness Bert embarrass himself so bad his magic couldn’t wipe the moment away. One time they were at the dining table eating ‘Elmer is allowed at the table’ not with the king though. Just the queen, Bert wanted to get a glass of juice but instead he knocked over Ernest’s glass pouring juice into his food then adding to the embarrassment Bert, was moving so fast to stop the juice from pouring into his trousers when he knocked over the table pouring food allover himself in the process.

Accidents happen but Bert is just full of those, sometimes Elmer doesn’t want to laugh at Bert but the queen and Ernest make it hard for him as they both burst out laughing that Elmer just couldn’t hold it in too. Bert is just hopeless every time, Elmer has also noticed the way Ernest looks at Bert. Usually Bert doesn’t notice but ever since the flower incident Elmer has been on edge and the way Ernest looks at Bert is just full of love. Elmer thought Ernest loves Lady Rylee and that is how he acts, like he is in love with her but then again there is a way he just looks at Bert that makes Elmer doubt, it doesn’t matter to Elmer, they are both his friends and even if their is a law against same sex relationships, Ernest is the prince laws can turn for him “At least that is what Elmer thinks’

“Watch out” Elmer tried warning Bert who was going to walk into a wall but it was too late as Bert walked straight into it falling back and into the plants, Elmer ran over to him “Are you okay?” Elmer asked pulling him up

“Ugh” Bert groaned holding his hand “I think I dislocated my shoulder” Bert groaned, so stupid of him to ogle over Elmer forgetting about where he was going, he just can’t help it when the guy is so hot in his in garment looking hot with gloves.

“Do you need help?” Bert shook his head no, he has been staring at Elmer’s chest. He didn’t button his two buttons and they are doing a great job distracting Bert from everything that even the pain in his shoulder just disappeared, Elmer is so tall, broad shoulders, with nice biceps that show he works a lot. His skin just makes Bert go out of his mind, Bert just reached his shoulders with a lean body based on Elmer’s “Bert”

“Oh” Bert mumbled his face turning red, he forgot to heal himself ogling over Elmer. Bert first focused on his shoulder relocating it back into its original place “I came to invite you out”

“I hope it is not horse back riding, I have made it clear that isn’t my place” Bert and Ernest had forced him to try it out again and this time without Bert controlling the horse, Elmer didn’t spend a minute up before he was thrown down, they forced him to try again and he got the same result, that is something he doesn’t want to try again ever.

“It’s not that, just go get ready and meet me at the gate” Elmer nodded walking back to his quarters, he took a short shower, changed out his clothes into the clean ones then made his way to the gate as Bert had instructed. He turned up and he found Bert already waiting for him, they walked up to the horse stables and Elmer was about to get angry but they passed it going up the mountain, going as high as they could closer to the river.

“Is the prince already there”

“No, Ernest had to go see his future wife for a few weeks”

“Aren’t you his protector, shouldn’t you have gone with him”

“First of all, I am protector in training, my dad is his official protector until I catch up to it” Elmer was about to ask shouldn’t Bert have gone to practice while actually doing it but then something caught his eyes. In the distance is a picnic basket, a clothe laid down “Come on” Bert called.

“What is this?”

“What do you think, lunch duh” Bert replied with a smile taking a sit, Elmer joined too. He didn’t know they were coming up for lunch, why would they need to come all this way for lunch when they could just eat from the castle.

“Why didn’t we eat back at the castle?”

“Because I wanted some alone time with you” Bert confessed opening up the basket, Elmer has noticed the things Bert says and if he didn’t know better he would say Bert has a crush but he knows better and no one can ever have a crush on him “And I wanted you to taste what I learnt and tell me how it tastes” Bert pulled out a bottle filled with milk, he poured some in a cup before handing it to Elmer “Tell me what you think?”

Elmer tasted the milk and it tastes like usual milk “What do you mean made?”

“With magic, I have been practicing for a while and I want to see if I have succeeded perfecting it” Elmer tasted the milk, Bert brought out more food laying it all down, fish, bread, cheese.

“This is a lot”

“I want to make you fat” Bert smiled picking up a piece of bread taking it to Elmer’s lips “Open up” Elmer hesitantly opened his mouth tasting the bread and unlike the milk this tasted better, it had a certain  flavour to it plus it was soft “How is it?”

“So good” Elmer picked up more bread putting it in his mouth as Bert stared at him with a smile “It’s good taste it too” Elmer picked up a piece feeding it to Bert “I have never asked but how does this magic staff work” Elmer asked still enjoying his food

“Everyone has magic”

“If I did I would have noticed” Elmer said leaning into his hands staring at Bert. All he knows is that only the Greene family has magic.

“You might not believe me but it’s there, just hard to Chanel, I can show you” Elmer nodded wiping his hands, knowing full well it won’t work because he isn’t a witch and not everybody can be a witch. Bert got up getting behind him, taking Elmer’s hands “Focus on me and my body”

Elmer tried but Bert is so close that his breath is hitting his neck making his skin heat up for some reasons “Are you focusing” Elmer wasn’t, he doesn’t know what happened but his head was somewhere he didn’t know “Just focus on my body, my hands and my skin” Elmer nodded but he just can’t focus and he doesn’t know why “Close your eyes, focus on your breathing, don’t just focus listen to it, block everything out and listen you will be able to hear your heart” Elmer was getting destroyed by the voice, his head went blank his body relaxing, his body was so relaxed that he could feel everything in his body move and most importantly he could hear his heart.

His body was so calm, things swimming in his stomach, his skin so relaxed. Elmer focused so much he felt his pants tighten up and that pulled him out of his trance, he gasped sitting up pulling himself out of Bert’s touch “Did you feel it?” Elmer nodded turning around to see the tent in his pants. He didn’t feel it, all he felt was Bert’s body on his and that did something

“We should go back”

“But we have just got here and you didn’t try my cake”

“Maybe later” Elmer got up running out of there before Bert could say anything, he feels so embarrassed for that, it wasn’t meant to do that, it was for him to Chanel his inner magic not get hard. Elmer doesn’t know what happened but he wishes for it to never happen again.

Chapter 13

Feelings*

Elmer shook his head, he isn’t getting in that water that almost killed him a few weeks ago when they had come to do horse back riding plus Elmer doesn’t know how to swim and he won’t be risking it “Come on, I will teach you” Bert insisted, Elmer doesn’t know how he got himself in this position, he had come for some fresh air and what is better than the air around a fall. He doesn’t know how Bert found him but he did and now he is being forced to get into the water.

“I can’t swim” Elmer said again, he has been saying it for a very long time.

“I said I will teach you”

“I don’t want to get in the water” Elmer just wants to sit on the rock next to the river but not into it.

“Fine, you’re no fun” Bert grumbled sitting next to Elmer “Why won’t you want to get in, it is fun moving around in the water”

“You can go in” Bert sighed knowing nothing is going to work. Bert got up pulling his shirt off, he took his trousers off too resting them on the rock before walking over into the water. Elmer kept his eyes on Bert those things he felt the other day come back in his stomach. Elmer has been trying to get rid of them and he had thought they were over but now Bert is naked in front of him, this shouldn’t be affecting him at all but it is that he moved his eyes away finding another place to stare at.

Elmer felt movement a head and he turned his head to find Bert out of the water coming his way with a jar that has a red fish in it “Where did you get that?” Elmer pointed to the jar.

“I am a witch” Bert smiled putting the jar up, Elmer took it in his hands watching the red fish move around.

“It’s beautiful”

“I want to give it to you” Bert said biting his lip nervous. He doesn’t know if what he is doing will hint on what he feels. He doesn’t want Elmer to know how he feels but he saw the fish in the water and he wanted to gift it to him.

“Why?” Elmer asked staring at the jar “I know nothing about fish, it will die”

“I can help you take care of it”

“Why not leave it in the water for it to take care of itself”

“I wanted us to do it together, take care of it” Elmer doesn’t see the point of taking the fish from its home to take care of it. It was perfectly fine in the water “I just want to give you something to make up for what I did”

“That is in the past, we are friends now”

“I know but I still feel bad, just take it” Elmer nodded watching the fish, what is he going to do with a fish when he spends all his time in the garden he will forget about it and it will die, that isn’t what he wants “Am I supposed to leave it in this forever”

“No” Bert chuckled getting off of the rock conjuring a big jar, he filled it with water making it an aquarium “Bring” Elmer handed him the jar, Bert threw the fish in the big aquarium he has made “See, simple and all you have to do is change the water often and feed it”

“I still don’t see why we shouldn’t leave it in the river”

“Don’t you want the fish” Bert asked with a hurt face, that wasn’t Elmer’s intention but he just doesn’t want to kill the fish.

“I want it, just tell me how I am supposed to take care of it again” Elmer asked getting off of the rock making his way to where Bert is seated next to the fish. Bert smiled telling Elmer all about what he needs to do and how to keep it alive “How will I get it from here back to the castle” the aquarium was too big and Elmer is worried he might pour the water on his way back which will lead to the fish dying. Bert laughed seeing the mistake he did.

“I should have done this when we reached the castle” Bert does a lot of weird things but this was so wrong. Elmer chuckled staring at the fish, now they have to put it into a tiny jar again yet it had gotten comfortable, Bert always knows how to mess up.

“Now you going to have to destroy it’s peace” Bert nodded, the fish looks like it has reached home “Do you think we separated it from its family”

“Even if we did, they don’t have feelings”

“I thought every living thing had feelings”

“Most yes but they don’t, they don’t cry which means they don’t feel pain like we do” Elmer nodded, staring back at the fish, they don’t feel pain or cry.

“Now I wish I was a fish” Having feelings, to Elmer it just made his life miserable. If he didn’t have feelings or felt pain it would have just been a blur, he wouldn’t have cared what he was called or if people liked him or not, he wouldn’t have cared because he felt nothing.

“I want to feel” Bert pulled Elmer form his head “If I didn’t feel then I wouldn’t have treasured certain things”

“Like what”

“I wouldn’t have known how important you are to me” Elmer pushed his head back wondering what Bert means by that “Feelings make us know what we have and pain reminds us what we don’t have. If I didn’t have them I wouldn’t have known how important you are to me” Elmer would accept with that, if he didn’t have them he wouldn’t have felt the pain but still he wouldn’t have felt happiness too, like he wouldn’t have loved his sister and mother, he wouldn’t have felt the friendship he has with Ernest and Bert.

“You’re right” Bert moved from his side sitting next to Elmer.

“Have you ever lost track of your feelings” Bert asked his eyes on the fish “Like feel them everywhere, that they start confusing you in what to do, where you should start from, how you should control them then you start asking yourself should I move in, should I follow them or should I let them be” Bert turned to Elmer who was already staring at him “Have you ever felt like that?” Bert’s eyes were on Elmer’s lips then back to the golden gray eyes that are staring at him with confusion “Never”

“I don’t think so” Elmer has never felt before “No, I am sure I have never felt like that before”

“So you have never fallen in love”

“No, you have?”

“Yes” Bert admitted, he has with an impossible person and it can never lead anywhere.

“What happened, did she leave you?”

“I wish, I haven’t said a thing” Bert confessed his eyes staring directly at Elmer’s eyes “I am afraid that if my feelings get out I might lose everything I have” Elmer’s head was spinning in circles because he thought Ernest was the only one in love with Bert since Bert seemed to not have that look. He didn’t know that the love was being reciprocated, Bert also feels the same but since their love is not accepted that is why they are afraid to bring their love out for the world to see.

Elmer pulled Bert into a hug to show him that he doesn’t care, even if he is fighting with these feelings he will always be available, always “You won’t lose everything, I will always be here for you and Ernest will be here too” Bert nodded wiping away a tear that had escaped. He loves Elmer so much and this kills him each and everyday, not being able to tell him or have him, the fact that it could never happen destroys him every night

“The three musketeers” Elmer laughed putting his hand up attaching it to Bert’s hand.

“One musketeer is missing, when is he coming back”

“He said a month but I don’t know, marriage takes time” Elmer knew how this would be hurting Bert, seeing Ernest get married to someone else.

“He will have a gift waiting for him?”

“What gift?”

“Our fish” Elmer announced looking back at the fish.

“If you don’t kill it first” Bert laughed as Elmer laughed nodding, he has to keep it alive if he wants Ernest to ever meet it

Chapter 14

Impossible love*

Ernest got into his carriage that will be taking him home after spending two weeks in Caldor. He was supposed to spend a month to know his new wife more but the place is boring without Bert to lighten the mood in the freezing kingdom, Ernest has had to cover up all the time ever since he arrived, Caldor has nothing fun to look at and having to pretend to be into Rylee makes it all harder than before. Before all he had to do was spend time with her, show her around but in her kingdom Ernest had to struggle.

He is doing this for his kingdom but if he had a choice, his choice would be Bert without a question. He knows it is impossible but he still can’t hope for a chance with Bert, he had to come back with Rylee because he accepted the marriage which will take place in a few months and through those times they will have to learn each other. Ernest is just glad he can leave Caldor, his body wasn’t meant for that much cold and he misses Bert with all his heart.

Ernest pulled out a jewel he got from Caldor, the kingdom of jewel. It is a pendant with a green stone, Ernest saw it and he wanted it for Bert that he offered to buy it but the king told him to just take it since he is going to become the new son in law Ernest knows it will look great on Bert’s neck “My prince” Rylee called from her chair gaining Ernest’s attention “You seem to like the pendant”

“I do” Ernest admitted putting it back into his pocket “Are you sure you would like to stay with me until the wedding” Rylee nodded with a smile “Won’t you miss home, I know it has been just two weeks but I miss home”

“I will miss it but you’re my future husband, your home is going to be my new home” Ernest smiled taking her hand pecking it.

“I can’t wait to marry you” Rylee smiled her face turning red, Ernest knows that he and Bert will never work, they have to just stay friends, prince and protector and Ernest needs a queen that will bare him children, though his heart can’t keep to yearn out for Bert, to want him instead, to love him instead. That wish can’t just fade away but the reality definitely is, him and Bert can’t happen. It will never happen no matter how much he wishes for it to happen, he might be the next king and soon he will have so much power but there are certain things he can’t change himself.

---

“Della” Hattie called closing the envelope she has just received, her son is finally coming back with the future queen. It shows that Ernest was finally able to convince the Caldor King about making their daughter the new queen of Felstead but who would say no to the Felstead. Making an alliance with them is the best thing for any kingdom, Hattie can’t wait to see her son again. Della entered greeting Hattie who was staring at herself in the mirror “Della I need you to inform everyone that there will be a party for my son’s arrival with our new queen”

“Yes my queen” Della nodded walking out, she followed the hallway going into the kitchen to inform everyone about the party. She told the cooks, the people who are in charge of decorations to start their work, she passed through everyone and made sure they invite those that need to be around to invite the prince back with the new queen. Della passed everyone but the person she couldn’t find was Elmer, the boy has been disappearing a lot lately. Elmer is never in the flowers like he used to be, Della would usually find him there but now days he is never in the garden.

Della passed through the entire castle but she couldn’t find him and she had to tell someone else to get the flowers for the party. Sometimes Della thinks it was a wrong idea to bring Elmer to the castle, his adoration for the queen isn’t what Della wanted. Della wanted Elmer to not feel alone or like he didn’t belong, she doesn’t know what would happen if Elmer arrived but she didn’t expect him to get so close to every royal around. Della wants the queen to get unmasked for the truth but she feels like this might only affect Elmer in the process.

She hates it when Hattie acts so innocent when she was willing to kill her child without a second thought. She had refused to look at her own son, Della wants everyone to know the royals aren’t saints. If they knew who the real royals were no one would adore them and maybe Elmer wouldn’t be blinded by their fake smiles. The only royals that aren’t bad are Era and Ernest he is an angel and Della knows that but Hattie isn’t as innocent as she claims to be. Sometimes Della gets scared that Hattie might finally manage to corrupt Ernest into being like her, Hattie hasn’t managed that in the twenty years Ernest has been alive and Della believes they still got a chance, the king has a few things in his closet and if Della was to unmask it all the kingdom would be down in flames

One day Della will get a chance to bring the kingdom down and unmask the royals for who they truly are.

---

“No magic” Elmer yelled trying to get off of the ground “You promised no magic…Bert stop it” Elmer laughed out rolling down the slope as a bear chased after him “You’re cheating” Elmer yelled laughing so hard that he didn’t reach  falling down when Bert passed him taking his stick on the rock winning again. Elmer stayed on the ground breathing hard with his stick in hand.

“I win” Bert cheered jumping up and down running over to Elmer “Hey loser, laying here with your last place”

“You cheated, we said no magic” They had come at Bert’s house and they started playing games ‘The Greene game’ but Bert keeps on cheating every time “You sent a bear after me, you put weird funny pictures distracting me from beating you”

“I didn’t cheat, you said no magic, I used it as a destruction I didn’t touch you did I” Elmer groaned falling back on the ground “Welcome to game day with the Greene’s”

“Let’s go again, I have to win” Elmer was determined to win this game either way “Even with your trick I will win” Bert laughed, he has been playing this game ever since he was young with his family playing guard, he is being lenient with Elmer. This game is so dangerous than it seems and he can win at it, they walked back to the start line getting ready with each holding a stick in hand “You ready” Elmer asked with determination, he has to win.

Bert smirked nodding looking in the distance as he moved his hand. The moment Elmer said go there was a mirror Infront of him that confused him for a minute as Bert laughed sprinting off. Elmer passed the mirror running again to catch up with Bert who is laughing the entire way while putting things in front of Elmer to distract him “Cut, cut, I hurt my leg” Elmer yelled falling down, Bert stopped running coming back to Elmer’s side.

“What hurts?” Bert asked resting his stick down pulling Elmer’s leg up. He was distracted with Elmer’s leg that Elmer used that as a distraction taking Bert’s stick throwing it back in the distance before getting up and running over to the rock “You cheater” Bert yelled using his magic to hold Elmer in place that he couldn’t run as he pulled his stick back in his hand. Bert walked over to the rock, rested his stick down before unfreezing Elmer “I win”

“Ugh” Elmer groaned falling back down, his plan was great but Bert came up on top again “I will never win in this game will I”

“I have to do this game with my brother, cousins, aunts. I had to survive I am the king of cheating” Bert sat down next to Elmer “Nope, you will never win at this game”

“Too bad you have magic”

“Even if I didn’t I would win” Elmer stared at him asking how, he sure has tried every plan he could but Bert has come out on top always “You want me to tell you my secret so that you can use it against me”

“This is the first time I have seen you run that fast”

“I guess the Greene side of me comes out when I start playing this game”

“So the Greene side runs but the Bert side doesn’t” Bert nodded “You will be a great protector” Bert laughed when Elmer mocked.

“Do you want to try me out” Elmer shook his head, Bert has been training ever since he was young, he wouldn’t want to face that “Too late” Bert came to jump onto Elmer who rolled out of the way missing the punch.

“Were you about to punch me” Elmer asked shocked but he couldn’t help the shocked chuckle that escaped his lips, Bert came to attack. Elmer guarded his face but instead was just tripped Bert getting on top of him “You win” Elmer knows he can’t fight Bert he surrendered before he could get his ass whooped by Bert.

“I know” Bert replied breathlessly holding Elmer’s hands on both side staring into Elmer’s eyes, lips as they both captured Bert in. The need to taste them, just so he can know how they taste like, Bert was leaning in, he just needs to know how those lips taste….

“Bert” Atlas called from a distance pulling Bert out of his trance getting off of Elmer as quick as he can praying his brother didn’t see what he was about to do a minute ago when he almost lost control almost revealing himself “The prince is back, we have been looking for you everywhere, come we go”

“Coming” Bert yelled back staring at Elmer, he needs to take away the situation that has just happened between them and he wishes Elmer didn’t see the way he was about to attach their lips but in order to do that is to act like nothing happened and that is what Bert was planning on doing “Ernest is back, let us go welcome him”

Chapter 15

Unchanging friendship*

Ernest had arrived but he couldn’t see Bert anywhere, he can’t leave to go find him because the party is his and he has to stay with Rylee and introduce her to everyone. It would be embarrassing if he left her and went to find Bert, he wants to see him but he needs to be at the party first. When they sent the letter back Ernest knew his mother would prepare him a party and that would mean that Bert would be here waiting for him like he usually does except Bert isn’t.

“Ernest” his father called, he walked over leaving Rylee with his mother “You brought her home, are you sure about this decision. You will be spending the rest of your life with her, you deserve someone you love to rule beside you” Ernest glanced back at Rylee, she is so beautiful and fit to be queen. Ernest knows that the kingdom comes first before anything else and she is the right one, if he is to follow his heart it would lead to chaos, the bloodline wouldn’t go ahead and nothing good would ever come out of loving Bert, Ernest knows he needs to sacrifice his heart and make a right decision and that is Rylee.

“I am sure” Ernest replied, he is sure that this is the right decision even if it hurts, it is the right thing to do if he wants his kingdom to be as peaceful as his father has managed to keep it.

“It’s a great thing you have finally found your person, now I see you’re ready to become king” choosing a queen is a big step and his father believes Ernest is ready. Ernest is nervous about being king but it is his destiny and he knows he can do it, he knows he will be a great king “I won’t keep you from your woman, go and enjoy” Ernest gave a single nod moving away his eyes studying around the room to see if Bert has finally arrived but he hasn’t.

“Rylee” Ernest called smiling down at her, he pecked her cheek “I will go get some fresh air, mom take care of her” Ernest can’t wait his heart is yearning to see Bert again after weeks. Ernest turned around getting out of the party as soon as his mother gave a nod smiling at him, Ernest didn’t have to look for Bert when he found him in the hall that was leading to where the party had to be, he was standing with Elmer chatting and laughing about something with Bert who is holding flowers in his arms. They seemed so deep in conversation they didn’t hear Ernest get close to them “Bert”

“Oh hey Ernest, glad your back” Bert said with a smile but he didn’t hug Ernest like would usually do. Elmer greeted him too but Ernest didn’t give him much time his eyes on Bert “Elmer got these for Lady Rylee” Bert held them to Ernest who took them but made no face.

“Why didn’t you come to welcome me?” Ernest felt a pang in his chest, Bert has changed a lot

“We were at my house, we didn’t know you were coming back until Atlas informed us but again we had to get flowers plus I knocked my toe on our way here”

“Are you okay?” Ernest asked with worry glancing at Bert’s legs forgetting about the welcome.

“These babies are perfectly fine, let’s get back to the party” Bert held them both by the elbows walking them back into the party. They got back greeted Rylee, Ernest handing her the flowers that came from Elmer. They kept on chatting with Bert, Elmer kept his distance since he felt like he didn’t belong with all the nobles and the way he was wearing showed how much he didn’t belong. Without anyone noticing, Elmer walked out getting back into his quarters deciding to call it a day, he took a shower, put on his worn out night clothes before getting in bed.

He had made enough money to get himself new staff and maybe go into theater but since he can see that with Bert by climbing up, he felt the need not to pay to go in plus his family needed the money more when he went to visit them. Elmer laid down on his bed, he has a roommate that usually never stays in, he almost never stays in. Elmer looked up at the roof his hands below his head, he tried to get his mind completely blank from any thoughts but the fact that Bert was about to attach their lips hasn’t left his head.

Elmer didn’t know what was happening or why Bert would want to do that when he loves Ernest. Elmer is confused by a lot of staff and the fact that he wasn’t moving his head away also confused him. The other fact was how cool he played it as if nothing happened, he feels like that wasn’t Bert’s intention, to try and attach their lips because then he wouldn’t be in love with Ernest. It was all in Elmer’s head “Elmer, you disappeared on me” Bert said getting into the room, he has been searching for Elmer when his eyes moved and he couldn’t see him “Were you tired of the party?”

“I just felt like I didn’t belong” Elmer said truthfully, he might have managed to get close to the royals but he hasn’t gotten comfortable enough to be in a room filled with nobles.

“I used to feel like that too” Bert laid down next to Elmer who moved to the side to create room for Bert “Us being the only witch family in this kingdom made us stand out and sometimes people are scared of me, Ernest is the only one who has been here for me except my family”

“You’re kind of intimidating” Bert laughed nudging Elmer’s ribs.

“I am not, with this face how can I be intimidating” Elmer turned around. Bert’s face isn’t intimidating now but in the past it is. Elmer thinks Bert isn’t like Elmer, it shows he rarely works his body but if he did he would be bigger than he is, his body is more lean, his jaw slightly fragile, his biceps are not that big and his height is like two heads below Elmer, the difference between their bodies was not that big even if Bert had a milky skin and it shows he grew up in a wealthy family but Elmer wanted to tease him.

“You’re right, you are a little kitty child” Bert pouted sticking his bottom lips out making him look like a child even more.

“You’re like a giant big lion child” Elmer laughed “Yeah right, you’re a lion father” Elmer and Ernest were the same size but Bert was right next to them, though messy and he couldn’t handle himself like the prince or Elmer.

“How about grand father?”

“That would make you too old, you’re still young” Bert replied turning to look at him fully “We should go for a walk” Elmer nodded getting up, he put a shirt over his night wear then trousers before they walked out of the room. They passed through other servants quarters going into the garden a place with calm and nice air around it “I love this place” Bert commented before turning to Elmer full “Now that we are friends, what flower would you give me”

Now that they are friends, what flower would he choose. Elmer checked his head while glancing around “I will take you to it” Bert nodded somehow feeling anxious. The last time he was described in a very wrong way and he hopes this time he gets something nice since he has given Elmer time to know him as him “I would give you this, Arborvitae”

“What does it mean?”

“Unchanging friendship” Elmer looked at Bert, their friendship will never change. This tree lives for so many years, most of the time more than seven hundred or eight years. That friendship will never end, Bert might not know it but him and Ernest took a part of Elmer’s heart.

Bert loves the friendship part but the unchanging just doesn’t sit well with him. He would want it to change but this is the best he can get plus he is good with just friendship, more would just complicate and ruin their lives “Thank you” Bert took Elmer’s hand his eyes still on the Arborvitae while asking himself why he has these type of feelings for someone he can’t be with, Bert wishes he could live in the world where he can just say his feelings without fear of what will happen next

“Bert” Ernest called, he has been searching everywhere for him. He disappeared from the party, Ernest was distracted for just a second only to turn with no Bert “Why do you keep disappearing like that?”

“I wanted to give Elmer company”

“Could you leave us” Ernest’s voice came out harsh and Bert doesn’t know if that was accidental. Bert has never heard him talk like that in that tone before and this was unacceptable to say the least, there was no need to use that tone on Elmer. Elmer heard the tone and he excused himself leaving the two alone

“That was rude”

“I apologize, i have had a long ride back and- I will apologize to him later” Bert nodded glancing back to where Elmer disappeared, he didn’t deserve such a tone to be used on him and Bert needs to go talk to him afterwards.

“I guess we should go back to the party”

“I want to give something” Bert nodded rolling his eyes asking himself ‘again’ Ernest will never stop giving him gifts, Ernest pulled out the pendant handing it to him. Bert took it in his hands examining it with a smile, the pendant looks beautiful.

“This is beautiful”

“You like it?” Bert nodded his eyes still on the pendant “I knew you would love it the moment I laid my eyes on it”

“I love it but should you be giving it to me?” Bert feels like since Ernest will be getting married soon he should be gifting Rylee instead of him

“You’re my friend, I want you to have it”

“Thank you” Bert slid the pendant over his head “Now I feel bad I didn’t get you anything” as he always feels, he never knows when Ernest is going to gift him with something so he never prepares to get him anything in return.

“It’s fine, I am happy you like it”

“Of course I love it, it’s beautiful” Ernest couldn’t be happier that Bert loves the pendant as much as he loved it. Seeing Bert smile brought a smile on his lips and as he had thought, the pendant looks great around Bert’s neck.

Chapter 16

After Elmer changed the water in the small aquarium, he started throwing in some food watching it move around. Elmer didn’t know that taking care of a fish would be cool, it was hard at first, remembering to feed it, change its water. It was hard but with time Elmer found out he enjoyed doing it more than he thought he would. The fish makes him want to learn how to swim so that he can swim around looking so peaceful as the fish looks

Elmer sighed resting the food down, he has given it what is enough, now it is time to go do his job “Elmer” Ernest called, Elmer greeted him respectively just in case he was still not in the mood like last night, Elmer doesn’t know what took place last night but Ernest seemed pissed for some reason, Elmer doesn’t know what he did but he would wish to find out and maybe apologize “We are friends no need to do that, what is that behind you?”

“My fish, Bert gave it to me” Ernest nodded walking over to it.

“It’s nice” Ernest turned away from the fish “I wanted to apologise for yesterday, I didn’t mean to be rude to you”

“No need to apologise”

“So we are still friends” Elmer nodded, he wasn’t expecting Ernest to apologize do this is a big deal “Tell everything about this little fish” Ernest smiled looking back at the fish. Elmer told him about everything, how he takes care of it. Most of the times when Bert is around they take care of it, feed it together. They spent some time there until they both had things to do, Ernest had a meeting with the nobles because his father has decided to make him king earlier than expected.

Ernest is ready for his destiny to begin, get married to Rylee who will give him a heir. His life is perfectly planned out even if there was a miss, his heart had to deal with the decisions he is making. His destiny is more important than anything else, he was born to be a king, not to let his kingdom down and if he doesn’t do what was necessary he wouldn’t be a great king, a great king has to make sacrifices all the time. King Alval didn’t make sacrifices when the monsters attacked and that is why he was a bad king, Ernest has to learn from the previous kings so that he could be a great one himself.

---

Bert walked into the castle going straight into the garden to see Elmer and as expected he was there trimming the flowers “You walk so loud I could hear you with my ears covered” Elmer said even before Bert could reach.

“Am not a prince”

“Good thing you aren’t” Elmer replied with a smirk glancing from his flowers to Bert.

“I could be, I can show you” Bert fixed his stance, put his hands behind his back, put his spine in a straight line, his chin up mimicking Ernest before he started walking making Elmer to burst out loud, he too didn’t make more than five steps before bursting out laughing.

“You looked like a frog that doesn’t know where it is going” Bert laughed, he knew from the start he couldn’t walk like a prince. He always wonders how Ernest does it but he was trained from a very young age while Bert was trained how to manage his magic not how to walk. He just kind of taught that himself.

“And I was so uncomfortable” Bert added getting close to Elmer “So what are your plans for the day”

“Flowers, flowers, lunch, flowers again, rest then Flowers” Elmer replied, his entire day is always planed with flowers but Bert always finds a way to change that “Do you have plans?”

“Yes with you but somehow I didn’t hear myself in your plans”

“You always just fall into my plans”

“You’re right, hurry the reigns are in town” Elmer stopped trimming turning to Bert his eyes open wide “I didn’t say stop”

“The reigns are here”

“Not here but in the theater, they are going to perform this evening” Elmer felt like he wanted to scream but he kept it in, he couldn’t breath. He has loved the reigns so much he has been waiting for a chance to see them, this is a very big opportunity that he has been waiting for, for as long as he can remember “You seem excited”

“I am, I love them”

“I love them too” Bert has been a fun ever since he first heard their song “My favourite song is lucky” they both said it at the same time “We are going to enjoy, finally someone who loves them too”

“Ernest doesn’t love them”

“He loves oprah” Bert hates fancy, fancy things just make him have to act perfect but the reigns have drums, they just make the stage seem messy that Bert just connects with them “They just take me to sleep”

“So boring, the reigns are the best” No one can ever change Elmer’s heart, the reigns rock “Woah” Elmer suddenly said looking at Bert’s neck “That is beautiful” Elmer moves his hand to the pendant “Woah, it’s heavy too” the green stone was so beautiful and with flowers, who loves flowers more than Elmer “Anyway, at what time are the Reigns”

“Seven” Elmer nodded asking if Ernest will be joining “He is going to be crowned soon, I will ask but I don’t think he will go plus he hates that kind of music” Elmer nodded when Bert’s hands got over his head, he didn’t know what was happening when Bert put the pendant in his neck, Elmer turned to look at Bert who has his hands around his waist his chin resting on Elmer’s shoulder “I want you to have it” the position made Elmer feel like he can’t breath

“No way” Elmer took it off while untangling himself from Bert’s arms “It’s yours, I can’t take it”

“But I want you to have it” Bert refused to take it “You seemed to like it and I think it will look better on you anyway”

“I admired it but I didn’t want you to give it to me” Elmer pulled Bert’s hand resting the pendant into his hand “It is yours keep it”

“I want you to have it” Bert insisted putting the pendant in Elmer’s neck again “Please, it would mean a lot to me if you had it”

“I can’t take your-”

“Okay for the night, until tomorrow then you will give it back” Bert bargained, he wants Elmer to have it. Elmer sighed accepting, Bert just felt happy that Elmer is wearing something that is his. He would prefer if he took it for forever but he wouldn’t do that but this is also cool “It looks better on you as I suspected”

Elmer glanced at it in his neck, he never knew he would be wearing an expensive stone like this “What if someone steals it when we go to see the reigns”

“No one will take it, trust me no need to worry” Bert wasn’t worried, no one can steal it when he is around unless when they are not scared of him.

“Thank you”

“No need to thank me, it is just for the night”

“Still, thank you” They are just friends but he has trusted him with a pendant this expensive. He wanted to give it to him for forever but Elmer feels like that is so unfair, he might have made Bert feel bad when he complimented it and that was why Bert wanted to give him the pendant. Bert is always so thoughtful, he feels like he should give Bert something in return as a thank you for the kindness Bert has shown all this time but what could Elmer give Bert that is worth all the kindness he has been given.

Chapter 17

I want to come out, take you out

Eat you up, lay you down

I am not innocent

I just want to eat you up…

The reigns sang as Elmer and Bert sang along, Ernest just staring bored he doesn’t know why Elmer and Bert were so eager to come to see the reigns. They just yell, Ernest doesn’t hear most of the words they sing and their lyrics don’t make sense. They might be good to some but to Ernest they just don’t make sense. Ernest sighed taking his seat as Elmer and Bert sang along jumping up and down just like the rest around him.

When they sneaked out Ernest wanted to spend time with them after his long visit to Caldor but they brought him here. He feels so bored and the only person making it bearable is Bert, the way he jumps up and down singing loudly makes the show a little bearable for Ernest. Applause passed through the theater when the song ended “Our next song is called Lucky, hope you enjoy” the lead singer of the reigns announced as the drums started, one singer of the band had a long tabor, another a tambourine, clutter, florals and the lead singer had a gittern.

The song started off with the first verse slow with both Bert and Elmer singing along. The chorus started as the song started hyping up and now they were both singing out loud

Lucky everyday, lucky all the time

Lucky all my life….

I might have been bad, I might have been good

But I am still lucky everyday, lucky all the time

Because…..

I have you in my life.

You make me lucky everyday, lucky all the….

Time.

