Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Haaahhh...",

Alberu let out a loud sigh before reaching to his 9th teacup and drinking out of it. It was already late into the evening and he sat the entire day at his office desk signing documents and preparing for the upcoming war. The dim light of his desk lamp burned in his fatigued eyes as he took another big sip of the black tea. Alberu should be thankful and happy since his plans are going well as the Roan kingdom is gaining more and more strength. All thanks to him. 

"Him" was Cale Henituse. The young noble had a breakthrough in high society two years ago and quickly changed his title as trash into one of a hero, even though the noble himself disliked his new alias of "young master silver shield". 

The young noble was having all the traits Alberu liked and admired. Being calm, calculative, but still kind and caring. On top of having a beautiful face. Alberu couldn't help himself but fall in love. It started innocently, only noticing how frail Cale was, how long his lashes were that decorated his eyes, then he fell in love with his caring nature, he fell in love with his self-sacrificial side. 

'Well, that doesn't matter now'

Alberu thought while his chest started to tighten. Nowadays, whenever Alberu looked or thought of Cale, his chest started to hurt and his nose felt hot. Cale was not his and he probably never will. Alberu always was someone to quickly catch on to things, may it be strategies or social circles. Alberu noticed the loving gazes of Choi Han that were directed at Cale. At first, he wanted to fight for his love, but then he noticed, that the gazes were required. Cale didn't notice it himself, but Alberu caught him giving Choi Han extra attention, being flustered when the black swordsman was too close. If that was the case, who was Alberu to selfishly get between them. Alberu promised himself to quickly forget Cale and live up his role as a sworn brother. 

"!!!"

Alberu quickly turned his head after hearing steps in his room. He grabbed his spear only to see a slender body being lightened by the moonlight. It was a very familiar silhouette. 

"Cale?", Alberu slowly put his spear down. "Did you forget something?"

"..."

"Is something wrong?"

Alberu noticed the disturbed expression Cale had on his face and quickly stood up and moved in the other man's direction. Cale did the same, even faster. The redhead stopped right in front of Alberu, putting both of his cold hands into Alberu's cheeks and then touching his hair and ears. 

"What are you doing?"

Alberu asked, trying really hard to hide his flustered voice and rising blush 

"How.....?"

"?"

Cale was looking at Alberu, not breaking eye contact and Alberu could see the changing expressions on that young noble's face. It went from disturbed to happy to sad and pained. Then it came to Alberu. The Cale in front of him had longer hair than the Cale he knew and his face was a little rougher and more mature. 

"Cale."

Alberu saw the man in front of him flinching when he heard his own name. Both of them stood in silence and Alberu could see Cale collecting himself. Alberu patiently waited, with his face still in Cale's hands. 

The latter one finally calmed down and let go of Alberu's face and Alberu looked after the hands that just left his face. He wanted to grab them and feel the cold skin on his face again. 

"Hello, your highness, sun of the Roan Kingdom." 

the voice that came out of Cale's mouth was quiet and weak, and the words were not spoken in a jokingly mocking tone was always. 

Alberu was silent.

"Alberu Crossman"

This time, it was Alberu who flinched when hearing his own name. The words that called his name were gentle and warm. Alberu always wanted his name spoken out of this man's voice like that. 

"Who are you?"

Alberu finally asked while frowning. The man looked exactly like Cale, but he knew it was not the Cale he knew. 

"Ohh, how could you forget your loyal sworn brother Cale Henituse?" 

The other Cale finally had his cocky expression back on his face and the teasing voice. 

"You aren't the Cale I know."

"...yes, I'm not."

"Who are you?"

"Do you believe in parallel universes?" 

"In what??"

"Parallel universes. I'm Cale Henituse from another universe. I and the Cale you know share the same soul."

Alberu was stunned. This was just like Cale, saying something big and drastic in such a relaxed and calm voice. 

"How can I know that you're talking the truth?"

"< The touch of the Sun God will always be by your side. >
< Never set your eyes on taking over the sky. >
< The Sun will always rise. >
< The moment darkness is planted in your bodies... >
< The moment a person with that darkness becomes the head of the household, the sky will be destroyed and the ground will tremble. >"

"..."

The blonde prince immediately recognized the words. it was the prophecy in the secret royal library. 

"Remember? I want you to be king, Hyung."

Alberu's heart started to beat faster hearing the "Hyung" said in such an endearing way. 

"Then...why are you here?"

"Why not, it sounds like fun."

"Hahhh, that means you're a crazy bastard, no matter what universe you are in?"

"Well, you can say it like that."

Both men looked at each other grinning before both of them started to laugh. 

"Much work to do, huh?" 

Cale was directly his eyes on the big pile of paperwork that still needed to be done on Alberu's desk

"The usual."

"I help."

"What?"

Cale went to get an arm chair that was next to Alberu's bed and placed it right next to Alberu's office chair. Alberu walked towards his desk, while Cale grabbed one of his pens and started to fill in paperwork. 

"When did you change your philosophy from slacking of to working hard?"

did Alberu asked, very impressed by the speed and accuracy Cale was doing his work. 

"Well, sometimes we need to change some things up. Here, I finished these, you just need to sign these." 

Cale placed a small stack of already finished people next to him, in front of the other chair. Alberu sat down and his hands touched the ones of Cale. He immediately felt his hands getting warm and hearing his love breathing that close to him only made his heart beat faster. 

Both men sat in silence while completing the paperwork, only the soft breaths and the scratching of fountain pens decorating the room, while both men exchanged the paperwork at a steady rate. 

-

-

-

With Cale's help, Alberu managed to finish the paperwork that would usually cause him an All nighter, to be finished in just hours. Working next to Cale was very calming. And seeing Cale's slender pale fingers holding his pen while writing in beautiful handwriting, made Alberu only more fascinated, as this was a side he never saw with the Cale he knew. 

"So that was the last one. Good that I managed it in time." 

Cale gave him the last stack of paper.

"In time?"

"Yes, the time I can spend here is only limited. But I will visit again."

Cale stood up and Alberu rashly copied the redhead and did the same. 

"Then, I'll be looking forward to seeing you again, Other-Cale"

Alberu reached out his hand for a handshake

"Hyung, don't you think our relationship is more than a handshake?"

Before Alberu could ask what that means, Cale went and hugged him. Alberu could feel the young noble's face in his shoulder and his face immediately started to get hotter, as his heartbeat was dancing in his chest. 

"Wha-"

"See you soon, Hyung." 

