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Josh studied the map on his lap for a moment, before looking around. He was quite certain he was going in the right direction. His horse, Nightmane, nudged him from behind, and Josh smiled as he reached up to stroke his muzzle.
It hadn’t been easy traveling from the cool northern country of Airen down south to the private and sweltering hot sovereign of Kaptan, but Josh had not minded the adventure. He enjoyed traveling and he considered it a great honor to have been chosen as King Paulo’s envoy.
This meeting was meant to discern if Kaptan was amenable to forming political and trade agreements with Airen. Their kingdoms were both quite small compared to their bigger neighbors, but they were both independent and considerably wealthy thanks to their flourishing trade and industry. The World was at peace, but as King Paulo often said, there wasn’t any harm in trying to strengthen their connections, both near and far.
Kaptan was known to be rather wary of forming alliances though, so instead of going for the direct attack, Josh had sent a letter weeks ago informing them of his intention to visit Kaptan on the guise of a sojourn. He had received a letter of acceptance in turn from their Datu’s courtiers welcoming his visit. Josh figured he’d find a way to introduce the possibility of an alliance once he got there.
Now here he was, about to enter their territory, and he felt both nervous and excited.
After checking his map, Josh was confident he was following the right path. He led Nightmare on, opting to walk for now after weeks of sitting atop his trusty steed. It had rained quite heavily just the other night, so once he arrived, he had to find a stable to care for Nightmane and an inn where he could rest and freshen himself. He wouldn’t make a good impression on Kaptan’s council or their Datu if he arrived looking and smelling like the road.
Josh’s thoughts were interrupted when he heard odd sounds. He followed it and stumbled upon a man digging what seemed to be the makings of a ditch. He was by himself. Josh approached the man. He remained wary and vigilant, keeping a hand on the pommel of his sword.
“Er, good day, sir?” he called out once he was close enough.
The man looked up and Josh immediately knew he was speaking to a resident of Kaptan—or at the very least a Southerner—with his dark eyes and striking brown skin, sharp nose and full lips. He was wearing simple trousers, giving Josh a glimpse of glistening tanned skin and a bevy of markings inked across his right arm. With great effort, Josh kept his gaze on the man’s face, though it took no effort considering the man was also quite good-looking.
The man tilted his head.
“Yeah?”
Josh looked around. The man seemed alone and the trees were far from the ditch, so there were no places to take cover. It was relatively safe. He let down his guard just a little.
“Do you need any help, sir?”
The man narrowed his eyes at Josh. “Can you dig?”
Josh blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
“You asked if I needed help. Can you dig?” the man repeated.
“I… I can?”
“Good. Mind lending a hand?”
Without even waiting for an answer, the man turned his back on Josh and continued digging. This time Josh was treated to a view of those rippling back muscles.
Josh paused. Were all Kaptans this direct?
But he figured there was nothing wrong with helping the man. At the very least, Josh might get a recommendation for a good inn once he entered Kaptan’s walls. Josh jumped down into the shallow ditch. The man was tall up close, just an inch or so taller than Josh. His dark, sweat-damp hair was matted across his forehead and neck, and his features were even more striking at such close proximity.
Josh coughed and averted his gaze, trying not to stare.
“Thanks for helping,” the man said, pausing in his shoveling. He pointed at the corner. “I have a spare shovel. The blade goes in the ground, okay?”
Josh huffed. “I know how to dig. I just said so.”
The man chuckled. “Okay then. We just need to dig a few inches deeper before we leave it to tomorrow’s group.” He eyed Josh’s attire. “But you might want to strip down, Northerner. It’s hot here in the South.”
Josh was still a bit unsure of the situation, so he shook his head. “I’ll be fine.”
The man shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
The stranger was right. Josh ended up getting a bit overheated, which made him twice as tired, so much so that the stranger had to help him climb out of the ditch. It was embarrassing, but Josh felt much too hot to dwell on it. Thankfully, the man brought him to a lake close by. Josh had already seen it on his map—Lake Linaw, it was called, and was part of Kaptan’s territory.
“See? I told you that it’s hot down South.” The man chuckled as he and Josh approached the edge of the lake.
Josh patted Nightmane’s flank and sank down on his knees at the edge of the lake.