Elmer and Bert were singing staring directly at each other until the song ended. They smiled applauding screaming on top of their lungs. Elmer didn’t know he could ever make it in a reigns show but he has not just made it, he is with Bert and Ernest by his side. He has enjoyed the show with someone besides him, not alone as he thought it would be “That is the end of our show, thank you for coming good night” the reigns said goodbye leaving the stage with all the fans screaming out in happiness, Elmer didn’t want it to end that he slumped into his chair in disappointment when the reigns disappeared from the stage.

“I just wish it didn’t end” he complained above the noise of all the people getting out of the theater.

“They will be back next month” Bert replied with a smile sitting down too, that has been the best show of the reigns and having Elmer who enjoys them as much as he does made it the best show of his life “You want to hear them sing again”

“Yeah” Elmer doesn’t want the show to end but he shouldn’t put himself down either, at least he got a chance to watch them sing

“I think we should leave” Ernest broke off their conversation, he has been bored through his mind and he is glad it is over. They nodded getting up, Ernest put his cape back up on his head so not to get recognized by anyone. They got out, people are still going around, still singing Reigns songs as some sold food at their stands.

“Why are you in a hurry?” Bert called Ernest who was walking at a fast speed leaving the two behind. Ernest turned around, he was about to tell them that his head hurts from all that noise they call music when something caught his eye. His pendant was around Elmer’s neck, he glanced at Bert then back at Elmer “Is something wrong?”

“I will be back” Elmer said walking away from them, Bert wanted to follow but he still wanted to know if Ernest was fine though his eyes went with Elmer.

“Why is he wearing the pendant I gave you?”

“Oh, I borrowed it to him for the night” Bert replied as if it wasn’t a big deal, glancing back at Ernest

“Why?” Ernest was trying to understand what was happening, why would Bert give Elmer the pendant that HE gave him.

“Do I need a reason to share something with him” Bert asked as if not getting what was happening.

“But I gave it to you-” Elmer came back cutting them off from their argument, Ernest didn’t even want to look at Elmer at this time. Ernest didn’t add a thing before walking away leaving the two behind.

“Did something happen?”

“Just a disagreement, what were you doing?”

“Since you borrowed this to me, I wanted to give you something too” Elmer pulled out the pendant he has just bought “It isn’t as expensive as this one but I just wanted to give you something” Bert smiled walking under the light to examine it properly. His smiled widened looking at the pendant, it is not expensive but it looks so nice that he didn’t waste anytime sliding it on his neck, the fact that it came from Elmer made his smile wider.

“How does it look?” Bert asked

“Cheap” Elmer feels like it doesn’t belong around Bert’s neck, something expensive like the stone he is wearing deserves to be around Bert’s neck

“The price doesn’t matter Elmer” Bert comforted because he loves it no matter the price “I love it”

“If you say so but you don’t have to wear it all the time” Bert laughed, he was not taking the pendant off even if it was cheap, it came from Elmer “I will give this back to you then”

“No, keep it”

“No, you said one night plus I don’t want my neck to get cut off because of this” Bert laughed but he took the pendant back putting it into his pocket “Aren’t you going to wear it”

“I am already wearing this one”

“But the other on is more beautiful”

“I can give it to you if you want it” Bert challenged, Elmer shook his head no. He has had to watch his neck just in case someone tries taking the pendant, he isn’t cut out for expensive things “I have an idea” Bert pulled Elmer’s hand back to the stalls that sell pendants and bracelets “I will give you one that you’re comfortable with” Bert searched through the pendants looking for one that will look nice around Elmer’s neck, something beautiful, something he won’t be terrified to wear, something Elmer will keep on his neck “This one” Bert chose paying for it “Now you can wear this one”

“Thank you” Elmer put on the pendant and that made Bert smile even more. Elmer is wearing the pendant he bought “I think we should get something for Ernest, don’t you think. I know he has a lot but we have just gotten ourselves these”

“You’re right, I should give him a pendant too” Bert replied, Ernest has given him so many gifts and he never gets any in return, Elmer is right, Bert needs to get Ernest a pendant.

“Which one will you pick?”

“I don’t know” Bert hasn’t gotten a choice yet, he needs something that will make up for the gifts Ernest has given him.

“This one is beautiful” Elmer picked out one showing it to Bert “What do you think? Will he love it or should we search for more”

“This will do” Bert loves it, Elmer pulled out some coins handing them to the seller paying for the pendant “What are you doing, I am going to pay”

“Why can’t I pay?” Elmer asked, he wants to buy the pendant, why can’t he pay for it.

“I don’t want you to spend”

“Don’t worry” Elmer doesn’t mind, Bert nodded putting the pendant into his pocket as they continued their journey back to the castle in silence, taking in the night air that is filled with food smell all around “I have had the best night of my life”

“Me too”

“Thank you”

“For what?”

“You don’t know how happy I am that you’re in my life, I have been so happy that I belong somewhere and I am not just the cursed child to everyone”

“I apologize” Bert knows he has a part to do with that, he made Elmer feel bad “I feel so bad that I was a part of that”

“Bert no need to feel bad, you were once a cause of something bad but now you’re a cause of something good” Elmer doesn’t know how deep those words went. Bert has always wanted to be Elmer’s happiness and he can’t believe he has reached that place.

“Thank you”

Chapter 18

Friends*

“Briella get out of my room” Bert yelled from the kitchen, he could hear her laugh and it was coming from his room. Bert hates uninvited people into his room but having a full house doesn’t help his cause at all. All the children around the house, mess up a lot, ruin his staff. Kids become so over whelming a lot of times that Bert doubts ever having one, maybe if he isn’t going to raise him.

“Bert stop yelling” Bronte, Bert’s grand father yelled at him to stop yelling. Bert didn’t see the reason why he would yell out for him to stop yelling with him doing the exact same thing. Bert got his cup with juice going up the stares, the moment he reached up Briella and Hermes ran out of his room getting into Atlas’ room instead.

“If I get you you’re dead” Bert threatened getting into his room locking it behind him. After the show yesterday he didn’t want to get out of bed, he didn’t have the power to do anything and he has decided to call it a lazy day. A lazy day that he would want for everything to be quiet, for all the kids in the house to just be quiet so that he can have a peace of mind with no disturbance. Bert sipped his drink, rested it down laying on the bed looking up with his hands on his stomach. He breathed in letting his magic pass through his body relaxing him, calming him down to the point that he could feel each movement in his body, the way his blood flowed, his pulse and his heart.

The relaxation blocked out everyone and Bert was finally getting sucked in by sleep when someone dared to knock on his door “A person can’t rest around here, I should have just gone to the castle” Bert grumbled getting out of bed with a groan, he opened the door to find Ernest “You’re here” Bert wasn’t expecting him but he wasn’t expecting anyone “come in” he opened the door wide letting Ernest in “I was fighting to sleep but this house is just too loud”

“Why did you give it to him?” Ernest asked turning to Bert, he couldn’t sleep for the entire night, his head just going in circles about the pendant. The reason why Bert would give away something he gave him, he wanted that pendant around Bert’s neck.

“I told you, I just gave it to him for the night” Bert doesn’t know why they were still talking about this.

“It’s not about you giving it to him for the night, it’s about you letting someone wear something I gave you. I gave it to you”

Bert had to admit he had missed that part when he gave Elmer the pendant. It was given to him by Ernest he should have put in consideration before trying to regift it to Elmer “I apologize, I just felt bad that you didn’t get him something. He is our friend now, I didn’t want him to feel bad”

“You should have told me, I could have gotten something for him. You didn’t have to give him what I gave you”

“Forgive me” Bert apologized, noticing his mistake. In the moment he was only thinking with his heart, he wanted to see Elmer smile that he misses the point of what was happening “I bought him another pendant anyway”

“You bought him a pendant” Ernest asked, Bert has never gotten him a gift because he always forgets.

“Yeah and we got you….” Bert got off of the bed, he checked into the clothes he wore last night, picking out the pendant they got for Ernest “It’s cheap but we wanted all of us to have one, see mine” Ernest took the pendant nodding while staring at the one in Bert’s neck

“You’re not going to wear the one I gave you”

“Elmer bought me this one, I bought him his and we bought you that one. I love the one you gave me but it deserves to be for special occasions and they might rob me if I wear it everywhere”

“Just put it on, if it gets stolen I will get you a new one”

“That is a wastage of money” Bert took a seat back on the bed with a yawn, Ernest sighed putting on the pendant Bert gave him, maybe he should have bought something small and not so expensive even if he didn’t buy it. The best thing is that Bert loves the pendant and is willing to keep it safe so not to get stolen.

“You’re right” Ernest chuckled, he has been beating himself up all night thinking that maybe Bert didn’t like the pendant “Are you going to sleep in all day”

“That was my plan but this house is so loud”

“You can come sleep at mine”

“Lady Rylee is there, I don’t want to intrude” Bert can’t think about ever going into Ernest’s room again

“I don’t share a room with her for now until the wedding anyway” Bert nodded, where is the harm of going to spend the day at Ernest’s place where it is quite yet it is filled with a lot of people. Bert got up, walked to his clothes cabinet picking out another shirt and some trousers with a waist band. Bert walked into his bathroom, changed out of his night clothes before walking back into his bedroom “Ready?”

“Yeah” Bert walked over to the door with a yawn as Ernest followed back. When they passed the Greenes they all bowed at Ernest, the only time Bert see them quiet and at their best behaviour is when Ernest is around but other than that they give Bert a headache that is when he is not in the mood to be yelling with them. He is a Greene, if all the Greenes are loud then he is loud it just happens to be that today isn’t one of his best days to be dealing with his very loud family.

They reached the stables, Ernest got onto his horse with his guards behind as Bert also got onto his “I also wanted to apologise for last night, you hate the reigns but I forced you to go”

“I wanted to go” Ernest replied riding close to Bert “It has been long since we spent time together, I wanted us to spend time but that band just makes my ears ring” Bert laughed, it might be that he is used to a loud house that is why he doesn’t get a problem with the band but Ernest grew up in a quiet place, maybe that is why he hated loud staff “I can never hear anything they sing, the instruments are so loud than the voices and it feels like they are competing”

“That is what makes it nice” Bert said, singing above your voice to beat the instructions makes it even better than all “It makes you want to dance, not like the oprah, it makes me want to sleep, it should be called a sleep meditation” Ernest laughed glancing back at Bert.

“Maybe I should call one to sing to you as you sleep”

“I don’t want to die of boredom in my sleep” Bert said with a scrunched face.

“I forgot, You’re a sleep eater” Bert laughed shaking his head, he isn’t a sleep eater it just happened once and that one time happened to be when he was in Ernest’s room. He was asleep, he shifted his hands to get more comfortable when his hand landed on food, his sleepy self just started munching on the food in his sleep, that was the first time and the last time or it might not have happened and Ernest was just making it all up ‘We will never know’

“Maybe next time don’t put food next to my head” Bert complained, if the food wasn’t close maybe he wouldn’t have enjoyed it in his sleep “What is that?” Bert asked stopping his horse as Ernest stopped his too looking for what Bert is looking at. Bert stared trying to get a better look.

“What?”

“That is a person” Bert got off of his horse as Ernest called after him also getting off of his horse. Ernest’s guards also followed to try and keep the prince safe from any danger “No” Bert chocked out when he saw who the person was “Elmer” Bert didn’t know where to touch, his body is bruised and bloody, his clothes torn “What-wha-”

“Elmer” Ernest called with shock, Elmer was laying down looking lifeless. Ernest touched his neck just to make sure and there was a pulse, so small but it could be felt “Hey come get him up” Ernest called the guards to come carry Elmer immediately after getting a pulse as Bert looked to still be in shock to do anything, he was just staring with tears dripping down his face his hands over his mouth and eyes wide open “Bert, he will be fine” Ernest tried comforting him while pulling him out of the way so that the guards could carry Elmer taking him to the horse.

“Who would do such a thing?” Bert asked, he can’t believe someone attacked Elmer then threw him on the side of the road lifeless.

“I don’t know but we will find out”

Chapter 19

Bert paced around, he was in shock at first, then worried but now he is fuming and too bad he doesn’t know who beat Elmer up because he was willing to pull someone’s heart out. Bert is angry at whoever did this and he needs them found so that they can pay for what they did “He is going to be fine?”

“That isn’t the point” Bert said still pacing “The point is someone attacked him out of nowhere in town, whoever it was needs to be punished right away”

“I have already told father, he is doing everything he can but we can’t find anything if Elmer is still sleeping” Bert doesn’t want to listen to any excuses at this point, all he needs is to find the person that put Elmer on the bed this minute. Now he can’t trust anyone in town alone with an expectation of them getting attacked by whoever that was, was it a drunken, a thief, Bert wishes he could get his hands on them, who ever it was they would be destroyed.

“Ugh” Bert is fuming that he just can’t hold it in, he needs Elmer alive and well. Elmer didn’t deserve to be beat up like that, what would he have done in the first place for him to get treated like he was, then thrown on the side of the road like trash “Why is she taking so long?” Now his anger is directed to the healer who so happened to have spent longer in Elmer’s room than necessary.

“She is doing her job-” the look Ernest got made him cut himself off taking his seat letting Bert be. Ernest will make sure whoever did this doesn’t go away unpunished for this. The door to Elmer’s room opened and Adley walked out with her staff “How is he?” Adley explained that Elmer will be fine, he got hit pretty badly and it might take time for him to heal completely.

Bert made his way into Elmer’s room the moment he heard that Elmer will be fine. The rest will be for later for now he needed to see how Elmer was doing. Bert got in to find Elmer laying on the bed one of his hand on his ribs, his face filled up with bruises “Elmer” Bert cried out taking a seat next to him, he still doesn’t know how someone could do something like this. Through Bert’s crying Elmer opened his eyes “How are you doing?” Bert asked wiping away his tears. Elmer nodded with s pained groan turning his head to the side where Ernest is seated

“What happened?” Ernest asked taking in Elmer, he looks worse than when they found him.

“Robbery” Elmer chocked out wincing, Bert moved his hand up while chanting some words.

“Bert don’t do that” Ernest stopped holding his hand pulling him up.

“He is in pain I need to do something” Bert said staring at Elmer, he can’t let him stay in pain when he can do something to help him.

“You will hurt yourself, that is a spell you can’t do”

“I can try” Bert is ready to try it, he hasn’t memorized the spell very well but he needs to try it even if it will hurt him in the process. The healing spell is so strong and only his father and Atlas know how to use it but also in cases of emergency

“Not even your father can do it without going into a coma afterwards don’t do it” Ernest warned, that is a very risky spell and Bert shouldn’t be trying it “If it was safe I would let you do it but it’s not, his healing might be slow but it’s safer” Bert glanced back at Elmer who has his eyes closed again. He nodded with his hands over his chest, he needs to take care of Elmer.

“I will take care of him” Bert replied sitting back down on the bed taking Elmer’s hand in his.

“I will be here too” Bert nodded thanking Ernest who gave a small smile his eyes on Elmer “I will go talk to my father first” Ernest got up leaving the room, he walked out of the servants quarters, what happened is unacceptable and it needs to be taken care of. If someone from the castle is attacked it makes the castle unsafe for everyone else. Ernest walked into the throne room without a care if his father was busy. The moment he walked in they all bowed “Father we need to get whoever hurt Elmer”

“I sent people to search for some clues on what went down” The king replied, he has been told about the attack on the flower boy by his son earlier and he has sent some people to take care of it.

“I want to lead the search, they all need to know if they attack one of us there would be consequences” Ernest has to show an example, if they let this slide as nothing because Elmer wasn’t a royal then it will happen again, they need to know that they can’t mess with anyone in the castle.

“My best men are working on it-”

“This is a serious issue father and I need to deal with it. My friend was almost killed, we can’t let this slide” Ernest wasn’t getting off of this, his friend was attacked, they need to take action. The entire board stared at him all waiting for the king’s decision. Putting the next king in danger like that, one was attacked, the next king can’t be put in danger and they all hope that the king makes the right decision on this.

---

The castle is not in order, everyone is moving around after what has been announced. Elmer’s case has become the talk of the town. The next king in line Ernest is leading the case, everyone is on their tip toes trying to find who tried to kill Elmer and if the person is found they will be charged for attempt murder and that is punished by death.

The town is in chaos as Ernest passes through with guards trying to find whoever tried to kill Elmer. Della walked through the castle, she is from seeing Elmer and he was in bad shape but Ernest going out, putting himself in danger to find the person who beat Elmer up feels wrong to Della. The next king can’t be all vulnerable out there, it doesn’t help the kingdom and when Della heard about king Elude’s decision she was concerned.

Della walked into Hattie’s room to find her standing at the window, a finger in her mouth looking anxious “I don’t like this decision” Della voiced out capturing Hattie’s attention.

“Me neither but I have failed to change the king’s mind” Hattie has tried, his son can’t lead a search, something might go wrong or what if someone who tried to kill Elmer wanted this to happen just so they can lure the king out and kill him. Hattie doesn’t want to think about it “How is Elmer?”

“He is doing better” Hattie nodded looking back out, feeling so anxious. Her precious boy can’t get hurt “We should pray for him” Della suggested kneeling down, prayers are the only thing that could help keep Ernest safe out there. Hattie joined kneeling beside Della her long time friend and valet, the gods gave him her son and they should help save keep him safe.

Chapter 20

Elmer woke up glancing around to find a lot of people inside his room. They are all staring at him with pity, sadness in their eyes. Yes he was beat up but he isn’t dying, at least that is what he thinks “How are you feeling?” Oda asked, Elmer didn’t want to talk, the last time he tried talking his cheek burned. He nodded indicating he is better, he doesn’t feel as bad as he felt yesterday.

Those guys came out of nowhere attacking him without a question then they started asking about the pendant that was on his neck the night before, that is why Elmer didn’t want the pendant in the first place. He isn’t rich and he doesn’t walks through rich parts of the town, no, he has to pass through the slams of the town and those guys are thieves. He was so lucky he didn’t have the pendant on him because he doesn’t know where he would have gotten the money to pay for it, a stone as big as that one, so expensive it would cost his life “We were so worried about you” Henry one of the servants and his roommate said.

Elmer wouldn’t say he is good friends with these people but it is good to know that someone cares “Thank you” Elmer’s voice came out small but it wasn’t filled with pain, at least he could feel his right cheek again.

“The prince is here” one servant said from behind, they all said goodbye to Elmer before moving out giving Ernest space to pass.

“How are you feeling?” Ernest asked as he entered the room with Bert who sat onto Elmer’s bed taking his hand in his. Elmer wanted to get up and greet the prince and he tried but his bones ached do much he gave up before he could move his body.

“Good” Elmer tried shifting so that he can sit, Bert got up giving him a hand so that he doesn’t hurt himself “Thank you”

“Have you eaten something?” Bert asked after getting Elmer more comfortable, Elmer shook his head no “Let me go get you something to eat” Bert walked out leaving Ernest and Elmer alone.

“Am glad you’re fine” Ernest said breaking the ice while taking a seat on the opposite bed where Elmer’s room mate sleeps “We are doing everything we can so that we can get whoever did it was locked up”

“They are just thieves, it was no big deal”

“They almost killed you” Bert said getting back in the room with a pile of water and a towel “Those guys are getting locked up and executed, what they did was unacceptable” Bert doesn’t want to hear any ‘They were just robbers’ the fact is that they almost killed Elmer and that is the only thing that matters to Bert. He and Ernest have been searching, asking around to find any clues, the bounty is high and if anyone saw something they would come forward and report it, soon they will have whoever did this facing his sentence and Bert hopes the king won’t be lenient on them.

“It was no big deal” Elmer still feels like it was no big deal.

“Don’t even say it was no big deal” Bert scrunched his face in hate, they have to pay. He moved closer to Elmer resting the pile on the side of the bed, he dipped the clothe in warm water then raised it to Elmer’s face cleaning his wounds

“I will do it” Elmer tried taking the clothe away, Bert gave him a looks showing he isn’t taking any of that. Elmer didn’t try to stop him but soon he gave up. Oda came in with his food resting down before leaving the three men alone “Thank you” Elmer didn’t know anything he could add to that.

“No problem, here eat something” The care in Bert’s eyes made Elmer want to smile but his lips are messed up pretty badly. The look reminded Elmer of his mother Margret, whenever Elmer got sick she would have the same look in her eyes. Elmer put the first spoon in his mouth wincing at his ribs “What hurts?”

“My ribs but am fine” Elmer doesn’t need all this care, he feels fine. Not fine, fine but fine in the way that he shouldn’t get treated as an almost dying person.

“I have to leave, I will be back later” Ernest announced getting up “I hope you get well soon” Elmer nodded as Ernest walked out. They stayed in silence Bert seeming to be in thought even though his eyes were watching Elmer’s every move making him become cautious. Elmer doesn’t want to show how his ribs are hurting but the movement of his hand is making it worse that he lost his appetite.

“Thank you” Bert didn’t force him to finish the food as he put it back. He just kept on staring at him with worry on his face, they didn’t say anything for quiet a long time just enjoying the silence and their company, Elmer breathing through the pain that shoots through his ribs every time he tries to move. They finally broke the silence arguing about the search, Elmer wasn’t on board with it. Many people get robbed every single day, maybe they should have tried finding away to stop the robbery that goes on in that place instead of trying to find the specific ones that attacked Elmer.

Elmer hates feeling like he is being privileged and this just indicates that, for goodness’s sake the prince was in charge of the investigation, another reason they should stop all of this. It happens to many, the prince doesn’t need to put himself in danger all because of him, Elmer wasn’t on board with this and no one was going to prove him otherwise, not even Bert because this is not the best idea.

---

“What happened?” Hattie asked walking beside his son, who is being held up by two guards. Everyone has gathered around to see what had happened to their prince.

“We got one of them, he will tell us where the others are” Ernest replied not answering the question his mother was asking in the first place. He was taken into his room, he was put down before the guards walked out leaving Ernest with the king, the queen and Adley the healer “I am fine, stop giving me those looks”

“Your guards said you attacked the guy”

“He was running away, I had to do something. It’s not my fault I twisted my ankle” Ernest explained, the guy was running away and Ernest couldn’t let that happen, that guy beat Elmer up and he needed to be caught as the others will get caught too in no time.

“You couldn’t let your guards do the work” The king now realizes it was a wrong idea to let his son on the case if he is so passionate about it, he could have landed himself in so much trouble than this if he wasn’t careful.

“I wasn’t going to sit back and let them do everything” The king wasn’t going to be dealing with this he walked out. Adley took off the prince’s shoe, folded his pants up to examine the ankle.

“I don’t think Elmer is worth the kingdom losing its heir” Hattie doesn’t like this, Elmer has just entered Ernest’s life and he shouldn’t be willing to do everything for him forgetting that he has a kingdom to rule above everything else, that is his destiny not dying for one servant

“Mother, if I can’t fight for my friends and family then what kind of king will I ever be” Ernest asked in a stern tone “This is a kingdom with people, if we didn’t capture him, we don’t know how many others he would have hurt”

“But-”

“I don’t want to talk now, please leave” Ernest has never dismissed his mother before and Hattie was surprised his son dismissed him like that. Ernest usually listens to what Hattie has to say and he takes her advise everytime but just because of Elmer, Ernest was not only dismissing Hattie’s words but he was dismissing her from the room.

“I am your mother, you can’t talk to me like that” Hattie said

“I am not in the mood mother, just get out” Ernest was not in the mood to be dealing with his mother at the moment and he needs her out that is why he used his ordering tone. Hattie walked out but then again Ernest felt bad for how he treated her, he sighed falling back when Adley hurt his leg making him sit back up “Leave me alone” Ernest just wants to be alone for a minute, a moment to himself when no one is asking any questions. He just needs a moment of silence to himself but that didn’t happen when his door opened and in walked a fuming Bert

“What were you thinking?” Bert asked his tone so angry “Clearly you weren’t thinking if you went after the guy alone, why didn’t you inform me”

“You were busy taking care of Elmer when I got the information”

“You know how dangerous it is, you could have told me, you can’t just leave me behind because I was busy”

“Elmer needs someone to take care of him-”

“I am going to kill that guy”

“Bert” Ernest called but Bert was already out of the room. Ernest sighed falling back down knowing the guy they have just caught is about to face the wrath of Bert.

Chapter 21

Bert might not be the protector yet or still weak in some places ‘Okay many places’ but he feels like what Ernest did was irrational. They had talked about it when Ernest got a crazy idea to search for who tried to kill Elmer, Bert wanted them to be arrested but he wasn’t supportive of the fact that Ernest wanted to lead the search. He was worried that something might have happened to Ernest or something might have, gone wrong, messed up the entire thing leaving the kingdom with no one next in line.

Bert was not on board with the plan but it was hard to change Ernest’s mind so Bert made a deal that they will have to do it together, Ernest was not allowed to go out for the search without Bert. At least that was the plan but now look, Bert was only distracted for a few seconds and what does Ernest do, he made it his deal to go out without Bert. Bert knows he is the protector but he doesn’t need to feel like a babysitter and he usually values Ernest’s decisions but this one was rushed. he is mad at him that he hasn’t gone to see him after their fight at all even when he comes to the castle.

Bert only visits Elmer to see how he is doing, helps take care of him. Sometimes he would want to know how Ernest is doing so he asks some servants to inform him about it but he doesn’t step foot into Ernest’s room at all. He also has a lot of maids on him plus his mother and his elder sister is also with him so Bert isn’t much needed there…. “And what do you think your doing?” Bert asked running over to Elmer giving him support “Get back in bed” Bert tried putting him back in bed but Elmer wasn’t having it.

He has been rooted in that bed for three days straight, he is tired of sleeping on his butt all the time. He needs to get back to his normal life, take care of the flowers so that time can start moving. Him being stuck in bed makes him feel useless plus it is boring, he needs some fresh air, he needs his flowers. He isn’t spending another day in bed “I am fine”

“No you’re not” Bert denied putting him back on the bed “Don’t try that again, you might get yourself hurt” Elmer has noticed one thing, he doesn’t want Bert to take care of him because he is so strict on everything and he is having a hard time to believe that Elmer is doing better, his ribs don’t hurt anymore, his throat is well, his jaw is good since he can eat well now and not die of pain.

“Bert I am fine” Bert was not having it “I promise I am fine, I need some fresh air. I am tired of being inside all the time” After a very long silence with Bert contemplating on what he should do he finally accepted on taking Elmer outside, he helped him as they walked slowly so not to hurt Elmer even more with Bert asking if he is fine every single step they took. When they reached in the flowers Elmer could breath freely, he missed the place so much and he feels like taking care of some flowers but he knows Bert won’t be up for it because that was the first thing he told him after accepting to bring him outside.

“How are you feeling?”

“Good” Elmer replied with a sigh, trying to lean back but his ribs didn’t allow the motion. He kept the hiss in so not to show Bert that he wasn’t good, he needs some time out before he is forced back inside again “How is Ernest?” Elmer feels bad that he was the cause of Ernest’s injury even if Bert constantly tells him that it was Ernest’s stupidity that caused his injury. Elmer still feels accountable for it, Ernest was trying to get him justice and he got injured instead

“I believe he is fine”

“You’re still mad at him” Elmer thought Bert will finally crack and go talk to Ernest but he believes that isn’t going to work anytime soon if Bert hasn’t gone to see Ernest “He was doing it for a good cause”

“I don’t want to talk about it” Bert cut off that topic, it wasn’t for a good cause. Bert takes it as a selfish move, everyone was saddened by Elmer’s attack and no one did something as irrational as that, Ernest putting himself in danger doesn’t help anyone and it certainly doesn’t help Bert when he was the protector who was supposed to be by his side to prevent something like that. Bert’s dad was angry at him but no one was angry at Bert as himself, he feels incompetent to do his job and that is why Ernest is sick.

He is angry at Ernest but also angry at himself and shameful that he couldn’t do his job, that is why he doesn’t want to face Ernest too because he feels like he failed him “Are you okay?”

“Yeah” Bert smiled up at Elmer “And I am sorry”

“It wasn’t your fault” Bert thinks that giving Elmer the pendant caused all of this trouble, if he hadn’t given it to him maybe all of this wouldn’t have happened “Stop blaming yourself or I will kick your butt”

“You’re too sick for that” Bert chuckled “And you know, you can never kick my ass”

“I will be able to do so one day”

“Then a friendly match it is” Bert put his picky finger out, Elmer attached it with his nodding. Indeed a friendly match it is, They stared at each other in the eye “Oh gods”

“What?” Elmer asked confused of where that came from.

“Your drooling” Elmer put his hand up to check his lips for the drool, that would be embarrassing and why would he be drooling in the first place. Bert burst out laughing at the panic in Elmer’s eyes “I can’t believe it worked” Elmer’s face turned bright red from embarrassment as he pushed Bert’s shoulder slightly, he can’t believe he checked yet he knew he wouldn’t be drooling “You should have seen your face, you really thought you were”

“I hate you”

“Don’t deny it, you love me” Bert knows it, they chuckled as they continued making small talk laughing among them selves forgetting all about the world around them, enjoying each other’s company.

---

Ernest stood in the window seeing Elmer and Bert laughing about something. It looked like Bert was showing Elmer something in the flowers, Bert got up walking away and when he came back he had something that Ernest couldn’t see from a far but it made Elmer laugh throwing it back at Bert. Ernest hasn’t see Bert in days, ever since he got the injury. He only gets informed by the maids that Bert asked about him but that is it, he never comes to see him in person.

Ernest knows he did something wrong by leaving Bert behind but he got the information in that time and Bert was busy taking care of Elmer. Ernest didn’t want Bert to leave Elmer alone so that they can go catch the bastard, Ernest wanted to capture those guys by himself but it turns out it just angered Bert off even more. The door opened up behind him making Ernest to turn his head to find his valet Samuel coming in with his clean clothes “Samuel, I need you to give Elmer some of my clothes”

“Am sorry my prince but can I ask why?” Ernest turned full around taking his eyes off of Bert, Ernest needs Bert to forgive him and he believes if he makes Elmer happy maybe Bert will forgive him.

“You may not ask” Ernest replied walking with his clutches back to the bed “And please choose the best clothes”

“Yes my prince” Samuel started picking out some of the best clothes, he has worked here two years and he has never been given clothes from the prince yet Elmer gets new clothes just like that, Samuel believes everyone gets attacked in that part of town and many have been attacked before. Elmer was just the unlucky one that day but he is being treated like it was so special.

“Samuel” Ernest called getting Samuel out of his angry thoughts “Get me a trip with Lady Rylee for two days, I want no one to know about it do you understand”

“Yes my prince” Samuel bowed “My prince, do you want me to give out this shirt” Samuel knows that the shirt was gifted to the prince on his twentieth birthday from his mother.

“Yes” Samuel didn’t question, Ernest fell back down on the bed passing his hands on his temple as he picked out a pen writing down a note “I want you to give this not to Bert when I am gone” Samuel accepted the letter walking out after sorting the clothes he should give out to Elmer.

Ernest needs some alone time for a few days and Rylee would make a good company, she has been neglected lately due to Ernest’s injury he hasn’t been able to show her around and maybe some alone time between the two could help out, it can help Ernest get his mind off of Bert for some time.

Chapter 22

A knock sounded on the door, Hattie told whoever it was to come in as she patted her skin softly for the jelly to get in. Her skin takes a lot of time to look as it does in the morning and every night it needs attention, she glanced at the door to find her son’s valet “How may I help you tonight Samuel?” She asked glancing back in the mirror.

“Am sorry your majesty but it is about the prince” Hattie stopped applying jelly on her skin turning around to give Samuel her full attention “He has told me to give out all of his clothes to the flower boy”

“Maybe he was tired of them” Hattie replied not seeing an issue, she gets tired of things quiet easily and they go to servants.

“He gave away the shirt you gifted him on his twentieth birthday” Samuel added getting Hattie’s attention. Hattie barely sew but she did when it came to her son, on his twentieth birthday Hattie wanted her son to have something special that she made, not something she bought from outside as she usually did, she spent time in that shirt “I asked him if he wanted me to give it away and he said yes”

“He can’t do that” Hattie denied getting up from her chair, she put on a gown on top of her night dress.

“The prince is gone my queen”

“Where?”

“Pearl island my queen, he doesn’t want anyone to know” Samuel added, he had already said goodbye to the prince with their future queen and some guards that prince Ernest took with him.

“Why wasn’t I informed that my own son was leaving” Hattie asked in anger, it feels like a battle to keep up with her son these days. She never knows what his son is about all the time and now he is gone without informing her. She sat back down a hand on her chest “Have I become a bad mother?” Hattie asked herself, her relationship with her son used to be good, he used to be informed in things like this.

“It’s not my queen I just think…” Samuel cut himself off.

“Just think what?” Hattie’s voices was hostile, she needs to know what she is doing wrong for the change in her son’s behavior.

“That flower boy is the problem my queen” Samuel finished what he thinks “He is taking all the attention from you my queen” Hattie thought about it and it made sense, ever since Elmer joined the castle it has been like this, her son has been up and down. He even got injured because if that flower boy, Ernest cares more about Elmer than he does his own mother “What should I do my queen?” Samuel asked

Hattie turned around, if she needs her son’s attention on her again. She knows she has to take Elmer out of the picture forever and to do that she has… “Give him the clothes” Hattie said turning around as Samuel nodded dying inside, he wants those clothes to be going to him and not the flower boy.

“Yes my queen” This isn’t what he had wanted in the first place but his queen has said “Excuse-”

“I need you to do one more thing” Hattie added right before Samuel could leave her bedroom. She gave birth to her son and if she needs her son to come to her when he gets a problem she knows she has to take Elmer out of the picture. Hattie has been the number one woman in Ernest’s life, she makes all the decisions in Ernest’s life and it will stay like that forever.

---

Elmer hummed his favorite song lucky while feeding his fish, feeding the fish is the only thing he does all day long and it calms his nerves. He smiled thinking about how Bert was so stupid, he thought that a flower had finally given him a fruit. They were seated outside enjoying each other’s company when Bert noticed something round up in one flower, he got up picking it as he said it was a fruit.

Yet it was just a seed, Elmer has had so much fun with Bert and he has come to enjoy Bert’s stupidity quiet often. The care he gives Elmer ‘Even though he is tough with it’ it just makes Elmer’s heart swell in happiness. Elmer has never been taken care of by anyone outside his house, everyone is always against him or hates him and the fact that Bert has been around through his injury just makes Elmer feel like he is lucky for a friend like that. He held the pendant that Bert bought for him, he knows it will never leave his neck ever. He gave it a peck covering up the fish food, he had named his fish red as it’s colour, it sounds weird but that is the name it got and it is only ever getting that. Someone cleared their throat behind him and Elmer turned around to find Samuel, Ernest’s valet with clothes in a basket.

“This is for you from the prince” Elmer got off of the chair making his way to Samuel who has expensive clothes in the basket.

