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It wasn't more than a quick movement in the corner of his eye, a shadow passing through before being gone again, but Niko knew it was Joel who had just left the ballroom.
Niko looked around carefully, checking if anyone would notice if he followed. Many were staring after the prince, whispers filling the room within seconds until the king asked everyone to be quiet again and get back to celebrating.
Niko used the distraction to quietly step out of the room as well and onto the terrace.
Joel let himself fall onto the stone wall around the water fountain, taking a few deep breaths. They wanted him to get married, they had already talked to other royal families. Three young ladies were possible options, possible suitors for Joel, that's at least what they had found.
Joel angrily threw a stone into the motionless water, looking like a mirror in the light of the moon.
“Hey! Don't.”
Joel quickly turned his head around, straightening.
“Oh, it's you...” he mumbled when he recognized Niko, sinking back down on his former spot.
Niko frowned, concern visible in his eyes. “May I sit next to you?” Joel huffed but nodded.
“Stop with the formalities... You know they aren't necessary,” Joel mumbled, looking down at his hands.
Niko hesitated a moment before gently taking one of Joel's hands into his. “What's wrong?”
“You don't wanna know.”
“I do, that's why I asked. Will you tell me?”
Instead of answering Joel leaned closer, pressing a gentle and quick kiss on Niko's lips. “No.”
Joel stood up and turned to leave, knowing he'd regret staying any longer but Niko didn't let him.
“Talk to me, Joel, please. Did something happen between you and your parents?”
Joel looked at Niko for a second before looking back at the castle. “They want me to get married. Preferably yesterday. They have three...ladies who'd be suitable for me according to them and of course beneficial for the family and our reign. Politics,” Joel spoke quietly.
“So? You already knew this day would come. You're a prince after all, that's what you royals do...”
Joel huffed quietly before looking Niko straight in the eye. “You don't get it, do you? I think I'm in love with you and I'm terrified. God, I'm so terrified... We're both dead if they ever find out... Y-you're dead... They'll think of something to keep my name clean a-and blame everything on you...”
“You love me?”
“I said I thi–”
“You love me!?” Niko interrupted.
Joel stayed quiet for a moment before looking up again, hesitating. “Of course I do... I'm sorry.” Joel stood up, looking at Niko with honest regret in his eyes, blinking away tears. “Trust me, I really am.”
Niko looked at him confused, wanted to ask what was going on but he didn't.
“You're under arrest!”