“In the interest of being honest, I didn’t want to strip off my armor only to discover that you were possibly a bandit.”
The man just laughed, not at all offended. He had a satchel with him and pulled out a sleeveless tunic and a cloth. He started wiping all the dirt off himself.
“I’m not a bandit. I’m just working.”
Josh took off his armor and his sword and then slipped his shirt off. He sighed deeply as he felt the cool air against his bare skin. He grabbed a cloth, wet it in the lake water, and then wiped his neck, chest, and stomach.
He then noticed the man was staring at him.
“What?” he asked.
“Ah, nothing,” the man said, looking away. He suddenly dunked his head in the lake water.
His companion was quite odd, but Josh shrugged and cleaned himself off.
The man resurfaced and shook his hair, sending water everywhere, making Josh laugh. He was certainly peculiar, but quite amusing. If he was also quite a captivating sight to behold, well, then that was Josh’s private thoughts.
Once they were done, the man offered to escort Josh inside.
“Don’t worry, Northerner. I’ll take you to a good inn for helping me out,” he offered.
Josh hung his armor on Nightmane’s saddle. “It’s Josh, not Northerner. I’m from the North, but I have a name.”
“Josh,” the man said, saying it slowly. “Hmm. Good name.”
“And you?”
The man held out a hand. “It’s Ken. Nice to meet you.”
Josh shook his hand.
Ken smiled. It made him look rather handsome.
With Ken as his escort, Josh’s entry into Kaptan went smoothly. He had to show his papers and authentication to the guard, have his bags checked, and have Nightmane registered to a stable, but Ken helped him navigate everything and also spoke on Josh's behalf to the other Kaptans in their native language. Josh would have been suspicious, but everything went smoothly and Josh didn't feel as if the man was potentially plotting against him.
“Yes, sir,” one of the guards replied. He bowed deeply to Ken and then did the same to Josh.
Josh thanked them. They were quite polite.
“So, you’re a diplomat?” Ken asked as they walked towards the heart of the city. He smiled and nodded to some of the people they passed.
Josh watched him. Ken seemed to know everyone and was quite friendly. Josh couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
“Yes, but I didn’t want to approach your nation’s palace looking like this,” he said, motioning to himself. “I wouldn’t want to make a bad impression.”
“How come you traveled all the way here?” Ken asked curiously.
“Because I heard Kaptan is beautiful and I wouldn’t mind meeting your Datu, if he’d allow me,” Josh replied.
Ken led Josh to an inn called The Three Moons.
“This inn is the best. I can introduce you to Mammy, the owner. She’ll give you a discount on the—”
“FELIP!”
Josh jumped in surprise, nearly drawing his sword. Ken, on the other hand, just groaned loudly.
“Damn it. They found me,” he murmured.
Josh looked around, hand tightening on his sword. “Who found you? Are you in trouble?”
Ken rubbed his face. “Sort of.”
Josh saw a group headed for them, led by a tall and broad man dressed in a loose sleeveless tunic, a dark yellow sash, and cloth sandals. He was accompanied by two burly men in armor and with swords strapped against their sides.
“Felip! Where in all the moons did you go? Didn’t I tell you that you might have urgent business today?” the man called out.
Josh turned to Ken. “Felip?”
He then noticed that people were watching them, but no one seemed surprised. In fact, some were even laughing.
Ken sighed. “Sorry, Josh.”
“Felip, I will wring your neck,” the man growled. “I told you not to leave the palace because the diplomat from Aerin might arrive any day now and—”
Ken turned to the approaching group.
“Too late, Maverick. I already found him.”
“What?” the man asked, pausing.
“What?” Josh turned to him.
Ken turned to Josh and pushed his hair back. His bearing suddenly changed as he straightened his shoulders and bowed his head politely.
At that moment, Josh realized that he had just made a grave mistake.
“Maayong adlaw. I am Datu Felip Suson. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
The next morning, Josh descended the steps of The Three Moons inn and was met by the elderly innkeeper, Mammy.
“Good morning, Lord Josh,” Mammy greeted him. “Breakfast is ready.”
“Good morning, Mammy. Just Josh is fine, I told you.” He bowed his head politely to her.
“Well, Josh, anak , go ahead and sit down. I’ll get you some bread and cheese, and I think we still have some leftover stew,” she said, sending him a kind smile. “You’ll need your strength today.”