“The prince gave me this”

“That is exactly what I have just said” Samuel snapped throwing the basket on the bed “I hope you enjoy them” The venom and hate in Samuel’s eyes was noticed by Elmer. Samuel turned around but Elmer caught his hand “What?”

“I can’t take this”

“Are you denying our prince”

“No, it’s just I don’t deserve them-”

“I know, you don’t deserve them” Samuel sneered, Elmer asked himself why he even brought the clothes if he hates him “And don’t think I want to give them to you, someone who has worked hard deserves those clothes not some piece of shit who has just arrived to take care of the flowers now thinks he is above us, getting all the attention. Elmer got beat up, the prince has to find out who did it” Samuel mocked with so much anger that Elmer took a step back “You’re just a useless, nobody”

Elmer didn’t know what to say, he has faced a lot of hate from the village but even after so much hate he doesn’t know how to cope with it all. Like right now, he doesn’t know what he did to deserve those harsh words, he didn’t tell the prince to go search for the man who beat him, he actually was against it. He didn’t tell Ernest to give him the clothes, he was fine with what he has and the fact that his valet is so angry with him just doesn’t make sense “You can have the clothes if you want” Elmer picked it up handing it over to him, he doesn’t want the clothes and he knows he doesn’t deserve them but Samuel seems like he wants the clothes.

“I don’t want them” Samuel rolled his eyes folding his arms over his chest, like he will accept anything from a poor flower boy.

“Then take them back to the prince and tell him I appreciate the clothes but I don’t want them”

“Tell him that when he comes back” Samuel scrunched his face “Low life” he sneered walking out of the room leaving Elmer with the basket in hand with the clothes. Elmer doesn’t even want to touch any just in case he makes them dirty, he rested it back on the bed wondering what he is going to do. He knows one thing that he isn’t going to do and that is wear them, how will that look, wearing clothes for nobles that he isn’t.

Elmer doesn’t know where Ernest got the idea to send him clothes, he is still asking himself why Ernest would send him the clothes. Does he still feel bad for what happened to Elmer that he is trying to apologise, Elmer knows he has to take those clothes back, it is not like he doesn’t want them, he just doesn’t deserve them and they should go to someone who does.

Chapter 23

Elmer was still in his slumber when a harsh tap on his shoulder woke him up. He opened his eyes to find guards above him “Get up” he was asked, Elmer got up quickly that he hurt his ribs a little bit making him hiss “You’re under arrest” Elmer thought he wasn’t listening but he was and that took all the sleep he was feeling out of his body. Those words were coming from a very big man with a sword oh his waist

“F-for w-wha-what” Elmer stuttered, his head going out in circles, he believes he hasn’t done anything wrong or illegal. He only remembers staying in his room all day except when he was out with Bert for a little while before being helped back inside. He stayed in his quarters the entire evening ever since Bert left, now he is asking himself why he is getting arrested.

“Move” the guard ordered without reply while pushing Elmer out of his room. Elmer wanted to ask what was happening, why he was getting pushed the way he was but the guard looked angry as he kept on pushing Elmer and most of the times Elmer almost lost his footing almost hitting the cold mable ground “Move” the guard pushed more as they reached the stairs going where the cells are. The guard they found down got up opening one of the cells “Get in”

“What did this one do?” The guard asked locking the door where Elmer has just been pushed in. Elmer turned around to listen to the reason why he was arrested, he has been pushed all the way to the cell without a coat or shoes and he hasn’t found out the reason why.

“He stole from the royals” the guards who pushed Elmer from his room replied. Elmer looked at him with his mouth hung open, he hasn’t stolen anything. Elmer looked at him with an open mouth, he didn’t steal anything. Why would he steal from the people who have showed him nothing but kindness. The two guards who pushed Elmer here walked out leaving him with one who walked back to his chair, taking a seat with newspapers in hand

“Stealing from the royals kid, do you have a death wish”

“I didn’t steal anything” Elmer defended, he himself doesn’t know what is going on and what he stole, he is as confused as the guard who thinks he would ever be able to steal anything “I am innocent”

“That is what they all say” The guard replied, but this isn’t just a saying. He didn’t steal anything, all of this is a mistake, he would never steal anything. He has never stolen anything in his life why would he start now, yes he is living in a place full of expensive staff but he would never think about doing something like that.

“They might all say that but I am innocent”

“Go to sleep kid” Elmer didn’t say anything else as he moved to the small bed in the cell sitting down. This is all a misunderstanding and it will be proved very soon. Elmer tried getting comfortable without hurting his ribs on the small worn out bed, this misunderstanding will be fixed tomorrow, he knew he didn’t have to worry about it but he still couldn’t stop his heart from pounding in his chest scared of what is going to happen

---

Everyone in the castle had already heard the word about Elmer’s arrest for robbing the prince. Some who had never liked Elmer in the first place we’re happy because they knew something was off with him from the beginning, some were in disbelief but if he was arrested that makes this true. They had never arrested anyone who was not guilty.

Everyone had different views but he was the topic all around the castle, the one who was attacked in town, robbing from the royals, some thought he might have lied about the attack just to get closer to Ernest so that he can rob him in the process. Many were angry at him, their prince put himself in danger to defend him, how could he repay them like that. They needed justice to be served, theft is mostly served by fifty whips but since he robbed the royals some just want him to get executed for what he did.

Elmer hasn’t found out what was happening up, he still thinks that this was a misunderstanding that is going to get fixed when the real culprit is caught yet this was bigger than anything he has ever been into. No one has come to talk to Elmer since last night, he has been stuck in the cell with nothing to eat, the guard from last night was changed but no one has brought him food and he is starving. He held his legs to his chest with his head rested on his knees and stared at the wall while humming a song in his head when his name was called. Elmer turned to find his aunt Della “Elmer, how are you doing, are you feeling fine?”

“Yeah, am just hungry” Elmer replied getting off of the bed to the bars.

“No one has brought you food” Elmer shook his head no, his aunt took his hand into her’s “Elmer tell me what happened, why are they saying you stole from the prince”

“I didn’t steal anything aunt, they just arrested-”

“Do you know how big this is” Della asked with panic in her eye, Elmer seems like he is taking this as a joke yet this isn’t one “They are thinking of executing you”

“But-b- I didn’t do anything” Now Elmer is seeing this for what it is, for a serious situation it is. They want to execute him for something he didn’t steal.

“Tell me what happened”

“I don’t know what happened, I don’t know what they say I stole. I didn’t steal anything, aunt you have to believe me”

“I do” Della glanced back at the guard who is ignoring them “You need to tell me where you got the prince’s clothes” Elmer scrunched his face, they are saying he stole the prince’s clothes.

“Samuel, said that the prince had gifted them to me”

“Samuel gave you the clothes” Elmer nodded “The prince’s valet gave you the clothes” Elmer nodded again, how else would he get those clothes, he isn’t allowed anywhere above the servants chambers, the only people allowed in the royals laundry room are the head servant, the valets. Elmer has never gone nowhere near that place, he wouldn’t have gotten the clothes “He is the one saying you stole the clothes”

Elmer’s eyes widened “He gave them to me, why would he lie?” Elmer doesn’t understand, he is the one that gave him the clothes why would he lie that Elmer stole the clothes.

“Elmer” Bert called climbing down the stairs “I heard what happened, what is going on?”

“They are saying I stole the prince’s clothes” Elmer can’t believe how ridiculous this sounds “Samuel is accusing me yet he gave me the clothes saying they came from Ernest” Elmer forgot to call him prince and the guard glanced at him but didn’t say anything “You have to believe me, I would never do anything like that”

“Don’t worry, we will get to the bottom of this” Bert comforted holding Elmer’s hand, he knows Elmer would never do something like that.

“You believe me”

“I believe you” Elmer felt relieved that Bert believes him, he isn’t a thief and he would hate himself if Bert saw him as one “He said Ernest gave you the clothes” Elmer nodded narrating how the entire thing went, he didn’t get in details of how Samuel was rude to him, it seemed irrelevant in this situation. He thinks that maybe Samuel was jealous he was gifted with the clothes instead of them being gifted to him, that might be the reason why he is lying about this “I will talk to Ernest, this will be cleared up in no time”

“The prince isn’t around” Della said, Bert didn’t know about it again. He doesn’t get why Ernest keeps on disappearing like that.

“Where is he?” Bert said through gritted teeth, this is the entire reason why they were not talking and he then goes a head to do the same thing again.

“We all don’t know” Bert nodded, he held Elmer’s hand smiling at him as he comforted him about finding the truth out but first he needs to find out where Ernest is. Bert walked back up searching for Samuel, Bert has known Samuel for long enough but he wouldn’t say they are each other’s favorite person. They don’t get along well and Ernest knows about that.

“Bert” speaking of the devil, Bert turned to find the person he has been searching for “The prince told me to hand you this letter” Bert took it from his hands opening it up, he knew he should read what Ernest wrote down before attacking Samuel for lying.

Am sorry for not informing you about the search

I know I should have but you’re my friend as much as you’re my protector and I didn’t want you to get hurt.

I guess I should have thought about my actions before getting myself in danger.

I am so sorry for not trusting you’re capabilities to keep me safe.

I hope you can forgive me

Ernest

Bert held his forehead realizing a sigh while shaking his head. His head is crowded by the accusations made on Elmer to be thinking about this. It is nice that Ernest apologized but he could have done it in person instead of using a letter like he is apologizing to a stranger “Where is he?” Bert asked in a tried tone, sometimes Ernest acts like a child, he likes running away from situations like these but for now it is about Elmer.

“He said no one-”

“I asked, where. Is. He” Bert made sure Samuel could hear each and every word, this wasn’t the time to be messing around.

“Pearl island” Samuel cracked when he saw the look in Bert’s eyes, the green starting to appear. Bert nodded taking a few steps to leave when he turned around.

“Why are you telling everyone that Elmer stole Ernest’s clothes”

“Because he did” Bert nodded his eyes not leaving Samuel, he knows Elmer would never steal anything. He has been following him his entire life and never did he catch Elmer steal anything that is why he thinks that these accusations are absurd.

“If these accusations turn out to be false as I believe they are….” Bert didn’t add anything as he turned around walking out the castle leaving a scared Samuel behind.

Chapter 24

“Will you give us a second” Ernest told Rylee who nodded greeting Bert before leaving the room “I didn’t know you would come”

“I didn’t know you would run….again” Bert replied, he has to conjure a horse so that he could get here in time and talk to him “Without informing me doing the exact same thing I was so mad about”

“Am sorry” Ernest apologized, he didn’t think about that too. Bert should be able to tell where he is all the time but since they weren’t talking he didn’t want to be of disturbance just like how he feels when they have an argument.

“Am not here for that” Ernest raised his eye brow kind of disappointed in what Bert said but he swallowed it down acting like he wasn’t affected at all.

“Then why are you here?”

“Did you by any chance gift Elmer with clothes” Ernest doesn’t know why they are talking about Elmer at a moment like this, he knows that Bert is still angry at him but still, should they be talking about Elmer

“Yeah….why, did he not like them?” Ernest asked with little care in his voice, he gave Elmer the clothes to make up for the attack that happened but this isn’t something he would want to be talking about at this time, he would want something that would at least make him and Bert back on good terms, this not talking is hurting him, it has never taken this long before like it did this time, full three days, that is the longest they have fought.

“He got in trouble because of the clothes” Bert replied “They are saying he stole them, we need to go back before he gets punished for something he didn’t do”

“Why would they think he stole them?” Ernest gave him the clothes, why would they think that.

“Samuel, he is telling everyone Elmer stole the clothes”

“What is wrong with him, I gave him a specific order now why is he saying that Elmer stole the clothes”

“I don’t know but we don’t have time to waste, we need to go back and save him before he is charged” Bert left the palace and everyone was angry at Elmer for this. If this case reaches the king he will be executed immediately for this and Bert can’t let that happen to someone innocent. Ernest needs to go back and fix everything right now.

---

“Listen to me Elmer” Della said looking around “Don’t say anything unless talked to or asked, don’t try to disagree with the king-”

“But I didn’t do it”

“Listen to me” Della snapped, she has tried defending Elmer to the queen and she thought that maybe Hattie might help her from this but she didn’t, Della doesn’t know what else to do, her only hope is Bert, she is hoping that Bert comes back with Ernest to clear this entire thing out “Do as I say, don’t-” Della cut herself off when the cell door got opened.

“It’s time for your trial” The guard said walking in separating Della and Elmer by pulling Elmer out of the cell. Elmer has never been this terrified in his entire life, he doesn’t know what will happen if he is found guilty of something he didn’t do. Samuel is clearly framing him for this, Elmer got walked down the hallway and the amount of stinky faces he keeps getting wherever he passes makes his heart pound more than ever before. Some went as far as throwing in words his way, calling him a dirty liar and a thief.

Elmer grew up being judged all his life just because of something he couldn’t control. He thought that was bad but this is worse, they don’t just dislike him, they full on hate him. Elmer doesn’t know how he got into this situation but mostly how he is going to get out of it. They reached the throne room that is full of people with the king seated in his throne, his wife next to him. Elmer gulped at the faces he was getting as he was walked down the isle and right in front of the king, he was pushed down on his knees and at this moment he could feel his heart beat beating so loud “Your majesty we are here to present the case of Elmer Moirai” the noble presented the case “He was caught with staff that belongs to our prince in his room”

Elmer gulped, the voice alone terrified him but the silence afterwards made him want to faint his eyes cast on the ground, so scared to even turn his head anywhere “Rise your head” the king ordered, Elmer did holding his hands to stop them from shaking “Are you the boy my son wanted to get justice for” Elmer knows he has to reply because the question was directed to him but he seems to not have the nerve to open his mouth.

“Y-yes your majesty” Elmer stuttered out feeling sweat falling down the side of his face. He feels like he can’t catch his breath that well, he might get executed for this, or beat up in public if the king is kind enough but that would be worse than death to Elmer. Being seen as a thief, he will never be able to do anything in his life, everyone will look at him with disgust just like right now, he would prefer if the ground swallowed him alive so that he can get out of this situation.

“And you used that to your advantage to steal his things” The king asked, anger in his voice making Elmer to tremble his eyes stinging, even the king hates him now “He was being nice and you decided to, I don’t want to see him ever again” The king announced, many nodded in agreement as Elmer waited for the worst to happen but he still didn’t prepare well enough because as soon as the word dropped “Death” his heart dropped, everyone in the room clapped while cheering while Elmer couldn’t breath, he was staring at everyone who was cheering. It was like everyone was happy that he was going to get executed.

“Get up” The guard who brought him in pulled him back up, they didn’t move a step when the doors to the throne room opened and in walked Ernest and Bert “Your majesty” the guard bowed, the entire room got up greeting their prince.

“Let him go, he didn’t steal anything” Ernest said looking at the guard who gave him a confused look. Elmer has been judged and he will be executed. Everyone gasped staring at their king who also didn’t know what was going on, everyone is wondering if Elmer did steal or not “Father” Ernest greeted staring at his father “I gave him the clothes, he didn’t take anything”

“Let us talk in private” the king said getting up on his feet, walking out of the throne room as Ernest followed leaving everyone confused.

“It’s going to be fine” Bert walked over to Elmer holding his hand comforting him. Elmer held his hand for dear life, scared to even look or be an inch away from Bert. Even after Ernest calming the situation down Elmer still hasn’t gotten over the fact that he was or still is on death roll. His heart hasn’t gotten back to it’s normal beating, it is still pounding like crazy. It didn’t take long for the king and Ernest to come back in the room, everyone got silent again waiting for the king’s decision.

“My son gave him the clothes that you found in his room, this proves that there is no case here. Elmer is free to go” The king announced before walking out again with the queen right by his side. Elmer felt like he could breath again even though he still can’t believe it he is free, the truth has revealed itself.

“Thank you” Elmer thanked Bert pulling him into a hug, he has never experienced a near death experience like this one. He doesn’t know how to thank Bert for this, he has saved his life by believing in him. That was the first step that made him go to Ernest asking for the truth but if Bert didn’t believe him his head would have been chopped off by now

Chapter 25

“I still can’t feel my legs” Elmer confessed when his legs felt heavy “My hands are still shaking” He is still in shock about what had happened. It was intense, so terrifying to be in such a position and even if most are staring at him with guilty eyes, Elmer still feels suck to his stomach “I was almost executed”

“Good thing it is over now” Bert comforted

“Yeah, thanks to you” If it weren’t for Bert, he wouldn’t be here at this moment “Everyone was giving me stinky eyes when they thought I stole those clothes” Elmer kind of thought they have never liked him, just one single thing and everyone looked at him as if they couldn’t wait for his death, after years of not being liked he didn’t know this would ever happen again here, where everyone is nice and kind.

“They don’t deal with criminals that well”

“They should have judged me after I was proved guilty” They just judged him way before that, now he doesn’t believe he will ever trust anyone again here. He will be on his tiptoes with everyone from now on “Thank you for believing in me” the look of gratitude in Elmer’s eyes made Bert to smile nodding, he put his hand around Elmer’s shoulder pulling him close, the little contact warming his heart just like Elmer’s look.

“I will always believe in you”

---

Ernest opened his mother’s room after she said come in, he doesn’t know why his mother asked Samuel to accuse Elmer of stealing the clothes. They didn’t just accuse him, they were willing to let him get sentenced for something he didn’t do “Mother, I have a question” Ernest asked staying by the door “Why did you tell Samuel to accuse Elmer about the clothes”

Hattie isn’t apologetic of what she did even if her plan didn’t go as planned. It was supposed to end with Elmer dead, they would have executed him by tomorrow and by the time Ernest would have gotten back everything would have been done and she would have gotten rid of Elmer, the boy who is taking all of his son’s attention “Is he more important to you than me?”

“I don’t know what you talking about”

“You gave him the shirt I gave you on your birthday” Hattie explained the part that hurt her the most. She first thought that Ernest gave out the clothes he didn’t want but he had to give out the shirt she gave him.

“So you wanted him dead because of a shirt” Ernest questioned not believing his ears “Who does that, he didn’t ask for it. I gave it to him, you should have asked me about it maybe I would have told you why I gave out the shirt”

“Why did you give out the shirt?”

“He is my friend mother and I want to make him feel comfortable, I hate it when I wear expensive staff and see him wearing what he wears, I wanted him to fit in with me and Bert. I didn’t give out the shirt because I didn’t want it”

“It sounds to me that you didn’t want it because if you did you wouldn’t have given it out and moreover to him of all people”

“Why do you hate him so much, I thought you liked him”

“Because he is stealing you from me”

“What?”

“You have never disagreed with me until he arrived”

“That-” Ernest didn’t know what else to add that he just walked out without saying another word. Maybe he doesn’t agreed with everything his mother tells him because he wants to be an independent king when his time comes. Maybe he has changed because he is growing up, he is not the same young boy he was that always wanted to please his mother, it is time for him to stand on his own, think about the entire kingdom than think about only one person. This is no longer about him but the entire kingdom and what he disagrees with what his mother did, almost getting an innocent person dead is not the way.

“Ernest you need to listen to me” Hattie called, Ernest didn’t know that his mother was following him “We have never argued like this until that boy”

“Will you stop blaming him for our relationship falling apart”

“Then who Is to blame when he is the reason we are having this argument in the first place”

“We are having this argument because you have it in your head that I will always be a kid who needs your help in everything I do, forgetting that I am a grown up man and I don’t need you to agree or meddle in every single thing I do you almost-” Ernest cut himself off looking around just to make sure no one heard them, if any one finds out what the queen did, no one will ever respect her ever again “You almost got an innocent boy killed because of your insecurities”

“How can I not feel insecure if you’re giving out a gift that I put my heart into making especially for you”

“Am sorry” Ernest apologized “Are we better now, I am sorry for giving out the gift you gave to me but what you did is unacceptable” Ernest walked away in anger leaving Hattie standing there in anger too, Ernest can’t believe this. He stormed down the hall and everywhere he passed they moved out of the way because of the face he had on. No one has ever witnessed their prince in such a vial mood like he is in now.

Ernest didn’t mind all the looks he had because he was angry. He feels bad for Elmer, he has never done anything yet he is getting hated for things he doesn’t even know about. He was almost killed because of Ernest and Ernest feels the need to apologise that is why he walked down into the garden after checking Elmer’s room which was vacant. Ernest walked into the garden searching for Elmer who he found seated down with Bert laughing “I told you before, those flowers don’t bare fruits”

“Not until you prove to me that those are not fruits”

“They are not, I proved it to you the last time” Elmer replied laughing opening up the fruit “That is a flower growing”

“Why can’t it be a fruit?” Bert groaned making Ernest chuckle to himself earning their attention “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to know that you’re both idiots” Ernest replied earning a joking glare from Bert “but I am not here to talk to you about how idiotic you are, I am actually here to apologise to the both of you”

“After calling us idiots” Bert replied sulking turning around looking cute, Ernest cleared his throat shaking his head from the thoughts that were trying to invade his mind. He decided to forget about Bert and think about Rylee, his future wife. Him and Bert can never be.

“Am sorry about tha-”

“Am joking, I forgive you” Bert got up walking over to him wrapping his hand over his shoulder “You’re my best friend”

“Thank you, I hate it when we fight” Ernest admitted so glad they are on the same side now “Elmer, am so sorry, I didn’t mean to get you in danger because of the clothes. I was trying to do something good but I got you in danger. I am so sorry”

“It wasn’t your fault”

“It was, I almost got you killed”

“But you fixed it and I am grateful for that” If Ernest wasn’t a nice prince, he would have left him to get killed but he took the time to come back and fixed the misunderstanding that was going on “Thank you”

“We are friends again” Bert yelled pulling Elmer up as the three hugged again “The three musketeers are back on again” They all chuckled feeling happy that they are all together again after that and they hope they can stay this close forever.

Chapter 26

👆👆 the clothe Elmer is wearing

Everything in the castle had been chaotic because of the guests that were going to arrive in Felstead. There is going to be a party for the nobles and to prepare for the guests that will be spending a couple of nights at the castle has made everyone busy, no time to rest for anyone. Elmer would have been not busy but flowers are needed in the castle, for the party, every room needs new fresh flowers and that made him busy too Plus after being sick and Henry taking care of the flowers he had to make up for those shifts he didn’t make

Ernest has been in meetings with his dad, he had to get a fitting for what he will wear in the night of the party when the guests arrive. He and Samuel have not been in great terms for what he did to Elmer, Ernest wanted to fire him for that but then again that would be unfair when his mother was the one who put him into the plan and disobeying the queen is something no servant would like to do.

Ernest, Elmer and Bert have been connecting now more than ever, doing everything together becoming the three musketeers again, they sneak out, play in the flowers and sometimes at the river. These last two days though they have not been near each other that much with Bert’s training, Ernest’s fitting and meeting plus Rylee, Elmer with the flowers. Everyone was busy though Bert doesn’t miss a day without seeing Elmer, he would miss anything but definitely not that.

Elmer finished all that he has to do walking back to his chambers, he was asked to join the party as Ernest was so persistent about it even when he felt like he won’t belong like the last time. This time Ernest offered to give him something to wear and he made sure  everyone knew about it so not to face the same misunderstandings that they faced the last time they tried gifting each other with clothes.

Elmer glanced at the clothe, ever since it was handed to him he feels like it is wrong if he touched it, he doesn’t know what he will do if he is to wear it. He doesn’t belong in a clothe like that, it is a clothe made for nobles, people with names, Prince’s and he is just Moirai, a person who can’t even stand up for his name. He feels like he shouldn’t join the party but Ernest wants him to join, he wants him to fit in but will Elmer ever fit in a crowd like that, a crowd filled with rich people “Hey” Elmer turned to find his aunt standing at the door with clothes in hand “Is that the clothe the prince gave you” Elmer nodded biting his lip, the last clothes Ernest gave him were taken back just to clear up all the confusion “It’s beautiful, you will look nice in it” Della complimented touching it, it feels like a royal clothe.

“I am scared to even touch it” Elmer confessed, he is terrified of the clothe.

“Don’t think of it too much” Della tried comforting him but Elmer is just too scared “this clothe is from your mother” Della handed Elmer the clothe she walked in taking the waist coat off of the clothe that Ernest gave Elmer.

“Aunty, what are you doing?” Della rolled his eyes with a chuckle, she put the clothe she has just handed him resting it down on the bed before picking up the white shirt.

“Put your hand in” Elmer didn’t argue sliding one of his hand in, then the other. The clothe is do soft on his skin, the material was definitely not made for someone with a rough skin as him. Della fixed it them buttoned up each button from down to the top “Put on the pants, or do you want me to help you with that too”

“Aunty” Elmer blushed picking up the pants moving behind the blinds. He slid on his pants tying them up properly and when he moved out Della was holding the waist coat up for him. He slid it on too before putting on the last cost, Della fixed the entire out fit then moved back to take in his nephew.

“You deserve that clothe more than anyone” She mumbled her eyes holding something hidden in them that was hard for Elmer to know “You look just like him”

“Who?” Elmer was staring at himself but that caught his attention, looks like who.

“Don’t mind, go and enjoy the party”

“I need to ask for a tiny favour” Elmer said with a smile and in a begging tone.

“I will walk you there you scared cat” She said nudging his side. She took his arm walking out of his chamber to where the party is being held. They walked through the hall but many stopped to ogle at him. Elmer felt uncomfortable, he usually gets attention for all the wrong reasons and now he would like to get into their minds just so he knows what they are thinking about “Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong because you do more than anyone in there” The way she said it seemed like Elmer belongs at the party more than the king himself, he shrugged it off taking in deep breaths.

His aunty opened the door and he walked in with his head held high but that collapsed when every head turned to him, many started to whisper ‘I knew it, I don’t belong’ Elmer cursed himself for even attempting to try to blend with these types of people. He clearly doesn’t belong “Now I am worried” Ernest’s voice came from behind “You’re pulling off that outfit more than I would have managed to do” Elmer turned all around, he doesn’t feel like it and it seems like Ernest just wants to flatter him because he would pull off any outfit more than Elmer would have.

“Thank you, but I don’t feel like I belong” Elmer voiced out his worry.

“Don’t worry about that, just know by the end of the night you will have women following you around”

“For what?” Elmer asked confused, Ernest chuckled thinking Elmer was joking but his face showed he wasn’t, he was about to clear up when Bert walked over to them and he stared at Elmer with his mouth hung open and eyes open wide “You’re staring, is it bad” Elmer knew it, he couldn’t pull off such an outfit.

“A-a-a, I-i- huh” Bert could voice out any word, he was attracted to Elmer before but this, the Elmer he is looking at just takes his breath away and he believes he forgot how to breath or to speak. Elmer looks hot, so hot Bert has just fallen in love even more. He is wearing the clothe like he owns it, he is meant to be in it, he looks so hot Bert can’t help but stare, Elmer looks like the rich young, hot, sexy noble Bert had ever seen

“Bert” Ernest called, he hummed but didn’t take his eyes off of Elmer until the thought of what he is doing hit him, he is staring at a man in public. Something that could get his head chopped off

“You look ah…” He was going to say ‘hot’ but that might reveal more than he it is meant to “Nice” he continued prying his eyes away but the silence that strung on made him nervous that maybe one caught on his secret “So, how have you been guys?” Bert changed the topic that got the three boys into a conversation going from one to one. Bert having to remind his mind to get over the overly attractive that even when he talks Bert just gets ideas in his head.

Soon they had to go and mingle with other guests, Ernest had to dance with his soon to be wife lady Rylee while Bert got anyone he could find and started dancing with them his eyes never leaving Elmer not even once and when a woman asked Elmer for a dance Bert felt a pang in his heart, he didn’t want Elmer to dance with anyone. Elmer whispered something that made the girl smile replying with something else that Bert didn’t quiet catch. Bert got so intrigued on what they were saying he lost his steps that the girl he was dancing with stepped on his feet. It hurt but not as much as the woman who wrapped her arms on Elmer after directing Elmer’s hands to her shoulders, Bert could see that she was trying to steal Elmer from him and he wasn’t going to stand there and watch that happen

“It was a pleasure dancing with you but I have to go” Bert said apologetically before walking away going over Elmer and the woman he was dancing with “Can I borrow him for a minute” Elmer wasn’t going to dance with anyone.

“Sure, I would love to see you again Elmer” She said in a seductive way that Elmer seemed not to notice. Bert pulled him away before he could reply. Elmer has just been taught how to dance in an executive way and he was happy, he wouldn’t mind to dance with lady Mavis again and he was still enjoying before he was pulled away. Bert was pulling him from the party in full force and Elmer doesn’t know why he was being dragged out of the castle like this, he didn’t ask though. they got deep into the flowers, the only light that could light the place up fully is the moon.

“Did you see that, she has taught me how to dance it was so cool” Elmer said in an excited tone, sitting down where Bert was seated “So why are we here?” Elmer was still enjoying the party, he was over the fact that he didn’t belong and he was following lady Mavis’ steps “Is everything fine” He asked when Bert sat in silence not saying anything.

“No”

“What, what is wrong?” Elmer turned around to face Bert fully, he has seen Bert do all his stupid things but never look this sad like he is right now “You can talk to me”

“I have these feelings” Bert started “And they are driving me crazy” Bert started biting his fingers feeling so nervous “I don’t think I can keep them in me any longer, but I might lose a friend if I do so”

“Bert it’s fine” Elmer touched Bert’s shoulder, he knows who the feeling are towards to “He loves you too” Bert snapped his head to Elmer so quick, wondering if he has heard the right words.

“He does”

“Yeah, I have seen the way Ernest looks at you. Tell him he wi-”

“Who now?” Bert is so confused “Ernest is in love with me” he chuckled, that is the most impossible and ridiculous thing Bert has ever heard “He is not in love with me”

“I see the way he looks at you”

“Have you seen the way I look at you” Now it is Elmer’s turn to be confused that even when Bert attached their lips he was still in shock. He thought Bert was in love with Ernest then why would Bert be kissing him.

Chapter 27

Elmer didn’t move nor breath still in his confused state wondering what was going on. Bert’s lips were on his and things he didn’t understand were passing through him until Bert pulled back staring into his eyes “You’re the one I have feelings for” Bert confirmed confidently, Elmer opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out, he doesn’t know what to say, his mind has just grown bigger and it is having a hard time processing what was happening “You don’t need to say anything, I just couldn’t keep it in how I feel about you” Bert added staring back in the distance.

Elmer would be lying if he tells you what he is feeling, the only feeling he is sure of is shock. He is shocked, he thought Bert loves Ernest and vice versa but now Bert has kissed him and he doesn’t know what to say or most importantly do “So you don’t love Ernest” Elmer asked shyly looking in the distance too, he seems to be nervous to meet Bert’s eye.

“What gave you that idea?”

“The way he looks at you, then you told me about your feelings and when he gave you those Acacia flowers, the one that mean concealed love. I thought that maybe you both had feelings for each other”

“Do you remember that I gave you those flowers the moment I found out what they meant” Oh, now Elmer sees his mistake, he has been ignoring those facts because obviously no one can fall in love with him much less Bert “I have always liked you, even when you were still in the village”

“How are you confident to say something like that” Elmer knows he would never be able to admit having feelings for anyone but Bert is admitting them and to a man, something that could get him in big trouble.

“Maybe it is because I am tired of hiding those feeling, saying them made me feel free and you definitely don’t have to return them I just….” Bert sighed trailing off turning fully to Elmer “Ever since I saw you in those clothes, I wanted to tell you how hot you look, so hot”

“Tha-nk you” Elmer stuttered as he turned away from Bert. Feeling insecure in the clothes he is in.

“You don’t have to be nervous around me, we can go back to how we are usually” Elmer doesn’t think he can do that after what has transpired here “My feelings don’t have to ruin anything between us” Elmer nodded holding his legs. How could he notice the way Ernest looks at Bert and not notice the way Bert looks at him, maybe he was so focused on the friendship that he didn’t focus on it, maybe it was the thought of Bert and Ernest or maybe it was the fact that Elmer doesn’t expect anyone to find him attractive and hot, the word made Elmer smile. The fact that Bert thinks he is hot yet he doesn’t see it, Elmer feels like Bert should have bern finding Ernest hot.

“What about Ernest?”

“He is just my friend, he doesn’t feel anything”

“Maybe you haven’t noticed the way he looks at you too” He didn’t notice, maybe Bert isn’t noticing it too or Elmer is also wrong and that look is for friendship.

“I think I would have noticed” Ernest wouldn’t be in live with him and Bert wouldn’t notice, that is impossible. Ernest is his child hood friend practically his brother, Ernest wouldn’t be in love with him.

“If you say so” Elmer gave up, he knows nothing about any of that so he isn’t sure if it is true or not. The fact that Bert is in love with him and not with Ernest makes him feel weird because it should be the other way round. Elmer is trying to process the fact that someone finds him hot and mostly Bert, Bert finds him hot, Elmer I’d still in disbelief “It is cold, we should get back inside”

“Go on, I will join afterwards” Bert replied glancing at Elmer, he has just outed his biggest secret to him and he hopes things don’t get weird between them but he was dying with those feelings

“Okay” Elmer got up walking out of the flowers, he didn’t know what else to do. He didn’t want to leave Bert all alone there but he also no longer knows how to act around Bert after that confession. Bert doesn’t want it to change things and Elmer wouldn’t want it to change either but Elmer feels like it will seem unfair to Bert after saying what he feels. No one has ever confessed to Elmer for reasons even Elmer could see and now he just doesn’t know how to act

“Don’t you dare say something like that” a voice cut Elmer off from his walk, he didn’t catch the voice too well but it sounded like the queen’s voice but more angry, not the happy soothing voice that Elmer is used to “I don’t have a second son, I only have one and that is Ernest” Elmer moved closer to the voices, he doesn’t want to eavesdrop but he wants to know if she is fine. He moved out of a flower to see the queen with his aunt

“You had two sons, don’t forget the one you killed” Elmer gasped unknowingly after what he heard his aunty say. The two women both turned around to find him staring at then with wide eyes.

“Am sorry I didn’t mean to” Elmer apologized running away immediately, that is why it is wrong to eavesdrop. Now he has just found out something he wasn’t supposed to find out, the queen had two sons. Ernest was born with another son and the queen killed him, for her to do that, was so she could keep Ernest and not get the both of them killed. It is explainable to why she would kill one but Elmer asks himself how she picked between the two, picking between two children deciding which one deserves to die and which one doesn’t has to be a hard task.

Elmer feels like if he was in that situation he would have just hid one but even that would be hard to choose. Which one deserves to be hidden and which one deserves a normal life, in Elmer’s opinion they both do so that would be a very tough decision. He sighed getting into his chamber flopping down on the bed, what the queen did or didn’t do doesn’t concern him and he should leave it as it is.

