Chapter one [https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1171715066/]previous (Author's note) []Next (Chapter two) -Chapter one- “I wish to talk with the prince,” declared Prince Alexander, opening our tale- a tale of two princes. “He is currently engaged in a meeting and shall be with you in approximately five minutes,” replied the knight. “Do take a seat, my lord,” offered the knight positioned opposite the first, executing a respectful bow. “That would be discourteous. You noble gentlemen are here on your feet; it would be improper for me to take a seat,” Prince Alexander replied, returning the bow courteously. The first knight glanced at his watch and opened the castle's heavy oak door. He then escorted Alexander up the elegantly winding staircase, which served little purpose beyond the adherence to etiquette, for Prince Alexander was well acquainted with these steps. He practically skipped up the steps, already staring at Januarius’s door. As Alexander raised his fist ready to knock on the door, a young lady—princess, to be precise—hastily exited the room, a frown on her face. Alexander entered the chamber and discovered Prince Januarius seated upon his throne, his head balanced in his hands. “Alexander!” exclaimed Prince Januarius, his head springing up from his hands, surprising Alexander. “What brings you here?” “I have missed you,” Alexander responded, a hint of embarrassment colouring his cheeks. He turns away slightly, avoiding Januarius’s eyes. “Please, do not feel embarrassed about that. I have something important to share with you,” the Prince said. “And what might that be?” inquired Alexander. “Come with me, and I shall explain,” replied Prince Januarius, hopping from his throne, taking Alexander's hand, and guiding him.
“Januarius—where are we headed?” Alexander questioned. “The barn,” Januarius replies, entering the wooden door frame of the barn. “What brings us here?” Prince Alexander inquired. “It's important that we are alone for what I must discuss,” replied Prince Januarius. While Prince Januarius was not widely regarded as daring, Prince Alexander, as his closest confidant, assumed the role of keeping informed about aspects of Januarius’s life that the kingdom was unaware of. Nevertheless, Alexander was taken aback when Januarius climbed atop what seemed to be a lift made of wood and rope. Januarius placed his arm around Alexander's waist and used the rope to elevate them via his makeshift lift. The sudden movement startled Alexander, who instinctively jumped. Sensing his fear, Januarius took his hand. He carefully jumped from the lift, landing softly onto a haystack. He gently pulled Alexander down beside him. “What is it you wish to share with me, Januarius?” Alexander asked. With a nervous expression, Januarius responded, “You may wish we had not met after I share this.” “That is not the case. Furthermore, we are more than just acquaintances; you are my closest friend, Januarius. Please, go on.” “I—I'm Gay,” Januarius confessed, his breath quickening. “And I…love you.” As Alexander observed the concern on Prince Januarius’s face, he felt a warmth of embarrassment wash over him and began to chuckle. “Why are you laughing? You won’t reveal this to the kingdom nor my parents, will you?” Januarius asked, worry evident. “No, of course not. I was simply laughing because I have harboured similar feelings for you for quite some time,” Alexander stated with a smile. “You—You feel the same?” Januarius asked, his worry transforming into a smile. “Might I pose a question to you?” Alexander questions. “Certainly,” Januarius replies. “Who was that young lady, the girl in the dress?” “Oh,” Januarius responds, taken aback by the inquiry. “She was merely another individual my father wanted to match me with. The guy just cannot understand the mere fact that I do not like women. Is that it?” “One more question.” Januarius motions for Prince Alexander to continue. “Might I have the privilege of kissing you?” Alexander asks, his voice tinged with nervousness. “I have been waiting for this moment for months- heck, years, even.” Januarius states, a blush spreading across his cheeks as he turns his gaze away. Alexander gently lifts Januarius’s chin, guiding his face toward his own. The moment their lips meet is magical—an exploration that begins softly, almost hesitantly, but quickly deepens with the passion that has been brewing beneath the surface for so long. It’s a kiss that speaks of longing and shared dreams, filling them with a wonderfully intoxicating rush of emotions. An overwhelming sense of joy envelops them, rising like a tide, washing away any fears or doubts that had lingered. Januarius feels a spark ignite within him, drawing him into Alexander's embrace as he wraps his arms tightly around him. The warmth of their bodies pressed together, creating a cocoon of safety and happiness. Alexander's hands weave into Januarius’s hair, anchoring them together as the kiss deepens, becoming a dance of lips and shared breath. The moment is beautifully exciting, filled with the sound of their hearts beating in unison—a perfect harmony from deep within. Then, as they finally pull away, their foreheads rest gently against each other, both breathless and blissfully aware of the magic that just unfolded between them. Eyes still closed, they savour the lingering taste of that first kiss, a promise of many more to come, as they bask in the warmth of their beautiful connection. When they finally part, Alexander glances at his watch and mutters a curse softly under his breath. “I regret that I have missed curfew and must return to my side of the kingdom,” Prince Alexander stated. He then recalled that he had no arrangements for the following day. “Let's meet at Crown’s Park tomorrow at 3 o’clock. This evening has been truly delightful, and I eagerly anticipate what is to come.” As Prince Alexander descended the ladder and reached the ground, he addressed his companion, Prince Januarius. “There is a ladder, dear friend,” Prince Alexander noted with a playful tone. “I was aware of that,” Prince Januarius replied, though he was clearly joking. “You are a liar. I would indeed like to stay with you, but I have duties to attend to. Farewell!” Alexander called as he hurried back to his kingdom, his thoughts occupied with Januarius. Meanwhile, Januarius lay in his bed, contemplating the possibility of spending a lifetime with Alexander. He envisioned running his fingers through his partner’s hair and softly whispering Alexander's name in his ear. Eventually, he succumbed to sleep, dreaming of the promising day ahead.