Mammy was the inn’s sweet and elderly innkeeper and had been kind enough to put Josh up in a room after last night’s debacle. She seemed to be a well-known and respected elder around Kaptan, such that even Datu Felip and his retainer, who had introduced himself as Maverick, had been cowed the moment she had walked out of her inn, wondering at all the ruckus on the street. She had lectured them on embarrassing themselves in front of a foreign diplomat and had then shooed the Datu and the Lord back to the palace—literally shooed them away like errant children, which still boggled Josh’s mind—and had then offered Josh a room for his stay.
Now here he was.
Josh wondered how he was going to resolve this entire mess or else Paulo was never going to let him back to Airen.
He was still thinking about his next step when he noticed something outside the window. He walked out curiously, only to see Ken amidst the animals that lived in the barn and the pen behind the inn. He was dressed in a thin shirt and loose pants and was seated on a low stool in front of a goat.
“Ke—I mean, Datu Felip, what are you doing here?” Josh asked. He looked around. It seemed the Datu was alone.
“Morning, Lord Josh,” Ken said, looking up at him with a smile. “And please, call me Ken.”
“That would be improper,” Josh immediately said, flushing. “But what are you doing here?”
Ken shrugged. “Goats need to be milked. You ever milked a goat before?”
“Er, yes, but I meant—”
“Good.” Ken beamed. “Then pick a goat and a bucket.”
Josh couldn’t believe he was apologizing to a king… while milking a goat.
“I would like to apologize,” Josh said. They were seated side by side, working on their respective animals.
“For what?” Ken asked.
“For yesterday. I really wasn’t aware that—”
Ken shook his head. “Hey, you didn’t know who I was. I knew who you were the moment you said your name, but I didn’t say anything to you. If anything, I was the one at fault.”
Josh shook his head. It didn’t matter. Ken’s station was still higher as he was a king.
“Please don’t apologize. You had every right not to reveal yourself to a stranger. And I appeared to you looking so unsightly and approached you so informally—”
“Only because I didn’t admit who I was,” Ken said soothingly. “Honestly, I don’t mind. I’m more worried that I offended you.” He smiled when Josh shook his head. “And as far as I’m concerned, Josh, you made a pretty good impression on me.”
Ken grinned. Josh flushed.
They worked quietly for a few moments, though Ken started humming a little ditty under his breath. The silence was broken by a sudden shout that pierced the air.
“Felip, there you are!” Maverick appeared, crawling over the barn’s fence. “Stop working at the barn and—you even got Airen’s diplomat to milk goats!”
Josh paused, unsure, but Ken just rolled his eyes.
“At least Josh is being helpful. Stop being so loud, Mavi. It’s so early. Grab a goat and a bucket.”
Maverick looked quite frustrated, but it was broken by the sound of a door opening and Mammy’s cheerful voice in the air.
“Kenken, anak , do you want some ale? And how about you, Josh?”
Ken nodded enthusiastically. Josh agreed, not because he really wanted to, but because Ken did. It wasn’t proper to let a leader drink alone.
Maverick protested. “Mammy, do not offer the Datu and the foreign diplomat ale!”
Mammy ignored that. “Do you want one too, Mavi?”
“I’ll drink his if he doesn’t want it,” Ken called out.
Maverick suddenly changed his tune.
“Hey, that’s mine!”
After milking the goats, it was apparently time to feed the chickens and the pigs. Josh looked at the squawking chicks crowding around his and Ken’s feet, as well as a reluctant Maverick’s.
Maverick looked stressed. Josh was just… incredibly confused.
“Felip.” Maverick groaned.
Ken shrugged, spreading grains around and smiling at the clucking animals. “You had me banished from the construction of our new ditch. You won’t allow me to join the hunter-gatherers who are going to climb Mt. Asina. What else am I supposed to do?”
“How about going back to the palace and doing your job? Your real and very important job?” Maverick asked, glaring at him. “And maybe stop dragging the diplomat into your schemes while you’re at it?”
Ken clucked his tongue at his companion. “All those other things are very real and very important jobs, Mavi. Maybe even more than signing a few papers. So don’t be rude.”
Maverick sighed. “I apologize.” And he did look apologetic at that.
