Chapter 87: The god’s vengeance
The guard lowered his head, his fingers curling slightly at his sides as heat crept up his cheeks. Embarrassment tightened his throat, but beneath it lay a quiet gratitude—Ceremus had noticed something was off. Yet, the words lodged in Hael's chest, refusing to surface.
Would telling him only make things worse? Would it drive him further away?
His eyes flicked up, catching the expectant look on the king's face. That steady gaze, unwavering and patient, made something inside Hael shift. Ceremus had been vulnerable with him earlier. The least he could do was return the sentiment.
Swallowing his hesitation, he exhaled softly and spoke.
"I first wanted to apologize for my behaviour that night at the temple. I realized that I might've acted too rashly with you and my actions caused you to leave...I don't know why, but whenever I'm near you, I have this unbearable desire to behold you close and I understand if you felt uncomfortable with me touching you in a manner that should only be reserved for those who love one another and are in a committed relationship with each other." His voice faltered.
Ceremus' breath hitched, his heart sinking into his chest. "H-Hael—"
"Please let me finish." He pleaded.
The king swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded for him to continue.
"Though I am sorry, I am upset that we never got the chance to talk about it. It felt as though you were avoiding me over the past few days. I just wished that you would tell me whenever I do something to upset you instead of shutting me out. Anyway, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." Hael said.
"Though I regret my actions, what hurt me more was the way you avoided me afterward." Hael's brows knit together, his voice raw with frustration. "I just wish you would tell me when I upset you instead of shutting me out. I—" He inhaled sharply. "I only hope you can forgive me."
Ceremus took a step forward. With deliberate gentleness, he reached out, tilting Hael's chin up with his fingers until their eyes met.