Cale's body started to become more transparent, until it completely disappeared in a matter of minutes, leaving a confused and flustered Alberu behind.

Alberu had trouble calming down, as he still felt Cale's soft hair in his neck, Cale's slender arms wrapping around him, and Cale's smell on his clothes. He sighed while brushing his hands down his hair and hot face. 

'Alberu control yourself'

Hyung

Cale never called him that in such a loving voice. Did he just hallucinate everything because of his heartbreak? 

But with a glace on the finished paperwork, Alberu knew it wasn't the case. The Cale that hugged just now was real. 

'I can't wait for the next visit'

Chapter Text

Thanks to Cale, the most urgent paperwork was done, which caused Tasha to urge Alberu to take a break before he passed out of exhaustion. That night. Alberu sent all his servants home early and decided to go to bed early for the first time in a while. 

While laying in his luxurious, golden decorated bed, Alberu was unable to fall asleep. The moon wasn't as bright as five days ago when Cale visited the last time, but it still was bright to see the castle and the trees outside clearly. 

"Hahhh..." 

did Alberu sigh, while he stood up and put on a robe. Being unable to fall asleep, the blonde crown prince slowly opened the doors to his balcony(that was behind his office desk) and stepped outside. 

The air was fresh and through the weak wind, Alberu could hear the leaves rustle. The nighttime was one of the rare times when the royal castle was quiet. Alberu enjoyed the attention and being admired by his peers, but it was also moments like these he felt free and being able to breathe.

'If I can't sleep anyway, I should use my time and at least get some more work done'

Alberu thought while stepping inside again, only to find Cale sitting on his couch waiting again. It was the parallel universe Cale again.

"It's been a while."

Cale said in a calm, laid-back voice. 

"Yeah...."

Alberu slowly replied as the picture of Cale's soft hair and his breath in his shoulder from the last time came up again. He quickly turned around to hide his blush and asked to hide his embarrassment 

"Last time, I couldn't offer you anything, even though you helped me with all the paperwork, let me brew you a cup of tea."

With his back directed to Cale, Alberu couldn't see the grin that has formed on Cale's face. 

"Sure."

Alberu rolled up the sleeves of his shirt and started to get out the leaves. He remembered Cale drinking his tea with honey and lemon, which he pulled out of his cupboard into Cale's teacup. Soon after, the water was cooking and he brewed a teapot with his favorite tea. 

After placing the cups in front of Cale and himself, Alberu sat down on the armchair opposite Cale. 

"How has the paperwork been? Need more help?"

"No, I even could rest earlier today because you were so efficient last time. Thank you."

"Then it's good, but.."

the man in front of Alberu started to frown.

"if you could rest earlier, then why are you still awake?"

"Is that another way of saying "I want to see your sleeping face""

Alberu started to tease Cale, but the other seemed to be unbothered. 

"I know how your sleeping face looks like though?"

"!"

the blonde Prince was taken back by that answer. The Cale in front of him was smiling while taking a sip of his tea. His poker face vanished for a while as he frowned, but Cale collected himself quickly.

"Lemon tea huhh..."

did the redhead mumble. 

"So, your highness, what's been on your mind lately? Tell me something interesting."

Alberu didn't expect this question. There were so many questions in his head right now. 

'How did you travel universes?'

'Why are you here?'

'How is the Alberu in your universe?'

But before Alberu could ask any of these questions, Cale interrupted his row of thoughts

“Tell me about your day.”

Alberu was surprised that out of all people, Cale, who never wanted to know more than necessary asked him about his day, but he answered the young noble’s question nonetheless.

“Nothing special, really the usual. I signed some papers in the morning and then had a meeting with the southern nobles. Hahhh, Marquis Ailan was acting up again.”

“Well, a rat will go feral if it’s narrowed down.”

Cale took another sip from his tea without looking up as he said those words. 

“Pffffff, he does look like a rat though.”

Alberu started to chuckle.

“He’s violating child labor laws, so investigate it and you can limit his power a bit.”

“How do you even know that?”

“When did I ever give you the wrong information?”

“Crazy bastard.”

Cale seems to look Alberu up and down

“Hmmm….”

Cale looked deep in thought as his gaze stopped at Alberu’s face

“I-is something wrong?”

did Alberu ask in a slightly nervous voice, caused by Cale’s intensive stare.

“No… hmmm… okay let’s do it?”

“D-do what?”

“An abduction.”

“What? Who do you want to abduct?”

“You, of course, the sun of the Roan Kingdom.”

“You will do wha- you crazy bastard what??”

“Let’s have some fun at the night market.”

Alberu was flabbergased. Cale really was one of the only, if not the only who could surprise him every time. Going on the capital’s night market? As the crown prince, Alberu always had to take care of appearances and be the face of nobility. Luxuries and leisures like having fun like a normal child was not something he could enjoy freely. Especially since his position as a successor was tightened thanks to Cale. 

Alberu thought for a moment if he really should go, only to answer

“Sure, let’s do it. I won’t fall asleep anyways and how could I not go if my cute dongsang asks me so dearly.”

Alberu grinned, as his answer seemed to lighten up Cale’s expressionless face a little bit, only for him to catch himself smiling and fix his expression.

‘Cute’ did Alberu think while seeing Cale this happy.

The redhead didn’t seem to notice the gazes of Alberu as he fumbled in his pockets.

“Of course we will go in disguise.”

Cale said while taking out something that looked like a mana stone. It was a weak stone charged with a small amount of mana, popular among children as it made light changes in appearance. 

“Hm… Let’s go with black hair black eyes for me and you.. I always thought dark brown hair suited you the best and I always wanted to see you with green eyes, so let’s go with that.”

Alberu’s heart skipped a beat since dark brown was his natural hair color. Cale pushed the button and his hair and eye color changed immediately. It was weak magic that would be spotted immediately by a higher mage, but it was enough for the night market. 

After they disguised themselves in simple common folk clothing, Cale opened the door to the balcony again and looked down. 

“Yeah, I can’t jump down from this height.. Please carry me.”

“!!!”

“My beloved Hyung is always nice and there for the people of the Roan Kingdom isn’t he? So please help this unworthy subject of yours and carry me while jumping down.”

Cale set up his fake innocent voice as he clasped his hands together and looked at Alberu with fake begging eyes. 

“I-i got it, stop with the acting.”