“Now, Josh and I still have to finish feeding the chicks, digging the ditch, and a lot of other important tasks,” Ken said. “You’re welcome to join us.”
“Felip,” Maverick groaned, but he obediently started herding the chickens as per Ken’s instructions.
Josh shared Maverick’s agitation at the entire situation, but it seemed Ken would not be swayed. At this point, he decided to just go with the flow.
He prayed to the gods that this would go well.
Josh spent the next couple of days with Felip—Ken—the Datu, whichever. He kept asking Josh to call him Ken, but Josh felt mortified at calling the Datu of Kaptan what was apparently a childhood nickname, according to Maverick. But the next few days were quite eye-opening for many reasons.
Kaptan’s Datu was an extremely odd and peculiar, yet handsome and enigmatic, man. He was also kind and hard-working, funny and amiable, and he had no problems talking to people so familiarly. He just didn’t seem to act like a King with his penchant for participating in hard labor, running from his retainer, and playing around with his people.
However, it got to the point that not even Datu Felip could stay away from his palace and his official duties forever.
“Come on,” Ken said after he and Josh had completed their part of the ditch and had finished washing up in the lake.
Josh had noticed that Ken tended to look at him very closely during those moments, but it was probably because Josh was so pale compared to Ken and the Southerners’ beautiful tanned skin.
“Go where, er, Datu?”
Ken sighed, as he usually did whenever Josh referred to him so formally. “You’re a foreign diplomat in our lands. You can’t stay in an inn forever.”
Josh tried to protest, but Ken was firm.
“Josh, you milked the goats, fed the chickens and pigs, dug a ditch with me, patched up the roof, and a bunch of other things I’m pretty sure diplomats aren’t supposed to do. At the very least, that earns you a room at the palace. So, come on.”
In the end, Josh had no choice.
This entire trip was really turning out into something he had never expected.
When Josh told Mammy that he had to leave, the first thing she did was hug him and then pack him some food.
“Here, anak . Some of that cheese you like. They never make good cheese up in that palace.”
Ken laughed. “They would if you just taught us the recipe, Mammy.”
“Never,” she immediately said.
“Then I guess I’ll just have to keep visiting you.” Ken kissed her cheek.
She patted his cheek. “Work hard, but don’t forget to rest. And Kenken, anak , don’t stress Maverick out so much.”
Ken just smirked, shrugging.
“Thank you for letting me stay,” Josh said. He slipped a bag of gold into her pocket as he hugged her.
Mammy pinched his cheek. “You’re a good boy. Come back to see me.”
Josh nodded, smiling.
Josh’s first thought was that the Datu’s palace was very open and lush, full of wide windows, open hallways, tall ceilings that contained skylines, beautiful gardens on the first floor, and balconies on every room above. It was unlike Airen’s palace with its sweeping arches and tall pillars, and the artworks and tapestries that framed the walls. Ken said Kaptans liked being among nature and watching the sky and the passage of the sun and moon.
“This is Talia. She’ll help you with anything you need.” Ken motioned to a woman dressed in a silk tunic and loose pants. She bowed to them. “Talia, take good care of Lord Josh, please. He’s very important to me.”
Josh flushed.
Talia bowed, a smile tugging the corners of her lips. “Of course, our Datu. Welcome, Lord Josh.”
Ken reached out and touched Josh’s bare forearm. He smiled. “I’ll see you in a bit. Let’s have dinner together.”
Josh nodded.
The feeling of Ken’s hand stayed with him for a long time.
Josh wasn’t sure how it happened, but now he had the Datu of Kaptan as his personal tour guide.
“Datu Fe—” He paused when Ken glared at him. He coughed. “Er, Ken, are you sure this is all right?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?” Ken asked as they walked side by side down the streets of the city. He waved to some children who were running around. They shouted greetings and waved back.
“Don’t you have anything else to do?” Josh asked, wondering if Maverick knew his charge had run away again.
Ken shook his head. “Nothing as important as this.”
“But this isn’t proper protocol,” Josh insisted.
“You’re a guest, specifically a foreign diplomat on our soil. Having an escort isn’t proper?” Ken asked.
“Well, surely not you.”
Ken paused. “You don’t want me?”
