The Crown Prince's Love
Chapter 36

My mother hugged me. "That is enough, Randy. Your father is just trying to protect you, and no one is against you being different, but he is right. The world will not accept you for what you are, and..." I let go of her, and she seemed to notice as she also pulled away from the hug. "This is for your good, son. We are trying to protect you from any danger that might appear close to you, and..." "No, Mum." I told her and turned my back on her. "I need to rest now, please kindly leave."

My father sighed. "We love you, Randy, but sooner or later, you will understand why we are doing this. We are protecting you."

"Desmond is who I want, and I don't care about anything else." I replied to him and closed my eyes. Even when my mother said something, I didn't reply her.

"Very well, then, we will let you rest for now." She told me.

I felt the weight of the bed reduce, followed by the shutting of the door as they left the room.

Once they were out of the room, I shifted on the bed and remembered the dream that I had. It was starting to come to pass.

"No!" I shouted and hit the bed angrily.

Just then, a knock sounded on the door. "I thought I said that I didn't want anyone here." I replied, but the door opened.

I angrily faced the door, and my eyes widened, as Desmond walked in holding a flask in his hand.

He smiled warmly and greeted me, saying, "Hey, Randy."

A rush of relief washed over me when I saw Desmond, and I tried to sit up, wanting to greet him properly. But as I attempted to get off the bed, a wave of pain coursed through my body, causing me to groan.

Desmond didn't waste a moment. He hastily placed the tray of food on the nearby table and rushed to my side.

He enveloped me in a tight, reassuring hug, and I buried my face in his shoulder, taking in his familiar scent.

"I missed you." I whispered.

"I missed you too."

~Desmond~

"Randy is awake!" The Queen announced to me, and I couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

"Something funny, son?" The King asked.

I raised my head to face him and shook my head in response. "I am just happy that he is fine, and..."

The King cleared his throat, cutting me off. "When were you going to tell us that you both are dating?" The question was unexpected.

I frowned and glanced around to ensure no one was listening, realizing we were in a separate room provided by the attending doctor.

"Answer the question, Desmond!" The King shouted, causing me to jump in fright.

"Newman, don't frighten the poor boy." The Queen said, then she smiled at me. "Randy already told us."

"He... he told you?" I stuttered, and the Queen nodded in response.

I heaved a deep sigh and rubbed my face. "I... we are in love, and..."

The King scoffed. "This isn't about love anymore, Randy, and you know it. Whatever you saw in your nightmare is something that should be assessed carefully, or we might later regret it."

"So..." I stuttered again, rubbing my sweaty palms together. It wasn't every day you found the King in front of you. His presence alone was intimidating, and I couldn't stop shaking.

"The thing now is that you and Randy can't be together, ever." He declared.

The Queen nudged him on the shoulder. "Newman!"

"It is the truth, Gina. No king has ever had a male partner. They are going to be cast out by the world, and before that happens, we have to make sure they stay away from each other. That is the only way!" I clenched my fists, watching the King speak with disbelief.

Everyone knew how partners were cherished, but here he was, opposing Randy and me.

I knew he cherished the Queen and would do anything for her, but I never expected him to tell me to let go of Randy.

"I love him. I..."

"This isn't about love, Desmond!"

"But you're so in love with the Queen" I retorted, not fearing that I was in front of the King. I didn't know where my courage came from, but I was ready to protect Randy and be with him, even though I knew I wouldn't be around after two months.

The King stood up and walked towards me.

He grabbed my shoulder and pinned me against the wall. "Do I have to lock you up to make you understand how the world will see both of you? Or do I need to remind you that the voice you saw in your dream is real?" "Newman, please, let go of the boy." The Queen begged, and he released me.

"Forgive me for my disrespect, Your Highness." I apologized and bowed my head.

When I raised my head again, tears streamed down my face. "I know that the voice might be real, but Randy can't let me be apart from him. We... I..." I ruffled my hair and burst into tears. "I am going to die in two months!" The room fell eerily quiet after I made my announcement, and nobody spoke for a moment. The only sound was my whimpering.

I couldn't control myself. I had just found my love, and now, I was going to die.

It was all too much to take in.