Alberu went down on his knees to let Cale on his back and they disappeared into the royal garden, where there was an opening in the bushes. Alberu used the secret opening to sneak away when he was a child, not that someone would have noticed his disappearance as he was severely neglected after his mother’s death. 

The royal castle was surrounded by a small forest, not very dense, but it still blocked much of the moonlight, so Alberu and Cale were walking through the dark. 

-

-

-

Soon after, they exited the royal grounds and the bright lights of the city were spotted. The further they went in, the brighter the lights and louder the noises were. Cityfolk were selling their handicrafts, the smell of delicious food was in the air, and the waves of laughter of children running around hand in hand truly showed off the lively and prosperous Roan Kingdom that Alberu loved since his childhood. 

“I love these skewers the most”, 

Cale poked Alberu on the side to get his attention and handed out some skewers with meat and a little cup of fruit juice. Alberu took his share as he looked at Cale biting into the meat and having a delighted expression. Cale was already sitting on the rim of the plaza’s fountain and happily enjoying his little meal. Alberu copied the young noble and sat down next to him. 

‘It does look delicious’

did Alberu think while biting into the meat and he wasn’t disappointed. The meat wasn’t the quality he was served daily, but it was seasoned perfectly and very juicy. The juicy suited the meal perfectly as it was sweet and refreshing, but not overbearing that it would leave a sweet and sticky aftertaste in your mouth. 

“It’s delicious..”

“Right, isn’t it?”

Alberu looked up to see Cale standing in front of him and giving him the biggest grin he has ever seen on the red head’s face. 

“There’s a sweet I always wanted to try, but it’s so popular, that it’s always sold out when I ask for someone to buy it for me, let’s try it out.”

“Sure.”

-

-

The festival started to get livelier as more people entered the plaza and with it, also crowdier. Alberu had no troubles seeing his steps, but it became more and more difficult to spot the redhead in the crowd until he lost him. He spun around and looked for a red spot in the spot, but it was useless, it was impossible to find anyone in that crowd. The faces simply blurred into the crowd. The brunette tried to step on a bench to get a better view of the crowd as he felt a tuck on his shirt. It was Cale looking slightly pale.

“You okay?”

Alberu always worried whenever he saw Cale nervous.

“Yeah, it’s nothing, I saw you talking to that bench, but it was hard to follow you as the crowd was so dense. I barely kept my feet on the ground. Should we wait for the crowd to die down?”

“No, it’s the first day of the festival, it won’t die down until the third day, so let’s just walk together”

said Alberu while putting out his hand and offering it to Cale. Cale hesitated for only a moment before he took the offer and both of them walked hand in hand through the market. 

-

-

‘I should’ve thought my words more thoroughly.’

Panic finally reached Alberu’s brain when he realized that he was holding the hand of the love of his life and they were strolling through the market like lovers. His heartbeat was pumping loudly against his chest and ringing in his ears and Alberu begged that his hands wouldn’t be too sweaty. He hoped Cale wouldn’t notice his nervousness and wished for the moment to end quickly, but also forever. He glanced over to see Cale walking in his usual laid-back manner with his other hand in his pockets. 

‘Seems like I’m really clowning myself being the only one this nervous.’

-

-

-

“- wins the rare ring infused with protective mana. Hello, young man, are you on a date with your lover? How about participating in this couples game? Your boyfriend would love receiving a protective ring, isn’t that a romantic gift? It only takes 5 copper coins to participate!”

The vendor talked to Cale with a knowing face and pointing at the advertisement of the stand. 

“Excuse me, you seem to misunderstand, we aren’t actually boyfriends we are-”

“-fiancés”

did Cale interrupt Alberu, which words shocked Alberu that he couldn’t even bring out a sound. Cale grinned at the vendor as he threw one silver coin towards her. 

“Yes, of course, I apologize for my mistake.”

Alberu looked at Cale with ‘what’s the meaning of this'

and the young noble simply grinned and said 

“We will win this, won’t we, honey?”

It was Cale’s typical scammer grin and Alberu sighed as he knew he had something planned. 

-

-

The games were simply coordination games in which neither Alberu nor Cale was struggling as working together that many years and their similarities, lead both of them to have a good guess on how the other would move and think in a certain situation. Needless to say, both of them were leading players. 

-

-

“Now we’re announcing the last game of the contest! It’s classic, yet telling!! How much do you know about your color? Write down the answer to our questions and your partner will do the same! The pair with the most matches wins!!”

a loud voice was coming out of the magic amplifying devices announcing the final game. Alberu and Cale were competing against the other last-standing couple, battling for the winner's title.

“The first question is ‘At what time does your partner wake up’ 30 seconds!”

‘This is easier than expected’

Alberu almost immediately grabbed his pen and wrote down his answer.

[not before 3 pm]

“Time’s up! Let’s see the answers and…. it matches!! Not before 3 pm? Looks like you have sleeping beauty as your partner.”

The commentator continued to throw cheesy lines into the audience and earned himself some laughter. Alberu glanced at Cale who seemed to be unbothered by the teasing comments and said laid back with his legs crossed on the chair simply holding his piece of paper and smiling his fake innocent smile. It was so typical for him to act like this, that Alberu couldn’t help himself to let out a slight chuckle. 

“Okay love birds, next round! ‘What is your partner’s special talent”

x

x

“Ehhh a glib tongue??? What a talent huh? Especially useful for giving compliments and showering you with love, isn’t it?” 

did the host joke at Cale who was holding his written paper to the crowd with a put-on and innocent and bashful smile. 

‘I knew that bastard would write this down.’

-

-

-

-

“The last question is ‘What do you like the most about the other person?’ the couple with the most similar answers win this contest!”

Alberu thought for a while. He liked everything about Cale and writing everything down would be an easy and obvious win, but maybe this was the opportunity to show Cale a little bit of his love. These thoughts were in his mind as he opened the pen cap and wrote down what he actually thought about Cale. 

“OHHHH we seem to have a clear winner! 

[His compassion and warmth, he shows everyone, not realizing how loved he actually is.]

[His energy and compassion with which he’s goes on in life, being as warm as the sun]

Such romantic lines!! So, it's obvious that this prize goes to…..”

The host put the voice amplifier in front of Alberu’s mouth 

“...Bob”

and next to Cale’s mouth 

“...Bobby.”

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

“HAHAHAHAHAHA”

Both Alberu and Cale received the prize and applause from the audience and moved towards a less crowded and more quiet area where Alberu broke out in loud laughter. 