“Of course, I do,” Josh immediately said, only to flush. “I—I mean—”
But Ken’s smile was like sunshine. “Great. Then, let’s go. I’ll show you one of our temples. I think you’ll like it.” He jogged off.
Josh hurried after him. “Ken!”
Because of how private Kaptan was, Josh knew little of how Felip became the Datu. He thought it would be out of bounds to ask, but Ken opened the topic himself one evening as they relaxed in the palace gardens after dinner. They were sitting on the cool grass and looking up at the stars. Because of how wide and open the palace was, Josh felt like the skies were their ceiling.
“We don’t believe in hereditary ruling, you see,” Ken began. “Our council is made up of people who the realm votes for and they in turn choose a worthy Datu, whether they are the offspring of the previous Datu or not. We also don’t care for genders. In my case, my predecessor was Datu Eeya, my mother. She is currently traveling further south with my older sister. When my Father passed, ruling Kaptan took its toll on my Mother and she decided to retire her crown. For some reason, the council chose me. Hopefully they’ll come to their senses any day now and find someone more suitable.”
Ken seemed like a king who did not want to be king, but it wasn’t because he didn’t want the responsibility that came with it. Ken was the kind of man who would spend long hours digging a ditch for his people. He’d feed farm animals and help them build bridges with his hands. He’d play with the children and sit at the feet of elders, and he’d walk along the streets and get to know his people instead of keeping to himself in his grand palace.
Josh didn’t know if his opinion mattered, but he felt that he had to say it.
“I don’t think they will. I’ve only been here for a few weeks, but I can see why they chose you.” He smiled. “You make a fine Datu, my Lord.”
Ken smiled, soft and beautiful in the moonlight. “Well, I guess there are perks to having become the Datu.” He leaned forward and smiled at Josh. “I got to meet you.”
Josh blushed, though it was tinged with both flattery and embarrassment.
Here it was, his chance to come clean. He felt fond of Ken, so very much, and he didn’t want him to think Josh had deceived him.
“Oh, but, Ken, I didn’t come here just to visit your kingdom, beautiful as it is,” Josh began, but Ken just shrugged.
“You also want to talk about an alliance, I know. It’s obvious.”
Josh nodded. At least Ken was aware of that.
“I know how my kingdom is perceived outside our walls,” Ken said. “I would be lying if I said that it’s not a reputation we cultivate to avoid getting involved with other kingdoms, so I understand if you felt that you had to hide your intentions. But like I said, you made a good impression from the start.”
“But I didn’t want to lie to you,” Josh said.
“If you remember, I lied to you first.” Ken reached out and touched Josh’s hand briefly. “In this case, let’s just agree that fair is fair, for both our parts.”
Josh nodded, smiling. His fingers felt tingly and he tried not to wish that Ken had held his hand for longer.
Ken leaned back. “I’ve traveled North a few times, but I haven’t been to Airen before. What is King Nase like?”
Josh beamed, and as it always was when people asked about his King and friend, he found his mouth running away from him.
“Paulo is kind and brilliant. He’s a bit fierce and has a temper, but he’s fair and just and good to his people. He has only been on the throne for a handful of years, but he already has quite a list of accomplishments. I presume it’s because he’s quite progressive compared to our previous rulers. It was why I agreed when he sent me here to see if Kaptan is interested in working together with Airen. Even though some of our elders advised against it, we knew it would be a good idea. That’s why we’re hoping you and your council would be amenable to talks of an alliance.”
“ We, huh.”
Ken had an odd and pinched look on his face, which made Josh pause.
“Oh, uh, I’m sorry if I’ve blabbered too much, but I just wanted to—”
“I think I shouldn’t have asked,” Ken murmured, looking down at his lap.
“What?” Josh was confused.
“You seem… devoted to your king, that’s all.” Ken eyed Josh oddly.
“I am. He’s quite wonderful,” Josh said. He was very proud of his longtime friend and had always been loyal to his king.
“I see…” Ken said. He stood up, brushing off the seat of his pants. “I think I have to go.”
Josh was surprised. “What are—Is it something I—”
Ken shook his head “No. It’s, uh, it’s not you.” He looked away. “I just remembered I have someplace to be.”
“Ken…”
But Ken was suddenly gone between one breath and the next.
