Felix swallowed hard, trying to normalize his heart rate. He stared at Kazien's face intently. There was no denying it. Kazien possessed looks that could crumble anyone's faith.
"I admit you are indeed handsome, very handsome even!" Felix confessed honestly without holding back. "But I don't have feelings for you in a romantic sense! Do you want me, your childhood friend, to become one of your wives too? Are you sane?"
Hearing that explosive answer, Alvin and Allen exhaled long sighs of relief. Their shoulders, tense until now, finally relaxed. Arken did the same, though his eyes remained wary.
However, not so for Kazien. He tilted his head, seemingly still confused by the phenomenon that had just occurred. He stepped back slightly, giving Felix room to breathe.
"If you don't have romantic feelings for me..." Kazien murmured while placing a finger on his chin, observing Felix analytically. "You should have been captivated by my sincere smile earlier like most people. But strangely, you weren't captivated at all."
Kazien looked at Felix again, this time with a deeper gaze. "Have you loved me from the very beginning?"
Felix fell silent for a moment. He pondered the question. Their relationship had indeed been unique since childhood. There was a strong emotional bond, a desire to protect, and a comfort he didn't find with anyone else.
"Yes, from the very beginning, I have indeed loved you!" Felix answered firmly, causing Alvin and Allen to hold their breath again.
However, Felix immediately continued with a sincere smile. "But that feeling is purely as a brother. I love you like I love my own sibling, or perhaps more, as a lifelong friend. Not for anything romantic like wanting to have you in bed."
Hearing that clarification, Kazien's face brightened instantly.
"Really?" Kazien exclaimed enthusiastically, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "In that case, I can feel relieved not having to shoulder the burden of your feelings for me! Hehehe. Thank goodness, I don't have to reject a royal prince."
Felix snorted in amusement at Kazien's drastic change in attitude. "I'm amazed by you. Why are you so enthusiastic? Usually, people get offended if their love is rejected or considered only as a sibling's."
Kazien then looked at his three fiancés with a gentle gaze, before turning back to the handsome face of the prince in front of him.
"Because honestly, I love you and care about you, Felix!" Kazien admitted candidly. "But because I already have these three extraordinary fiancés, I would definitely be in trouble if you fell for me. Moreover, I have sworn not to betray them with the presence of a new person in our lives."
Kazien's words were simple, yet their impact hit Arken's heart hard.
Arken, sitting silently beside Alvin, stared at Kazien's back with a pained gaze. His heart trembled violently. He hadn't expected Kazien to hold so firmly to that vow of loyalty, even willing to limit his own feelings to protect theirs.
My Huby... Arken whispered softly in his heart, his eyes starting to glaze over, but he held back the tears.
His mind drifted back to the past, when he had loudly threatened to kill himself if Kazien dared to accept anyone else after him. At that time, Arken felt his actions were justified as a form of absolute love. But now, seeing Kazien's sincerity in guarding his feelings, Arken felt as if thousands of needles were piercing his chest.
Was my attitude in threatening you back then right? Arken's inner thoughts raged. You are so loyal, so caring. But why do I feel pain when you are honest like that in front of me? Pain from realizing how heavy a burden I have placed on you.
Arken looked at his fiancé, who was now laughing heartily at Felix's joke. That laugh was so free, so beautiful.
Forgive me, My Huby. Forgive me for burdening you with my threat. You are afraid to take a step because you fear losing me. But... am I allowed to withdraw my vow to you from that time?
Arken lowered his head, gripping his own pants. Doubt began to gnaw at his confidence, which had been so solid until now. All this time, he has always prioritized the happiness of the three of us. But why can't I prioritize my own fiancé's happiness? Am I so afraid of sharing him with someone who might be destined to be with him?
Suddenly, the memory of Hudeon's words flashed through his mind. The scathing words once hurled at him. "Honestly, he is selfish! The way he looks at me is as if he is watching an enemy!"
It seems Hudeon was right. Arken admitted bitterly in his heart. I am a selfish human. I want to possess him, bind him with guilt and threats of death. But... on the other hand, can I accept it if there is someone else after me who becomes his fiancé?
The image of Kazien with someone other than the three of them made Arken's chest tight. He wasn't ready. He truly wasn't ready.
Arken exhaled a long, slow breath, trying to hide his turmoil behind a flat expression. I don't know what to do. These feelings are too complicated. At the very least, I hope that someday I can find the answer. For now, let me remain selfish a little longer to keep you.
On the other side of the room, King Nalvon glanced toward the window. The sky outside had turned dark, signaling that night had fallen.
"Very well..." said King Nalvon as he rose from his seat, breaking Arken's reverie. "It is dark outside. We cannot stay here much longer as there are still many palace matters to attend to. So, we shall take our leave."
Kazien immediately stood up, followed by his three fiancés.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Kazien answered, bowing politely in respect. "Be careful on the way. And please ensure you give those two necklaces to the Princess and Her Majesty the Queen."
King Nalvon smiled warmly, patting Kazien's shoulder briefly. "Of course, Kazien! I will make sure they receive them. See you again another time."
The King walked toward the exit, followed by Felix who still looked cheerful.
"See you again, Kazien! Don't miss me, okay!" Felix called out, waving his hand playfully.
"If I miss you, I just need to come to the palace, right?" Kazien replied with a chuckle.
Felix responded to Kazien's remark with a burst of laughter.
Kazien walked ahead of them to open the mansion's main door. The cool night breeze immediately greeted their faces. In the front yard, the luxurious royal carriage bearing the kingdom's crest seemed to be awaiting their arrival.
King Nalvon and Felix boarded the carriage. The royal coachman immediately spurred the gallant horses upon receiving the command. The carriage wheels turned slowly, carrying the two leaders of the kingdom away from the mansion grounds, leaving Kazien and his three fiancés standing in the doorway, watching their departure until the carriage disappeared after turning onto the main road of the capital.