“HAHAHAHA Bob and Bobby the engaged couple, I can’t take this hahaha”

tears started to collect in Alberu’s eyes as he held on to his stomach.

“It’s not my fault that you used my to-go name and I couldn’t come up with an alternative name this fast!”

Cale tried to sound calm, but the defensiveness was heard in his voice. 

“PFFffff is our young master silver shield POUTING hahahahaha”

“Very funny?”

“It’s hilarious!”

“Whatever. Here”

Cale extended his palm to give Alberu whatever was in it. Alberu received the present and it was the protective mana ring from the contest they just won.

“Huh? I thought you wanted that ring?”

“Why would I need that, it’s obviously for you.”

while Alberu didn't expect to receive anything (and for free!) from Cale, Cale didn’t seem to be open to compromises, so Alberu simply said 

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“Did you have fun?”

“What?”

“I asked, did you have fun?”

“...Yes I had.”

“Good. Me too. I hope you could relax even a little bit tonight.”

“What do you mean?”

Alberu looked at Cale, but the latter one looked at the bright night sky. The night was now at its peak and the black sky showcased the thousands of bright stars as they were its most priced possessions. It was chilly but not cold as the night wind made the leaves of the nearby trees rustle. The lively festival noises were still faintly going on in the background, but Alberu couldn’t hear any of those as Cale started to open his mouth. The following words would be in Alberu’s heart for a long time

“You know Alberu, I may not be a crown prince, nor do I have any intention to succeed my title, but I know how hard it is to be cautious every moment of your life. I won’t tell you to not be cautious, but you have more people who love you than you think you do. It’s not bad to sometimes rely on them or ask for help. It’s not your childhood anymore, you are not alone anymore. You did well until now and you will in the future.”

“... I did well?”

“Yes, very well. I’m very proud to be able to call you my Hyung. I truly am.”

“...”

Alberu was at a loss for words as he felt his throat starting to hurt and his nose stinging. Being told that he did well and that there was finally someone who noticed his hard work and achievements was the one thing he wished for the most and it came out of his mouth. The person whose opinion he cared the most about. 

“You need to take care of yourself more. You aren’t some random noble, you are the next king here. We can’t have you die of fatigue, you understand?”

The current smile that was adorning Cale’s face wasn’t his usual scamming one, neither was it his smug one, no, it was a smile Alberu never experiences with the Cale in this world. It was a smile telling so many emotions, worry, care, pride and..love. Noone ever looked at Alberu like that since the death of his mother. There always was a little bit of pity mixed with it, but Cale’s wasn’t. Cale looked at Alberu as he knew that Alberu could do anything, that he could reach the sky. It was a smile full of faith and trust and it was directed at Alberu, only Alberu. 

Alberu felt so many emotions at once, not knowing how to process any of them or giving an adequate reply, instead, only two words came out of his mouth 

“....Thank you.”

-

-

-

-

-

-

It was the end of a long night when Cale finally said his goodbyes and turned into air like his last time. The redhead seemed to be satisfied with his own words as his intended message was received well by the crown prince. With a smile that made Cale’s eyes disappear did the young noble see off Alberu. 

“Bye, see you next time.”

“....Goodbye.”

“Then, that be the end of this nigh-”

Cale was flustered by the sudden grab on his arm. It was Alberu who looked at Cale with sad and longing eyes 

“Will you come again soon?”

Cale was silent for a while before he took Alberu’s hand with his both hands and went on one knee. 

“I promise that we will see each other soon.”

were the words Cale said before he kissed the back of Alberu’s hand. Shortly after, the silhouette of Cale started to lighten until he completely disappeared. 

-

-

Alberu didn’t go home alone that day. He was accompanied by the warm feeling in his heart, caused by Cale’s words and the hot feeling on his hand, caused by Cale’s lips.

That night, Alberu slept well, if not the best sleep he had in years. 

Chapter Text

"I wish you a pleasant night, crown Prince Alberu" 

Alberu turned around and looked into the greasy face of one of his vassals. It was one of the supporters of the third prince who made Alberu’s late teens and early twenties hell but changed sides quickly after Alberu gained the favor of the kingdom and the king recently. 

Alberu suddenly had the urge to punch him in his face, but instead, he just set up his perfectly trained smile and nodded before he disappeared into his own study.

“Fucking bastard, he didn't even call me prince until 2 years ago!"

he screamed the moment he closed the door behind him and made sure that no one was listening to him. Alberu kicked a chair while continuing to swear and only got angrier while thinking about the recent conversation he had with the king, his father only tonight during dinner.

“Alberu, your recent achievements have been rather weak, haven’t they?”

The king looked down on him while sipping on his wine and one of his many mistresses on his lap was wrapping her arms around him while rubbing her chest against his.

“I always knew that you had talent in you, but you need to do more to become king.”

Alberu clenched his fist and his jaw tightened, but he was in a disadvantageous situation, so he had no choice but to reply

“Yes, I understand father.”

Alberu went through his face with both of his palms. The stress and pressure only grew the recent days, as the man who neglected him his entire life was now collecting all of Alberu’s achievements and calling them his own due to his amazing education. 

‘Little does everyone know that I had to learn all that shit by myself. This bastard was driven by his lower half, while my mother was dying from a curable illness.’ 

The hatred for his father only grew those recent years and Alberu felt more and more disappointment every day, the more he learned about the corrupt nobles and the higher society. 

Alberu sighed while picking up the chair he kicked earlier and asked himself

“Why am I sacrificing my body and soul for shit like that? Is the Roan Kingdom really worth my sanity and blood?”

“Sometimes I wonder that too”

Alberu flinched after hearing that familiar voice coming from his balcony window. 

Cale, his Cale was leaning against the window with his back while the bit of the moon that was out today shone on him, making his red hair glow in a mesmerizing blue light. Alberu felt a bit ashamed that Cale had to listen to his breakdown, but he was happy nonetheless to see the redhead again. 

“Cale…”

“Now that we mention this, it’s actually something I wondered for a long time. You always were some bastard with a glib tongue who has a talent in using people - don’t misunderstand me, I am too, but the difference between you and I is, that you put the kingdom first, while I put myself first.”

‘Myself my ass’

did Alberu think before he answered

“Thanks for the compliment, younger master silver shield.”

