For the time my family was back, none of the others visited.

It was... quiet.

And I loved my family, i really did, but after Devon and I fought... it had been awkward with him.

And when they left... it was just me and my dad. My father. God that was so much more awkward to say.

"Those boys you're friends with haven't been around much lately," he mentioned offhandedly.

I nodded, "no letters either. I sent many, but they have yet to respond."

My father sighed, "this may be the crown princes doing. I assured him you'd be fine after he left, but I guess he doesn't want you too stressed."

"I miss those guys."

He smiled at me, a fondness in his eyes that made me ecstatic. My past life father was a dickbag, but he wasn't.

"Hey, father... can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

No servants were remotely near us, thankfully. "If you ever found out that me, or any of the others didn't like the opposite sex... but the same one, how would you feel?"

He stiffened, taking it in. It was too soon, wasn't it?

I ruined everything. I was going to die b-

"I'd accept it."

Huh?

He smiled at me, eyes still kind, "I just want you to all be happy. While I do want to have more influence, using my children to do that is childish. You all deserve love, no matter the form that takes."

"Really?" I asked, my voice a bit choked.

"Yes really."

I smiled at tears came to my eyes, "father, I like men. Do you really support me?"

"Of course. Come here." He opened his arms and I hugged him. He squeezed me tight and I squeezed back.

An ally! In my own father too!

He did chuckle a bit, "so that person you love, the reason they're untouchable?"

"Is because they're a man, yes."

"I wish you luck then. You will always have a home with me and your siblings, no matter who you love."

I laughed happily, "thank you!"

"I'm grateful that you trusted me. You're my wonderful baby boy, and i want you happy."

"Thank you." I knew I was repeating myself, but I was too fucking happy. "I said I'd confess when we became adults, but I'm fearful he'll reject me."

"The crown prince would be lucky to have you. So would that Knight, the wizard or that king who proposed."

"Eh! How'd you figure out I like p-"

He chuckled again, "you always look so happy when you two are together. And I'm well aware how you're willing to disregard the emperor's favor of you to please the prince."

I guess I was pretty obvious... "I do love him. I know he won't return my affections and if he rejects me, my heart will shatter. I want to tell him but I don't want to. I'm scared."

"No matter what, I'm with you every step of the way."

He was so honest and sincere... I was so fucking happy.

"Why is Isaiah crying?"

My father and I both looked over, seeing Isaiah and the Emperor.

Surprise visit I suppose.

"Ah, nothing. I'm sorry for my unsightly appearance. If you would excuse me." I did a small bow before scurrying off.

Back to my room to wash my face.

To calm myself.

My body moved on its own, so I didn't fully catch up until I was in the washroom, alone, body shaking like I had been caught.

No.

No I'm fine.

He doesn't know.

I'm safe. He didn't reject me.

I haven't told him that I loved him.

I let my body relax, taking deep breaths.

And I washed my face in the sink, calming down.

I would be alright. I had to get rid of the tear tracks.

I walked back, fully calm.

My father looked annoyed with the emperor and the prince.

Odd. The ads kisser wasn't kissing a-

He was a good dad, I probably should drop the jokes.

"What's going on?" I asked as I returned.

"The emperor wishes that you marry the new princess when she turns eighteen," he informed.

"No."

"What?" The emperor exclaimed.

"With all due respect your highness, no. I have someone I love and I'll love them for the rest of my life. No one else."

"Who could be so-"

"Your highness, I have served you my entire life, I have gone against you because you lack decency with your own children. Do not bring price Damon here to sway me, and please return home."

"Bite your tongue boy!" He growled.

"No." The three seemed shocked, as did the nearby staff and guards. "You wish to sire a strong heir to replace Damon. I'm not daft. You've always been like this. I do not wish to join your family to be another pawn."

"What? Is this true?" Damon exclaimed angrily.

The emperor seemed torn, "Damon-"

"Get out of my home. I will serve any battle, I will fight any war for you, but I will not let you belittle the prince."

"I apologize for our intrusion. My father and I will be leaving," Damon apologized. And he walked off. His father seemed upset, but left.

As they did, I felt my legs give out as I sat on the floor. "That was terrifying."

"Are you alright?" My father asked as he rushed over, helping me to my feet.

"God no! I thought he'd have me killed!" I looked at the ground, "I just can't stand how he keeps trying to use me to hurt Prince Damon."

My father understood completely, "you did good defending your friend. Let's get your mind off it all. You should take a vacation. Both of us could actually. To our summer home."

"We haven't used that place in years father," I reminded, snickering with amusement.

He nodded, "Ah, but the scenery there is beautiful, the town, the people."

Ah. Get distracted from the prince.

"Alright, I'll help you prepare for it."

My father shook his head, chuckling, calling staff over to tell everyone.

Yet all I could muster up in my head was how sad Damon looked when I exposed the king.

He was obviously hurt, but it only showed in his eyes. He always wore a mask around everyone, but I could see right through it.

I wanted to help him, but what could it even do?