🛡️ ERIC 🛡️

Everyone congratulated me after dinner. I had no vision of Jean there. I sighed. Maybe he was still angry at me.

After all the commotion, I came to my chambers with a light heart. Finally, if Jean would want, we could be together in public.

I came in my room. Someone was in the bathroom. “Alex?” The door to the bath was open. “Have you had a word with Jean? I have not seen him after dinner.”

“I rushed here to take a bath.”

It was not Alex’s.

“Jean?”

“Who else?”

I rushed to the bath room. He was there, in the tub. With nothing but bubbles and some jasmine flowers floating on water.

“Come here.”

My heart pumped heavily, my Blood rushed all throughout my body. Confused, it took me longer to removed my dress. Jean came out of the water and pulled me into a kiss, long and deep. Later our lips danced then our tongue swiped with each other. Our hands went everywhere they could be.

Soon I found all my clothes scattered on the floor. Jean pulled me into the tub without releasing me from the heated kiss. The water spilled. His body against mine feels perfectly fit with each other. As if we were meant to be like this forever.

His caress I long to feel. I kissed his neck, he sat, making pleasant sounds of “uhs” to my ears. Gentle at first, but became more and more intense. He pushed me to the wall beside the tub and held both my arms up against it. He grinned.

We made out.

When the water seemed to be getting cold, I invited him to finish our bath and continue on the bed instead. He did rushed and helped me finish fast.

We patted each other’s body with towels, teasing each other gently as our hands went all parts, scanning for wet parts that we might had missed. I tried to search for his sensitive areas as well. I giggled as he couldn’t stand when I tried to wipe his feet.

“There.”

I handed him a robe, he threw it away.

“Who needs that?”

He lifted me up like I was a sack of rice, my chest on his shoulders and threw me, like the robe, on the bed. He jumped to me and we laughed out loud.

“I’m happy.” I said.

“I’m glad you are.” His eyes sparkled.

“I’m happy that you are.”

“I will be if you are.”

He smacked on my lips.

I pecked on his lips.

We gazed at each other like it is the first time that we could.

🌺 🌺 🌺



I headed back to my chambers. Three weeks of war made us all exhausted. I had to work overtime, my paper works piled up and I have to work faster. I hoped Jean was inside already. I knocked and opened the door. Maids fixed things for Jean and made him bath.

He came near me. “I can’t wait to kiss you.”

I smiled. “My tiredness is gone!”

“So much work?”

“Yes. I hope someone can help me with my work tomorrow.”

“Ask Reia.” He chuckled.

The maids excused themselves and went out of the room.

The door closed and Jean tackled me to the bed. He kissed me. His kiss I couldn’t miss. I had to feel him all the time to energize my weary spirit.

“You’re a good kisser.”

“And you as well.”

He laid all his weight on top of me.

“I’m so tired as well. You guys forwards so much work to us in the Alliance Affairs.”

“I am not the one responsible for all that.”

Someone knocked on the door lightly.

I tapped on Jean’s shoulders. “Can you see who it is for me?”

“You go check it.” He freed me and laid beside me.

“Please?”

“Urgh!” He headed to the door and opened it.

“Princess Reia,” Jean acknowledged.

“Can I speak with you two?” Reia asked.

“Of course,” I said, Jean nodded.

She went inside, closed the door and wept before she could talk.


🌺 🌺 🌺



Becan’s throne hall was filled with the nobility of all shapes and sizes. Feathered, elaborate hats, official wigs, designed moustaches, dashing gowns and coats: of all colors imaginable. They applaud as if we already won the war. I smiled and waved for a good moment.

Alexios raised a thumb up. I went near him and shook his hands.

George bowed slightly but longer than I would expect him, which showed his ever respect for me. I bowed as well, and took his hands.

Lyra wiped her teary eyes. I kissed her on both cheeks and shook her hands.

Coleen and Maia both grinned as if they were very proud of me. I mouthed, “thank you,” for it is useless to say anything with the cheers the crowd is making. I then took their hands one person at a time.

I decided to wave again, then walk to my destination.

Alexios, George, Lyra, Coleen and Maia all walked behind me and my family to the back side of the hall.

I waved to the people inside for the last time before alighting the stairs up to the balcony. My head heavy, my hand clutched to the stick. I prepared for this all my life. I have to be perfect.

I wore an all white suit, white tights, and a white fur cape hanging down to my thighs: all ornamented with golds, diamonds and sapphires. The sash of royal blue and gold stood out. I was decorated with no medals but the Royal Medal of the Thal King.

I was anxious, I gazed to Jean by my side. He smiled. I looked at my mother at the other side, she was grinning lightly. Reia and Dion was at the other side of mother while Gareth was at the other side of Jean. They all looked happy.

The loud noise outside from all the people was silenced when I went out the balcony. Jean and my family followed. I stepped, carefully to the edge of the railings. The crowd cheered. They cheered for me, loud and victorious. Flags of blue and yellow waved in all direction.

They all went to witness me, the crowned King of the Thals now. With my father gone, I have to step up for him and for my family. With Jean by my side, I could make it through.

My eyes welled up. I looked at my mother. She smiled gracefully. I knew I have to keep it all in, but I was overwhelmed. She nodded. Reia was in tears already, Dion maybe wondering what’s happening. I looked at Jean who wears a smile, Gareth was giggling.

A tear fell though I tried to keep it in. “A king cried during his first day of office. His father dead. His consort to be, a prince. His family, tried keeping up with all the expectations of the people in applause. He believed that he will be a great King, and then, he is.” I thought then giggled.

“I will make it happen, come what may,” I told myself.

I waved my hand, subtly. The crowd cheered louder. We all did, the royal family of Thales, waved our hands.

I gazed at Jean. He might not know, but I couldn’t make it all through this without his delivery of an all high hope to my almost withered soul, that time when he bowed but his head hit my abdomen.

Now I know, 

“Love doesn't need to be perfect.
It just needs to be true.”