Alberu gave Cale a sarcastic smile, while he sighed and spoke after taking a deep breath

“To be honest, I’m not sure of my own principles and motivations anymore. My mother fell in love with the Roan Kingdom, she fell in love with its beautiful nature, its rich history, and its lovely folk, but I just can’t. I… I just can’t bring myself to look at this country like she did. I see the forest and rivers my mother loved so much destroyed by greedy nobles for profit, I see the history being changed for the image,  and I see stupid peasants idolize a stupid and lazy king. I….. just don’t know anymore. Am I just really stupid for keeping the image of the Roan Kingdom alive my mother adored so much?”

Alberu couldn’t stop himself from letting out all of his deepest feelings and regrets that collected themselves over the past decade. 

“My father never even recognized me as a prince and now he calls me his beloved crown prince that always obediently listens to his every command. I’m so sick of all of this. No one in this palace is on my side and the king and the queen don’t allow me to bring in people I actually trust. I… I feel like a dog… I’m so tired…”

Cale who listened to every word that came out of Alberu’s lips with his utmost attention while coming closer to Alberu finally was standing in front of the blonde prince. He leaned his face into Alberu’s shoulder while wrapping his arms around Alberu to embrace him into a hug. Alberu, who always hated to show weakness to anyone and hated it the most in front of Cale, who always was strong and confident, decided that it was okay just this once and his arms also started to move and he started to reciprocate the hug. 

Both men stood there in silence and Alberu started to calm down listening to Cale’s calm breaths on his shoulder while the weak flowery scent of Cale tickled his nose. Moments that felt like an eternity later, did Alberu hear the first words of Cale

“Yes, you definitely are stupid”

“W-what?”

Alberu didn’t expect that answer at all, but the redhead didn’t wait for a reply before he continued talking

“To be honest, I never understood how a single man could sacrifice this much for people he never knew. It’s not like you know every single person of the Roan Kingdom and their personal beliefs and motivations, so why trying so hard to make them happy? I could never do that. I have my chosen group of people and only them. I don’t care about the rest, they can die if that means we can live.”

Alberu’s mouth was open and not a single word came out of it, but Cale was not finished.

“Like seriously? Learning all this shit about military strategies, administration, societal conversation and etiquette, mathematics, and all that other shit for other people?? Helping them for free ?? Yeah no.”

“I-”

Alberu tried to say something, but Cale was still not finished.

“Hiding away your true body in fear of not being accepted by the people you sacrifice yourself to protect? If they can’t accept and love your handsome dark elf self, then they don’t deserve your love at all. Your highness, your dark elf self is reeeeeaaaally handsome, how could they not love you.”

“What?-”

“Those are all words I want to tell you, but on the other hand.. you’re passionate about your country, your people. You treat the knights and soldiers like real people instead of mindless replaceable puppets. You think of three people first, no matter what status they are part of. You respect your countries limits and try to do your best to improve infrastructure, education, and general living quality with the limited resources rather than started some mindless useless war.  And when you finally started to start a war, it was out of necessity and you made sure to keep the number of deaths at a minimum.”

“...”

Alberu had no words as he continued to listen to the words of someone who saw all the hard work and thoughts he put into every little detail in his life. Cale had a list of insults prepared for him at the start, but now, the redhead couldn't stop giving him and his reign compliments. Alberu felt overwhelmed with the number of compliments that came out of Cale's mouth. 

“As Cale Henituse, I think you’re stupid, an idiot, but as a citizen of the Roan Kingdom, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not everyone can do things the way you do, and I know for a fact that I could never be like you, maybe that’s why I find you so admirable.”

“What?”

“I admire you, Hyung. For being such a stupid, but warmhearted and lovely idiot.”

“.....You crazy bastard”

Alberu was truly speechless. Never in his life was he insulted and criticized this much and at the same time complimented like that. With that, he meant genuine. Alberu knew that every word, no matter insult or compliment that came out of Cale’s mouth was genuine. 

Alberu felt like he needed to say something, but the only words that were able to leave his mouth were 

“Thank you, Cale”

And this time, just like Cale, he meant those words from the bottom of his heart. 

Cale that bastard, no matter what version of him, always had the exact words he needed to hear the most at Alberu’s lowest points and Alberu hated the way he delivered them, but he loved every single word. 

“I know it can feel hard, feeling invisible, your voice not heard, your actions not appreciated, instead, taken for granted, and despite working so hard and being tired to your bone, but there will be someone out there, who will see you, who will hear you, who will appreciate you and see all your hard work and they will tell you ‘good job, you worked hard’”

Alberu felt his nose starting to hurt and he felt like doing something he hasn’t done in years since it was useless in such a cold place as the palace. 

“Hyung, good job, you worked hard, I see you.”

‘Fuck, here they go’

did Alberu think while the first tears in years came out of his eyes and he started to wet Cale’s shoulder. The latter one just patted his shoulder in silence. 

A moment that felt like an eternity, so embarrassing that Alberu wanted to quickly forget and never talk about it again, but also so reassuring and warm that Alberu wished it would never end and that he could always stay in this lovely place in Cale’s arms. 

Alberu didn’t know how long they stood there intertwined in that hug, but Cale’s word could bring him back into reality. Fewer words, more appearance, as the redhead started to disappear again. 

“I guess the time for tonight is over. Those are words, I always wanted to tell, you, consider your cute crying face the payment”

Alberu felt a deep blush coming as he saw Cale slyly grinning at him. 

"Crazy bastard."

Cale continued to grin at Alberu being embarrassed about himself crying earlier, but it then changed into a sad smile as he cupped the crown prince’s face between his hands. Alberu felt his blush even darken by the intense stare of the young noble before he slightly closed his eyes as Cale gave him a kiss on his forehead. 

“I know you are amazing and don’t let the nobles get you too hard. You are loved.”

and with this, the last words of Cale echoed through Alberu’s mind

“You are loved.”

“You are loved” 

“You are loved”

"I love you too"

Alberu whispered, but these words were no longer heard, as the redhead already turned into thin air leaving behind the dimming shine of the waning quarter.

Chapter Text

Alberu was walking through the dark corridors of his part of the castle, his steps increasing in speed as the conversation he just happened to overheard was ringing in his head. So loud, that a big headache was on its way. 

“Cale-nim”

Choi Han was grabbing Cale by his arm. His face covered in a dark flush as his nervous voice called out Cale's name

“What is, Choi Han?”

“I have feelings for you”

Choi Han's voice was shaking, but the words were spoken in a determined way.

