Chapter 12

The garden of the royal palace stretched out like a canvas of greens and golds, painted with blooming roses, lavender, and magnolias. The air carried the faint hum of bees and the soft rustle of leaves, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over everything. Maximilian sat on a carved marble bench, his posture relaxed, one leg tucked beneath him as he leafed through a thick, leather-bound book. His silken robe, embroidered with golden vines, draped elegantly around him, framing his serene figure.

Alexandros stood a short distance away, leaning against the trunk of a blossoming tree, arms crossed. His eyes lingered on Max, a tender smile curling his lips. In the three months since their marriage, their relationship had blossomed from formality into an effortless rhythm of affection and understanding. And in moments like this—when Max was unaware of Alex’s gaze—he couldn’t help but think of how beautiful his husband was, inside and out.

"You’ll burn a hole in me if you keep staring like that," Max said without lifting his eyes from the book, his voice soft but teasing.

Alex chuckled, pushing off the tree and walking toward him, holding a small tray with freshly peeled slices of apple and dates. “How could I not? You’re quite the sight to behold,” he said as he sat beside Max on the bench, setting the tray down between them.

Max’s cheeks flushed faintly, though he kept his focus on the pages. “I’m just sitting here, reading. Hardly an extraordinary spectacle.”

Alex picked up a slice of apple, offering it to Max. “Extraordinary is not always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments—the way the light touches your face, the way your lips move as you read. That’s enough to stop the world, even for a second.”

Max finally looked up from his book, his eyes meeting Alex’s. “You’re incorrigible,” he said, though his smile betrayed his words as he leaned forward slightly to take the offered apple slice.

Alex grinned and plucked another piece from the tray, popping it into his own mouth. For a moment, the two sat in silence, the soft breeze carrying the faint notes of birdsong.

“What are you reading?” Alex asked after a while, tilting his head to peer at the book.

“It’s a collection of poetry,” Max replied, brushing his fingers over the gilded lettering on the cover. “Verses about love, longing, and the passage of time.”

“Read me something,” Alex said, leaning closer, his chin propped on his hand as if he were a boy enthralled by a storyteller.

Max hesitated for a moment before flipping to a marked page. His voice, smooth and resonant, filled the air as he recited:

"Though kingdoms rise and fall,

And stars are born to fade,

The bond of hearts entwined

Outlives time's cruel parade."

When he finished, Alex sighed softly, his eyes warm with affection. “Beautiful words. But they pale in comparison to the truth of this moment.”

Max raised an eyebrow, setting the book down beside him. “You’re quite the poet yourself today.”

Alex shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. “It’s hard not to be when I’m inspired by someone like you.”

Max rolled his eyes but laughed, the sound light and genuine. He reached for another slice of fruit, but Alex was quicker, holding it just out of reach.

“Let me,” Alex said, his voice gentle but insistent. He brought the slice to Max’s lips, his fingers brushing against his husband’s skin. Max allowed it, his gaze softening as he took the offered bite.

“You spoil me,” Max murmured after swallowing, leaning back against the bench.

“Isn’t that my duty?” Alex replied, resting his arm along the back of the bench, his fingers lightly grazing Max’s shoulder. “To ensure that you never go a day without knowing how cherished you are?”

Max looked at him, his expression thoughtful. “Do you ever worry about what comes next?”

Alex’s brow furrowed slightly. “What do you mean?”

“All of this,” Max gestured around them—the garden, the palace, the sky overhead. “It feels so fleeting. What if we’re just a moment in time, forgotten like so many others?”

Alex reached out, gently taking Max’s hand in his own. “Then let’s make this moment count. Let’s live it so fully, so fiercely, that even time itself won’t dare forget us.”

Max’s lips curved into a soft smile, and he nodded, his heart swelling with a quiet joy. In that moment, the world felt small, intimate, and entirely theirs—a timeless space carved out just for them.

Max’s gaze drifting across the garden as Alex spoke about the latest changes in the kingdom. Though Alex's words were engaging, Max couldn’t focus. A thought had been circling his mind, one he wasn’t sure how to express.

Finally, he took a deep breath and said, “Alex, would you mind if I asked you something?”

Alex turned to him, his expression soft and curious. “Why would I mind? Ask me anything.”

Max hesitated, fumbling with the edges of his coat. “I don’t really know how to say it…” His voice trailed off, and he looked away.

Alex reached out, taking Max’s hand in his own. He gently turned Max’s face toward him, his touch firm yet comforting. “Just tell me,” Alex said. “Whatever it is, I’m listening.”

Encouraged by Alex’s reassurance, Max took another deep breath. “Alex, I don’t think I like living the way people expect a royal to live. Don’t get me wrong—I’m grateful for everything we have. But staying in the palace all day, letting others handle everything while I just sit here… it’s not me.”

Alex stayed quiet, giving Max the space to continue.

“When I was younger,” Max went on, his voice steadying, “I used to explore the my beautiful kingdom of Ashbourne, meet people, see how they lived. But when I turned eighteen, my mother told me it wasn’t ‘proper’ for a royal to do that anymore. So, I stopped. I’ve missed it ever since.”

Max looked down again, his tone growing more uncertain. “I want to get to know the people of Vireli, Alex. Not as their prince, but as a person. I think it would help me understand their lives better—and maybe I could even help you, you know? When we’re both called kings, you’ll be doing most of the work for the people. I don’t want to just make rare appearances and look pretty. I want to do something real.”

