Chapter 36: The dream, an unprecedented reality
The two men walked back to the palace in silence, the only sound their footsteps echoing in the grand hallway, a deafening silence that seemed to consume both men, especially Ceremus.
The sensation of being enveloped in another's arms stirred a deep fear and panic within the King. He dreaded the fleeting relief he found in Hael's proximity. This brief moment of joy clouded the darkness that had engulfed his body and mind. How could he ever forget it?
On the other hand, Hael keenly felt Ceremus' unease. His body tensed when he embraced the King, and he immediately regretted his lack of sensitivity. Despite his joy at Ceremus' decision not to venture into the forest, the very forest where he had grown up and left his family, it didn't excuse his thoughtless actions. The whole point of their plans, the hunting trip (thanks to Anemone's help), was to lift the King's spirits and make amends for leaving him behind last time.
At the moment, he didn't think his decision to go with Anthanasia would hurt the King's feelings; in fact, he believed the King didn't care much for what he did. If someone is upset about something, wouldn't the sensible thing be to let the person know? This was his train of thinking. However, he failed to realize that what he thought was common sense didn't necessarily apply to the King—or anyone else, for that matter. He merely wanted to get him in a better mood, but now he had gone and ruined all the hard work he had put into this.
Hael turned to face Ceremus, his face filled with regret and shame. "I apologize for overstepping my boundaries earlier. It was wrong of me to embrace you without your exclusive permission," he said.
Ceremus remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed ahead until he finally spoke. "Your Majesty. Address me as Your Majesty from now on."
Hael felt his heart sink. His eyes widened with shock, not comprehending the words that had just come out of Ceremus' mouth. They sounded cold, and he finally understood how distancing the honorifics were. He didn't like it a single bit.
"...What? What did you say?" He asked, pretending like he hadn't just heard him.
Ceremus cast him a glance. He could already hear the sudden shift in his tone, and when he looked at him, they confirmed his suspicions. Hael was upset by his words; the look of hurt in his blue eyes was evident even in the darkness of the night. He let out an exasperated sigh.