---

Hattie paced taping both her fingers, her secret is out and it is in the arms of the boy he hates. Why was he there at that time, Hattie knows he needs to get rid of that boy before her secret is outed, her son would be in danger and she can’t allow that “He won’t say anything, I will talk to him”

“Only the three of us knew that secret and it was safe but now that it is in the arms of that flower boy, I don’t think I can rest”

“He is a nice boy, he won’t say anything”

“How would I trust someone like him” Hattie snapped “This was your fault, why would you bring back such memories”

“Because I don’t want you to forget about your second son”

“I don’t have a second son, my only son is Ernest, that thing that came with him is dead now. Don’t speak of it, I don’t need anyone finding out my son was born with a curse” Della hates it when Hattie fails to acknowledge his other son, he only wants Ernest.

“I will go talk to him”

“No, talking to him won’t do, we need to keep him quiet”

“You’re not killing my nephew” Della replied when he got what Hattie meant by keeping Elmer quiet. Della won’t allow Hattie to try anything on Elmer who hasn’t done anything.

“He knows my secret we are better off if he is dead, if that secret comes out this kingdom will be doomed and all because of one boy”

“One boy that won’t say anything, his life matters not to many but to us”

“The kingdom matters more”

“You’re not touching him or I will reveal all of your secrets” Della threatened, she has been with Hattie long enough to know all of her secrets and if it comes to her nephew she won’t be holding back, the boy didn’t do anything to deserve death. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“You can’t do that, if I go down the entire kingdom goes down”

“No, with that secret your the only one going down” Della confirmed, he has never threatened Hattie before but this isn’t something she would stand for, Elmer is not getting touched. Della has confirmed that bringing Elmer into the castle was a bad idea

Chapter 28

Elmer didn’t know what had just happened back then, he woke up in the morning and was invited to have breakfast with the royals. Elmer has had those kind of encounters before where he has gotten invited to meals with the royals but in those time he is invited by Ernest or Bert, not this time though. The queen herself had invited him personally to join breakfast, all the nobles were around, the king was on the table, Elmer felt stiff, he didn’t want any attention on him but that wasn’t accomplished because lady Mavis sat next to him and she kept on asking questions.

That would have been fine, Elmer was okay with having small talk with her but not when the queen started asking questions getting the entire table’s attention onto him, she was asking about the party, did he enjoy, he looked great. Elmer felt the honey feeling in Hattie’s voice before but not in that moment. She had a tonr to her that showed something else, Elmer couldn’t quiet comprehend what she was on about but the time didn’t sit well with Elmer that he wanted to disappear immediately.

When dinner was over the queen called him aside and starting telling him how he is such a nice boy. The smile on her face was too fake, the constant tapping on his shoulder felt harsh like she is trying to hint onto something, Elmer figured that she might be nervous about what he heard last night and that is why she was acting like that, she didn’t have to be nervous about anything because Elmer wasn’t going to tell anyone about that. Ernest is a great man and Elmer wouldn’t want to destroy him like that

Elmer got pulled from the hall way right outside in the garden by his aunt “What were you doing at the royal table?”

“I was invited by the queen”

“I want you to stay as far from her as possible do you understand” Elmer nodded, he was planning on it because of how crept out he felt when he was talking to the queen earlier “Elmer stay away” She walked away after making herself more clear. Elmer had a question though, what if the queen calls him what does he have to say ‘No’ that will lead to his head getting chopped off. He would want to stay away but there are people who are impossible to stay away from.

Elmer walked into the garden sliding on his gloves before getting to work everything running through his head. The big secret about the queen, Bert being in love with him then this morning. Everything is just so messed up. Elmer walked getting the fertilizers when he heard two servants talking “You didn’t hear, they are searching the entire castle”

“For what?”

“Someone stole an expensive bracelet….” Elmer walked away before he could hear more, he doesn’t want to get anywhere near anything else. Eavesdropping made him hear staff he didn’t want to hear and now this is about something that was stolen, after the experience he got Elmer would like to be as far away from that as possible. Elmer went back to his work, some nobles passed through the garden. Elmer had to attend to them as good as he can, doing something he loves the most.

Elmer was still working when his eyes landed on Bert who was making his way to him. Elmer fixed himself, he doesn’t know why he was fixing himself when he was already dirty but he was for some reason. He wanted to look hot like how Bert said it “Hey” Bert smiled “You have something….. here” he pulled out something from my hair “How are you?”

“Good, training?” Bert looks worked out, he nodded folding his hands above his chest “How was that?”

“As always horrible” Elmer chuckled to himself when Ernest and two guards made their way towards them. Elmer immediately got a bad feeling in the pits of his stomach, there was just something wrong with their faces “Prince, what is with the guards?” Bert asked.

“Am sorry but….” By the face Ernest was giving Elmer he knew this was bad news that he took off his gloves, his hands shaking dreading for what he is to hear “Someone stole lady Mavis’ expensive bracelet and when we started searching it was in….your room”

“What?” Bert asked glancing at Elmer who was scared to even say anything at all “That is impossible, Ernest he couldn’t”

“I know but it was in his room”

“He didn’t do it” Bert defended moving over to Elmer “Do you have any idea how it got into your staff” Elmer shrugged shaking his head no, he is just disappointed. The last time would be a misunderstanding but this time this clearly shows he was being framed and the only enemy he got is the queen. Elmer would guess that she wants him out of the way for knowing such a secret. Elmer just can’t believe he is in this situation again just a few weeks after getting out of it, after believing that is is all fine.

“Am sorry” Ernest said telling the guards to arrest him, Elmer didn’t fight or try to say anything as he was walked out of the garden with Bert by his side. Unlike the last time where Elmer was walked down the empty halls this time the halls were filled with people that were watching him getting escorted by the guards. Their looks weren’t judging him or staring at him with disgust since they were proved wrong the last time though it was another story for the guests who didn’t know Elmer’s last accusation.

Elmer kept his head down until he was taken into his cell without saying anything else. If his feeling is right and the queen is the one that planned this then he has no way of being saved from this at all “Elmer talk to me” Bert pleaded holding the cell bars, he needs to know what Elmer is thinking “Elmer you need to prove they are wrong again before this gets to far”

“Like anyone is going to believe me” Elmer knows no one will believe him just like last time. No one listened to him until Ernest came in, no one believes a low life like him. They found the bracelet in his room, how is he going to start explaining that if he doesn’t know how it got there himself, he is screwed this time.

“I do” Bert replied, he does and he knows that many people here would believe him if he stopped acting like he was guilty already “I will go ask around and find out what happened okay, this isn’t the end” Bert wasn’t losing hope in this, he knows something is wrong and that this is just another misunderstanding as the last one but the worst part is that this time Elmer is acting like he is guilt or he is hiding something he didn’t want to tell Bert. Bert wasn’t letting this happen again, he needed to help Elmer get out of this “I know this is so much but don’t lose hope, everything will be cleared up soon”

Elmer nodded but didn’t add anything to that, Bert climbed up the stairs. He knows that this can be exhausting being blamed for the second time again, Elmer has to be sick and tired of always being on that side and Bert understands that but Elmer shouldn’t be giving up like that. Bert passed through the now organized castle, no one is talking about it yet, like the last time. This time many seem to believe Elmer’s innocence which is great even though Elmer himself isn’t believing it himself “Ernest” Bert called when he met Ernest with Rylee “Can we talk alone”

“See you soon” Ernest pecked Ryker’s cheek “I know what you want to talk about and trust me I am doing whatever I can do to show everyone that this is a mistake and if this had happened to one of the royals here it would have been easy to take away but it was lady Mavis’, she isn’t from our kingdom, she will need justice we had to arrest someone”

“Why aren’t you looking for the real culprit, we both know this isn’t Elmer’s fault. Someone is flaming him for this” That bracelet couldn’t just get into his staff just like that, someone had to put it there and that person had to know that Elmer had danced with Lady Mavis the night before for them to know who to flame for this

“We are but for now he is the only suspect we have”

“Then we need to find the real one”

Chapter 29

Margret walked back inside after saying goodbye to her husband. She walked into the kitchen to clean the dishes when a knock on the door cut her off. She walked back to the door to find her sister Della standing at the door “What are you doing here this early?”

“We need to talk” Della said passing Margret who followed behind after locking the door “Elmer got into some big trouble”

“Like the last time”

“Worse” Della replied turning to her sister “Hattie is flaming him for stealing lady Mavis’ expensive jewelry”

“She found out?”

“No, Elmer found out her secret. She is trying to do anything in her power to get rid of him. Elmer doesn’t know who he is yet”

“I told you, you shouldn’t have taken my son to those people” Margret argued her eyes stinging, she didn’t like the idea of her son working for the royals “Now look where we are, my son might get killed”

“He needed to find out where he came from”

“By killing him” Margret fired back in anger, this doesn’t help anything if his son is dead. Elmer is a great boy that doesn’t deserve to be accuses of things like these.

“That is not what I wanted, you might see him as a son but he didn’t belong. He was always alone at least there he found some friends, he wasn’t taken as a curse-”

“But look where we are” Margret said, he loved his son and this environment might not have been the best but he wasn’t getting framed all the time “What is your plan to help him”

“I don’t know, maybe I should tell Hattie who he is. That might-”

“She never wanted him” Margret reminded “Do you seriously believe she will accept him now, he will want him more dead than ever because he will be getting in the way if his precious son’s throne”

“Ernest is not to blame here”

“I don’t care, my son is about to get killed” Margret walked into her room changing her clothes, she needs to see her son right away. That boy might have not come from her but he is hers, Margret is willing to do anything in her power to take his son out and after that, Elmer is coming home with her.

---

“Father, I believe he didn’t do it” Ernest said, he doesn’t want Elmer to get judged again from something he didn’t do again.

“We judged that boy before and it turned out we were in wrong” The king said, he doesn’t think this is necessary “We should investigate more before we come to conclusions”

“My king” Farren, one of the council man stood up “I believe we don’t have time for that, Lady Mavis’ will like to watch justice given out for what happened. If we don’t do something that might give us a bad reputation”

“So what are you saying?” Ernest asked not understanding that, it was like he was insinuating they throw Elmer in the bus just to save their butts.

“One servant is worth sacrificing than risking the entire kingdom” Noble julian said. The king held his chin thinking about it, being king needs making tough decisions like this. They need to show their guests that they don’t deal with crimes kindly and searching for the real culprit will take time, their guests have only three days here, someone has to be given out. They are the strongest kingdom, they can’t handle such a reputation on their heads.

The king nodded “But father, we can search for the real-”

“Ernest, he is your friend but he has to do this for his kingdom” King Elude cut his son off “Kingdom before anyone else”

“What are you going to give him?” Ernest asked giving up, the decision looks like it has already been made. The king said the punishment he will be giving out “But father tha-” King Elude cut him off dismissing the meeting. Ernest doesn’t want to seem weak but this isn’t right, he picked up his staff walking out not liking his father’s decision.

“What happened?” Bert asked as soon as Ernest walked out.

“It’s bad” Ernest replied holding his forehead “They didn’t want to sentence him before they know the full proof of what took place but since Lady Mavis will need the person who stole her jewelry punished they are going to put it on Elmer”

“What are they going to do to him?” Bert almost chocked on his breath when he heard what is about to happen “He will never have his reputation back after that, that is so unfair”

“I know but they are not going to change their minds” Ernest tried to change the punishment but he didn’t manage to change their minds “Let us go inform him” Bert is worried and he wishes he could do more than just this. They started walking to the cells where Elmer is being held for now. Bert feels bad that this is about to happen to someone innocent just to keep the kingdom’s reputation. If they had given themselves time it would all have been different, maybe they could have gotten the real person behind this “Open it” Ernest ordered the guard to open Elmer’s cell.

Elmer was there seated on his bed, he got up when the two entered both of them showing worried faces “Something bad, I was found guilty wasn’t I?” He was told that they were going to talk to the king and with those faces, Elmer knows they didn’t succeed.

“No you weren’t” Elmer glanced at Bert as a little hope came back into his chest “They just….” Bert couldn’t say it.

“Just say it” Elmer is tired of being in suspense when he is already dying of anxiousness already.

“They didn’t want to sentence you right away” Ernest started when Bert didn’t make a move to say anything “they wanted to first find real proof if you’re guilty or not before they make the same mistake like the last one but since the jewelry was stolen from one of our guests they have to punish someone and the only person they suspect is you”

“They are not going to try and find the person who stole the jewelry, I am going to just be sentenced just like that”

“Am sorry” Elmer doesn’t need a sorry right now, he folded his hands above his chest looking down.

“What is going to happen?”

“Ah you will…” Ernest looked at Bert who just diverted his eyes to the wall “You will be on kitchen duty for a couple of weeks” Elmer nodded, that isn’t so bad. That sounds doable, just being in the kitchen “And, public humiliation in a pillory” Elmer sat back down on the bed his head spinning, that is the punishment for a thief. If they didn’t steal from the royals of course but after that no one will ever see you or talk to you normally again, Elmer will be taken as a thief throughout the entire kingdom, his life will never be the same again. He will never be the same again.

He was going to be humiliated in public for the entire kingdom to see, like a real thief just because he is a suspect and they want to show their guests that someone was arrested and punished for the robbery that took place. He was going to pay for someone else’s crime and get filled with Shame “Elmer” Bert called sitting next to him.

“Could I be left alone” Elmer asked not glancing at any of them. He felt the bed shift, the cell being opened and closed. He glanced up and they were both gone leaving only a guard standing on guard outside, Elmer leaned back on the wall asking himself why he is always in situations like this. His life had changed for the better after facing a lot of hate for not knowing where he comes from, now he has started getting known for who he is and not being judged because he was left at the door.

But now it has only gotten worse, now everyone is going to think he is a thief. Everyone will give him the stinky eye for being a thief, it will be imprinted in everyone’s brain that he is a thief “Elmer” He lifted his head to find his mother standing there “Come here”

Elmer walked over to the bars holding her hands into his while resting his head on one of the bars “How are you?” Elmer asked, he doesn’t want to talk about himself now, he feels like he is about to break down in tears

“Everything is going to be fine, okay” Margret comforted with tears falling down her eyes, seeing her son back in a cell again “It will be fine”

“Don’t cry” Elmer smiled wiping her tears away “Am fine” He wasn’t but he is trying to be, he is trying to convince himself that this wasn’t the end.

“Am so sorry” Margaret apologized, this is her fault. She knew better, she wouldn’t have told Elmer about this job, all of this wouldn’t be happening right now.

“No need to apologize” Elmer could see regret in his mother’s eyes but he ignored it pecking her hands “It’s all going to be fine” Elmer hopes that it all goes well, he was trying to comfort his mother but mostly he was comforting himself.

Chapter 30

Elmer hasn’t said a thing, not when he was taken to court and found guilty like he knew he will be. Not when people’s faces turned to disgust like he knew they will be, not when Lady Mavis called him a thief. He didn’t say anything, look at anyone else. He could hear his mother’s cries but he didn’t look her way feeling embarrassed. Elmer didn’t say anything when he was taken to town, he didn’t utter a single word when he was tied into a stockade.

He is only hoping for this to get over with, a tomato was the first thing to hit his face. He closed his eyes when every vegetable was thrown to him, words followed and in all Elmer kept his eyes shut, his mouth closed hoping for all of this to end soon. Everyone blamed him for the Prince’s injury, acting all good yet he is a thief. He needed it to end, he hoped it would end. Something hard hit his stomach, he didn’t dare open his eyes, he didn’t want to see anyone’s face, he didn’t want to see who was present or shade a single tear even when he feels them close and passing through his closed eyes

Elmer has never felt so vulnerable in his life like he feels right now, he has no reputation to keep but did this have to happen to him also. Did he have to be humiliated like this, so shamed in public like this. Did this have to happen to him, Elmer loathed himself and his luck. Things stopped hitting him, Elmer opened his eyes and he wishes he didn’t, all the faces, everyone around, the entire town is staring at him as he is in the middle. Faces filled with disgust, hate all towards him

“You shameless piece trash”

“The prince helped you yet you are a dirty thief”

“You deserve death” so many words, Elmer closed his eyes again his heart pounding, he feels…he is feeling so many things that he couldn’t explain them “That us enough” It sounded like a nobles voice, every word stopped and the food stopped

Elmer felt someone near him as the stock got untied. When both his head and hands got out he fell down on his knees. He didn’t look at anyone, his eyes stayed cast to the ground, scared to even move his head in fear. Elmer heard the crowd moving, he could see their feet leaving, walking away from him “Hey” It was Bert’s voice but Elmer didn’t want to look at him in the face from the shame he feels. He shrugged away from his touch getting up from the ground walking away on his shaky legs, still feeling eyes on him from everyone.

He needs a place where no one will see him, where no one will see his shame. Elmer walked past kids that threw staff at him while laughing. Elmer didn’t say anything, he was incapable of saying anything, he just walked past getting out of town. He walked into the forest and without stopping he went as deep as he could, right now tears just flowing down his eyes. He couldn’t control himself any longer, he let the flow, he fell down on his knees as he couldn’t go on breaking down in tears. He thought he could do it, go through that and still be himself but he can’t.

He doesn’t know how he is going to pull out after that, he doesn’t know if he will even pull out. Elmer has never broken down in tears before but right now he couldn’t keep himself strong like he always does, he just couldn’t keep it in, this hurts as much as he thought it would. The fact that he knows this will not be over from now, he has seen the way they treat criminals even after punishment, nothing ever stays the same, it just gets worse with time. You become a criminal in everyone’s eyes, nothing ever goes back to normal. Elmer never knew he will be in such a position in his entire life, his life was bad but not this bad.

Elmer was still in his break down crying out loud because he needed to just let it out, maybe it will make the pain stop but seeing how his life has turned out made him break down even more until when arms wrapped around him. Bert pulled him into a hug so that he can cry on his shoulder. Elmer wanted to be alone but he needs this too, he didn’t know he needed a shoulder to cry on until Bert held him, he is bruised and hurt, his self worth. Elmer cried more holding onto Bert who didn’t say anything other than holding him tight.

Bert has never seen Elmer like this, this was just too much for him and Bert understands that. The way he must be feeling right now not even Bert can know how to describe it. Bert feels like this was taken too far yet it was fake, they have ruined an already not good reputation to a complete zero. Bert knows Elmer’s life has never been good but now it is about to turn worse, no one will ever treat Elmer again, he will have to walk with the fact that he is a thief and that will not be taken kindly by anyone. Bert found himself tearing up feeling Elmer’s pain “Am sorry” he feels like he could have been able to do more than this, he could have been able to protect Elmer do not to experience something like this “Am so sorry”

Bert feels guilty, so guilty for this to happen. He promised to make this better but he didn’t, he should have done more, searched for more evidence before Elmer was brought to this shame of something he I only a suspect of. Elmer pulled out after so long of the hug wiping his eyes as he sniffed trying to get himself back, he wanted to bury everything he is feeling and maybe feel numb but the heavy feeling on his heart can’t allow that, no matter how much he is trying to wipe away his tears more just slide out without his control. All the years he has kept things in, they are finally coming out.

Bert helped him wipe away the tears while turning Elmer’s head towards him “Am sorry I failed you this time” Bert apologized tears falling down from his own eyes “But even when things are bad, even when the world turns their back on you, I will always be by your side. I will never turn my back on you, I promise”

Elmer couldn’t say anything, he just started crying again as Bert pulled him into his chest again. He meant his promise, he is going to be here forever and not because of his feelings but because he knows Elmer doesn’t deserve something like this happening to him. He deserves something more and Bert is going to make sure he tries to provide him with happiness. He will make sure to ask Ernest to order everyone to not treat him like a criminal because he isn’t one, maybe that will get him his confidence back

“Am sorry I-” Elmer moved from the hug and he has made Bert’s shirt wet with his tears and food, he smells like rotten trash just like he feels

“It’s fine, you needed to let it out” Bert wiped away Elmer’s tears again “I will always be a shoulder to cry on” Bert needs to confirm to Elmer that he is never going to leave and that he will always be around to help him.

“Thank you” Elmer feels kind of relieved that someone is going to be here for him, he won’t be in this alone “I feel like I want to disappear and maybe go back in the village where I can hide from everyone and just be alone”

“You don’t have to be alone” Bert replied, he is here and Elmer just needs to let him in “Maybe we can both live in the world where it is just the two of us, that would be better than you being alone” Elmer didn’t know he would smile again but he did, even if it was a little one it was there and Bert felt happy about that, he isn’t letting this break him because of how strong he is.

“I would love that”

---

Margret stormed down the castle halls fuming, her son has just been humiliated in public and it is all Hattie’s fault, she set her son up to be treated like a criminal in front of everyone “Margret, think of what you are doing” Della called, she doesn’t want her sister to get in trouble for this.

Margret was not having it, she walked over to the door knocking as if she was about to knock it down. It flew open with an angry Hattie on the other side of the door “Margret” Hattie sneered disgust evident in her eyes.

“Hattie” Margret called back pushing past her getting inside the room “What you did to my son is not okay” Hattie turned to Margret disgust never leaving her face “Why would you be so evil and do something like that to a boy”

“I don’t know what your talking about and if you don’t watch your tone, I might just get you thrown out”

“If you don’t leave my son alone, I will make sure everyone knows who you are”

“I am the queen, who is ever going to believe a low life like you with a thief son” Hattie smiled standing face to face with Margaret “You weren’t able to make something for yourself, I did. I am the queen and I can throw you in jail, I don’t ever want to see you again-”

“I want to take my son with me”

“Ha” Hattie gave a short humourless laugh “He is mine now”

“Now you have finally acknowledged your own son”

Chapter 31

Elmer stopped walking glancing up in the sky with a sigh. His only hope is that this might not be as bad as he expects it to be, maybe he will be able to handle it. He was able to handle it before, maybe he might will be able to handle this too “Just breathe, it will be fine” Bert comforted. Elmer sure hoped so. They walked out of the forest re-entering the town again, Elmer thought words will be thrown his way but none came.

In matter of fact no one looked his way or gave him a stinky eye. They just utterly ignored him like he didn’t exist giving Elmer some comfort that this will be fine, if they don’t acknowledge him then it won’t be that bad “See, not bad” Bert said nudging him with a smile, Elmer nodded sighing in relief as he feels like the worst was done “Plus people forget quiet quickly”

Elmer doesn’t know about that, no one forgot about him being thrown at Margaret’s door when he was young. No one forgot about the guy that raped a girl, people don’t forget they just sometimes keep it insides. They walked back to the castle, this time they didn’t ignore him but they sure glanced at him before going back to their work. Elmer felt even more relieved than before as they made their way to his chambers. His roommates bed was gone, it looked like he was going to be staying in the room alone “Did he leave because of-”

“Think positively” Bert cut him off when he saw what Elmer was overthinking about this “More space and privacy”

“Yeah, you’re right” he should think positively, he took a sit on the bed trying to think positively about this, nothing has happened so far so this is good.

“There is another party tonight, I need to go back home but I will see you tonight” Elmer nodded, Bert walked to the bed hugging Elmer tightly “If you need anything I will be here” Bert said before walking out of the room. Elmer stayed in his head looking at the empty bed space, wondering why his roommate moved out today of all days. It has to be because of what happened earlier, Elmer got up not wanting to be in his head any longer as it will make him over think about the reasons that will get him down again. He hasn’t seen his mother since the court and he wonders where she is, Elmer shrugged when he figured she might be with Della or maybe she had gone back home.

Elmer wonders if Margret got humiliated for what happened and maybe she decided to leave. That could also be a possibility that Elmer hadn’t thought about, he might lose his mother over this- “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Elmer the thief” Elmer wasn’t surprised to say the least, Samuel has hated him before this incident and Elmer expects nothing more after what happened “Did you enjoy all that food, I bet it was your first time seeing that much food. Too bad it wasn’t shoved down your throat” Samuel mocked looking around the room “I see your roommate moved out, why wouldn’t he, to stay with you I would rather get my eyebrows cut out”

Elmer didn’t reply, even when Samuel knocked over his staff saying ‘Ops’ As if it was an accident “Did your….what ever you use not work for you today. To help you get out of another theft. Manipulating is your best suit, acting all nice to get the attention from the royals, nice to see you have been given Something that you finally deserve” The mockery in Samuel’s voice could be heard from far away.

“What do you want?” Elmer finally asked.

“Don’t flutter yourself, I would never want anything from you” Samuel said with a laugh pulling Elmer’s drawers open letting them fall down “You have nothing valuable and your stupid reputation has also crumbled just like your stupid pathetic life. I pity your mother, the poor woman was crying over her stupid useless-”

“Don’t talk about my mother”

“You wish she was your mother, what made you think you will be someone when your REAL parents didn’t want you in the first place” Elmer got up anger in his eyes storming over Samuel ready to punch him “I see you want to become violent too, a thief and a violent monster. That will surely ruin the little reputation you think you still have, if I were you I would just jump off of the cliff and end that useless life of yours” Elmer doesn’t know why he deserves such words, he walked over to the bed sitting down “No one has ever loved you, why are you still alive”

Elmer listened very closely to everything Samuel said, he fights to not let words get to him but there is enough to what a person can say and in this moment Elmer is fighting everything in his eyes to not cry as he feels he is about to do. What hurt Elmer the most is about his mother, he is not biologically in the family and he has managed to put shame on their family, embarrass them on how he is a thief. The family that has helped him and this is how he repays them, Elmer knows they will never want to see him ever again “I will be keeping my eye on you so that you won’t steal from anyone”

The minute Samuel walked out Elmer let his tears fall down not having control. Samuel’s words hurt but the fact that his parents might not want him hurt the most.

---

After washing up and having a little rest Elmer has to start his kitchen duty today, and where that came from, he doesn’t know. He thought the humiliation was bad enough for this to be over but no, the kitchen job also stays. He walked out of his room, passed through their chambers and to the kitchen, a place he never visits offtenly.

He could hear them talking loudly from all the way to the kitchen and they seemed to be in a good mood even when it is a busy day. Elmer breathed in hard hoping he doesn’t face another Samuel like before, he wishes that he stayed on his flower job, that way he would have been good, doing something he wants even if he was alone but they had to add the kitchen job where most of the servants stay, this giving Elmer a small chance to be alone. After a few seconds of just holding the door he finally got the courage to open it.

If they were happy before they sure as hell weren’t happy to see him at the silence the consumed the kitchen at his entrance. Elmer stood there awkwardly with everyone’s eye on him, it felt like forever when they all went back to work now ignoring him all at once like he has suddenly disappeared. He knew he couldn’t stand at the door all day, he has to get something to do and what needed his help so he made his way to Oda, the head cook “Ah, hi. Ah what do I have to do” Elmer asked nervously softly tapping the table he was holding with his eyes dancing around the room.

Oda got her eyes from what she was doing staring at Elmer with her hand on her waist “Don’t you see we are very busy” Oda said getting everyone’s attention again, Elmer can see that she is busy but he just needs to know how he can help.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to-” Elmer got cut off when Oda put her hand up silencing him before he could finish what he was saying.

“I have a job for you” Elmer nodded, that is what he wanted to know “I need you to go into the storage room and count how many potatoes we have in each sack” Everyone in the kitchen snickered but Elmer is asking himself if that is a thing

“The number of sacks” Elmer questioned to clarify what she was saying, she couldn’t have meant the number in one sack

“I mean how many are in one sack” Oda confirmed confusing Elmer, it felt like she was implying he counts each potato one by one which is impossible to do.

“But that is….” He trailed off when all eyes moved to him again, he moved his eyes back to Oda “That is kind of impossible to do” Counting potatoes is impossible and kind of pointless, Elmer thinks it is a joke being played on him.

“We do it, if you can’t then maybe I should inform that to the king and tell him how you don’t want to work” Elmer didn’t question more as he walked backwards nodding “Try not to steal them” Everyone laughed taking it as a joke which wasn’t. Elmer turned around walking out of the kitchen using the back door which leads to the food store. Elmer hates the fact that he is being taken as someone who I going to just take anything he puts his hand on, he isn’t a thief. He opened the store room in anger letting it harshly close behind him, he hates his life, he hates this but somehow he has nothing to do about it.

He walked over to the first sack cutting it open before taking a sit on the ground starting to count hoping he will be able to remember all the numbers or add them and get the right one, he doesn’t know if he could count that many numbers. He hadn’t counted even a quarter of the first sack when the door clicked “Is someone there?” Elmer asked staring at the door but he got no reply “Hello” he called getting up walking to it only to find it locked “Hey, open the door” he called knocking while trying to open it, he banged on it hoping for someone to hear him and open it.

Chapter 32

Ever since Bert came back that same evening for the party he didn’t bother to enter, he has been searching for Elmer all over the castle but he was nowhere to be found. Bert thought he would be in the kitchen since it is something he should be doing but he wasn’t, in the flowers Elmer was still not available. Bert has searched the entire kingdom, anywhere he would expect him to be but he wasn’t there.

He has started getting worried that maybe something happened to him, maybe somebody did something to him. Bert searched that he walked back to where he had found Elmer crying earlier when his public humiliation was done but Bert had no luck that he went back to the castle, asking around. No one, absolutely no one had seen Elmer all evening. Bert was getting desperate by the second “Hey, you have been up and down all night what’s up”

“I told you, I can’t find Elmer anywhere” Bert replied with his finger in his mouth trying to keep himself from panicking because his head is telling him something bad happened.

“He has had a rough day, I think he needed some alone time” Ernest tried comforting.

“But he was supposed to be in the kitchen”

“I think you’re overreacting, understand him Bert. If I were him, I would need some free time too” Bert was unbelieving but that sounded more like something Elmer would do, Elmer was still not fine when he last saw him. He thought he would give him some company when he came back but maybe Elmer wanted to be alone even if Bert had promised him to be around “Let us go back to the party” Bert sighed nodding walking with Ernest back to the party, he is trying to understand Elmer.

---

Elmer has been banging on the door, he doesn’t know how long but it has been long and he is so hungry. He hasn’t had anything to eat since yesterday when he received the news of what was going to happen to him, after that it was the court then the humiliation then the hiding in his room until six when he decided to go into the kitchen. He hasn’t had a single thing to eat, before he was too nervous to eat but right now he feels like his insides are trying to eat themselves.

He slid down the wall with his hands on his knees as he looked around the storage room. He is surrounded by food but raw food, none of which he can eat though and he would never be stupid enough to try and ear food that doesn’t belong to him. After wasting time of letting his stomach think for him, he decided to count the potatoes as time flew by with him ignoring his belly because he had nothing to do about it for now until the door is opened. Someone might have locked it without them knowing that he was inside.

Elmer counted as good as he can while scrapping the numbers on the ground so not to forget them until he feel asleep. He was uncomfortable for the entire night, the room was cold making him shiver all night doing his best to pull his clothes to cover him up. He was restless, the ground so hard, the smell of potatoes so deep into his stomach that he hated smelling it but he had nothing to do about it. He woke up and he could see rays of light getting into the room but the door wasn’t opened yet.

His stomach was grumbling so loudly as he sat on the cold floor with boredom. He enjoys his own company but this isn’t what he meant by that, he doesn’t want to starve or be trapped into some room- Elmer was still in his thoughts when the door clicked then flew open and there stood Oda “I have been searching for you, what are you doing in here?”

“I got locked in last night” Elmer replied pulling himself up.

“You could have let someone know you were in here or did you want to get locked in” Oda said like Elmer didn’t try to call for help “Bring me one sack of potatoes and rice, hurry up” She ordered with a tap of her hands before walking away when she saw Elmer picking up the two sacks following her back into the kitchen. Elmer rested the two sacks down where Oda told him to put them and she handed him a knife “Now start peeling, and hurry food needs to be ready soon”

Elmer is so hungry and the worst part now is that he is smelling all different kind of foods all around him. Usually Elmer would be scared to ask but he can’t drive another day without something in his stomach, he might pass out “C-can I have some breakfast?” He got the courage to ask, ready for whatever to come. He just needed food.

“Breakfast is done, wait for lunch. What are you still doing, start peeling or say goodbye to lunch too” Elmer can’t stand missing lunch too, his belly is empty that he feels like he might pass out if he doesn’t get something to eat very soon. He took a seat and started peeling as fast as he can to get them out of the way by before lunch could reach. He can’t believe they don’t open the storage room in the morning, most of the supplies are in there.

Elmer peeled the potatoes that he reached a time where he was just double blinking just to see what he was doing. He is sleepy and hungry that his focus is just becoming hazy and his hands are hurting, his body is aching for being in the same position for such a long time “You have other things to do get up” Oda said, her voice coming out too loud making Elmer flinch double blinking to find he was done with the potatoes, it was s long road, Elmer thought wouldn’t end “Get up”

Elmer got up staring at Oda like he didn’t hear what she had said earlier “The dishes, go I hate slow people” Elmer asked himself if it wasn’t lunch yet and in his disbelief it wasn’t, still an hour left before he could get something in his belly. He walked over to the dishes, so many of them He turned his eyes trying to get all the sleep out as he yarned feeling sleepy. He started washing the dishes as conversation went on around the kitchen, they laughed about gossip going around the castle, Elmer was not interested, he just needed them to stop adding him dirty dishes every after two seconds. Every time he thinks he is almost done something more comes in, he tried to ignore the dishes his eyes on the clock, he needs lunch time to reach and it did.

It did but it made no difference because the royals had to be served first that took another hour before he could get something in him and when he did he ate like a starved animal coming back to life. He had to wash the dishes again, this time it didn’t suck because he had eaten something even though he was still dizzy and sleepy he did finish it and cleaning the kitchen. Going to the flowers all along so sleepy that he found himself a place to rest off instead of working on flowers, he loves flowers but he was too sleepy. He couldn’t go another minute and in that moment the ground didn’t feel so bad, he just needed his eyes to be closed and let him sleep until he was shaken awake “Are you okay?”

Elmer got up on his hands looking around the garden, he didn’t know he fell asleep “Yeah, I didn’t get enough rest last night”

“But are you sure you’re fine” Bert just needs to make sure he is completely fine, Elmer nodded the motion giving him a headache “Can we go out tonight?” Bert needs Elmer to still have fun even after what happened

“I don’t think I can, kitchen duty remember”

“I know but you will be done after diner right”

“I will see” Elmer said but he doesn’t think he will be able to make it, he wants to sleep so bad. He would want to spent time with Bert, so bad but not tonight maybe after he sleeps in his bed and gets some needed sleep.

Chapter 33

‘It was an accident, it was an accident, it was an accident’ Elmer chanted trying to convince himself that it was all just one big mistake and that is why he is dripping wet right now. Elmer knows how the others feel about him, they hate him and they have been so open about it. They judge him because they think he is a thief and all but pouring an entire bucket of water on him was a shock, a very big shock that Elmer was so shocked he didn’t move for an entire minute

He wanted to take it as an accident until they all just burst out laughing their asses off to only prove the point that it was indeed not a mistake. This makes Elmer question the storage situation whether that was an accident or not. The worst part is that Elmer has nothing to do about it, he is taken as a criminal by others yet he was put into this position by the king himself, the guests have already left but Elmer’s life is still as miserable as ever.