“Wha-”

“I love you. I love you so much, I always admired you and  ■■ ”

“...Choi Han…”

Choi Han cupping Cale’s face with both of his scarred hands and Cale’s pale hand on top of Choi Han’s. Both men leaning forward and closing their distance was the last thing Alberu could see before his legs brought him elsewhere. 

“Choi Han, I  ■■■■”

‘It happened.’

Alberu quietly closed the door behind him and sat down on the couch in his office. His office was one of the only places in the entire palace that truly felt his and where he could free himself from his restraints. Before, it was a room like any other room in this godforsaken place, but Cale made it warm. This worlds Cale with his lighthearted and opportunistic attitude and the other Cale… who made him feel warm and secure. 

He looked down at his hands and noticed how his fingers were shaking. 

‘Alberu, why are you acting like this? You know this would’ve happened sooner or later.’

Alberu took deep breaths, but he was unable to calm down as his heart was unusually loud this certain evening. His chest was especially painful as it was tying up his air supplies.

‘I...would things have changed if I confessed?’

Alberu stared into the empty space infront of him as both of his first were clenched. 

‘No… It was my own decision not to pressure Cale, who already had enough on his plate. It’s not my place to interfere with his happiness.’

He talked to himself, unable to shake out that uncomfortable painful feeling. With his breathing still uneven, Alberu was flooded with questions of regret, questions Alberu already promised himself not to ask himself since it was his own decision. Decisions Alberu made a long time ago, but he never expected they still would come back and even less, hurt this much. 

‘Would I’ve been even a choice for him? Did he even see me as someone special to him? ……....Why are you so pathetic, Alberu. It’s too late. Stop drowning in self-pity.’

It was a tranquil night and the moon was dim. The palace was quiet as usual, but today’s quietness was incomparable to the usual nights. It felt like time was stopped itself as the insufferable silence was covering Alberu’s bedroom, but in comparison to the outer stillness, Alberu’s head was loud and uncertain. 

His expected headache started to set, causing his view to blur and darken, as he did something he never did before in his 25 years. 

On that night, he opened a bottle of wine, one of the bottles his mother left behind in hope of him being able to mend his relationship with his father one day and drinking on a happy occasion. 

After that bottle, he opened the next bottle, and then the next, but the happiness didn’t come, only pain, regret, and sorrow.

Alberu felt his own face flush from the alcohol as he looked at yet another wine glass he emptied. The glass was quickly filled again and Alberu's finger touched the edge. His mind was filled with one single question as his finger slid on the edge, playing with the balance of the glass

“When will Cale visit again?”

Chapter Text

Alberu’s recent days weren’t something one would call pleasant. Waking up with the first hangover of his like last week and immediately starting to work again as the white star won’t stop his doings just because the crown prince of the Roan Kingdom had a hangover. Countless meetings and get-togethers garnished his schedule, each one of them taking bits and bits of his energy and sanity.

His head hurt and felt pulsing as his heavy eyes were focused on the massive amounts of paperwork on his desk. His servants voiced worry over the entire past week, but Alberu brushed them off as he had to prove his abilities at every condition. He was so close to his goal of becoming king, he can’t let something like this ruin all of the work he built until now.

Alberu’s fingers felt numb as he reached for his teacup and his throat burned, swallowing down the 7th cup of tea that night. One stupid noble was caught enslaving citizens of the Roan Kingdom and selling them to the Empire, causing him a mountain of paperwork and meetings to create new legislation so another incident like this could be prevented in the future. 

‘All because the previous kings were incompetent and proud.’

The cup was quickly emptied and Alberu sighed as he stood up to get himself another one. 

The moment he stood up, his legs gave up and the crown prince started to fall. His view was black for a moment while trying to get a hold of the edge of his desk, a failed attempt, and Alberu prepared himself to taste the carpeted floor of his office, but to his surprise, instead of the floor, something soft cushioned his fall, some one soft to be exact. 

Alberu’s fall was caught by none other than Cale. His Cale.

“Cale!”

Alberu’s expression immediately lightened up when the redhead caught his view and he immediately embraced Cale in his tired arms. 

“...”

Alberu buried his face in Cale’s shoulder and his heart started to beat faster when a very familiar scent went into his nose. Soft long hair tickled his eyes and the calm breathing, indicated by the small shoulders slowly going up and down made Alberu’s heart flutter and face feeling hotter. 

“Cale…”

Alberu pulled Cale closer and tighter into a hug while the other noble didn’t seem to react. Both men stood inside the crown prince’s office, only the oil lamp on Alberu’s desk as a light source when the redhead said his first words of the night. 

“It’s been a while, Hyung ”

Cale said in a soft voice while freeing himself from Alberu’s hug and taking a step back. 

“How is work? You need help again? Hyung, you look really tired”

“No..”

Alberu took a step forward again, closing the distance Cale just created, and reached out his hand. Cale slightly flinched when Alberu’s fingers touched his lashes, but his expression stayed the same even when Alberu continued to caress Cale while slightly closed his eyes and let the crown prince do so. Alberu felt the thin strands of bright red hair, soft as always as they give out the smell of Cale’s favorite herb mix. His soft cheeks and sharp jaw, making his face as handsome as it was youthful. And his pink glossy lips. Alberu wanted everything about this man, more than everything. He was willing to give anything in return. 

“ Just stay with me, Cale ”

Cale’s eyes were closed but he heard the quiet breaths of Alberu getting closer and closer until he felt a small kiss on his forehead. He flinched when he felt the cold lips of Alberu touching his skin, but quickly got used to it as Alberu continued to give him little pecks. His forehead, his eyes, his cheeks, his nose, and lastly, his lips. Cale felt his own heartbeat fasten as the kiss lasted for a while that felt like an eternity.

He only opened his eyes again, when Alberu released him and both men looked each other in the eye with slightly uneven breaths. Cale could see the dark blush that decorated the ears and cheeks of the crown prince and felt his own face looked similar.

Alberu didn’t stop as he leaned forward for another kiss as his hands rested on the red-haired noble’s waist. He himself felt a pair of arms going around his neck as well as soft lips. Cale’s lips were warm and soft and Alberu felt small thumps of the other man’s heart as their chests were pressed together. 

The kiss didn’t stop, instead, they only got more passionate as tongue was now involved. Alberu’s mind was starting to melt away and hands started to grab the fabric of his shirt. Cale’s hands were small, but the grip they had on Alberu’s back felt hot, fingertips gliding down his shoulders, and with them, the creasing of the fabric changed.