Josh walked back to his room that night, incredibly confused at what had happened. He woke up the next morning expecting to see Ken, only to end up spending the entire day and evening alone, attended to by Talia and a few attendants and guards. This was the first day and night he had spent by himself in weeks.
Josh felt quite alone.
“Talia, is the Datu going to join us for dinner?”
Talia shook her head. “He’s still in his office with Lord Maverick, Your Grace.”
“Oh, okay then.” Josh wiped his mouth and pushed his chair back. “Thank you for the meal. Please tell the kitchens that dinner was lovely. I just don’t seem to have much of an appetite tonight.”
Talia looked worried. “Maybe some hot tea, my Lord?”
Josh shook his head. “No, I’m fine. If anyone looks for me, please tell them I’ll be at the gardens before retiring to bed. Thank you.”
Josh took a walk, trying to clear his mind. He wasn’t quite sure what had happened for Ken to suddenly avoid him, but he hoped he would have the chance to apologize. He was contemplating going straight to bed or possibly knocking on Ken’s office when he heard someone’s steps behind him.
Ken appeared, looking a bit exhausted and contemplative.
“Josh.”
Josh turned. “Oh, Ken—uh, I mean, Datu…” he trailed off.
For the first time since they had met, awkward silence fell between them.
Josh gulped, bowing politely. “Datu Felip, I… I wish to apologize.”
“For what?” Ken asked, surprised. “And why are you back to speaking to me so formally?”
“I apologize for last night. I must have said something that upset you,” Josh said, wringing his hands together.
Ken shook his head. “I’m not mad at you, Josh. I don’t think I can be.” He sighed deeply. “Truth be told, I was jealous.”
Josh was confused. “Jealous of what?”
Ken kicked the ground like an errant and embarrassed child. “Of your King, of the way you spoke about him. You traveled to a foreign land for him. You obviously think he’s hung the stars and you spoke so fondly of him. I was jealous.”
Oh.
Oh.
It could not mean what Josh wanted it to mean, but…
“Ken, you’re mistaken. I mean, I adore Paulo—”
“And you even speak his name so familiarly,” Ken mumbled, brow furrowing.
Josh stepped towards him, wanting to explain himself. Oh, how could this man jump to such conclusions.
“Ken, Paulo is my childhood friend and that affords me the privilege of referring to him so familiarly, but that is all there is. There isn’t…” He bushed. “There really isn’t anything for you to be jealous about. Or anyone.”
“Oh.” Ken’s shoulders lifted and his head jolted up to look at Josh. He stepped forward, so close that Josh could see the golden flecks in those beautiful brown eyes. “So, no kings or lords or ladies are waiting for you back at Airen?”
Josh flushed. “I, uh, just family, but no other relations or significant others.”
“I see.” Ken grinned and reached up with both hands to cup Josh’s face. “Then I guess no one will get mad if I do this.”
Ken leaned in and Josh’s eyes fluttered closed as Ken pressed warm lips against his. He held onto Ken’s wrists, taking strength from the king’s steady presence. His heart felt as if it was going to beat out of his chest.
It ended much too soon and Josh moaned low in protest. Ken remained close, still cradling Josh’s face like he was something precious.
“Is this all right?” Ken asked. They were so close their lips brushed with every word.
“It’s more than all right,” Josh admitted. He blushed deeper. “Oh, but what am I going to say to Paulo now?”
Ken grinned. “You don’t have to say it. I’ll tell him.”
“You’ll tell him what?” Josh asked. By now he was familiar with Ken’s cheekiness.
Ken stepped back and took one of Josh’s hands. He bowed and kissed the back of it, formal and elegant.
“I’ll tell King Paulo Nase that Datu Felip Suson of Kaptan would like to formally court one of Airen’s diplomats…” He straightened and rolled his eyes. “And maybe talk about trade and politics and those less important things.”
Court? Less important? If Josh thought too much about the entirety of everything Ken had just said, it would only lead to him embarrassing himself.
“Now you suddenly acknowledge you’re a Datu,” Josh said instead. “If only Maverick had heard you.”
He found courage and reached up to place his palms against Ken’s chest. Ken winked and wrapped his arms around Josh’s waist.
“Don’t tell him,” he said cheekily and then leaned down to kiss Josh again.