Sometimes Elmer believes he is really cursed after all, he was never wanted by his parents, by the villagers and now by the entire town and the castle. He practically has nowhere to hide since all the guests from other kingdom’s saw him, this makes him be seen as a criminal by the entire nation isolating him in the middle of the world all alone. He has never see his mother since the day he was punished, he would want to go see her and make sure she isn’t embarrassed by him but he can’t because he is always busy here and secondly he is scared of the answer he will receive from her, will she still see him as her son or will things be different.

“Look what we have here” Elmer didn’t turn, he closed his eyes breathing heavily. After the day he has just had he doesn’t need to deal with Samuel “Did you fall into a river?”

“What do you want?” Elmer asked sternly through gritted teeth

“As I told you before, I would never want anything from a piece of garbage like you” Elmer raised his eyebrows really done, he gets to deal with everyone’s bullshit in the kitchen all day long, he gets showers he doesn’t want, he rarely rests for the entire day, he cut his finger while peeling and his finger fuckin hurts yet he had to clean all the dishes, the garden, he had to do the laundry a job he isn’t supposed to do in the first place yet this is only the second day of working in the kitchen who knows how it will be in a week or a month. All Elmer wants is for Samuel to not get on his plate, is that so much to ask for.

Elmer walked past Samuel, he needs to change his clothes before he gets sick with all this coldness “Where are you going, I haven’t told you to leave?” Elmer stared at Samuel just contemplating with what he wants because Elmer doesn’t get it. Samuel shows how much he hates Elmer that everything he does pisses him off but then again Elmer has tried excusing himself from the conversation he didn’t want to have in the first place but again Samuel wants him to stay around.

Elmer knows Samuel isn’t the boss of him and by this time, pleasing everyone isn’t Elmer’s cup of tea that is why he resumed walking, if Samuel is so pissed he should go and report him for all he cares “I will tell the prince you refused to go see him” That made Elmer stop.

“He wants to see me?” Samuel shrugged walking away without confirming whether Ernest wanted to see Elmer or not. Now Elmer has to go and find out if it is true or not, he walked back inside, he made sure not to pass in the kitchen, he used the long way just so to get a few extra minutes from their chores. He walked into his room, changed out from his wet clothes and into dry ones before walking out going into Ernest’s study, it is something Elmer doesn’t feel comfortable about after being accused of stealing things.

He reached knocking when a voice told him to enter, Elmer walked in to find Ernest seated on his desk with a book in hand “Elmer, how are you?” Ernest asked with a smile

“Good” what else could Elmer say ‘Bad’ “You needed me”

“I wanted to ask how you were doing and I am glad you’re doing fine” Elmer nodded “You know they tend to mistreat criminals but I am glad you’re good”

“What can be done if they were?” Elmer couldn’t help himself, he had to ask though deep down he feels like he is the less needed one here and it is one against the entire castle servants which means that it is a loss on his side.

“Are they?” Elmer shook his head no, he doesn’t need to creat unnecessary problems “Anyway, if we catch them in the act they get fired but most of the times the criminal has to be fired because after all, we have to understand them-” Understand what?, Elmer asked himself. There is absolutely nothing to understand about mistreatment not even to a criminal “No one wants to work with a criminal”

‘Yeah, no one would’ Elmer didn’t voice that out but nodded masking that off “Have you seen Bert?”

“No, but I guess he will be here soon” Elmer nodded again asking Ernest if he needed anything else. When Ernest shook his head no, Elmer excused himself leaving Ernest’s study room. If Ernest was to do nothing about it then no one will, he will just be blamed for being a criminal and nothing will change. It will become worse than it already is for him, no one will be on his side and with his luck…..

“Elmer” Bert called running over to him with a smile, when Bert reached he hugged Elmer tightly. Elmer never thought to see anyone look this happy to see him “I was going to come see you”

“I thought you weren’t here yet”

“I came here like thirty minutes ago, I wanted to come see you right away but Ernest needed something” Elmer frowned, Ernest told him that Bert wasn’t around when he asked, how come….Elmer decided not to pressure his head with finding out what was going on “So, how are you feeling you disappeared again last night”

“I needed some time alone” Elmer lied, he can’t say he was doing laundry for all the Derby for the entire night, that broke his back for real “I have things to do, I will see you later”

“No way” Bert replied pulling his hand “You are not bailing on me again, I will help you finish what you have to do then you give the evening to me”

“That won’t be necessary, I will meet you in the evening when I am done” Elmer doesn’t need Bert in the kitchen, who knows what the other will say when he is in there with him. The humiliation he got with Bert is enough that receive another with him around again

“You looked so tired the other day, I want to help out and you are not changing my mind” Bert was set firm, he wants to help Elmer out. It will give him time to spend with the man he loves and even if it is doing shores, Bert knows it will be fun “Let us go”

“You’re so excited for someone who is going to do chores” Elmer commented taking in Bert’s smile when he nodded accepting his help. The smile on Bert’s face is like he is going to do the best thing in the world

“It’s not about the chores, it is about us doing it together” Elmer will never stop asking himself why Bert enjoys his company when Elmer feels like he is the most boring person however Bert smiles just because he wants to spend time with Elmer “You are smiling” Bert teased seeing Elmer’s smile which felt great, he is willing to do everything to get his old Elmer back and show him that what happened isn’t the end.

“It’s nothing”

Chapter 34

Elmer took in a strong breath before pushing the door open, Bert noticed how nervous Elmer seemed but didn’t ask why. The minute they walked in the entire kitchen kept quiet that they could hear a pin drop. Bert has known most of these people ever since he was a child and never once did they act like this “Bert, did you need something?” Oda asked as if she was talking to a stranger and that didn’t pass, Bert’s ears.

“No, I just need to spend time with my friend but since he is busy I am here to help him out” Bert replied pointing at Elmer who was acting weird “Are you okay?” Bert whispered getting Elmer’s eyes on him “Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea” Elmer whispered, the looks he is getting show that this was definitely not a good idea and he should have listened to his head instead of his heart. This is going to feel like he is walking on pins that are ready to prick him.

“Sweetie” Oda called capturing Bert’s attention “If you want to hung out with him it’s fine. I didn’t need him that much anyway” That was a lie, before they poured water on Elmer he was supposed to come back in and clean the kitchen which they had messed up intentionally just to add more staff on Elmer after he had cleaned it for the sixth time in the same day

“That will be great, thank you” Bert smiled pulling Elmer out, Elmer felt relieved that he gets to rest but something tells him he will have to pay for this as soon as he gets back “What was that in there?”

“What was what?” Elmer asked, he was still in his head asking himself what he will have to do for the rest he is getting, it is kind of worrying him a little bit. Oda isn’t as sweet as she has presented herself to be with Bert around.

“You were acting…. I don’t know weird”

“I am weird” Which is true but Elmer also wanted to get Bert off of that topic “Where are we going?” Bert just took his hand running down the castle like two teenagers, Elmer let himself free. He should worry about his troubles but if he worries he will miss this free time, he doesn’t need his free time to be all about him worrying. He breathed in hard, let go of his worries and what awaits as they ran out of the castle to the back, they walked past the stables and for a moment Elmer thought they were going horse back riding until they passed it “Where are we going?” Elmer asked getting tired, the running was fun at first now it is just ridiculously long.

“I need to show you something” Elmer nodded and it took the next ten minutes to finally get to where they were going. The trees were curved in creating a small hat “I made this” Bert said pulling Elmer inside, it looks like a hat made out of trees outside while on the inside it is well layered and soft with a branket, a sheet and some food “What do you think?”

Elmer has to say he is impressed “This looks nice, you have really improved” Elmer smiled, the place looks comfortable and it is so far away from people just the perfect a lone time place

“Take a seat” Elmer sat down the comfortable floor where he laid Something that Elmer doesn’t know, all he knows is that it is soft “I made this for you” Elmer raised his eye brow as if asking a silent what? Because what? “The day of the party I was searching for you as I said but I couldn’t find you anywhere even yesterday and I know you like your alone time so much I just…. I wanted you to get a place where you can be alone and comfortable just like this one” to say Elmer was stunned it would be an understatement.

He doesn’t know what to say, this has to be the greatest thing anyone has ever done for him in his entire life. No one has ever wanted to know Elmer but this gets beyond just knowing him, this makes it that Bert sees him as him for the boring, not perfect person who enjoys his own company more than anyone else “If you don’t like it, it-” Elmer doesn’t know why he attached his lips to Bert’s, he doesn’t know if it was the happiness he felt for someone to finally see him or the fact that he wanted to kiss Bert and stop him from feeling like this isn’t great because it is.

Elmer moved his hands on Bert’s face pushing his tongue into Bert’s open mouth when Bert pulled away breaking the kiss “Am sorry” Elmer apologized, he doesn’t know why he did that or what came over him, it just “I don’t know what happened”

“It’s not that” Bert replied, his heart is pounding because Elmer kissed him and he needs to fight his body not to freak out from all the excitement he feels this moment “You used to much tongue” Bert said the reason why he pulled out, that was too much tongue to early.

“Am sorry, I don’t….” Elmer trailed off when Bert got onto his lap sitting with his legs on either sides of Elmer’s body. Bert pecked Elmer’s lips, his lips didn’t linger before he pulled back.

“Follow my lead” Elmer nodded getting lost into something he doesn’t know and has never felt before while looking into Bert’s light brown eyes. Bert attached their lips into a soft tender kiss that melted Elmer all over but he didn’t move or try to do anything “How was that?”

“Nice” Elmer cleared his throat as it came out hoarse.

“Now, let us add tongue but don’t bring it all just a little” Elmer nodded already feeling anxious that when Bert took Elmer’s face into his hands Elmer felt things passing through his skin, not in a bad way but Elmer has never felt those kind of things before. By the time Bert’s lips reconnected with Elmer’s, Elmer was in his own world, a world he has never been in before. Bert’s lips taste like cherries, soft and so…. Elmer found himself releasing a sound when his tongue connected with Bert’s tongue. Bert pulled back with a smile on his lips staring into Elmer’s golden gray eyes “You don’t know how much I have wanted to kiss you” He pecked Elmer’s lips again “Taste you….feel you….touch you”

The desire in Bert’s eyes as he stared at Elmer, he didn’t know if he will ever be able to do this. If Elmer would ever be able to allow him to taste those lips, Bert had only wished it happened. Bert doesn’t know how he got to have this opportunity but he knows he would like to use it as much as he can that he pulled Elmer into another kiss, this time it wasn’t slow, it was filled with need and desire with Bert’s hands behind Elmer’s head pulling him closer devouring each and every inch of Elmer’s mouth that tastes so good. Bert had to breath that he was forced to pull back breathing heavily getting as much needed air in his lungs as possible “Are you fine if I touch you here”

Bert touched Elmer’s neck, he would like to taste the skin so badly but he also doesn’t want to make Elmer feel uncomfortable. He might have wanted just a kiss, Bert has been in love and at this time he would like to taste everywhere. When Elmer nodded, Bert moved his lips into Elmer’s neck giving it a soft peck then a lick that made him groan. He has been so captivated by Elmer’s skin that actually tasting it makes him feel like he is in the right place tasting the sweetest skin ever or better yet the sweetest thing he has ever tasted.

Elmer sucked in his breath holding the ground tightly with his shaky hands whilst biting his bottom lip as hard as he could not to release any sounds that are threatening to escape “You’re trembling” Bert whispered in Elmer’s ear causing intense shivers to pass through Elmer that a moan finally escaped his lips “Can I touch you here?” Bert asked again, Elmer doesn’t know where Bert was pointing or where he wanted to touch but he nodded, his head is so foggy with all these intense feeling inside of him that are making his skin hot in a different way that he doesn’t understand.

He has been hard a couple of times in his life but he has never been this hard with a strong need of another’s touch and in this situation Bert’s touch that feels really good. Elmer felt hands getting into his shirt making him shiver, his shirt got pulled off over his head and this time he shivered from the cold air hitting his skin “Whoa” Bert said passing his hands on Elmer’s stomach “Do you like it when I touch you?” Bert needs to make sure he isn’t making Elmer uncomfortable with his uncontrollable hands that want to wander all over Elmer’s body

“Yeah” Bert smiled kissing Elmer again, slow until it became heated making them both to moan until they needed air pulling back.

“Will it…..” Bert swallowed hard “Will it be fine if I took off your pants” Bert was nervous, Elmer nodded confusing Bert if that is a yes or a no “Was that a yes or a no?” Elmer was so nervous, he has never been naked in front of anyone in his life and a moment like this makes his heart pound but right now he is thinking with his hard on and he needs something to be done about it

“Yes”

“Elmer have you ever, ah, slept with anyone”

“No” Bert nodded breathing in hard, he wants this, he needs this with Elmer. Bert needs Elmer so much it hurts, Bert has needed Elmer for so long and all that self control seem to have snapped the second Elmer kissed him, the second he touched Elmer’s skin, the second he got to see Elmer’s body.

“Are you okay with us sleeping together, as in, me being your first” Elmer nodded but Bert needs him to be sure “Are you sure you are ready to sleep with a man, for me to be your first” Elmer is scared because he doesn’t know anything and he might do something wrong like he did when he kissed Bert “We don’t have to do it you seem worried”

“No, I do. Am scared, I don’t know anything” Elmer voiced out his worry.

“Don’t worry, I will do everything”

Chapter 35

“Don’t worry I will do everything” Bert said with a smile, he was worried that Elmer had changed his mind which would have been fine but….Bert doesn’t want to let go of Elmer just yet. He just want to hold this body a little longer, feel it in his arms and maybe be close to it without any barriers.

“You have….slept with some-” Bert put his finger on Elmer’s lips, this wasn’t the time to talk about anything else. Bert pushed Elmer back gently and as Elmer laid down Bert got off of his lap pulling off his pants after getting between his legs taking in Elmer who is laying completely naked making him lick his lips salivating.

Elmer started squirming under Bert’s gaze on him “Is something wrong?” Elmer asked worried while gulping, he feels so exposed like never before and the look in Bert’s eye is making him scared.

“Why would something be wrong when everything is just right” Bert’s eye never left Elmer’s body, the look of lust, desire, longing with his eyes on Elmer’s leaking member made Elmer shiver. Elmer groaned closing his eyes when Bert took his hard painful member into his hand, all Elmer’s worry and doubt disappeared feeling pleasure pass through his dick “How does that feel?” All that Elmer could reply with was a moan making Bert smile, seeing Elmer, like what he is doing made him gain a little bit of confidence.

“Uh-umm” Elmer moaned when Bert squeezed his dick a little, the move of Bert’s hand. Elmer has never felt something like this before, with his hand nothing ever felt like this. Like he doesn’t have all the control but still enjoying the ride, Elmer felt himself reach the edge, he opened his eyes to find Bert’s light brown eyes staring right at his face and if it wasn’t for all the pleasure Elmer would have run away, the look in Bert’s eye made him forget what he was about to say as he bursted closing his eyes again. Elmer breathed hard his eyes still closed when he felt lips attach to his making him moan moving his hands to Bert’s face kissing him back “Thank you”

Elmer opened his eyes when Bert chuckled wondering what was funny some how his heart that had calmed down a bit pounding hard inside his chest. Elmer is scared that he might have done something bad or…. And that is why Bert would be laughing “Why are you worried?” Bert asked holding Elmer’s face

“You- were laughing and I….” Bert smiled knowing what Elmer thinks.

“Elmer” Bert pecked Elmer’s lips “You don’t have to be insecure about anything because you’re perfect to me. You might not see it, the world might not see it but I do, I see you and believe me when I say that whatever ideas they put in you that make you feel small, I don’t see you like that and I never will because I will always see you as my Elmer who smiles whenever he sees a flower, who bites his lips when thinking, who never washes his hair but always finds away to make them rock. The Elmer who is tough but still soft, the Elmer who has been through a lot but still always finds a way to forgive. So trust me when I say, the world might change, everything might change, I might change but you will never change in my eyes” Bert pecked Elmer’s stunned lips “Plus I got you something”

Bert moved his hand pulling out a pot filled with yellow flowers “Gorse?” Elmer asked pulling himself up into a sitting position taking them into his hand. These flowers are not in the royal garden but Elmer has read about them.

“Do you know the meaning?” Bert asked, he already knows but he wants Elmer to tell him. The look of happiness in Elmer’s eyes made Bert smile, he has always enjoyed seeing Elmer smile. Flowers are the first thing to make Elmer smile.

“Endearing affection”

“I wanted them to give you company when you are in here alone, you can have someone to talk to” Elmer rolled his eyes making Bert to chuckle “You think I didn’t notice you talk to your flowers but don’t worry it is kind of cute”

“Do you notice everything?”

“When you’re in love with someone, it is hard not to notice each and everything” Bert replied placing kisses on Elmer’s neck, he just can’t get enough “Did you know you taste like flowers” Bert mumbled kissing Elmer’s ear.

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing” Bert pulled out to stare into Elmer’s eyes, he doesn’t know how he will get him to be confident again but he will try.

“Flowers are always a good thing”

“No, some smell and taste bad, some are for-” Bert put his hand on his lips with a chuckle, Bert can see that Elmer is nervous. He attached their lips into a slow passionate kiss that sent both their heads into a spin as they laid back down with Bert on top.

“In this case, it is good” Bert clarified before crashing his lips back on Elmer’s with his hands on Elmer’s nipples playing with them, Elmer moaned in Bert’s mouth feeling his dick getting hard again. Elmer doesn’t know if he is supposed to get hard again but he is definitely getting turned on again by Bert’s mouth and hands plus the way Bert’s thigh is passing over Elmer’s dick. Bert Broke the kiss pulling off his shirt then his pants followed with Elmer’s eyes on his body “What do you think?”

“Huh” Elmer didn’t hear the question as his eyes were just checking out Bert’s body. He snapped his eyes to Bert’s face to find him smirking, Elmer’s face turned red and he turned his face away from Bert’s body. Bert pulled Elmer’s head back to look at him.

“You can look and touch me, I have been doing the same” Bert picked up Elmer’s hand putting it on his stomach.

“You’re so soft” Elmer moved his hand up until he realised what he was doing “Am sorry”

“You don’t need to apologize, it’s okay if you touch me” Bert comforted bringing Elmer’s hand back to his body, he smiled when Elmer moved his hand all around Bert’s body feeling him up making Bert to moan pulling Elmer’s legs open wide. Bert leaned up attaching his lips to Elmer’s again with his hands roaming Elmer’s body up and down, moans filled the hat as both men felt each other up. The friction between their dicks making them grind onto the other more and more.

Bert moved his hands to Elmer’s ass, Bert stopped grinding as he conjured up a bottle of oil into his hands “What is that?” Elmer asked staring at the unlabelled bottle in Bert’s hands.

“Oil” Bert popped it open pouring some amount on his fingers “Are you ready?”

“I guess” Elmer doesn’t know what is going to happen because he knows nothing but he would also like this to happen more. Elmer stiffened when he felt a finger enter his entrance.

“How does it feel?”

“I don’t know” Elmer replied truthfully, he doesn’t know how it feels, it is just…. He couldn’t explain it, Elmer felt two more fingers and now it feels uncomfortable but he didn’t say anything because maybe it was supposed to feel like that, he doesn’t know how any of this shou- Elmer almost jumped when Bert touched something inside, it felt like…Elmer felt it again when Bert touched it making him moan pushing down with the need for Bert to touch it more or maybe hit it hard this time “Is it done?” Elmer asked not masking his disappointment when Bert pulled out his fingers. Bert laughed shaking his head no, Elmer would have been ashamed but he wasn’t, he was enjoying that do much he wants it to be done again. Elmer still wanted what was happening to continue and he isn’t ashamed of that.

“No we are not, we are just getting started” Bert replied positioning himself, he is enjoying this so much that he would want to take in each and everything but his dick needs some relief so bad he can’t wait to be buried inside Elmer’s ass. Bert saw the relief on Elmer’s face when he said that they were getting started and it made him smile while applying oil on his dick. Bert started pushing in little by little as his fingers played with Elmer’s dick, his lips on Elmer’s nipple making him moan. Bert moved his hand faster when Elmer hissed in pain “Sorry” Bert stopped pushing in to let Elmer adjust but he didn’t stop playing with Elmer’s nipple until Elmer had adjusted enough, Bert pushed in little by little until he was buried inside Elmer “How do you feel?”

“Um, stretched” Bert nodded, as long as he wasn’t in pain that would work. Bert moved his hips slowly his eyes on Elmer’s face just in case he is in pain. Bert’s thrust increased pace the more Elmer moaned holding onto him. Bert has wanted to be in this place for times he couldn’t count and him actually being here, being able to feel Elmer, be inside him, see him like this, hear him moan and tighten around him. Bert continued moving into Elmer with groans leaving his mouth the more he moves.

Elmer was in his own world filled with pleasure, all he wanted was for Bert to hit that point harder and harder as it felt like he was floating, his body has never felt like this before touched like this, Elmer had lost control of his own body as he let the pleasure drive him to the edge again and when Bert took him into his hands that threw him over the edge and he came into Bert’s hand with a yell of Bert’s name.

Chapter 36

Love and Hate*

Bert leaned down pecking Elmer’s lips as he breathed hard trying to get his heart back to normal as he lays next to Elmer on his elbow with Elmer laying on his back, his chest moving up and down heavily. Elmer knows one thing in his mind, he would love to do that again, feel that edge feeling. That electric but intense yet tingling feeling in his entire body “Have you done this before?” Elmer asked turning to Bert “With other men” Elmer added to specify what he was asking, Elmer doesn’t know why he wants to know but he knows he does and it is eating him up inside.

Bert sighed, he didn’t want to be talking about something like this right after the best time of his life but he can’t jump over the question again like before “This was my first time too” Elmer gave him a look with raised eyebrows “If I told you would you have trusted me”

“Well yeah” Now it was Bert’s tern to give Elmer the look “Okay, I would have been doubtful but I trusted you” Bert smiled pecking Elmer’s lips again “So how did you learn?”

“You’re really set on knowing this” Bert said with disappointment, Elmer broke the kiss yet he still wanted to taste those lips more “I have slept with one woman before and that was just to confirm my suspicion of liking men and it did, it showed me what I was because sleeping with her didn’t feel like right now” Elmer nodded “I learnt what to do at this place where people like me meet and interact among themselves secretively and sometimes they sleep together”

“You didn’t sleep with anyone there?”

“I wanted to but I was scared and they are not the ones I wanted” Bert wanted to try it so much but his fear took the best of him. He never wanted to risk getting caught having sex with a man he wasn’t in love with in the first place, Elmer is worth a risk and that is why Bert doesn’t care getting caught if it means he was with Elmer, he loves him and he is willing to do everything for him.

“Will you take me there sometime”

“Never” Bert said instantly confusing Elmer who asked why, he too would like to know people those people, if what happened between him and Bert makes him like them then yes he would like to meet them “I will never take you there, don’t even ask”

“Why, I would like to know them”

“You don’t know those guys they are….” Bert wanted to say it in the most respectful way possible but he believes there is no respectful way to say this so he just said it as it was “They will try to get in your pants and I mean that literally, those guys have a big sex drive. They will try stealing you from me and I can’t risk losing you when I have just gotten you after such a long time of wanting you”

Elmer knows that Bert has explained why he loves him but he doesn’t see it himself. He doesn’t see why Bert would ever look at him and want him, he doesn’t know if he will ever understand that, why would Bert be scared to lose Elmer when in reality no one has ever wanted Elmer and he thought no one will but now Bert is afraid to lose him. Elmer didn’t know this feeling but he likes it, the feeling of feeling wanted and loved, the feeling of someone being scared to lose you “Would you like something to eat?’ Bert asked

“Sometimes I feel like you treat me like a child”

“I just want to take care of you” Bert is in love with Elmer and he feels like he would like to give Elmer his whole, Bert sometimes feels like he can give Elmer the world and it will still not feel like it is enough, that is how much he loves and adores Elmer. Seeing him punished for something he didn’t do broke Bert’s heart but what broke Bert’s heart the most was the fact that he couldn’t do anything about it, he had to stay around and not be able to do anything for the one he loves and that is one thing he will regret for the rest of his life.

Bert leaned down kissing pecking Elmer’s lips in a soft passionate kiss revealing all the love he has for him, all the adoration “You don’t know how much you mean to me. You don’t know the things you make me feel, you don’t know what I am capable of doing just to have this moment forever, to have you in my hands again, hold you like this forever” Bert passed his hands on Elmer’s cheek “This moment right here, you not thinking about me as a friend is like the best moment of my entire life and you don’t know how much….how much I have wanted to be here. This is like, it’s like….it’s like the one thing I have wanted so bad but couldn’t get, the one destiny that was never meant to be mine but I wanted… needed so bad that every night I died inside for just being your friend”

Bert was smiling but tears were streaming down his face, he has wanted to take this load off of his chest for so long, he has wished for this all his life, no one might have known but no matter how much Bert smiled, brushed things off, this was the one thing he could never brush off, this was the one thing that he wanted do much but thought it was impossible to have, having Elmer was the destiny he knew he could never have but wanted so bad, needed so bad. Even if he knew it would never happen he never stopped wishing for it, wishing they were in a different world where he could be free with Elmer, where he could have Elmer to just not hate him or think of him as a friend but as something more.

Bert has never wished to get married to anyone but Elmer even when he knows it will never happen, even when he knows this is something that could destroy his family’s name, change his destiny, even when Bert knows that this is something that could end everything he has, Bert just keeps on wishing to have Elmer like this. Bert has always known that one night, one day, one week with Elmer will never been enough and as expected as much as Bert has wanted this moment, Bert wants more than this, he wants a world where he can walk with Elmer, be able to show the world how much he loves this man without fear of anything else.

It saddens him that no one will ever know just how much he loves Elmer, just what he is willing to do to just hold this man forever and after this, Bert just doesn’t know how he will ever be able to go on without Elmer because this has just made things worse, it has just made Bert’s feelings become uncontrollable that he doesn’t want to let go.

---

“Did something happen, you seem to not be down” Hattie asked her son who has been staring in space for the last five minutes seeming to be deep in thoughts “You can still talk to me” Hattie encouraged holding his sons hand, even after that fight Hattie believes she can take their relationship back to how it was, his son growing up means nothing, she is still his mother and Ernest should be able to tell him everything.

Ernest leered at his mother not in the mood to be talking about it because Ernest doesn’t know how she will react when he tells her what he feels. Ernest has only a couple of months before his wedding to Rylee and it is stressing him out to the core, he just can’t wait but hope to change everything so that he can be able to do what he wants “It’s nothing”

“I am still your mother and you can trust me with anything”

“I know but-”

“You should trust me Ernest” Hattie’s voice had a pleading tone, she wants his son to be as he used to be.

“I trust you but this is something I should talk to Bert about” Bert is his best friend, Ernest knows he can’t tell him this but he needs to get his mother off of his back.

“Where is he, he used to be by your side all the time” Hattie gave up on that, if his son wants to talk to Bert about it then he should go ahead. Hattie knows she will be able to bring her son’s love back again.

“Oda told me he is with Elmer” Ernest sighed getting up “I have been searching for them all evening but I can’t find them anywhere, I should go search again”

“Shouldn’t Elmer be in the kitchen, how could he disappear for the evening” Hattie asked getting up.

“Oda told me Bert wanted to hang out with him so he was given some hours off, I will go get some rest” Ernest changed his mind bidding goodbye to Hattie how was already angry but Ernest seemed to not get it. Bert used to be by her son’s side but not he seems to be willing to spend much time with that cursed thing that doesn’t deserve to be alive, ever since Hattie found out that the thing that was in her belly with her son is still alive, she felt like exploding.

She hated Della for the betrayal and bringing that thing next to his son, the thought of having talked to it, touched it just makes Hattie want to puke and wash off but one thing was for sure, Hattie needed Elmer gone, he doesn’t want that thing anywhere near the castle. The more it lives, the more her secret gets closer to getting out and she would rather die than ever admit that that thing was in her stomach. She knows she needs to find a way to get rid of him soon and also make sure Della doesn’t expose her in the process.

Della knows a lot about Hattie and she threatened to expose her if she ever did anything to Elmer but having that thing around wasn’t something Hattie was going to do, he needs it gone and very soon.

Chapter 37

Friends no more*

Elmer has read about love, he has wished to have that too some day. Elmer has wished for so much but the one thing he has wanted a lot was to find a woman he could marry and live happily but Elmer always knew it would never happen. He had nothing, no one wanted to be close to him, Elmer kind of knew that he would die alone and his life would be meaningless. He didn’t know he would ever see Bert in a different light or get to call him his best friend but he did.

Bert became someone Elmer could count on through everything, he became the light in Elmer’s life, the shoulder he could cry on, the one person Elmer wanted to talk to everyday. Elmer started feeling things when Bert was teaching him how to chanel magic through his body, Elmer started feeling different but he brushed it off because he didn’t know what was going on and when he thought that Ernest and Bert had a thing between them it made sense to him.

The day Bert confessed his feelings to him Elmer was in disbelief because he knows no one could ever love him. Elmer became cautious after that, he didn’t know if he would mess it up and Bert would fall out of love, he was scared to tell Bert he felt something he didn’t know, what if he seemed weird. He drowned those feelings down too but the things that Bert is saying to him makes Elmer question everything in his life. He dreamed of having a woman he got a man, he dreamed of having someone who would just bare him around and not feel disgusted he got a friend that loves him deary to the point that Elmer is asking himself why.

He is still in disbelief about it all, no one should love him like that. No one should want to touch him because he is disgusting, cursed. No one has ever lasted long enough to want to know Elmer, how come Bert treats him like this. All of these are questions that are swarming in Elmer’s head as Bert rubs his back in a circular motion. The way Bert is holding Elmer makes him feel like the most treasured person in the world, Bert makes Elmer feel like he belongs, like even if the world is against him. He still has Bert on his side “Are you awake?”

Elmer knew he had to stop pretending that he is sleeping just to stay in Bert’s chest “Yeah” He replied in a sleepy voice trying to pull back but Bert held him in place not letting go.

“How are you feeling?”

“Good why” Bert pulled his head back so that he is staring in Elmer’s eyes.

“You said you were too tired and that your back hurts” Elmer nodded, his mind somewhere else. The way Bert is staring at him, with no disgust just love makes Elmer feel safe “Are you feeling better or should I heal you”

“N-no, I am good” Elmer pulled away from Bert pulling himself into a sitting position hissing when pain shot through his back.

“What hurts?” Bert panicked holding Elmer’s shoulder looking him over from head to toe like he will see what hurts Elmer.

“It’s nothing” Elmer is trying to shrug it off because it is embarrassing, he was enjoying everything he did with Bert, he didn’t know it will hurt like this afterwards. Surprisingly Elmer regrets nothing because Bert’s touch was the best that Elmer didn’t get enough even after all the times they did it.

“I heard you hiss, is it your back” Bert persisted, he knows that his healing power will make him weak if he uses it but he can do it if it is to help Elmer.

“I am fine” Elmer insisted, he is fine. Maybe this pain will remind him of the time he has spent with Bert “Just hungry” all the exhaustion kind of hit him at once and he fell asleep but now he is hungry.

“I can make something, what would you want?”

“Anything”

“Be specific or should I make everything”

“You’re not serious” Bert nodded showing how serious he is, he didn’t learn a cooking spell for nothing “That would be excessive, don’t you think”

“Not for me” Bert was dead serious that he started chanting spells ready to make everything when Elmer caught his hands and mouth.

“Stop, fine I will tell you what I need” Elmer gave up taking his hand off of Bert’s mouth. Elmer feels like he is destroying food when he has a lot yet he knows someone out where is starving for the day or the night “Rice and beans”

“Is that what you want or-” Bert has a feeling Elmer is just asking for something that he can eat and not what he wants. Bert chanted his spells when Elmer nodded confirming that that is what he wants. In just a few minutes Bert had two plates and two glasses of juice in front of him, he has made a plate of rice and beans, chicken and rice “This is for you” he handed Elmer the rice and beans plate with a fork as he picked up his own plate.

“Thank you” Elmer put the first fork in his mouth but he could feel Bert’s eyes on him “Is something wrong?”

“No, I just enjoy watching you” Bert confessed

“That is-”

“Romantic”

“No, I was going to say creepy” Bert laughed resting his plate down.

“Why is that creepy?”

“I am eating, we all know the process. I chew and swallow why would you want to watch that”

“Maybe it is because when you do it, it’s fascinating” Elmer looked down his face burning up, he doesn’t know what to add to that. All he knows is that his heart is pounding in his chest from excitement and surprise “If I am making you uncomfortable I can stop”

“No-” Elmer forgot what he was about to say because he doesn’t have anything.

“So you like it when I watch” Bert joked with a smile “No need to be shy about it, just so you know. I enjoy when you watch me”

“I never watch you” Elmer defended staring at Bert, he doesn’t watch.

“I just wanted you to look at me” Bert confessed staring into Elmer’s eyes “I have told you how I feel, you haven’t said anything” Bert is worried, he doesn’t want this experience to end and he needs some kind of confirmation from Elmer. Elmer looked away from Bert not knowing what to say. It is true Bert has told him how he feels but Elmer doesn’t know how he feels. He doesn’t know where to start from, he doesn’t know what to say “You don’t need to say anything” Bert has seen the confusion in Elmer’s eyes, he knew that his question might have made Elmer uncomfortable “No need to say anything”

Elmer felt kind of relieved but also bad that he didn’t say anything after Bert pouring his heart out to him “Need some chicken?” Bert asked showing Elmer the chicken who shook his head no though his eyes said a different story “I know you need some”

“No I don’t” Elmer denied but deep down he needed a taste, it has been long since he had some chicken, he didn’t ask for chicken because he thought it would be so much work for Bert “Would you stop eating like that” Elmer grumbled making Bert to laugh, he was doing it on purpose just to get a reaction from Elmer.

“Hey that’s my chicken” Bert said jokingly when Elmer took the piece from his hand biting into it “I knew you wanted a piece”

“No, you made me want a piece” Elmer replied with a groan from the taste, Bert had improved in his spells. They laughed as they enjoyed their meal while sharing with each others food talking about random staff, the moment felt like two best friends who are comfortable with each other having fun, just enjoying the others company, Bert knows he would want this to stay like this forever, he didn’t know what Elmer was thinking or wanted. Little did he know that, that was the exact thing in Elmer’s mind, he too wanted things to stay like this forever with Bert.

Elmer knew that Bert was more than a friend and whatever Bert was from now on, it is what Elmer wanted

Chapter 38

Elmer knew that this would happen when he gets back to the castle and that is exactly why he didn’t want to leave when it was time to say goodbye to Bert in the morning. Even after what was happening now, Elmer regrets nothing and if possible he would do it again and again. Elmer hasn’t been sad or mad after that time with Bert, all he does is smile through everything that he does because it was all worthy, time with Bert is worthy. He would want to see Bert again because he misses him a lot yet it has just been one hour since they separated, Elmer didn’t want that to happen, he wanted to stay with Bert for a few more hours.