Only after they both let off of each other did Alberu realize what just happened. He stared into a face, equally as flushed as his own while they both tried to catch their breaths. Cale’s eyes were sparkling at him, making him somehow collect the courage to tell the noble words that been on his heart for years

“Cale...I love you”

he whispered towards the young noble. Words that were obvious after what just happened, but nonetheless caused the redhead to widen his eyes. 

But recently found courage and confidence were short-lived as the confessed man quickly pushed him away. 

“...you can’t...no..I..”

“Why can’t I?”

The warmth that Cale just gave him completely disappeared with these few words, instead Alberu felt cold as never before. He felt like his blood left his arms and legs and he felt his fingers trembling. 

“Hyung. I am not the Cale of your universe.”

“I know.”

“You don’t, Hyung. My feelings aren’t the same as his. My thoughts aren’t the same as his. I am not him. I am not the Cale you know.”

“...”

“Hyung, you can’t use me as an escape from reality. You just can’t”

“Why not?”

“I- what?” 

Cale looked at Alberu with big shocked eyes. Alberu, on the other hand, felt his own desperation and exhaustion rising. 

“Why can’t I love you? Why can’t I use you as an escape from reality? You have the same traits as the Cale I fell in love with. You may be not the Cale I know, but you’re undeniably still Cale Henituse!”

“I’m not here for real..”

Alberu looked directly into the other man’s eyes, but Cale avoided eye-contact.

“But you are. Your touch is real, your actions are real. Your actions of showing me a side of you, I never experienced, your actions of bringing me to that festival, and more importantly, your words are real. Your words telling me I belong here, your words telling me that I am loved. All those were real.”

“...”

Alberu felt his desperation rise as Cale still refused to look him into his eyes. His hands covered in a cold sweat, desperate for only a single reaction from the red-haired man. A single word, a single tone, a single smile, hell, even looking into those reddish-brown eyes.

“Cale…please..”

“...”

But Cale was not only unable to look at him, but he also couldn’t bring out a single word, turning Alberu’s desperation into anger. 

Alberu felt betrayed. He felt like that kiss was nothing. He felt like those words meant nothing. Some stranger lying into his face at his lowest point in life, spouting some big lies about love and being loved, while nothing was really serious. He was angry at Cale, but even more angry at himself for believing those words. 

“It’s fine”

Cale visibly flinched after hearing Alberu’s voice turning this cold and bitter.

“I understand.”

When Cale turned around, he saw the Alberu’s back turned to him. His broad and muscular shoulders who usually looked warm and protective looked cold and distant now. Like a wall separating both of them.

“Isn’t it time for you to go?”

Cale’s heart sank and his chest felt painful, but he bit his lip so hard, that he tasted blood. He didn’t dare to say more than 

“...Yes, it is..”

before he felt his feet and legs dissolving into the air. His body started to feel lighter as the footing disappeared and tiny pricks around his body started to be felt. The usual cute pricks that felt warm and fuzzy whenever he left before now starting to hurt as they felt like tiny stabs in his skin. 

“Why not me?”

Alberu’s back was still facing him, but Cale still heard the small, weak voice coming from him. Cale felt not it was not his place anymore to answer. Tears started to blur his vision and the last words by the redhead were so quiet, that they nearly were overshadowed by the sound of himself dissolving.

“It’s always been you.”

Chapter Text

Since his mother’s death, whenever Alberu was sad, he would throw himself into that what he could do best: work. 

When his father neglected him when his stepmother abused him when the vassals stole his achievements and presented them as his own, all those times did Alberu throw himself into his studies, working from dawn to dusk, polishing his skills to overshadow everyone who dared to doubt him. 

As well as the current Alberu who was sitting at his all too familiar office desk, filling out and checking his all too familiar paperwork. In the past, he felt so powerful and useful whenever he sat there, being finally someone who takes responsibility, being finally someone who can improve the small little irrelevant Roan Kingdom. 

The royal stamp that looked so shiny and magical when his father first gave it to him now felt heavy and dull in the palm of his hands. 

It’s been about half a decade since his father gave him the position of administrative power and Alberu thought it was the sign for him to be finally chosen to take over the crown, but now look at this, 4 years later and he still wears the position of the crown prince with a self-convincing pride. 

Once again does the bright light on the sunsets last breath shine at his back, throwing the shadow of his broad shoulders on the papers infront of him, and once again does he take a deep sip out of his over-brewed black tea.

‘I’m so sick of this.’

Alberu thought as once again his eyes got heavier and heavier until they eventually closed. For a moment Alberu thought of all the unfinished work that needed to be done, but for the first time in his life, he decided to ditch his work and fell asleep. 

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The oil lamp on Alberu’s desk already extinguishes when Alberu opened his eyes again and since it was the night of the new moon, his entire office was filled with darkness. Only the magic lights in the corridor gave off a bit of light through the slots of the doors to his bedroom. Alberu’s eyes needed a while until they got used to the dark, leading to him stumble over some of his furniture. 

He often went to bed when his oil lamp extinguished, so he already got used to the layout of his room, making it easier for him to navigate through it. It still was a challenge for him, so Alberu dug in one of his drawers for a magic light device. The handle of the drawer felt slightly dusty and Alberu reminded himself to wipe them off tomorrow since he doesn’t let any maids into his office. 

When the light of the magic device finally lightened up the room, Alberu immediately noticed a difference. The big portrait of his mother that was decorating the walls of his office disappeared and instead it was a portrait of himself. He rubbed his tired eyes and double-checked, but it was undoubtedly his own face staring at him with a prideful smile. 

‘Who dared to remove my mother’s picture.’

Alberu asked himself while his own anger started to rise as his mother was so little respected in his own palace, but a small yawn from outside made Alberu immediately freeze. He never let anyone guard his office as he wanted to be flexible with his time and nightly walks.

“*yawn* I don’t understand why we even have to guard such an old room like that? Cale-nim could use any of the rooms in the newly renovated palace, why this room?

“Hey! Be careful about your words! It was the former crown prince’s office and bedroom!”

Alberu held his breath at the words 

‘Former crown prince? Cale-nim’s room?’

The more Alberu listened to those guards, the more confused he got. It was clearly his office and bedroom and it’s been for years, why was he suddenly the former crown prince?

Things started to finally sink in when Alberu heard Cale’s voice.

“Okay, now go away, I will see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, Cale-nim!”

Cale calmly closed the door behind him, but the redhead stood at the entrance of this chamber for a while before speaking in a cold yet calm voice 

“Who’s there in my room. Show yourself or I will call the guards.”