When Max finally looked up, Alex’s eyes were shining with warmth and pride.

“Max,” Alex said with a smile, “you’re such a deep thinker. That’s one of the things I love most about you.”

Max blinked, caught off guard by the compliment.

“And you’re absolutely right,” Alex continued. “I’ve spent my life with the people, and it’s one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had. I’d never expect you to sit in the palace all day, doing nothing. That’s not who you are, and I wouldn’t want it to be.”

Max opened his mouth to reply, but Alex held up a hand to stop him.

“From now on,” Alex said firmly, “you don’t need my permission—or anyone else’s—to do what makes you happy. You’re my partner, Max. My equal. You don’t need to ask me if you can live your life. You’re not a child, and you’re certainly not my subordinate.”

Max hesitated. “ Oh I'm sorry, I asked because… it’s just a habit. I didn’t mean to make it seem like—”

Alex interrupted him again, leaning in closer. “How many times will you apologize for being yourself?” His voice softened. “Max, I just want you to live your life and be happy. That’s all I care about.”

Max felt his chest tighten, his heart swelling with emotion. “All right,” he said quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Good,” Alex said with a grin. Then, opening his arms, he added, “Now, give me my hug.”

Max laughed, shaking his head as he leaned in. Wrapping his arms around Alex, he felt a sense of peace settle over him. This was Alex’s way—always ending their serious talks with warmth and love.

The two of them lay back on the marble bench, their laughter mingling with the gentle sounds of the garden as the sun began to set. They talked about lighter things after that, the weight of the conversation giving way to an evening filled with smiles and shared joy.

♤♤

Alex’s day began early.

In the study hall, Alex sat at a large oak desk surrounded by towering shelves of books. His tutor, a stern man with silver-rimmed glasses, laid out a series of scrolls and ledgers. “Today, we’ll focus on advanced economics,” the tutor announced, his tone brisk but patient.

Alex nodded, his focus unwavering. Though he had been through countless lessons on governance, trade, and diplomacy, he knew these final months of education were critical. He worked through charts and figures, learning how to balance the kingdom’s budget, assess trade agreements, and anticipate the economic needs of their people.

By mid-morning, Alex’s father, King Alistair, entered the hall. “How is he progressing?” the king asked the tutor.

“Excellently, Your Majesty,” the tutor replied.

Alex glanced up, a small smile tugging at his lips. The king approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Good work, Alex,” he said. “Finish your lessons for the day, then join me. We have matters to discuss.”

The tutor resumed the lesson, diving into the complexities of taxation systems. Alex scribbled notes diligently, his thoughts a mixture of anticipation and unease. He knew his father was preparing him for the day he would inherit the throne, though neither of them knew when that day would come.

---

Elsewhere in the kingdom, Max was already out in the fields. Dressed in simple clothes that allowed him to blend in, he walked through a sprawling farmland just outside the capital. The scent of freshly tilled earth filled the air as he approached a group of farmers tending to their crops.

“Good morning,” Max greeted them warmly.

The farmers looked up, nodding respectfully but treating him as one of their own. Max crouched near a patch of wheat, observing the grains closely. “How’s the yield this season?” he asked.

“It’s decent,” one of the farmers replied, wiping sweat from his brow. “Better than last year, but the drought early on gave us some trouble.”

Max nodded thoughtfully. “And the market? Are you getting fair prices?”

Another farmer chimed in. “Prices are stable, but the taxes have been biting into profits. We’re managing, but it’s tight.”

Max spent the next hour listening to their concerns, asking about trade routes, local merchants, and whether they felt the crown’s support in recent months. He jotted down notes, determined to bring these issues up with Alex and the advisors.

Later, Max wandered into the village square, where merchants set up stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handwoven fabrics. He struck up conversations with shopkeepers, learning about the flow of goods and the challenges they faced in trade.

By noon, Max found himself sitting on the edge of a crop field, sharing a simple meal with the farmers. They talked about their families, their hopes for the future, and their pride in their work. Max listened intently, offering encouragement and quietly absorbing the reality of their lives.

---

Back at the palace, Alex joined his father in the throne room. The atmosphere was tense yet purposeful as the king consulted with astrologers and advisors. They discussed auspicious dates for significant events, considering everything from the phases of the moon to the harvest cycles.

Alex listened carefully, though his father made it clear that this decision was ultimately his to make. “The kingdom thrives on tradition,” the king said. “But we must also ensure practicality in timing. The people must feel secure and prepared when the transition happens.”

Alex nodded, understanding the weight of the responsibility he would soon bear. Though the exact moment of his ascension was uncertain, he felt a growing readiness within himself.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Alex and Max reunited in the palace gardens. Both were tired but eager to share their day. Alex spoke of his lessons and his father’s plans, while Max recounted the stories of the farmers and merchants he had met.

“You’re doing exactly what a prince should do,” Alex said, admiration in his voice.

“And you’re becoming a great king,” Max replied with a smile.

They sat together as the sky turned shades of orange and pink, the weight of their roles softened by the comfort they found in each other’s company. Though their paths were different, they both worked toward the same goal: a kingdom that thrived for its people, built on understanding, compassion, and unwavering dedication.