Elmer closed his nose again as he got ready to clean the toilets again, he has always hated this job but with Bert’s thoughts in his head Elmer doesn’t care about this job. It helps him get away from his kitchen duty and away from Oda and Logan, anything that could get him away from those two always seemed nice. Elmer cleaned the last toilet with a smile remembering Bert and he can’t wait to see him again, Bert said he will be back in three hours after training and Elmer can’t wait for him to get back, he wants to be done by the time Bert arrives.

Elmer was done in a few minutes and after taking his tools back in their storage, he made his way to his room but before he could reach his room he stopped when he found almost every servant standing in front of his room all staring inside, this made Elmer stop walking a bad feeling downing in his heart. This looked bad, no one has ever tried getting near his room, they take him as a thief and they all never get to his room this made Elmer wonder what happened and why they are all at his room.

He knew he didn’t steal anything because he isn’t a thief but why would they all be at his room. Elmer was still asking himself in his head when one of the servants spotted him pointing his way capturing everyone’s attention. Elmer has gotten used to the disgusted looks but these are not those looks, these are ‘We want to kill you looks’ Elmer took an unconscious step back when Logan walked out of his room “Why did you take it?” Logan asked anger and sadness in his voice while holding up a wooden board with a face engraved in it.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about” Elmer didn’t know what Logan was talking about, hell he didn’t know why they were all at his room.

“You stole the last thing my dead mother gave me” Logan was not having any of it, he cried for the entire night when he couldn’t find his mother’s board, the only thing that he holds and feels close to his mother, Logan loves the board so much that he felt like he would die if he didn’t find it.

“I didn’t steal anything” Elmer wasn’t even around to be able to steal Logan’s ‘Whatever he was talking about’ Logan was already angry that Elmer would dare steal his board that when he denied it Logan felt like he was going to burst. Logan punched Elmer straight on the jaw so hard Elmer fell down landing on his wrist. Logan kicked him again with a yell in anger “Stay away from my room and my staff” Logan spat jumping over Elmer walking away while wiping his eyes holding the board on his chest.

“I knew he will rob us all”

“He will never change, he deserves death”

“Only if the prince saw who he really is, he doesn’t deserve to be here”

Elmer heard all of them as they walked away giving him looks that showed utter hatred towards him and all because of things he didn’t do. He doesn’t know how Logan’s board got into his bedroom or who put it there, why someone is making it their job to flame him. The worst part is Elmer knowing that no one is ever going to believe in what he says, no matter how much he tried to defend himself he always comes out as the thief, the criminal who steals everything and this is the worst feeling Elmer could ever feel. The feeling of everyone taking him as something he wasn’t made him feel worthless.

Living like this isn’t worth, feeling like an outcast all his life. Now he is a criminal around the kingdom, he can’t walk anywhere without anyone recognizing him as a thief yet he has never stolen a thing in his life but he is taken as one. His wrist hurts, his jaw hurts and his belly hurts but nothing hurts more than the feeling in his heart. Elmer used his good hand to help him get up from the floor his eyes stinging, there is much that he can try to ignore but sometimes things just get too much for him. Elmer didn’t get to take a step when he noticed Samuel smirking at him “Thieves don’t deserve second chances because once a thief always a thief” Samuel walked away with that leaving a self loathing Elmer behind.

---

“You’re glowing” Ernest said staring at Bert who hasn’t stopped smiling since he reached the castle, he disappeared the entire day yesterday. Ernest searched for him until he gave up on finding him.

“I am” Bert replied holding his face trying to hide it but he couldn’t, the happiness he feels after yesterday is beyond anything he has ever felt before in his life that he can’t help the smile that attacks his lips when he thinks of Elmer

“Yes you are, what is making you so happy” Bert shrugged, it is something he can’t talk about. He might have known Ernest for his life but Bert can’t risk what he has with Elmer just when it has just started, he needs to keep it a secret from everyone and that includes Ernest because Bert can never know how Ernest would react, they gave never talked about the subject due to Bert’s fear of getting rejected by his best friend “I want to tell you something” Bert nodded but he seemed lost in thought yet Ernest was serious about this, this is the time he has gotten enough courage to say how he feels “Bert I need you to listen to me”

“Yeah sorry” Bert gave Ernest his full attention putting Elmer’s thoughts in the back of his head. He hasn’t stopped thinking about him, he came here and all he wanted to do was see Elmer but Ernest wanted him first, he can’t wait to see Elmer again. Bert waited for Ernest to say what he wanted to say but he didn’t open his mouth to say anything “You wanted to tell me something”

“Yeah, I-” Ernest seemed nervous about whatever he wanted to say intriguing Bert. Ernest is usually open, he is not one to get nervous about saying what he wanted to say. Ernest put his eyes to Bert who was staring at him with curiosity waiting for what Ernest wanted to say. Ernest was contemplating with himself, he doesn’t know how he is going to voice out what he has been scared to voice out all along but staring at Bert’s lips gave him the courage to move him capturing his lips with Bert’s lips that he has been so eager to taste for years. For as long as Ernest has known he has been in love with Bert and getting this moment warmed his heart.

Ernest moved his hand trying to deepen the kiss when Bert got out of his shock pulling away getting out of his chair. Bert wiped his lips staring at Ernest like he has grown another head “What was that about?” Bert asked still wiping his mouth, he doesn’t know what that was about, why would Ernest kiss him out of the blue like that

“I like you” Ernest confessed getting up too, he swallowed hard “And I have wanted to do that for as long as I can remember”

“What?” To say Bert was surprised could be an understatement, Ernest has been his best friend since childhood, he has never seen him like that and he will never.

“You don’t feel the same way?” Ernest asked as if that needed to be asked. Of course not, Bert doesn’t feel the same way, what is happening here. He has just gotten the time of his life and here comes this, no way. Bert looked at Ernest, there is no way Ernest was in love with Bert, they both know the rules and just that kiss, if someone saw that kiss both of their families would be ruined. They might be big in the kingdom but rules apply to them plus Ernest is his best friend, he is like a brother why would they….this is just so wrong and Bert wishes to take that kiss back so that it never happens.

“This is so wrong, oh my…. I can’t be here” Bert is so shocked to even think of what to say, all he knows is that this is so wrong.

“Bert am sorry” Bert gave Ernest one look to find him apologetic, Bert shook his head walking out. This was just too much that he doesn’t know how to act or what to think about it. Ernest just can’t….this all just, Bert is lost, Bert walked as fast as he can, all he needs is to be alone and maybe try to process this. He was about to make his way out of the castle when his eyes landed on Elmer, who was seated in the garden with his legs on his chest and his head in his legs. His body was shaking like he was crying or something.

This made Bert put what happened with Ernest behind his head walking to Elmer “Hey” Bert called startling Elmer who wiped his eyes as fast as he can while hiding his face as if he didn’t want Bert to see him crying, Bert had already seen him and he was worried “What happened?” Bert asked holding Elmer’s shoulder.

“Nothing” Elmer lied clearing his throat while drying his eyes.

“Something happened- What happened to your hand” Bert noticed Elmer’s hand that has a clothe wrapped around it.

“I slipped and landed on my wrist, no big deal” Elmer replied staring back to Bert, he hates that he has become so sentimental that he cries a lot but there are staff that have become so hard to hold in that Elmer finds himself letting it all out. He felt heaviness in his chest, like he couldn’t breath anymore, then the tears just slipped out but now Bert is here and the heaviness has disappeared with just one look and the look of care in Bert’s eyes “I missed you” Elmer confessed with courage, nothing makes him happy like Bert and his presence has made the bad day become ten times better, he might be taken as a thief but the good thing is he still has Bert on his side.

Not everyone hates him, not everyone sees the thief. Bert still sees him and that gives Elmer the best comfort that he glanced around just to make sure no one was around before stealing a peck from Bert that melted both of their hearts taking them into a world of there own, forgetting about what took place as they both had each other

Chapter 39

Elmer gasped when he felt a slap on his ass and as he turned around it was Bert standing there with a wide smile “Stop that, what if someone saw you” Elmer asked looking around just to make sure no one saw what Bert just did “Do you want us to get in trouble?”

“I don’t care”

“You should” Elmer knows they should be careful than they are right now but it gets hard sometimes. He glanced around again before capturing Bert’s lips melting down, he can never get tired of kissing those lips. They get sweet and sweet everyday, he knows he should pull away but the taste just makes him not want to pull away. Elmer finally got a grip to pull away but Bert didn’t let go, he held Elmer’s head pushing it back attaching their lips again as they both moaned into each others lips.

They have been doing this for almost a month now, they have to hide because they can’t risk anyone finding out. That could lead to both of their execution, Elmer doesn’t care much about that but he has to think of Bert who has a name to protect though it just keeps on getting harder and harder each passing day, they just can’t keep their hands off of each other and the more this continues the more it gets hard.

Foot steps pulled them out if their trance, they pulled back and Elmer made himself busy again by holding an already clean dish washing it again just to seem busy while Bert walked over to a chair creating distance from each other “Bert, you’re here again” Oda exclaimed, Bert has been in the kitchen a lot lately.

“What can I say, I love the kitchen” ‘More like the person who is always in the kitchen’ Bert added in his head giving Elmer a glance who was already staring at him with a smile that varnished quickly glancing back at the dish he was cleaning

“Okay, if you need anything just ask Elmer”

“I sure will” Bert replied in a very seductive way looking at Elmer from head to toe but mostly his ass and it is a good thing Oda didn’t catch up as she walked out of the kitchen leaving the two. Elmer turned throwing a towel at Bert.

“Why would you say that, what if she caught on”

“She told me to ask you for what I want, I had to give her a reply”

“And you decided to give her that one” Elmer asked in disbelief but deep down he wishes he had that much confidence. To be as confident as Bert is with things, they both know what could happen if they get caught but Bert acts like nothing would happen, like what they are doing is a normal thing in the kingdom and that confidence just makes Elmer get captured more and more, living on edge some how turned out to be a great thing to do.

“Why not, I will surely ask for what I want” Elmer rolled his eyes turning around a smile not leaving his lips. He has been smiling a lot lately and not the fake smiles but the real smiles because Bert manages to get him through the day and most especially through his life that sucks “Elmer, I need something”

“You are not using that tactic on me again” Elmer denied knowing exactly what Bert wants and he isn’t falling for it again. The last time he said that they ended up in the servants restrooms having sex and they were almost caught, almost. It was so close and if Bert didn’t create a spell in the minute both of their heads would be off by now, good thing Bert has magic but what if the next time he isn’t fast enough, Elmer gets worried he might get Bert in trouble even if Bert acts like it doesn’t matter.

“Like when we reach you say no”

“Of course I say no” Elmer defended but they both know, that is a lie “I say no when you tell me to go but when we reach I say yes and in my defense, I read somewhere that when you act like you don’t want, the person falls in love with you even more”

“Where did you read that?”

“Love lessons” Elmer just stumbled onto the book when he was cleaning the library and since he needed to know about his feelings that looked like the perfect book to describe exactly how he feels

“Are you in love to be reading about love lessons”

“Maybe” Bert stared at Elmer with a wide smile

“Who are you in love with, do I know him by any chance”

“Do you want to know him” Bert nodded eagerly, he would want to hear those words come from Elmer’s lips, he is so attentive and nervous at the same time, maybe those words will come out. Bert knows they will make him the happiest witch alive, Elmer has managed to make him fall even deeper than before that Bert sometimes forgets that this is forbidden, forbidden but not wrong because it feels so right. So right to have rules that are against it “His name is…oh, I forgot the name, maybe if he kissed me I will remember it”

Bert chuckled moving towards Elmer to capture their lips. Bert pretended like he was going to kiss Elmer but instead he picked up an apple from behind him “Maybe if he gave you an apple you will remember his name”

“I said kiss not apple” Elmer grumbled making Bert to chuckle resting the apple back down. He moved his lips when the door suddenly opened and this time they had no time to act busy, they each just looked the other side, Bert picked up an apple pretending to be eating “Your highness” Elmer greeted with a bow at Ernest. Bert turned around when he heard Elmer greet to find Ernest.

Bert and Ernest haven’t gone back to where they were, their friendship is a rocky one. They talked about it ‘If Bert could call it that’ the conversation was weird, Bert didn’t let Ernest confess anything else, he just told Ernest how it was wrong. Bert didn’t mean to let Ernest down harshly because he knows how hurtful it was not being able to be with Elmer but to Bert Ernest having feeling seemed weird. The fact that Ernest was just like him didn’t throw him off like the fact of knowing that Ernest likes him. To say the least, Ernest and Bert have not gotten back to where they used to be.

Ernest stared at Bert for a long while before walking out without saying anything leaving an awkward atmosphere behind “Still haven’t made up” Elmer asked, he doesn’t know what happened but Ernest and Bert seem like they had a really big fight because of the way Bert literally avoids Ernest like a plague, they are only together when Ernest is going out but other than that Bert doesn’t talk to Ernest.

“I don’t know if we will ever make up” And that scares Bert to the core but if Ernest has those feelings nothing could ever get back to normal

“Maybe if you gave him time you would, talk to him and maybe we can become the three musketeers again” Ernest has been distant even to Elmer and Elmer would like it if they all just got together and become friends like they used to be. Bert gave a nervous chuckle biting into his apple “I feel bad that we no longer hang out together”

Bert now felt bad, Elmer wants to hang out with Ernest. Bert knows he has to get the atmosphere back to normal “I will try talking to him” Bert replied throwing the apple into the pit “See you later” Elmer nodded as Bert made his way to the door.

“Finishing the apple wouldn’t have killed you” Elmer said before Bert could leave the kitchen. Bert laughed walking out with a smile on his lips, he is about to go into a conversation he has been dreading to get into but he has to do it, Ernest is still his friend no matter what. He is also still Ernest’s protector and feelings will just mess that up, feeling can lead to wrong decisions, God knows Bert could do wrong things all because of his feelings and if Ernest has those, he might try to protect Bert instead of the other way around.

“Hi” Bert greeted taking a seat next to Ernest who was seated alone looking into space.

“Hey” Ernest replied and the silence consumed them, they didn’t know what to say. Everything was awkward between them like they were strangers “I wish I didn’t say anything” Ernest broke the silence never once looking at Bert “This is not what I want us to be like, we are friends and I ruined that the day I confessed now I wish I can take it all back. I don’t like us to be strangers like we are acting lately and I am so sorry for ruining that-”

“Hey you didn’t ruin anything” Bert soothed with his hand on Ernest’s back “It just got weird for me but I didn’t mean to act like I did, I was just- I am so sorry”

“Can we forget about what happened and just go back to being friends, I miss my best friend”

“You mean your only friend”

“I missed you”

“I missed you too”

Chapter 40

Elmer smiled as Bert and Ernest hugged, finally getting over whatever had happened between them. Elmer could feel the tension they had, Bert was avoiding Ernest like a plague whereas Ernest looked sad while staring at Bert. It was hard to watch and Elmer knows how much Ernest means to Bert, he would like to make Bert happy by him having his best friend back and next to his side just like it used to be. Elmer wanted to go out and talk to the both of them when a hand stopped him by holding his shoulder.

“We need to talk” Atlas said with a serious voice, he doesn’t look like he is about to murder Elmer which is good but why would Atlas want to talk to him. Ever since Elmer arrived in town and at the castle, he has been at Bert’s house a few times but they never talk with Atlas. Elmer nodded following him behind, he doesn’t know what to think about this but he shouldn’t think over his head without knowing what Atlas wants, maybe he is here for flowers or he is here to….what ever it was Elmer decided not to think the worst, his life might not be perfect but not everything is going to go wrong all the time so there was no need to think of the worst.

Atlas walked into the back yard near the fence telling the guards to give them space. He is a Greene so the guards listened to him creating space between the two “I want you to stay away from my brother” Atlas ordered after the guards were far enough where they couldn’t hear them, his tone left no room for argument “Stay away from my brother, you don’t get to teach him your abomination ways” Elmer didn’t know what to say, his heart was pounding in his heart. He can do anything, anything can happen to him but staying away from Bert is something Elmer feels incapable of doing.

Bert is practically his moving force, he is his only happiness. The only light in the dark world he is living, his first morning thought, the one person that makes his heart pound in excitement, his touch makes him want to fly. Bert is his everything, his life, Elmer feels like it is the most impossible thing he can ever do “He is not like you, stay away from him you cursed child” Atlas made himself clear right before walking away leaving Elmer there staring at the wall. He knew that what he has with Bert is not right and it should be hidden from everyone. He knew no one will understand what he has with Bert, something uncontrollable, something he didn’t know he was until Bert. Something he didn’t know he was looking for, something do wrong but do right

Elmer doesn’t know what to do now, he knows he has to let go of Bert for their sake but that will be the hardest thing Elmer has ever had to do in his life. Letting Bert go, he doesn’t know if he will be able to do it, how can he begin to take out the light in his life “Hey” Elmer was startled from his thoughts by Bert “I didn’t mean to scare you, are you good” Elmer nodded shrugging away Bert’s hand from his shoulder.

“Yeah, I have to go” Elmer doesn’t think he can do this now, he needs time before he can face this. He turned to leave but Bert held his hand.

“Tell me what’s wrong” Bert’s voice was full of worry, he has always been worried about Elmer “What happened?”

“Nothing-”

“Elmer you have to talk to me” Bert insisted, Elmer always keeps things to himself. He never shares staff with Bert and Bert wants to know what hurts Elmer, what is wrong because he is always here to listen. He would want to know what hurts Elmer and why he would be sad now yet he was happy before Bert went to talk to Ernest “Talk-”

“Don’t touch me” Elmer pulled away from Bert “I don’t want to see you now” Elmer snapped walking away from Bert. He doesn’t need Bert to show care when he is about to lose him, Elmer doesn’t want to drag Bert down with him, his life is already bad whereas Bert’s life is perfect. He has a destiny to fulfill, Elmer can’t let Bert get dragged down by this. Bert loves his brother, Elmer just can’t get between them especially him. Family is always better than anything else and Elmer just can’t get between that ‘Why does everything have to be hard?’

Sometimes it feels like the universe is against Elmer in everything. He had finally found the one but it is impossible and now he is about to lose him. Elmer didn’t know he was scared of losing Bert until the possibility of actually losing him “When will things just be fine”

---

Bert doesn’t know what happened, when he left to talk to Ernest everything was okay with Elmer but now he seemed upset about something. Bert has caught Elmer sad on several occasions, Elmer always found a way to not tell Bert what is wrong but when he is around Elmer seemed to lighten up. Not today though, Elmer seemed worried about something which is worrying Bert too “Did something happen?” Ernest asked walking besides Bert.

“I don’t know, I think something happened to Elmer, he seemed sad”

“Maybe he needs space, you have been with him a lot this month” Bert knows that Ernest said that because he doesn’t know what is happening between him and Elmer but that still hurt. Why would Elmer want space from Bert, in a matter of fact they should be together so that they can talk. In this case Elmer just needs to open up more, he needs to let Bert in whatever is bothering him “Era is coming tonight, will you be around. I am sure she would like to see you”

“I don’t know, I am kind of tired. Maybe tomorrow” Bert was definitely not in the mood for anything

“Yeah okay” Ernest said kind of disappointed, it has been long ever since he spent time with Bert and he thought that maybe after reconciling they would spend some more time together today. Ernest regrets the day he kissed Bert, he should have stayed with his feelings instead of ruining his friendship with Bert and he doesn’t know how he will be able to get them back to where they were before all of this happened.

“See you tomorrow” Bert just wants to talk to Elmer so that they can talk about what happened earlier but maybe Ernest is right and a little space will do them good. Maybe tomorrow Elmer will be ready to talk to Bert, it isn’t what Bert wants but it is what he has to do. Bert knows one thing, space from Elmer sucks

Chapter 41

Elmer decided to destruct himself from the harsh reality by working in the flowers, it managed to get his mind off of what happened and on to something else, flowers always manage to calm him down but there is little they can do about something like this. Elmer has found himself more fascinated about Bert than with flowers, things have changed with time and Elmer had gotten accustomed to those changes now they are about to be taken from him in just a blink if an eye.

Elmer cut a flower just for being in his head so much that he forgot what he was doing “You really killed that flower, prince of flowers” a voice said behind him, Elmer turned to find princess Era in her blue gown, hair falling down on her shoulders looking as beautiful as ever. Elmer bowed greeting her “How have you been?”

“Good” Elmer said flatly, he tried being enthusiastic about his answer but he came out short

“Good?” Era questioned “You don’t sound good”

“Am fine and I am sorry about last time we saw each other. I got distracted and I forgot to come see you” Elmer remember that he had to see Era that night the next day after the show he had seen with Bert and Ernest, he has wanted to apologize ever since but Era had already gone back to Dagen

“I can tell you what I wanted to tell you now” Era said getting closer to Elmer who consciously moved back not to be so close to the princess “No need to step back, I want to whisper it”

“W-w-wh-” Elmer wanted to ask ‘Why?’ but the question seemed to be stuck down his throat. They are alone in the garden, there was no reason for princess Era to whisper. Elmer took another step back when Era got close again.

“Don’t worry, it’s fine” Era took his hand, moving her hand up and down Elmer’s hand. Elmer wanted to pull out but that seemed rude to just pull his hand out, one thing was for sure, he didn’t want to be touched by Era and this is making him nervous and so uncomfortable. Era tiptoed pulling Elmer down so that she could get to his ear “I like you” She whispered before pulling away staring into Elmer’s eyes while biting her lip “Do you like me?”

“Huh?” Elmer was just shocked by the fact that she likes him, the second question was just ‘Huh?’ Elmer gently pulled his hand out of princess Era’s hand “I-” Elmer didn’t know what to say but his answer seemed to make Era smile wider pulling Elmer into a kiss that Elmer was not ready for. Elmer was shocked but he pulled away from the kiss before it could escalate and it felt weird, not like Bert’s kisses, it felt so wrong “I-”

“I knew you liked me” Era attached their lips again without letting Elmer say anything, he doesn’t like her. Where was she getting that from when she isn’t giving him time to speak.

“What do you two think you’re doing?” Della’s angry voice came and that made the two get away from each other, Elmer wiping his lips turning to his fuming aunt “She is your- she is married” Della scolded glaring at Elmer.

“I didn’t kiss her, she kissed me and I didn’t know What-”

“Don’t give me excuses for what you are doing” Della was not up for any explanations from Elmer.

“Don’t talk to him like that” Era interjected taking Elmer’s hand “We like each other and I am going to fight for us and leave my marriage” Elmer was confused staring at Era fighting the urge to cry, he doesn’t like her and what does she mean fight for them, leave her husband. If people know that Elmer is the cause of Era leaving her husband then things will get bad for him, things are already bad, he doesn’t need them to get worse than what they already are.

“Leave us alone” Della commanded Era like she wasn’t a princess pointing at the exist. Era huffed pecking Elmer’s cheek before walking way after giving Della a glare “A princess, you like her. Elmer do you know what this is going to cause if she even dare says about leaving her husband”

“Aunt I don’t like her, she kissed me-” Elmer tried defending himself and this time he let his tears fall, his heart pounding. He didn’t say anything, he doesn’t like her, he didn’t kiss her.

“How could you let her kiss you” Della was fuming

“Am sorry, I didn’t know she was going to kiss me but I don’t like her I promise”

“Do you like her” Elmer shook his head no immediately “Don’t lie to me, do you like her”

“I don’t”

“You better, we have enough problems to deal with than have you be in love with your sister” Della thought out loud with her hands on her hips without realisation of what she has just said until it hit her and when she turned her head Elmer was staring at her with confusion on his face

“Sister?” Della stared at her nephew who has been through a lot so young in life. Everything against him, none of anything is his fault, this came from his parents and Della knows that maybe it is time he told Elmer who his parents are and where he really came from, he is a grown man now and he deserved the truth.

“Take a seat, this is going to be a long story”

---

Elmer has walked from the castle with tears falling down his face but he didn’t stop walking. He knows that he only needs one person to hold him and maybe tell him it isn’t true what he had just found out, finding out who his real parents were and the real reason he was thrown out from the Felstead to become the cursed child.

Elmer has always wanted to know his parents, where he came from and the reason why he was thrown away but now he wishes he didn’t know, this hurt more than not knowing, knowing that your mother wanted you dead at such a young age, that she never wanted you in the first place and that she is happy without you in her life. Elmer has been asking himself what he did wrong, if perhaps it was true and he was cursed just like everybody else says.

He never seems to be lucky in anything, even when he was born he is the one that was never wanted. He is the one that nobody wants around, looked at with disgust like he doesn’t matter. Elmer wiped the constant tears that keep spilling out of his eyes as he reached Bert’s castle, he walked to it knocking hoping to see Bert, he is the only one he can talk to, the one he considers a friend and a lover, the only one who has loved him unconditionally, Elmer wanted to feel that love now, to just be held by Bert.

The door opened by a servant, she knows Elmer as he often visits with Bert all the time “Hi, am sorry to intrude…” Elmer sniffed wiping his tears away again “Is Bert inside”

“Yes-” The servant didn’t get to tell Elmer to enter when Atlas appeared at the door telling her to leave them alone. Elmer took a step back with his hands over his chest shivering from the cold air, he walked here without covering himself up with a coat. He didn’t get the time he just wanted to talk to Bert.

“I thought I told you to stay away”

“I just need to talk to him, it’s important. I promise I will stay away, can I just talk to him just once please” Elmer just needed Bert for tonight, just tonight, he doesn’t care what will happen tomorrow, he just needs to talk to him tonight.

“Just stay away”

“Please”

“Did you hear what I have just said” Atlas threatened his hand flashing a green light as he got closer to Elmer who took a step back staring at Atlas’ hand “Stay away from my brother or I will kill you” Elmer has not had a chance to stand in front of an angry Greene but now he seems to have put himself in that exact place, Atlas was giving him a murderous look. Elmer nodded scared from the power that was emitting from Atlas “This is the last time I see you anywhere near my house or my brother, the next time you’re dead, do you hear me” Atlas seethed right in Elmer’s face.

“Am sorry” Elmer apologized turning around to running away from the angry Atlas. Elmer didn’t get to too far as his legs gave out on him falling down to his knees sick and tired of everything and everyone and the entire universe. He only needed comfort tonight and the only person that could give it to him can’t be reached, Elmer couldn’t see the one person he wanted to see, he feels like his life is not worth living anymore if someone that helps him wake up everyday is gone, that is something he doesn’t want to live with

‘Why can’t I just have one thing’

Chapter 42

Elmer stared a wake feeling his body laying on something soft. His bed has never been that soft, the only soft bed he has had a pleasure to sleep on was Bert’s bed. When Bert’s name popped in his head he sat up with hope that he will see Bert sitting next to him, waiting for him to wake up like he usually did whenever Elmer slept in. Elmer tried to blink away his tears looking around the room he was in, it wasn’t Bert’s room and Bert wasn’t around.

Elmer got off of the bed, it isn’t big but it is soft and fluffy. Elmer fixed the sheets on properly, folding the blanket laying it down too. He walked over to his warn out shoes pushing his legs inside while looking around the room to see if he left a mess and everything was just fine before pulling the door open. He walked out and he was standing near the kitchen where a very big buff man stood with his hands over his chest staring at him intently “Sir” Elmer gulped staring up at the guy “I swear I don’t know how I got here, I am not here to rob you. I didn’t take anything” Elmer showed his hands and pants to prove he didn’t take anything.

“I brought you here kid, relax” Elmer stopped panicking when the guys calm voice sounded, for the first time he wasn’t being accused of robbing someone “I found you sleeping on the side of the road and i decided to bring you here” Why would a stranger help him, Elmer didn’t know those kind of people existed. It might be because he has been around hate his entire life but he didn’t know a stranger would bring him into their house after the reputation he managed to get himself into.

“Am sorry sir, for being trouble, you should have left me there” Elmer said ‘That is what everyone would have done anyway’ Elmer thought in sadness staring down at his feet

“Why would I leave you out in the cold” That wouldn’t be the first time Elmer has slept out in the cold, one time he was locked out of the castle by Logan for the entire night, Elmer had to search for where to crash since the storage room was also locked so that he wouldn’t steal their food “Let us have breakfast”

“Thank you sir but no, I have to go” Elmer was surprised by the stranger’s kindness.

The guy walked over to Elmer pulling him to a chair “I insist” The guy said handing Elmer a bowl of porridge with bread as he took a seat next to Elmer eating too. Elmer was hesitant but he took a bite of the bread with some porridge “You have the king’s eyes, has anyone ever told you that” Elmer has been told that so many times but now he knows why he has the same eyes as them, because they are related ‘The family that never wanted him and chose Ernest’ that sounded bitter in Elmer’s head and he wouldn’t wish the life he has had on anyone but why wasn’t he wanted

“Thanks for the food sir, I will pay you back whenever I can”

“No need to pay me back” Elmer nodded getting up ready to say goodbye to the kindest stranger Elmer has ever met, Elmer asked if he could use the kitchen and when the man nodded, he got up cleaning his plate plus the guy’s plate when he was done eating too “Wiley”

“Elmer, thank you so much for everything but I have to go now” Elmer added wiping off the water on his pants while making his way to the door.

“Elmer” Elmer turned back “If you’re still breathing, it means you’re still winning” sir Wiley said with a small smile, Elmer turned to go out but gave Wiley another glance before going out of the door what he said still moving around in his head. There was no winning in what was happening to him, he was losing and breathing shouldn’t be the only gift that forces him to stay alive, he would want to breath and not feel so much hurt, for people to stop hurting him like he doesn’t matter, like his heart was meant to be stabbed over and over no matter how much it bleeds, no one ever stops.

Elmer feels the world against him and it is indeed against him. His only reason to smile, wake up happy, pass through the next day is going away and Elmer will be left alone, so scared to go back home because he is terrified to face his mother as the entire kingdom’s embarrassment, the thief, the one…. Elmer breathed hard wiping away his tears again as he walked into the castle with a heavy heart, he doesn’t want to see any royal or cross their paths, that might make everything hurt so much. Elmer didn’t try going into his bedroom, he used the back door going straight into the kitchen where he knows he is needed and late “Where were you?” Oda asked as soon as Elmer entered the kitchen.

Everyone is a mess moving around that they didn’t get time to give Elmer stinky eyes or some words towards him. Elmer didn’t reply he just made his way to do the dishes, his first job “What are you doing?” Oda asked when she saw Elmer start washing the dishes “The royals are waiting for their breakfast, get over here and take this to them”

“M-me” Elmer asked pointing at himself, Oda nodded handing him a tray telling him to go “But I don’t serve” Elmer complained, he would rather risk facing Oda’s anger than meet the royals right after finding out that they were his real family.

“Everyone is busy, now go” Oda ordered pushing Elmer out of the kitchen, there are some things that proved to Elmer that he was indeed cursed, he has never served the royals but now that he knows that they are his family he is being told to serve them. Elmer walked through the hallway his hands shaking that he was scared the food he was holding was going to fall off. He has been meeting the royals, talking them ‘In the past anyway’ but now he isn’t meeting the royals, he is meeting the family that never wanted him and now they have to be served by him. Elmer tried calming himself down when he reached the dining area where they are all seated. The king at the head of the table, Hattie on his right side while Ernest on his left then Era next to Ernest.

Era smiled when she saw Elmer walking in fixing her hair, Elmer had to set her face in a straight line but the fact that his sister kissed him disgusts him to no end, they might not have grown up together but still, same blood. Elmer bowed resting down the bowls, Era touched his hand secretly but Elmer pulled out quickly going to Ernest who was busy in a conversation with the king while Hattie was giving him the stinky in her eye. Elmer served her with his hand shaking more, he moved putting down the king’s plate and doesn’t know how he did it but the plate tumbled falling onto the king’s lap.

Elmer knelt down pulling the plate off while apologizing frantically, trying to clean the king with his hands. He should have been more careful, how- “You piece of trash” Hattie yelled as all the servants moved to the king to check if he was fine.

“Mother calm down” Ernest said getting up to help his father out.

“No, did you see what he did. We don’t need people like him around here. Diego come arrest him” Hattie ordered her high pitched voice sounding around the entire room.

“Hattie that is enough” The king’s voice was heard around stopping any movement going on in the room “Get up” The king ordered Elmer to get up, he got up without raising his head “You’re free to go” Elmer bowed apologizing one more time before storming out of there, running past everyone without looking back or stopping, not even when he heard Era’s voice call out to him, he just needed to be alone and away from it all.

Chapter 43

Bert walked over to the hat he built for Elmer when he needed to be alone, he pulled the wood open getting inside to find Elmer laying down with the horse flowers Bert gifted him in his hands fast asleep. Bert took off his shoes sitting down next to him, he heard what happened earlier and now he knows Elmer must feel like shit for what happened, Bert is clumsy and has had to deal with things like this his entire life, he knows it never gets better more so if you pour something on the king or the royal family.

Bert shrugged off his coat wrapping it around Elmer who was shivering from the cold while pulling him into his chest after putting the plant out of his hand, Elmer stirred opening his tired red eyes and the minute he saw Bert his eyes just started tearing up again pulling Bert even closer “Am here, am here” Bert tried comforting but Elmer just cried in his chest uncontrollably, the last time Bert saw Elmer cry this much was when he was punished for the bracelet and this breaks his heart that it is happening again “Nothing bad is going to happen, okay, the king isn’t mad. He understood that it was an accident”

Elmer just cried even more, that wasn’t the only reason he is crying, he has so many to cry about but that fact that the queen just looked at him with so much hate, she never wanted him but seeing it in her eyes made Elmer want to crawl into a cave and just hide from the world forever then he is going to lose Bert on top of that, Elmer pulled Bert closer. This might be the last time he can do this, the last time he will be able to hold him this close “Nothing bad is going to happen, I promise”

“You’re going to leave me” Bert frowned bringing his eye brows closer to each other while pulling Elmer out of the hug.

“Why do you say that? Elmer I will always be here, I will always be around and you should never doubt that” Bert said actually kind of hurt that Elmer would think of something like that but now Elmer is sad and he might be getting insecure again about how much Bert loves him “I love you and that will never change”

Elmer glanced down playing with the floor, he knows Bert is going to leave after he finds out that his brother found out about them “Everything is going to be okay” Bert said getting closer to Elmer taking his hand but Elmer pulled out “Talk to me, I hate seeing you sad”

“Your brother” Elmer lifted his head “He knows about us and….he doesn’t want me near you again. I know he is your brother and you love him but I don’t want to lose you, if I lose you I am going to have nothing”

“That is not going to happen” Bert encouraged hugging Elmer again, he has been wondering why Elmer is so sad, maybe this was the reason he snapped yesterday, the thought of losing Bert killing him. Bert is scared that his brother found out about him and Elmer. Bert loves Elmer more than anything and nothing scares him than to lose this love, his brother not approving is something else but Atlas thinking that Bert will live without Elmer then that is another thing that Bert isn’t going to allow to happen, not ever, even when the world is against their love. Bert is willing to fight for what he has with Elmer.