“... Your room?”

It was Alberu’s voice that made Cale flinch and the redhead looked up, causing their eyes to finally meet. 

“Huh?”

Wide, shocked eyes met Alberu’s own surprised ones. Alberu’s started to sweat and he swallowed his own saliva before he opened his dry mouth and finally asked to confirm is suspicion 

“Am I in your universe right now?”

“...”

It took a while until Alberu’s words seemed to sink in as Cale’s reaction was delayed, but as soon as they did, Cale immediately broke of eye contact as he turned his head away. Another long silence pressured the already heavy atmosphere even more. 

“Yes.”

So many emotions played in Alberu’s head right now. He was confused, shocked, exhausted, but yet… happy. He wanted to punch and scream at Cale, but at the same time, he wanted to lift him up, hug him, kiss him. Despite his orchestra of emotions in his head, he decided to slowly walk towards the redhead and softly laid his hand on the shoulder of the redhead. Cale still carried on his silence, but for Alberu it didn’t matter, a warm smile formed on his face when he whispered

“Cale, can you please explain this situation to me?”

Both men stayed there for a while, in complete silence with only the small magic device in Alberu’s hand being the only light source of that big majestic room. Unlike that night, Alberu was patient. Alberu finally understood that he wasn’t the only one with circumstances. 

A weak sigh was heard from the other party before the redhead finally opened his mouth. 

“I am the king of the current Roan Kingdom and everyone we know is dead.”

As the first sentence left Cale’s mouth, Alberu’s expression started to crumble but continued to listen to Cale’s following words nonetheless.

“The Roan Kingdom won their fight against the White Star and the Eastern Kingdom.”

Alberu noticed Cale’s wording.

‘The Roan Kingdom, not ‘we’’

“The White Star was defeated and the opening of the demon world was hindered, but at a cost…

The Henituse Estate, father, mother, Basen, Lily, our comrades, Ron, Beacrox, Rosalynn, Hannah, Jack, all our allies from the other countries, Tonka, Litana, the whales, my family, On, Hong, Choi Han, Raon and...you.

They all died in the Battle of Puzzle city, with them, many noble households of the Roan Kingdom. The Kingdom won, but the prize for their victory was heavy. 

After the war, the kingdom asked me to become their King, and I said yes out of responsibility, after all, I was the only one of the ‘heroes’ who survived.”

Cale’s shaking voice echoing loudly in Alberu’s ears. Alberu wanted to stop Cale, he didn’t want the redhead to suffer through those memories once more. He lifted his hand, making a gesture to stop, but the redhead continued

“It’s been 3 years since the battle of Puzzle city and the end of the war, the kingdom has recovered pretty much, when I suddenly got a message from the God of Death.”

“Huh? Directly in your head?”

“Weird isn’t it? I’m not even a priest hahaha”

Weak peals of laughter escaped Cale’s mouth

“They said I did well on my task and the Gods talked with each other to decide on a reward for me.”

“...”

“They couldn’t bring you guys back, you are all dead here forever, that’s the unchangeable truth, but he said that you are not dead everywhere. I already knew of parallel universes, but I never knew that there would be thousands of them, equal to my own. Every one of them with only minuscule changes to my own. It was just a limited amount of time, but I could still talk to anyone I knew.”

Cale’s face looked relieved after he let out all those words he probably held in for years. The loss of his comrades and family. His expressions were stoic, but Alberu knew his dongsaeng well enough to see the pain in his eyes. His lips were dry, but there was one question that wasn’t answered yet

“What was the minuscule change in my world?”

Reddish-brown eyes met his own, they sparkled as Alberu could see his own reflection in them. 

“I...Well…”

Cale stuttered as he started to look more and more flustered. 

“I-I didn’t know what the change was until I actually arrived there, b-but it was you.”

“What?”

“Well…, the Alberu in my universe was more like an older sibling? He never requited my feelings for him.”

“......!”

The veil in the crown prince’s head finally started to lift 

“Y-You! You like me?”

“Of course, I love you. I always loved you.”

This was it. Those were the words Alberu desperately wanted to hear. His head started to pound faster and he felt a sudden wave of peace 

“Why didn’t you reply to my confession last time then?”

“Because I don’t exist there, exactly like you don’t exist here right now. You are just a temporary illusion created by the gods to wander between universes without consequences. You are not real right now, as much as I am not real when I am there. Don’t just me as an escape from your life, that will just make you unnecessarily sad and disillusioned.”

It was at that moment when Cale’s meaning behind his words finally hit Alberu. Cale wanted to avoid Alberu using him as an escape because that was exactly was Cale was doing with his visits. When the redhead saw the changing expression on the crown prince’s face, he knew that Alberu came to the right conclusion. 

“I never wanted you to see me like that. Pathetic wasn’t I? Telling you what not to do, even though that was exactly what I was doing, I-”

Alberu decided that he no longer wanted to listen to Cale’s words. Those words were enough and he disrupted the young noble with his next sentence

“Cale, can I kiss you?”

Cale’s eyes widened as he looked at Alberu with big eyes, but like Cale, the shock only lasted for a short while as the redhead calmed himself down and with closed eyes he said. 

“Yes.”

The redhead looked up and closed his eyes as Alberu’s hands cupped the other man’s cheeks in them. Alberu’s heart was beating so fast that he felt like it would jump out of his chest as soft lips touched his own. 

The tingling sensation of a requited love made him greedy, as he pulled the redhead closer to him. Slender arms wrapped around his body as their kiss became more passionate. The other party seemed to struggle for air, but they didn’t release themself out of the kiss, instead, Alberu could feel their tongue. Their little session was disrupted by Alberu suddenly feeling prickly stabs on both of his legs. He quickly let go of Cale, whose face resembled his hair as he was gasping for air, a bit of saliva hanging on the corner of his mouth that was grinning at him.

Alberu was touching his lower leg and inspecting it for wounds as Cale spoke 

“Your leg feels like it’s stabbed with little needles?”

“How did you know?”

“That’s your sign that your time is up.”

Cale voice sounded sad, but his face gave him the biggest warmest smile Alberu has ever seen and Alberu felt his own face heating up, which the redhead seemed to notice as he let out some giggles 

“Don’t worry, the sun of the Roan Kingdom, we will see each other again”

Alberu felt his own mouth form a bright smile after listening to the words of the young noble, or the current king, how you see it, and said 

“See you, I love you”

“I love you too.”