“You can’t stay with me” Elmer denied pulling out of the hug wiping his tears “People will hate you for this and I don’t want to be the reason you lose everything you have fought……” Elmer trailed off when Bert attached their lips together into a slow and passionate kiss filled with love and compassion, tasting Elmer’s salty tears.

“I love you Elmer” Bert whispered his eyes stinging with tears as he stared into Elmer’s sad eyes “I love you so much, I am willing to do anything for you. If my brother is against it, I don’t care. I don’t care if the entire world is against us, I don’t care if I lose my place, I don’t care if I lose everything as long as I don’t lose you. If I lose you, I will be shattered….” Bert’s tears fell out of his eyes just the thought breaking him “If I lose you Elmer, my heart…. My heart will not be able to take it, I won’t be able to live without you because you are my everything, you don’t know what I am willing to do just to keep you in my arms. I am going to talk to my brother, he will understand that I love you, he will see how happy you make me and if he doesn’t then we will run away because I am not willing to lose you, ever”

“Promise”

“I promise” Bert pecked Elmer’s lips groaning at the taste of Elmer’s lips, there was no best feeling as good as the feeling he gets when with Elmer. He always feels so many emotions at once that makes him want to cry at how happy he feels, that is something Bert isn’t willing to throw out. This was something worth fighting for, something worth dying for. Bert pushed Elmer back down laying on his back after pulling Elmer’s shirt over his head, Bert connected their lips again the kiss getting more heated, needing Elmer closer and all the clothes between them gone “Ah, gods. I love you” Bert moved kissing Elmer’s body tasting every inch of him.

Elmer bit his lip taking off Bert’s shirt touching his body, tingles passing through his hands as he moaned pulling Bert close “Ah” Elmer moaned his dick hard leaking in his pants “I need you” Elmer couldn’t wait, he needed Bert so bad he pulled his pants down spreading his legs, his hole twitching for Bert’s dick “Bert, please” Elmer was in a state of euphoria, his mind set on only one thing and that is to feel Bert inside him. Bert pulled off his pants getting between Elmer’s legs as Elmer licked his lips staring at Bert’s dick, his hole waiting “Please” Elmer felt like Bert was taking so long to push inside.

Bert’s fingers were inside Elmer easing the feeling but he needed Bert inside as he moaned arching his back whenever Bert’s finger hit that spot making him shiver, sweat falling down his body “Ah, ugh. More, Bert please” Bert was moving in s very slow motion hitting Elmer’s spot not as hard as he would want to

“Look me in the eye” Bert said, Elmer glanced at him with pleading eyes “Promise me you will always trust me, promise me you will never believe any rude words that you hear, promise me Elmer”

“I promise” Bert smiled leaning up kissing Elmer’s lips while grinding on his dick making him moan in his mouth

“You drive me crazy” Bert moaned just smelling Elmer’s skin “How do you manage to get me like this, not get enough” Bert asked groping Elmer’s thighs positioning his dick and when he pushed in, Elmer felt like he was in heaven moaning so loud with his eyes closed taking in the feeling of having Bert inside of him, feeling him so deep. This was the best feeling Elmer has ever felt in his life, ever since they started doing this Elmer has been addicted to it that everyone his eyes locked with Bert he would remember what happened “You get me high, you make me lose my mind, tell me how” Bert asked moving inside Elmer, every move feeling like a new thing.

Elmer always felt new, every god damn time. His moans, Bert pounded into Elmer making him cry out in pleasure holding onto Bert so hard, the rush feeling that goes through his body “Am about to…” Elmer moaned out throwing his head back waiting to be thrown on edge when suddenly Bert decreased his moves pulling out of Elmer. Elmer opened his eyes to see what was wrong pulling himself up on his elbows “I want to taste you” Bert took Elmer’s shaft into his hand moving up and down slowly before increasing his pace, Elmer moaned falling back down when his tip hit the back of Bert’s throat and when he groaned, Elmer felt like he is shivering all over

Bert took him into his mouth then added two fingers in his entrance pushing at his spot attacking Elmer both ways. Elmer held his head with his legs shaking “B-be-rt” Elmer shook from too much pleasure, his eyes rolling back as his eyes watered “Pleaaaase” Elmer was begging as he was close to exploding “Ah, B-b-b-BeRT” Elmer yelled exploding inside Bert’s mouth as the pleasure exceed what he could take, his body shook as he orgasmed his legs feeling weak, his eyes rolling down in his sockets while watering. Elmer had to blink for minutes to get his sight back while breathing had to get his heart back at a normal pace. Elmer had just managed to get his heart back to normal when he felt Bert’s fingers on his entrance pushing in.

“How are you feeling? Can you go on” Bert asked seeing Elmer writhe out on the ground. He wants to get back inside of him, Bert held Elmer’s head in place making him look him in the eye “If you’re tired we can stop”

“I can go on” Elmer finally said, Bert smiled pecking his lips before moving his hands on Elmer’s hole pushing in two fingers “What- are….Oh, oh, yes…Bert” Bert wasn’t the only one losing his mind, Elmer was going insane, his body was getting thrown off of the edge and back, this felt like an emotional rollercoaster

“I like it when you moan my name” Bert said in a husky voice right before he slammed into Elmer for the second time making him scream louder than ever. It always feels so nice to be buried inside Elmer but most importantly Bert wanted to taste him so badly, just so he can get to see how he tastes like, seeing Elmer writhe on the ground, feeling this close to him, Bert knew this was the love he can never let go, the one person he has felt a connection stronger than any other and as they exploded together again, Bert was sure he is never leaving Elmer because that would be a death sentence “I love you”

“I love you too”

Chapter 44

“Atlas, we need to talk” Bert said reaching his brother, who nodded getting out of the crowd following Bert back to his room “I am not leaving him”

“What are you talking about?” Atlas asked confused.

“Elmer” Bert pointed out “I know you know about me and him. You mean, soo much to me Atlas and I would really appreciate it if you tried to understand me, this isn’t wrong as it is taken to be, we love each other, I love him”

“You can never say something like that about another man” Atlas snapped not believing what his brother is talking about, there was no understanding this, it is disgusting “He is crowding you with his cursed ways, he is cursed Bert. That is what cursed children do, I wouldn’t mind about what he does, he is what he is but involving you in such a disgusting habit is completely unacceptable and I will kill him”

“I put him in this, he didn’t do anything because I have been like this ever since I was born. My attraction to men has increased throughout the years, Elmer isn’t like me. He fell in love with me but I have to be blamed for putting him into this habit not him”

“You are not like that, you are a Greene and Greene’s don’t do that” Atlas towered over Bert glaring at him so hard his eyes turned green “Tell him to stay away from you or I am going to kill him” Atlas threatened before getting out banging the door behind. Bert sighed knowing that there was only one thing left to do, if his brother couldn’t accept him then who else will and if he lets this get out, everyone will be pointing fingers at Elmer blaming him for everything. Bert needed to save Elmer from all of this before it could get out of hand.

‘They needed to leave’

---

“The queen wants to see you” A servant told Elmer, Elmer got out of the bathrooms that he was cleaning after washing his hands “She is in the royal laundry room” Elmer nodded walking over to the royal laundry room that is just down the next hall. Elmer knocked before getting inside to find Hattie standing there, he bowed greeting her but she didn’t turn to look at him.

“Did you know that my son, the only one I have, my one son” Hattie turned around “Ernest, is about to be made king next month”

“Yes your majesty” Elmer kept his face to the ground keeping his feelings at bay, he has nothing to do about that and the way Hattie said it made it clear that Hattie has never wanted Elmer and she never will. The only son she sees is Ernest, Elmer is not sad about that because Ernest is a great guy that deserves everything, even the love of there mother. Even though the love can’t be shared with Elmer.

“I don’t want you here by the time that happens” Elmer snapped his head up wondering why “If you have any plans inside that head of yours to try and stop that from happening I will kill you, I need you gone before you try and sabotage my SON’S happiness and destiny. Now that we are clear get back to whatever stupid thing you do with your pathetic life, you are a disappointment as I expected. Too bad she didn’t kill you” Hattie sighed looking at him from head to toe “Such an embarrassment, pity”

Elmer didn’t turn or move, he just stayed in his place hearing her shoes hit the floor as she walked out. Elmer stared at his hands that are shaking as he tried breathing in an out but that still didn’t help the tears from falling out of his eyes. He wiped them away in anger tired of crying all of the time, so sick of himself that he stormed out of the laundry room wanting to be alone which would have happened if he didn’t walk into Atlas who was fuming “I told you to stay away from my brother” Atlas threatened with a green light in his hand threatening to kill Elmer

“I am sick and tired of everyone having a problem with me, if you don’t want me kill me, just kill me. It will make things better” Elmer cried just sick and tired, if Atlas wanted him to stay away from Bert then he should just kill him, that will be the only way he will stay away from Bert. Atlas retracted his magic taking a step away from Elmer “If you can’t kill me just don’t take away the one person that is keeping me alive” Why can’t anyone just understand him.

Atlas has never seen so much pain in someone’s eyes, so much sadness like the world was weighing down on him. All the anger Atlas was feeling turned into concern, Atlas knows Elmer is cursed and the universe might be punishing him for his ways but did anyone deserve to be in such pain “Please, don’t take him away from me” Elmer begged one time before turning around not caring if Atlas hurts him, he just doesn’t want to let go of Bert ‘Is that too much to ask?’

Elmer walked back in the bathrooms breaking down again, it got too much for him again. Elmer isn’t looking for a new mother because he knows Hattie will never see him as such but is a little care too much for him to get, what did he do to be facing so much hatred in his life. So much rejection….Elmer wiped his eyes staring in space when he remembered that Bert is still with him, he didn’t leave him, he is still around. Maybe when Bert leaves that is when Elmer will lose ever hint of hope…… No, Elmer promised Bert he will not let words get to him and he should trust Bert that he will never leave him

Elmer got up finishing up with his cleaning, went to the storage, took out the food that was needed, cleaned the kitchen, the servants quarters and he was still getting all of the dirty laundry when someone whispered in his ear “Need any help” An automatic smile appeared on Elmer’s lips from hearing Bert’s voice, Elmer turned towards Bert biting his lip finding Bert so handsome, he wanted to kiss him but they were in the servants quarters, anyone could pass by “I missed you” Bert said getting closer to Elmer not leaving space between them.

Elmer shuddered at the heat Bert was emitting, the way he smelled attacking Elmer’s nose forgetting how to breath. He was ready to pull Bert into a kiss when suddenly Bert moved back creating distance, Elmer looked around to find Logan passing through, he had forgotten where they were “So, um. Do you know how to wash?” Elmer asked holding the laundry basket towards Bert.

“You didn’t even say if you missed me or love me, you’re straight on giving me chores, good to know what you need me for” Bert complained but still took the basket in his hands. Elmer smiled picking up the other basket as they made their way out of the servants quarters to the servants laundry quarters.

“I missed you” Elmer finally whispered as they walked into the laundry room where they started washing clothes while spilling water on themselves playing a round until it became a water fight, they spent the next hours redoing the same clothes as they also got involved in the water fight they were having the entire time but neither of them complained because they were doing it together, messing up together and that is all that mattered.

Each other’s company and the love they have for the other.

Chapter 45

Elmer fixed the storage room arranging the food that had just came in, keeping the food from the last time close so that they should finish it before going to the new one that had just arrived. Elmer has been doing this job since morning, carrying in the new food that has arrived and the one thing he loves about it, is that he has to be alone with no orders or stinky eyes but mostly no people, Elmer being away from people screamed peace and comfort…..

Elmer heard the door close behind him and he went to turn his head when a voice came “Don’t turn around” Bert’s voice came stopping him mid way looking back to the front. Bert walked close pushing his body into Elmer’s body making Elmer groan holding onto the sack of rice for support “You won’t believe what happened today” Bert said his fingers on Elmer’s shoulder blades massaging gently making Elmer groan, he needed that more than he thought he did.

“What happened?” Elmer asked turning his head to peer at Bert who smiled at him not stopping the massage.

“Atlas told me that…” Bert pushed his hands inside Elmer’s pants taking Elmer’s ass into his hands squeezing it gently while biting Elmer’s clothes back “He loves me and he will try to understand what is happening between me and you”

“T-th-th-at is n-n-nice” Elmer tried not to stutter but his body was in pleasure his head was having a hard time processing what to reply.

“What is nice, my brother accepting me or what I am doing” Bert asked smiling, his one hand is on Elmer’s shaft while his other is circling Elmer’s entrance but also not pushing in.

“Both, oh, oh, oh Bert”

“Both? So you’re happy about my fingers but not about my brother” Bert asked licking his lips loving Elmer’s reactions as he teased his body, Bert tapped Elmer’s legs indicating for him to spread his legs wider and he did. Bert moved his hand on Elmer’s entrance, moving in circles teasing him while moving his hand on Elmer’s shaft at a steady pace “You really know how to hide and make me keep searching, I like the games you play with me”

“They are…ah not games” Elmer moaned “I was….buuu-”

“You were what?” Bert asked chuckling to himself when Elmer couldn’t finish what he was saying. Bert loves seeing him in this state and him being the one doing it made it even better.

“I am, I am….I am going to come” Elmer announced right before he came, shaking as he spilled inside his pants on Bert’s hand. Bert pulled his hands out unbuttoning Elmer’s pants pushing them all the way  down before bending him over onto the sack of rice. Bert moved his hand from below going up on Elmer’s entrance, licking this lips seeing how red it looked “Ah, stop doing that” Elmer whined turning to look at Bert, he doesn’t want to get teased by Bert’s fingers. Bert did it on purpose doing it again “Bert please” Elmer begged pushing his ass back, he needs Bert inside of him.

“It is always hot and sexy when you beg” Bert doesn’t know what he wants when with Elmer, sometimes he wants him to beg but also he wants him to writhe under him, moan his name out loud, make him scream or shake, make him come to no end. Bert feels like this is unhealthy obsession he has with Elmer, every time it seems new. Bert just loves every reaction that he gets from Elmer and he always wants to pull them out. Bert decided to stop teasing when Elmer’s hole became more inviting the desperate he got, Bert pushed into Elmer gently after lubing his dick, Elmer groaned filling filled up with Bert’s dick inside him and as Bert pounded inside of Elmer, Elmer had to hold himself onto the sacks that were preventing him from falling down at the pace he was being pounded in.

Bert pushed his hands inside Elmer’s shirt feeling him up, squeezing his ass, never once stopping or slowing down his moves. Bert pushed Elmer’s shirt up as he started biting down softly then licking getting groans and moans from Elmer the more he moved his dick and his bites, his hands exploring Elmer’s irresistible body all over “Your taste is marvelous” Bert praised moaning while tasting Elmer’s back all over slowing down his moves.

Elmer started pushing his hips back needing it hard, he needs Bert so far into him “I like that” Bert praised with a smile watching Elmer’s ass swallowing his entire dick and it was a sight to watch.

“Uh, huh” Elmer moaned moving faster but his moans increased when Bert met him half way hitting his spot good making him shudder thrown on the edge right before he came holding onto the sacks to keep himself steady as his legs felt so weak. Elmer felt Bert come inside of him after a few seconds, Elmer groaned in disappointment when Bert’s dick slid out if him leaving him empty and cold, needing more. Elmer turned around his hands still on the sacks, scared to let go until he gets feeling back in his legs. He smiled at Bert his happiness to the roof seeing him, looking at his sweaty face “Hi”

Bert laughed shaking his head at Elmer’s shyness as he got closer bringing their bodies close again “Just kiss me” Elmer didn’t need to be told twice, he attached their lips into a steamy but still passionate kiss that left the two more breathless than they were before “You should tone it down with your lips man”

“What do you mean?”

“They are so sweet” Bert said throwing his head back licking his lips “I am like addicted” Bert pecked Elmer’s lips again making Elmer laugh pecking him back “Who wouldn’t be addicted, I am just lucky I get to have you and no one else, your my high”

“Good thing we are both addicted” Elmer wrapped his hands around Bert’s neck giving his lips a peck “You were telling me about your brother” Elmer didn’t hear much of that, who would blame him when Bert’s hands were on his body and he is addicted to his touch.

“Yeah, we haven’t been talking lately. He has been distant-” Bert bent down pulling a cloth out if his pocket cleaning Elmer then himself before pulling his pants back up, helping Elmer with his too “-after our talk even when I tried talking to him he would just pass me like I didn’t exist, I was hurt every time he did that. I really wanted us to make up, I knew if he didn’t accept me we had to run away before things got messy but today he called me himself and told me, he has been thinking about me and you, he basically said he wants to understand this in ways so that he can accept it. I was so happy I came to inform you right away only to find you here looking hot and irresistible”

“That is such a lie”

“I know what I see, the only lie here is you not believing how turned on you make me with just one eye roll” Elmer rolled his eyes on purpose “I see someone would like another round” Bert teased kissing Elmer’s lips again when he heard footsteps approaching where they were. He pulled out creating distance between them “Someone is coming” Elmer got up so fast almost falling down getting to the other side of the sacks limping making Bert cackle to himself but tried to hide it

“You stupid, do you know how long we have been waiting….” Logan trailed off after noticing Bert in the room too “Oh, um…. You’re here, I should….”

“What did you call him?” Bert asked his mood completely altered. Logan didn’t reply but he moved his eyes from Bert to Elmer who was standing behind the sacks, Logan noticed the smell in the room, it was weird “I asked what did you call him”

“Nothing, I just-”

“I want you to choose your next words carefully or you’re going to be without a heart any second now” Bert wasn’t joking around, he had a feeling the rest of the servants didn’t treat Elmer very well but he had no evidence about it and Elmer refuses to touch the topic no matter how much Bert tried to make him talk

“Bert, it’s fine-”

“Nothing is fine here” Bert cut Elmer off, this wasn’t going unnoticed on his watch. Elmer tried his best not to limp while staring at Logan who has fear in his eyes but if Bert wasn’t around, who knows what would have happened. Elmer needs to stop this because it will just piss Logan off and later Logan will be in his room making him pay for this.

“Bert stop” Elmer’s voice came out strong but it had a pleading sound into it “I am sorry, I got distracted but I will bring the food in right away”

“No, he should take it with him. Why does he have to walk back bare handed, pick a sack” Logan didn’t complain nodding, walking over to the rice sack ready to pick it up “Take this one instead” Bert ordered pointing to the one that still has cum on it.

Elmer noticed his cum still on the sack “No, he should take the other one and leave this….” Elmer denied with panic nudging Bert trying to inform him of the situation they had and that they should let Logan take the other sack instead, he wants to wipe it but if he does that it might look suspicion, Logan had to leave that sack.

“I want him to take that one instead” Logan stared at the two pissed but he did what he was told picking up the sack walking out without another word or another glance at the two

“It had my semen on it, if Oda sees it she will flip and Logan. Oh my, oh my am dead, I am officially dead, dead, dead”

“Don’t panic, it will be wiped off with Logan’s shirt by the time he reaches”

“And then he will realise what is on his shirt and he will kill me”

“I will kill him before the dares to try” Elmer scoffed taping his feet “You don’t trust me to handle this”

“What if he tries to kill me in the middle of the night, you won’t be around and I will be dead, dropped somewhere my body will rot all alone in eternal misery. Everyone won’t remember me in the next two seconds, they won’t even notice I am gone or dead, no one will care to look for me or try to bury me in a proper manner and I will be eaten by a bird, that is if it wants to eat me, they night reject me too and leave me there”

“Oh, gods” Bert chocked out holding his mouth as tears fell down his face. He didn’t know that this was the way Elmer saw himself, it was worse than he had imagined “Don’t ever say or think about something like that, I-” Bert pulled Elmer into a hug trying his best to keep his tears at bay “Even when no one remembers you, I will remember you and I will never let your body rot somewhere all alone, I would search for you even if it meant flipping everything around and I will give you a proper burial you deserve even if I have to attend it alone. It doesn’t matter how many attend, what matters is that one person who will never forget about you to be around so please” Bert took Elmer’s hands into his “Don’t ever think like that when you still have me okay, don’t ever give up on life because that will break me, I want you here, I want us to go through it together. You have me, Elmer you will always have me. Even when we are far away, i will always be in your heart and you will be stuck in mine forever, that will never change”

Chapter 46

Since the day in the storage, Elmer has eased up a little bit with everything and his worries. As long as he still had Bert everything was almost perfect with just a little flaws here and there, nothing Elmer couldn’t handle. The biggest fear that Elmer has is losing Bert and that isn’t going to happen since Atlas is not threatening him anymore, something has finally gone Elmer’s way and those thoughts of dying alone had been thrown out of his head.

He has been getting a problem with Era who is constantly acting like they are lovers in a forbidden relationship, Elmer was in one he didn’t need to be in a second that he doesn’t want or is too disgusted to be in ever since he found out Era was his sister.

Elmer still looks in from the sides and sees the happy family having diner. Elmer wondered most of the time how it would feel like if he was on that table with them, being treated as their child and not some cursed child. Elmer knows that will never happen, he has been on that table so many times and never once did he feel like he belonged, the royals were Felstead. Elmer was never a Felstead but Moirai and it will never change.

Elmer still thinks about the fact that the queen wants him gone before Ernest is crowned as prince for no reasons. Elmer thinks it is the right opportunity for him to finally say goodbye to the castle and everyone in it but if he isn’t here, how will he be able to see Bert often, here at the castle Elmer could see Bert as much as he wanted…. Elmer frowned as he stopped trimming the flowers his eyes on Atlas and Ernest who are in the hallway seeming to be in a heated argument that Atlas is pushing Ernest in anger.

Due to the distance, Elmer couldn’t hear what they were arguing about and he was glad he didn’t ‘Eavesdropping turned out to be as bad as not knowing’ Elmer learnt that the hard way. Ernest pointed at Atlas saying something that made Atlas bawl his hand into a punch, Elmer’s eyes widened ‘Was Atlas planning on hitting the prince’ Elmer asked himself watching attentively. Ernest looked at Atlas’ fist said something that seemed to calm Atlas down, Atlas unfolded his fist argued something with a finger pointed to Ernest before storming out.

Elmer’s eyes followed Atlas and when they moved back Ernest was staring at him with a smile, he waved before walking away into another direction ‘That was a fast mood change’ Elmer thought but then shrugged it off, it was the Prince’s business and since Atlas is not in his business anymore, he would want him very far away at how much he is scared of him. Elmer went back to taking care of the plants humming a happy song, sometimes he would dance around when one of Bert’s memories hit him hard making him want to dance.

The freedom he gets when he thinks about Bert was out of this world, it brings him to life, it sets him free like he can conquer the world with one click. Elmer stops thinking all about the hate he gets, they all just fly over his head as nice words from Bert joins in. Trying to please the world was a hard thing to do and Elmer somehow gave up on that, he only needs one person “I need flowers for the king, bring them in now” Oda ordered walking back inside without adding another word.

Elmer took his gloves off watching his hands before picking up three sun flowers. The king tended to love them so much accompanied with his afternoon tea, Elmer walked back in the kitchen handing then to Oda “Put them on the king’s plate and take his tea into his office” Elmer knows better than to question why he was being handed another serving job after he poured food all over the king. Everyone blamed him for being clumsy, asking how could he do something like that, it felt like they never have accidents after finding out that your serving what would have been your family if they cared enough to keep you.

Elmer walked through the hall ways making his way to the king’s office. The guards opened the door for him, Elmer got in feeling like his heart will fall out of his chest, scared to mess up again like the last time. Elmer bowed greeting the king resting the tea down on the desk, the king glanced at his flowers picking them up “Put them in water for me” Elmer picked the flowers up replacing the old ones with new ones before taking them to the table again.

Elmer knew he had to walk out and leave but he stayed standing in place staring at the king “Your majesty, I would like to apologize for the other day” Elmer finally got the courage to apologize his eyes cast down, the king took a sip of his tea looking up.

“Look at me” Elmer lifted his eyes staring at the king in the eyes that look exactly like his “You seem like a nice boy” the king stood up with his cup in hand taking constant sips “In life we make hard decisions and in times they manage to get us what we want but we still break others that are not meant to be hurt” Elmer doesn’t know why he was being told this but he nodded staring at the king who is standing by the window staring out “I have hurt people, so many in times I thought I was doing the right thing. With time I started to realise that it doesn’t matter how good your cause is, what matters is that one life you save from an eternal cage you put them through. So my son, we all make mistakes in life, we try to not let them stop us from sleeping at night but really make us change the world”

Elmer knows that when the king called him ‘son’ it wasn’t like he meant his son but that made his heart happy even if it was not said in like that “We always face battles everyday and as a once friend of mine said ‘If your still breathing, it means you’re winning’” The king finished his tea walking over to Elmer handing him the now empty cup.

“Some one told me the same thing two weeks ago” Elmer remembers the stranger that told him the same exact thing. The king nodded walking over to his desk not looking good.

“You can leave” Elmer nodded picking up the tray ready to leave but as he reached the door he stopped, something telling him to ask what he wants to ask or he might not get a chance to ask it.

“If you allow me my king, I would like to ask a question” The king nodded giving him his attention again “If You- if- “ Elmer kept on cutting himself off not knowing how to ask the question “If you had two children in one birth, how would you choose which one to kill and which one to keep” Elmer asked after giving himself confidence, he has wanted to know how the king would choose, if by any chance the king would have done things differently, if he would have taken down the rule for him, it sounds impossible but Elmer can’t stop to wish that maybe, he would have wanted him. Elmer gulped waiting for the answer nervously, this might turn out worse than he thought.

The king thought hard about the kid’s question “I choose one to stay in the kingdom and keep another one in another kingdom until I am able to change the laws so that I can bring him back and be with his family”

“Why not change the laws and keep them both”

“I confirm laws but I have a council, for me to be able to change a law, I need to have a large amount of council members on my side and that takes time”

“So…how would you choose who stays and who gets taken out”

“The point isn’t about who stays, the point is the love I am going to provide them both whether one is close by or far away, I would give them the same love. I am a king and my kingdom comes first, protecting them comes first but family has to be the most sacred thing, remember that when you start creating your own family” Elmer nodded with a smile before excusing himself. The king stayed in his office his eyes on the boy that reminded him so much about himself when he was young, so scared with little confidence in himself or what he does “Guards” The king called, one guard opened the door “Get Proteus in my office”

The guard walked out to go carry the task that was asked of him by the king. King Elude remained in his seat not having the power to work as his heart started hurting, he punched his chest softly trying to get his heart back to normal when Proteus walked in, his long time friend and guard, the head of the Greenes “You called” Proteus said closing the door behind him.

“He is back” King Elude said seeming to be in thoughts with his hands on the desk.

“How do you know?” Elude sighed holding his heart “Are you okay”

“Yeah” he took in hard breathes “Him and Elmer have met, I need you to find out where they met before he starts causing war in my kingdom again” King Elude started coughing really hard, Proteus got up walking to his side holding his back as the king coughed hard, he started coughing blood falling out of his chair.

“Elude” Proteus called ripping his shirt open, he put his hand up conjuring words as a green light appeared in his hands, he was trying to do a healing spell and pull out what was killing the king or try to heal it “Elude” Proteus called when the king stopped moving “Elude wake up” Proteus tried to re-start his heart but it was all in vein the king was already…..

Dead

Chapter 47

“Boo” Elmer jumped so high he almost dropped the cup he was holding as Bert laughed holding his chest laughing uncontrollably.

“Don’t do that, you almost stopped my heart” Elmer complained continuing his journey to the kitchen.

“I saw you smiling from ear to ear, what happened?” Elmer smiled even more, after the conversation he has had with the king. It felt like someone he would connect with and it was amazing hearing him talk like that, the fact that death wouldn’t have been in his mind if he birthed two children eased Elmer’s mind and heart knowing that the king might not know that Elmer was his son too but he would have loved him the same.

“I had a conversation with the king” Elmer whispered not wanting anyone to hear “It felt amazing talking to him, I realized that I have never had a conversation to him ever since I arrived here”

“He is the nicest royal ever”

“Yeah, Ernest too don’t forget him” Bert laughed

“He is my best friend of course I won’t give him credit for being nice”

“Are you jealous of your best friend” Bert rolled his eyes with a huff when suddenly the entire castle went into panic mood “What is going on?” Elmer asked Looking at the people running. Cries were heard in a distance, people weeping.

“We need to go check it out” Bert suggested taking the tray out if Elmer’s hands resting it down before pulling his hand following the cries “What is going on?” Bert asked the guards who were standing in the hall way looking sad, servants were weeping next to them.

“The king” one of the guards started “He is dead”

“What?” Both Elmer and Bert said in unison with wide eyes. Elmer had just talked to him only a few minutes ago, he hasn’t even reached the kitchen and they are telling him that the king is dead.

“Your father and the rest are trying to find out what happened but it seems like it was poison” Bert didn’t wait to hear more, he turned around to leave as Elmer followed not believing the news that was being told to him, it was impossible for the king to be dead, he seemed fine a while ago and how did he get poisoned in just a few minutes. Elmer followed Bert who seemed to be in thoughts as he made his way in the royal chambers, Elmer didn’t care that he wasn’t allowed in these parts.

They turned into the hall to fine Hattie, Della, Era, Ernest and other two men Elmer didn’t know all standing outside the king’s room. Bert ran straight to Ernest giving him a hug as Elmer walked to his aunt standing next to her ignoring the look Hattie was throwing at him “Am sorry, I still can’t believe this” Elmer heard Bert say to Ernest while hugging him tighter. It became quiet again as they stood there waiting, it took a couple of minutes when the door finally opened with Proteus and a healer walked out.

“He drunk poison called aconite or well known as wolfsbane” Proteus voiced out through gritted teeth as Era started crying running over into Elmer’s chest hugging him tightly as she cried. Proteus looked at the boy Era was hugging and the face was coming to mind, he was the boy his son spends most of his time with. When realisation of what was happening hit him Proteus just wanted to kill him “Era step away” Proteus ordered his eyes turning green.

“I want-” Proteus didn’t want to hear it he lifted her with his magic putting her aside before taking Elmer by the neck getting him off of the ground.

“Dad” Bert called running over to his dad who is chocking Elmer “Dad, What- let go”

“Get out of this Bert” Proteus ordered applying more pleasure, now Della and Era are trying to pull him off of Elmer whose eyes have rolled in the back tears falling down, he was dying.

“Proteus enough” Ernest ordered, Proteus turned his head to the new king letting go of Elmer who fell down coughing struggling to get air back in his lungs with Bert and Della trying to help him “Why were you trying to kill him” Ernest has just lost his dad, he doesn’t need any more corpse in the kingdom today.

“He killed the king” Proteus accused making everyone gasp staring at Elmer, Elmer’s eyes were wide not believing he heard what Proteus had said.

Ernest glanced at Elmer then back to Proteus “That is a very big accusation Proteus, do you have evidence to back it up”

“The king was poisoned in his tea, he took the tea-”

“But I didn’t make the tea” Elmer felt the need to defend himself, he was just the server, he didn’t make the tea and he shouldn’t be accused of something like this.

“Let him finish” Ernest said glancing back to Proteus telling him to finish.

“There are things I can’t say out loud right now but the king had just told me something important right before his heart stopped” Proteus glanced at Elmer with anger that he is fighting to keep his magic in before he can destroy the boy “He had told me that Elmer met someone the king knew a few weeks ago, he told me to keep an eye on him just incase they decide to meet”

“Who was he talking about?” Ernest asked

“Wiley Rockrof”

“I don’t know who that is?” Elmer has never heard of anyone with that name in his life and why would the king tell Proteus to keep an eye on him, Elmer thought their talk was good, why would he ask for an investigation against him.

“The king told me you knew him” Proteus was ready to attack him again but his son stood in front of him “He is your friend but he has just killed the king, this is treason”

“If you don’t have proof that he did it, you are not doing anything to him” Bert was not going to allow this to get pinned on Elmer again, his dad had to have proof or Elmer stays untouched.

“I knew he would do something like this” Hattie jumped in accusing Elmer.

“No he wouldn’t” Era jumped to Elmer’s defence “He likes me, why would he do something like that and I am leaving my husband for him”

“What!” Everyone around asked, Bert was just wondering why Era is talking as if he and Elmer were lovers. Hattie was disgusted by that and she made sure to not hide it from her face.

“I need you all to calm down” Ernest seemed to be the only one who was still in his right mind “My father has just died and I don’t need whatever is going on here. Proteus is the head guard, I give you all the power to bring everyone that was involved in my father’s death to justice, do what has to be done” Ernest ordered before getting into his father’s room where his body is laid.

“Arrest him” Proteus ordered the guards that were around.

“But dad, he is not guilty”

“Until proven innocent, he is not leaving his cell”

“Dad, you can’t do this to him” Bert bargained, if Elmer is imprisoned for this he is going to be taken as guilty after the history he has, this can’t be pinned on him “I will search for whoever did this and bring him to you, you can’t do this to him”

“Until you find them, he is not getting out of his cell”

Chapter 48

“Open” Bert ordered getting inside the cell where Elmer is being held. The door behind them got locked as Bert stared at Elmer who is fitted on the small bed in the corner of the room with that look of defeat on his face “You are not losing faith now”

“What is the point of trying, I am just cursed” Elmer admitted lifting his head to stare at Bert “I am always in the middle of trouble without my knowledge. The one time, the one time I take tea to the king and it was poisoned, it was only one time, only once and he is dead. Tell me Bert, how can I fight a curse this strong when it doesn’t let me rest for a second”

“With me” Bert encouraged getting to the bed sitting close to Elmer without care that the guard is watching “Elmer this isn’t the time to lose hope, if we don’t do something about this you are going to be executed for killing the king. The king is not sick, he is dead, this makes everything ten times worse but I am here so that  we can do this together and find out the real murderer”

“But I am stuck here”

“You don’t need to do anything, just don’t lose hope because I am not letting you die. You and me are stuck together for life, no one is dying do you hear me, no one”

“I want to kiss you” Elmer whispered biting his lip, Bert was the most favourite person he has ever met in his life.

“Hey” Bert called the guard “Turn around and don’t look back until I tell you to” the guard frowned but did what he was told “Nothing is stopping you now” Elmer chuckled attaching his lips to Bert’s into a sweet, slow and passionate kiss that he needed like the air he breaths. They pulled back to get some air inside their lungs but Bert didn’t get enough he climbed on top of Elmer taking control of the kiss exploring Elmer’s entire mouth with his hands wandering Elmer’s body.

A moan escaped Elmer’s lips before he could control it and that seemed to pull them out if their trance stopping themselves before they could go any further “I want you so bad” Bert groaned, too bad they are not in the place where he could take Elmer and pound into that sweet tight ass of his. Bert got off of Elmer getting off of the bed “I think we need to talk at a distance before I jump you”

“You are right” Elmer nodded, that was a good idea. If they needed to get anything done “So, do you have a plan on where to start”

“I have talked to Oda and the rest, asking if they knew something or someone suspicious who was close by as they made the tea but they all don’t know but I am still keeping an eye on them, I am not trusting any of them. I can’t just trust anyone but now I want to start searching for that Wiley Rockrof, are you sure you don’t know him” Elmer shook his head, he has never heard of a name like that “Now I think I have to ask my dad for his information or I will get them from his-”

“Wait” Elmer cut Bert off when his head seemed to remember a Wiley “I don’t know if who I am remembering is the guy but I think I know who it might be”

“Where did you meet him, how do you know him”

“ I don’t know him honestly but he helped me when I fell asleep on the side of the road. I woke up in his house, he gave me breakfast then told me his name was Wiley, I think that’s it“

“You didn’t talk about anything else”

“Not really, he just told me I have eyes that are similar to the king’s, before I walked out he said ‘If your still breathing, it means you’re still winning’”

“How did he look like where does he live?”

“He is huge, so huge and tall probably taller than your dad. I don’t remember his face that well because I didn’t want to stay for long since he was so scary but he lives right outside of town, in zachary building” Bert nodded, this might be good if that is the same guy, Bert will get him to tell the truth and maybe get Elmer out of this.

“Okay, I will go check it out” Elmer nodded, Bert got closer giving Elmer’s lips a long kiss before pulling back “I love you and I will be back soon” Bert smiled adding Elmer a peck then going to the cell informing the guard to open the door. Bert walked out leaving an eased Elmer who knows everything will be alright, as long as he still got Bert by his side nothing will go wrong, it was comforting that all Elmer’s worries disappeared even if he was still stuck in a cell.

---

Bert arrived where Elmer was directed to, he got off of the horse making his way to the house. He gave it a single knock then waited for whoever was inside to open up. When his dad talked about Wiley it sounded like he was a bad guy and Bert came prepared just in case the guy decides to do something, who knows, he poisoned the king and managed to kill him, what said he wouldn’t kill Bert if he came asking questions.

Bert brought a small sword with him and his magic is ready for battle. Soon the door opened an a young woman walked out, she recognized Bert as she bowed greeting him respectfully then asking about the king, something’s Bert didn’t want to get into “Who do you live with?”

“Me, my husband and our daughter”

“Is your husband Wiley Rockrof?”

“No, his name is James” the girl replied with a laugh probably finding Bert’s question funny “Wiley is the guy that used to live here, he moved out two weeks ago after selling us the house”

“How did he look like?” Bert was getting curious with this Wiley guy, he might be the real murderer and if Bert got him, this might get Elmer out of trouble very soon.

“So tall, at first I thought he would hit me and my husband but turns out he was so sweet. He sold this house at a very cheap price”

“Do you know why he sold?”

“Poor man, his mother had just died, he decided to go for an adventure” Bert nodded staring at the house intently, inside him he felt like there is more to the house, to the woman than meets the eye. He had to keep a close eye on them too, they might lead him to Wiley. Bert thanked her for her time before turning around to leave with his heart telling him to just run away from here before things got bad.

Bert knew that before anything else, he had to know who he is searching for and why his dad would think he wanted to kill the king. This was something he had to study before tackling and to get to know Wiley, Bert had to steal his father’s information, unlock some of the secrets his father keeps.

Chapter 49

Elmer played with the wall feeling bored, he doesn’t know how long it had been since he was locked in this cell but he knows he is so bored out of his mind. He likes his space but this isn’t the kind of space he was talking about. He sighed looking up in the sky to see it has already been night and Bert hasn’t come back. Elmer wonders what Bert found out when he went to see Wiley.

To Elmer Wiley seemed like a nice guy, he doesn’t know how the king knew that he met him when he has never told that to anyone ever since it happened. The guy was huge but he didn’t seem like the type to kill the king, he seemed like he works everyday of his life, get judged because of his height…. “You may leave” Ernest ordered the guard after he opened the door leaving them with Elmer. Elmer got up greeting him respectfully “How are you doing?”

“Not bad, how are you coping up with your father’s death”

“Still in shock” Ernest replied breathing hard “Anyway, I am here to talk about what is happening. I know you couldn’t have poisoned my father and it is ridiculous that you are in here but for now I can’t do anything since I have to let Proteus to do his job and I don’t want to not trust the person who has been able to protect this kingdom for decades”

“It’s fine”

“But it doesn’t mean, I can’t bend some rules for a friend” Ernest smiled “Bert is in the garden waiting for you, he said he has a surprise for you”

“What kind of surprise?” Elmer was already excited just when he heard the name Bert.

“He said something about not ‘keeping distance like earlier’ whatever that meant” Ernest shrugged, he didn’t understand the code “I will keep the guards away as you walk to the garden but make sure you are in your cell before sun rise”

“I will be back before anyone notices” Elmer was so excited he couldn’t wait to run out of the cell right now.

“What are you waiting for, go” Elmer smiled walking to the cell door pushing it open before walking down the hall tiptoeing so not to get caught. After getting outside Elmer ran the whole way into the garden and when he reached he felt like his heart will fall out of his chest any minute but he had to see Bert.

“Bert” Elmer called searching through the flowers “Bert, its me where are you” Elmer raised his voice a little bit higher but not higher enough to get attention on himself. Elmer stopped when he heard chocking sounds, he walked to them his smile getting wider only to find Atlas laying down chocking on his own blood “Atlas” Elmer ran over to him, seeing blood oozing out of his stomach and chest with a knife right next to him “HELP, SOMEBODY HELP” Elmer yelled holding onto Atlas’ wounds to prevent blood from coming out.

Atlas held Elmer’s hand looking at him with wide eyes, Atlas opened his mouth but nothing came out “Don’t say anything, keep your strength”

“_“Again nothing came out “Er-n-est” Atlas struggled to get the name out. Elmer was about to ask what Atlas meant by the name when, Ernest with some soldiers appeared. Bert jumped over what Atlas has just said looking at Ernest.

“He is losing a lot of blood” Elmer said not taking his hands off of Atlas’ wounds keeping pressure on it. Ernest and the guards he came with stayed standing not doing anything to try and help Atlas who was still chocking, he might die if they didn’t do anything in time.

“What is going on?” Bert’s voice came from behind Elmer, Elmer knew that this was going to hurt Bert to the core seeing his brother like this “Oh gods” Bert gasped seeing his brother in a pool of blood, Bert ran over “Take your hand off and I see” Bert knew he shouldn’t panic right away, that might lead him to losing his brother, he needed to heal him.

“That will kill you”

“I don’t care, it’s my brother” Bert cried as a green light appeared in his hands, he pointed it at Atlas’ body hoping this could close the wound so that he won’t lose too much blood“

“Be careful” Elmer advised holding Atlas’ hand allowing Bert to do what he has to do in order to save his brother’s life. It might be dangerous but it is worth a risk.

“Stop talking as if you care” Ernest voice came and that made Bert lose focus for a while before focusing back “You stabbed him”

“Now, what?” Elmer asked glancing at Ernest, this is the most ridiculous thing he has ever heard. Bert glanced at Ernest then back at Elmer.

“He wouldn’t do that” Bert said so sure, Elmer would never stab his brother not in a million years. Elmer felt a sense of comfort that Bert believes him on this one. It is ridiculous to say the least.

“Bert I saw him with my two eyes”

“No you didn’t” Elmer was wondering why Ernest was lying to this extent, he didn’t see Elmer stab anyone.

“Why do you think he escaped, should he be here” Ernest asked Bert, Bert turned to Elmer as realisation hit him. Elmer should be held in a cell, what was he doing here.

“How did you get out of your cell?” Bert asked

“He let me out and told me you were waiting for me in the garden”

“I have been by my dead father’s side all day and I haven’t told you anything” Ernest denied

“You’re lying”

“Why would he lie about something like that” Bert asked something in his look not sitting well with Elmer “You are where you are not supposed to be, you have my brother’s blood all over you and he said he saw you stab him”

“He is lying, Bert I would-” Bert cut him off

“Don’t say another word, can someone call my father here” Bert ordered in anger staring at his brother, he managed to stop the bleeding but he doesn’t know if it will keep him alive. His dad is the master of healing spells and he would be able to help Atlas, Elmer moved his hand to touch Bert “Don’t touch me” Elmer retracted his hand, his eyes still on Bert who has his eyes on Atlas with sadness that Elmer wishes he could take away “Pray to the gods that my brother doesn’t die because if my brother dies, I am going to make sure you die in the most painful way possible” Bert’s voice had no hint of joke in it as he glared at Elmer.

Elmer doesn’t know if there are words that have hurt him like that “I want your brother to get better and I will pray for him but I didn’t do this to him. Bert why would I want to kill your brother, that makes no sense”

“It doesn’t make sense to me either so tell me why you did it” Bert snapped hitting the ground, this was the worst kind of betrayal he has ever had to endure in his life, footsteps were heard getting close as Proteus arrived with the rest of the Greene family behind him.

“What happened?” Bert’s mother asked as Proteus knelt down next to his son. Everyone kept silent no one saying a word until Ernest pointed to Elmer telling everyone he stabbed Atlas two times with him watching. All eyes moved to Elmer who glanced down to avoid all of their eyes, Bert’s cousins tried to attack but Proteus stopped all of them.

Proteus gave his son a disappointed look “You were so set on defending him when he killed the king, I hope your happy after he stabbed your brother” Proteus said picking Atlas up leaving with him in his hands as the rest just gave disappointed grunts following Proteus.

Bert sat down with tears falling down his face regretting every decision he has ever made in his life. His love for Elmer was too much it blinded him from everything else that was happening right below his nose, always thinking that Elmer was innocent because he was so set on seeing the good, just the good. Now it might cost him his brother, his love is going to cost him his brother, was he that blind he was defending a murderer all along, all this time.

Elmer saw the pain in Bert’s eyes, the regret that was filled in them broke his heart “Bert I didn’t do it” Elmer tried defending himself crawling where Bert was seated.

“I trusted you” Bert said in a broken voice hating himself “I trusted you” He trusted Elmer with his entire being “And this is how you betray my trust by stabbing someone I care about” Bert felt like he was foolish for ever trusting Elmer. Bert pulled Elmer by the collar staring in his eyes “You. Are. The biggest regret of my life”

“Please Bert don’t say that” Elmer cried

“Take him back to his cell and this time make sure someone is watching him at all times” Bert got up to leave but Elmer caught his hand not letting it go begging him to listen.

“Bert, I didn’t do it” Elmer begged not letting go of Bert’s hand “I will never lie to you, you know me Bert please” Elmer crawled holding Bert’s legs “You have to listen to me, I would never do such a thing to you, please, they are lying, they are all lying” Bert pulled out if Elmer’s out of Elmer’s grip, walking away without another glance back or word to Elmer. Elmer got up, he wasn’t letting Bert leave believing the lies he is being told.

“Where are you going?” Ernest asked blocking Elmer’s path “Are you planning on escaping, take him to his cell”

“Why did you lie? You know I didn’t do it, tell him the truth please. Bert, Bert please come back” Elmer wanted to go after him but was stopped again, the thought of Bert being mad at him, believing these lies didn’t sit well with him.

“Oh dear useless brother of mine” Ernest said with a sigh “You thought you could come into my life and take what’s mine and then get to live happily ever after, you think those fairytales were written for people like you”

“You know…. T-that I am your brother?” His aunt said Ernest doesn’t know anything about it and he thought…

“I am not your brother, I am your worst nightmare”

Chapter 50

Elmer took a step back at Ernest’s words, he used to think Hattie hates him but the look in Ernest’s eyes shows a different person than the one he has been seeing all along, the look so murderous, so full of hatred towards Elmer “I thought we were friends”

“At first” Ernest made clear “Then you started taking all of Bert’s attention from me. He would give you the presents I gift him, who do you think beat you up asking for the bracelet. I wanted them to kill you but they were incompetent useless things, you got sick and all Bert could talk about ‘Elmer is sick, I have to take care of him’ like I wasn’t around. He didn’t take care of me when I got my leg broken, it hurt like hell only to no be worth in the end. He just got mad at me, so I decided to get you out of the way the second time, I knew my mother would hate you if I gifted you with a shirt she took her time sewing for me, with Samuel’s help, the plan went according to plan only for Bert to come get me before your head could get chopped off”

“You are angry that I got his attention-”

“At first it was because of the attention” Ernest accepted “But then with time I realized I was never born alone, someone came out with me. With a little snooping around I found out it was you, so you should see where I am coming from here. First you take Bert’s attention, we had to start sharing the attention that I wanted all to myself, then I found out we shared the same belly, the same family. I knew I had to get you out of the way before you think about taking my throne. That was when my second plan came in, the bracelet. I didn’t want you dead that time, I wanted to show you your place and to think the cooks did a great job on that”

“You-”

“You what?” Ernest asked with a smile “I am in a very good mood right now, it has been a battle getting Bert to not trust you. He just seemed to trust you a whole lot than I expected, I poisoned my dad and Bert ju-”

“You killed the king”

“I tried the first time but you poured the food all over him ruining that plan, that poison was expensive and hard to get” Ernest talked as if he wasn’t talking about his father “He was taking long to die and I needed that throne a lot quicker than expected, anyway as I was still telling you. Bert defended you like a night in shining armor, defending the love of his life. What did you give him, how did you get the love I have been waiting for this entire time. I kissed him once and he took it as if I had killed a person, saying how wrong it was yet he was doing the same thing with you. We spent a month without talking when you two are all around my castle banging like rats in every corner I turn, ah” Ernest moaned with his eyes closed his hand on his Adam apple “When I heard his groans and moans, I was so turned on every time I heard them, his voice, his body whereas you had to be there screaming louder than a cow”

“Everytime I would hear him call you ‘Sweet, oh I love you so much, I can’t get enough’ are you kidding me, why would he want a pig like you”

“We might have shared the same belly but maybe I have something he fell in love with”

“He doesn’t love you” Ernest sneered his face so close to Elmer’s face “He thought he did but he doesn’t, his eyes were covered by the curse you walk with, you were just some relief to him and he will soon realise that he has never loved you”

“Your obsession with Bert has made you stab his brother”

“It isn’t an obsession, this is love. It wasn’t planned for Atlas to die, I am not heartless to kill Bert’s brother but I gave Atlas one task, to separate you and then kill you but that seemed like a big thing for him when he understood his brother and you. He wanted to understand that kind of love. I told him a million times it wasn’t love but he….he really pissed me off and since Bert didn’t believe you killed the king, I saw Atlas in the flowers, it became the right thing. What is better than use the person Bert loves”

“I can’t believe you would do something like that” Elmer held Ernest by the collar “I am going to make sure Bert finds out the truth about you”

“And you think he will believe you over me, his long time friend who has never lied to him before. You killed his brother, the only feeling he feels is hate towards you right now and if the gods help me and fulfill Atlas’ death, Bert will hate you even more than ever”

“He loves me”

“Don’t ever say that, Bert has only loved one person and that is me” Ernest’s voice was venomous but then the next second he was smiling like nothing had happened like his mood wasn’t veil a minute before

“You’re a sick person”

“So many have told me that but guess what?” Ernest laughed like he just said the funniest joke ever “Just guess….okay I will tell you. I killed them all and you are following, hope you say hi to father for me, I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye”

“You’re a sick person and I will make sure the world finds out exactly who you are” Elmer said as guards took his hands walking him back into his cell, he would have never thought Ernest was doing all of this. He seemed nice and harmless that if Elmer didn’t hear it from Ernest himself he would have never believed it himself.

People surprise you in the most shocking way

---

Bert stood in the corner all alone, everyone in the family was giving him glances but neither of them said anything. Atlas and Proteus have been in the room for forever now and Bert is getting anxious. This is his fault, he trusted Elmer so much he forgot to see the picture of who he really was until it is too late now.

Too much love made him weak, made him vulnerable to lies. Bert regrets the day his heart fell for Elmer, the day he thought that Elmer was the one, the only one he needs only to turn out that he was the one to cut his brother’s life short- Bert held the thought when his dad walked out looking dejected, he walked over to the dining room taking a seat all eyes on him “He was stabbed really bad, we don’t know when he will wake up or if he will wake up” Bert’s mom Lyra brought her husband some water.

Bert felt even more guilty about this, it was his fault defending a murder. Elmer would have been exposed if Bert wasn’t on his side all along “This is your fault” Hermes, Bert’s cousin got up pointing at Bert with tears falling down her eyes “You brought that monster in this family and now Atlas is…” Hermes didn’t finish sitting back down tears pouring out of her eyes.

Proteus glanced at his son, his eyes said a lot but his lips didn’t move “I have to get back to the castle, we have to prepare king Elude’s funeral”

“Good luck” Lyra said pecking her husband’s cheek before Proteus walked out “Guys get some rest, it has been a long day” They got up one by one leaving the room until only Bert and his mother remained “You need some rest too, go on”

“How can I sleep when I put my brother on that bed” Bert said in a small voice staring at his hands. Lyra walked over to her son.

“You trusted him, it isn’t your fault he used that trust to hurt you. None of this is your fault, let us set our prayers on getting Atlas better” Bert nodded getting up, he walked into Atlas’ room and the state he found his brother in left him in tears.

“Am sorry, I am so sorry” Bert apologized falling down on his knees, he could do anything to be on this bed instead of Atlas, this is his fault. He should be the one on the bed, he is the one who made the mistake of trusting Elmer, why was someone else paying for his mistake

Chapter 51

Elmer hasn’t been at peace after he was brought back to his cell. He needs to talk to Bert and explain things, this isn’t how this should be he isn’t a violent person. Elmer didn’t have to wonder any more when Bert walked in with red eyes that show he has been crying “Bert” Elmer felt so bad he wanted to reach out and hold him, pull him into a hug

“Why him?” Bert asked Looking up at Elmer “What did he do to you? why him? why didn’t you push that dagger in my heart? I was the one that trusted you more than anything. He accepted us, he has never done anything to you, why would you stab him in the chest like you hated him”

“I didn’t stab him”

“Then why is he on that bed fighting for his life”

“Am sorry”

“So you’re finally accepting it now” Bert asked holding onto the bars “You shit, I trusted you. I gave you everything, my heart, my love, all I have ever shown to you is kindness and I get replied by you stabbing my brother. You are such a coward, you use people and then stab them in the back without their knowledge, no wonder no one likes you. I always thought they were all wrong about you, yet I was the wrong one, I was so wrong I brought a monster so close to me and it struck when it was the most convenient for it. You’re such a snake I hate you, you killed the king now I don’t doubt that”

Elmer’s tears just strung out of his eyes, he never in his life imagined Bert to say such words to him, he wanted to crawl into the corner and just cry “Yes, Bert. No one likes me, you are the only one that has been kind to me. You’re the only one that has loved me and shown me how real happiness feels like, I might not know what trust is but you have never trusted me if you are believing such lies.”

“Don’t push it on me, I have believed you in everything. Elmer robbed Ernest’s clothes, I am always the first one to defend you, he stole a bracelet, no he didn’t. He killed the king, it couldn’t be the same Elmer I know. Even when I found you with my brother’s blood on your hands I didn’t in one second think you could have stabbed him only to find out you did. Now you are talking about trust, stop being a devil in sheep’s clothings”

“You are pinning the blame on me because you believe Ernest, he is lying, he didn’t see me do anything”

“So I should believe you, you the person who has been lying all along over the person who has never lied to me”

“Just because he has never lied to you doesn’t make him a saint. This only proves that your trust is in him and not in me, if it took you just one word from him for you to pin all of this blame on me”

“I will squash you like a bug”

“And you think I am scared of death” Elmer cried out, that is the last thing Elmer is terrified of in this world. His worst fear has already happened “You have already broken every promise you made and you think there is something that could top that, right now you think I am scared of death. This is death, you looking at me like that, you hating me, that is death. There is absolutely nothing any of you could do to break me even more like you have done. You, you took the strongest turn of them all, you finished shattering the pieces. Funny how someone who made me whole could turn into the strongest weapon to finish me”

“Good, now you know how it feels like when the person you trust the most hurts you” Bert walked away after that, Elmer slid down the wall.

“You have never trusted me” Elmer mumbled to himself wondering how they went from all smiled and kisses to throwing hurtful words towards each other. At this point Elmer is trying so hard to feel numb of everything but it tends to be hard when the person you took as your world turns his back on you within hours. If he listened, if he studied the situation, if he really tried to see instead of searching who to blame just like everyone does.

Making Elmer their escape goat so that they could hide the real them. Elmer always not knowing what was happening around him, people just turning on him without real reason. He is never believed, it felt like he was walking a line where no one listened to him, everyone just saw what they wanted to see. This makes Elmer want to hate life, it has brought nothing but heartache, only tears. Elmer was still seated when Samuel, Logan and Henry appeared in his view “Open” Logan ordered the guard.

Elmer got up taking steps away from the door, this just looked wrong and he knows Logan. Logan is a very violet man “The prince our next king wanted to gift you with this, I hope you enjoy” Samuel said holding onto the bars, Logan and Henry stepped closer and they started kicking Elmer everywhere, kick after kick, punches. Elmer was on the ground with his hands on his head trying to keep the head protected but the pain attacking his ribs, his legs and arms. It felt like forever when they finally stopped but it felt like they didn’t because Elmer’s entire body was in pain, blood coming out if his nose and mouth.

He could still feel their kicks at the back of his throat “He really wanted you to enjoy, good night” Elmer opened his eyes and watched them lock the cell leaving him on the ground spitting out blood, Elmer felt powerless, so vulnerable and that is something he didn’t want to feel ever again. His eyes stung with tears and even if he did his best to not cry, tears just fell out the truth downing in on him that he is left with absolutely nothing as the world is against him in everything.

“I hate this, I hate this, I hate this” Elmer wanted to punch the floor in anger but his ribs didn’t allow him to move. He felt pathetic and useless like he couldn’t do anything, absolutely nothing. Elmer didn’t care how much he cried lying down on the ground, he was sick and tired and all he could wait for is his death to come, that will make things stop.

“Elmer” Elmer heard his aunt call, he looked at her “Open the door, let me in” Della was panicking, Elmer was bleeding badly “What are you waiting for, open the door”

“Am sorry, Della. I am not allowed to open the cell for anyone” Elmer didn’t even try to wonder why the same guard who had let Henry and Logan in here to kick him to death is the same guard who is saying he couldn’t let his aunt in, Elmer knew one thing and that is that Ernest really had it for him.

“He is dying, he needs to get checked out”

“He is dying anyway tomorrow” The guard replied nonchalantly taking his seat again.

“Don’t worry Elmer, hold in there I will be back” Elmer had lost all hope and if he had the energy he would tell his aunt to just stop and live her life. There was no saving Elmer at this point and he knows it, the person that hates him the most is the king to be, there was no fighting any of that and Elmer doesn’t want to fight, he feels like his body is exhausted and tired from it all, he is already dead inside

“Open the door” Della was back with Era who ordered the guard, the guard opened the cell letting Era and Della inside “He is going to need a healer”

“He isn’t allowed to get out of the cell” the guard said, Elmer was not supposed to leave his cell no matter what.

“What are we going to do?” Era asked looking at Della for advise but Della was also stuck. She couldn’t let Elmer die here like this, he is about to face the worst punishment tomorrow and Della won’t be around to watch that happen to her nephew. She needed to do something but for now her head was stuck on what to do.

“I don’t know”

Chapter 52

“My father’s burial is going to take place after we execute the person responsible for it. Maybe then he will rest in peace” Ernest announced to his people “I am deeply hurt by this, he was my friend and I brought him close. I am partly to blame for losing our king, I put my trust in the wrong person” Ernest looked up fighting the urge to cry for his father’s death. Bert walked over holding his shoulder to comfort him “Am so sorry everyone” Ernest left the meeting, he couldn’t add anything and he felt like he wanted to cry.

Bert followed him out, he knows how Ernest feels right now “Hey, don’t blame yourself. It wasn’t our fault to trust him okay”

“I just feel so hurt, I considered him a true friend and…” Ernest couldn’t finish his words as tears streamed down his eyes. Bert walked over to him giving him a hug trying to soothe him, this was none of their fault, they should have known “I want him dead so bad”

“He will pay for what he did soon” Bert replied pulling out of the hug, he wants Elmer dead but also the fact of Bert not being able to see him for the rest of his life doesn’t sit well. Bert might hate Elmer with his entire being but he can’t help the part that still loves Elmer, the part that is most hurt for what Elmer did, why did he have to be like this “I will go see him one last time before the execution, do you want to come with me”

“Yeah, let’s go” Ernest nodded, they walked through the halls before going into the cells. They found Elmer laying on the bed looking up at the ceiling, Elmer turned his head to see Ernest and Bert, his eyes travelled down to see Ernest’s hand into Bert’s hand and that hurt more than it should have that he took his eyes away from them right away his heart breaking into more pieces. Even after what has happened, Bert still had the power to break Elmer even more “Your execution will be tomorrow and I hope you have a nice time in hell” Ernest snapped

Elmer’s eyes moved back to them and the good thing, they weren’t holding hands anymore. Ernest’s hands were on the bars “We trusted you and this is how you repay us” Elmer didn’t say anything, his eyes were on Bert.

“Calm down” Bert said passing his hands on Ernest’s back and that seemed to calm Ernest down “I promised to give you a proper burial when you die and I will keep that promise”

“You’re right, we shouldn’t act like him” Ernest agreed with Bert taking Bert’s hand into his. Elmer took his legs off of the bed and limped over to the bars staring at them, his eyes not sad but angry and lethal. A look Bert has never seen on Elmer before.

“Who hit you?” Bert asked taking in a bloody Elmer

“How kind of you to keep a promise, is that because of pity or this is another one of all the empty promises made” Elmer said staring at Bert ignoring his question “I have never had control over my life not even once, thrown as a kid, my parents chose for me. Coming here becoming your friend, you chose that one for me too. You didn’t end there you made me fall for you-” Bert glanced at Ernest, not knowing what he might think of that “-i also had no choice in that. I have been circling around trouble, blood and theft. Also I had no choice in that, now I look at you two pretending to care about where I will lay for the rest of my life again not giving me a choice, choosing for me”

“But that ends today, no one is ever choosing what I am or where I belong. I am taking control of my own gad damn life and you won’t have a say in it, if I have no destiny then I am going to choose my own because I am Moirai, I will choose for myself. My death isn’t going to be the end of this, my death will be the beginning and I am going to make sure, I am in control of my life and no one will ever make me feel like I feel right now and absolutely no one will ever hurt me…” Elmer made sure Bert was staring at him in the eye “Like you have”

Ernest might have done what he did but what Bert did finished Elmer but this wasn’t the moment of feeling sad for himself. After going through everything he has gone through, Elmer has finally given up on people, if he wants things to change, he should take control of his life. This might be the worst point in life to realize the truth but this will help him be free even after his death, he won’t go as the pathetic Elmer that just goes with what other people say or think for him. He is going to take control of his life until his last breath tomorrow.

---

Bert was out of there with two hearts, he has never seen Elmer look so angry but yet so true to himself. Saying words like that, words that sounded like they were coming from the heart and Bert believed him at some point, Bert wonders if what they say Elmer did is true or not. It is hard to know if a person keeps lying on everything “He stabbed your brother, he wants to make you doubt, he is just playing with your mind”

“I know” Bert replied needing some space alone, he walked from Ernest looking dejected. Ernest felt like fuming that he went back in the cell just to give Elmer a piece of his mind. Where did all of that come from, Ernest had gotten Bert exactly where he wanted him but now he is doubtful and that isn’t what Ernest wants. Elmer was supposed to be pathetically crying not saying words that confuse Bert, he thought Logan did a good job but it turned out no one can do the job as good as he wants it done

“You like playing with me don’t you” Ernest said pacing on the cell biting his lip hard “You like messing with me don’t you brother” Ernest asked again standing at the cell door “Open this cell” Ernest ordered picking up a wooden three inched stick. He walked into the cell swinging it at Elmer’s back, Elmer fell down on his knees crying out in pain “You like messing with me huh” Ernest swung again on Elmer’s leg “I asked you a question, you like messing with me” Ernest swung again, this time it hit Elmer’s shoulder. Elmer cried out in pain rolling all around in pain

“My prince, we need him alive for tomorrow’s execution” The guard stopped, if he does this Elmer won’t reach the execution tomorrow.

“Ugh, ugh” Elmer groaned on the ground feeling like his leg and shoulder are broken. His back was hurting so much, he doesn’t know if he could move, all he knows is he is in a lot of pain and he would want it to stop. Ernest squat down next to Elmer taking him from head to toe.

“See what you made me do” Ernest said resting the stick down pushing his hair back “You make me do things like this, I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to hurt you but you keep messing with me and that pissed me off. I am a good guy but even good guys have that thing that ticks them off and in this case it happens to be you”

“Stay away from me” Elmer demanded pathetically in a pained voice trying to be as far away from Ernest. The guy is psycho and completely out of his mind.

“See how aggressive you are when I am trying to be nice to you” Ernest said “You brought all of this on to yourself, if you didn’t get in my business with Bert or happened to be my brother. We would have been great friends but since you couldn’t put your nose where it belongs I had no choice, so dear brother go write your destiny in your grave and see if the world will care about what you do with your pathetic life” Ernest spat walking out leaving Elmer on the ground.

Chapter 53

“Elmer, wake up” Della called lifting Elmer’s head, Elmer opened his eyes to find his aunt “We need to leave now” Della whispered pulling Elmer into a sitting position that earned her a pained cry “What?” Della lifted Elmer’s shirt to find a big Purple bruise on his back “This is bad, you are going to need a healer but we don’t have time for that, we will see what we can do when we reach”

“Where are we going?”

“Let us focus on getting out of here first” Della said putting Elmer’s hand over his shoulder but that made Elmer groan in pain.

“We should use this side” Elmer’s shoulder was swollen he feels like it might fall of any time now. Della used the other shoulder picking Elmer up, she walked him out of the cell to find all of the guards are a sleep. Elmer didn’t ask anything as they limped into the small passage way

“I know your in pain but we need to hurry up” Della advised, Elmer should bear the pain and let them sprint out of here before anyone notices he is missing. Elmer tried to bite his lip to bare the pain as he increased his pace trying to take in all the pain. Encouraging himself that if he gets caught someone else is going to write his destiny but if he escapes this kingdom, he will start new and get to write his own destiny, he will be able to make everyone pay, everyone that was a cause of a tear in Elmer’s life is going to pay.

This encouraged Elmer to walk faster, he needs to leave this place. He has to leave this place “Hey, stop” Someone yelled behind them, they hadn’t made it far and they have been already spotted, soon the entire kingdom is going to be going against them.

“Run” Della said making Elmer run, Elmer forgot about his pain, if he gets caught there is no hope for him, Ernest will win as he has been doing all a long. Elmer couldn’t risk getting caught he sprinted into the forest as fast as he could, he has been in the kingdom long enough to know some places but when running, the adrenaline kicks in and you forget where you are supposed to cut and where you are supposed to go.

Elmer looked back and his aunt has slowed down “Aunt, we need to go” Elmer said stopping going back to her.

“No, I won’t make it” Della said breathing heavily “You go, run as far away from here as possible and never come back, promise me”

“We will talk about it later, right now we need to leave” they had to go, Elmer pulled his aunt’s hand pulling her as they resumed running. The guards were on their tail throwing arrows there way, Elmer changed the course they were going turning right to avoid the arrows. Elmer ran not letting go of his aunt, not even once all of the pain in his body had become determination, he was going to escape this place. Elmer would rather die now than ever be taken back to that place but now he has to keep his aunt safe, she risked her life to save him.

An arrow passed over Elmer’s head, Elmer turned to find the guards close by. They were catching up “Elmer go, leave me” Della said when she saw them reach s cliff, if Elmer doesn’t leave they will both die.

“I am not leaving you” Elmer wasn’t leaving, her. They were both getting out of here together. Della’s hand suddenly fell out of Elmer’s hand and when Elmer turned his aunt was laying face down with an arrow on her back “Aunt” Elmer moved back, shaking his aunt “Aunt Della” Elmer called shaking her but she was already dead “No, please, no. Wake up”

“Don’t move” The guards ordered, they were all standing next to Elmer pointing arrows, spears and swords at his head. Elmer glared at them feeling so much anger inside as he crawled away from them and his aunt’s body “He looks like a lost puppy” one if the guards joked making the rest laugh

“I am going to kill you” Elmer threatened taking in all of their faces. He doesn’t know who shot the arrow but whoever it was they were all dead. She knew nothing and they have just ended her life with no particular reason.

“All of you stand down” Bert’s voice was heard from behind them, they all put their weapons down “Sorry for your loss” Bert said staring at Della “But this is your fault, if you didn’t involve her maybe she would have been alive now”

“She had nothing to do with this and they killed her” Elmer pointed at the guards standing up from the ground. The anger he is feeling inside, he wants to rip them apart one by one until there was nothing to recognize.

“It’s their job” Elmer stared at Bert, he shouldn’t be the one saying that. It’s their job when they have just murdered a fifty year old woman “Cuff him and this time I will be the one to watch him until his execution day”

“Don’t come near me” Elmer warned taking a step back “I won’t hesitate to jump, if any of you get close” Elmer was not ready to get killed by them. He would rather choose to take his life than have anyone choose it for him. If he is to die, it will be at his own pace even if it is the last decision he makes.

“Stand down” Bert warned stopping the guards

“I said don’t get close” Elmer warned looking back, it is so far and he will be falling in trees which gives him a much less chance to survive. Elmer closed his eyes breathing hard, his heart pounding in his chest, he didn’t know that one day he will be deciding his death like this.

“Elmer don’t” Bert warned with his arms up in the air “Do you want to die from a nasty jump like that”

“I am going to die either way, the only difference is I am going to choose this for myself”

“Elmer please, don’t do this. I love you so much, don’t do it” Bert was getting scared by the minute, the more Elmer stepped back. He looked willing to jump off if this Clif “Just take my hand, I promise to hold you forever”

“Do you promise” Bert nodded holding his hand out. Elmer’s hand was about to reach Bert’s when an arrow came out of nowhere passing through Elmer’s heart. Elmer was so close on the cliff that when the arrow hit him, he fell right off and Bert was unable to hold him before he could go

“ElMER NOOOOOOOOOO”

THE END

Author’s note

I know that this is a Clif hanger (literally) and most who have enjoyed will want to read book two immediately. It will be up soon

That will be the poster for book two, I will inform you on when it will be up.

Announcement

Book 2 is out now, to all who enjoyed book 1, it is finally time to continue Elmer and Bert’s story.

Thank you all