Page 90 of Celestial Bodies

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Chapter 44

Julen

Emotion clogged Julen’s throat as he helped the emaciated prisoners. They fought viciously against the guardians despite their weakened state. He hadn’t expected so many to willingly run into battle after unlocking the cells, but their eyes displayed a fury that neither starvation nor disease could temper—they weren’t about to miss the chance to seek vengeance against the men who had done this to them.

Dacias set down a large water basin, and Iacuora fetched spoons to help the prisoners drink. Meanwhile, the sand creature gathered food from the kitchen to feed them while the Multarmirus, the Viscura, and Klorin nursed their wounds.

Julen walked to where Dacias helped Klorin sip water. “How are you?” he asked Klorin.

“Meh. Been better, but we all made it out alive, so I’m grateful.”

Julen shook his head at the poor excuse for food the Caligoneans distributed. Sickness and exhaustion gripped the prisoners so intensely that they barely acknowledged the monsters from their childhood stories stomping about, providing care of all things.

Julen shook his head as he spoke. “How will we move them all to Caligon?”

Dacias continued helping Klorin as he spoke. “We found the stables whenwe searched the perimeters. It’s got enough carts and horses to take us and the prisoners to Caligon.”

Julen hummed his disapproval. “Do you think they’ll make the journey? From here to Caligon, it’ll take days.”

“Not to mention, your father is still a threat,” Klorin added.

Julen certainly hadn’t forgotten about his father. He could only hope Haligran was still shaking in his boots at the sight of Julen’s new power. Part of Julen wanted to go to the castle and end his father, but he knew he was depleted from battle. He needed rest, and then he’d formulate a plan.

A prisoner approached Julen and bowed. “I’m…I’m so sorry to intrude. Prince Julen?”

The man looked only a bit older than Julen and Dacias, though it was hard to tell considering his frightful state. With sunken eyes and jaundiced skin, it was remarkable that he could stand.

Julen reached out to steady him. “Yes. How can I help you?”

The prisoner looked between Julen and Dacias. He leaned in closer and whispered, “Is…is this your…”

Julen knew what the prisoner was asking. He nodded his head. “This is my partner, Dacias Validar of Rugiria.”

Dacias leaned in and caressed the man’s arm. “Can we get you anything? Have you received food and drink?”

The prisoner nodded. He looked down at the floor, moving his mouth as if he were practicing saying something. When he looked back up, his eyes shimmered with emotion, and his skin flushed despite its pale color.

“There are many of us here who are,” he took a breath and swallowed, eyes darting about the space, “like you.”

It took Julen a moment to understand what he meant.Oh my.Julen surveyed the other prisoners slumped against the walls. Some gazed at the man speaking with him and Dacias, while others looked at Julen and Dacias with expressions of wonder.

The prisoner continued, “Thank you so much for what you did. For helping us. You give us hope.” The prisoner bowed slightly and made his way back to sitting at the base of the prison wall.

A wave of emotion overwhelmed Julen as he turned to cling to Dacias, only to find tears streaming down Dacias’s face. He gripped Julen’s wrists and stared into the depths of his soul.

It was as if they were speaking without words. They stood at the precipice of change—the moment to right the wrongs of a territory that had done more harm than good for far too long. Julen had the power to make a difference. People like him deserved to live openly, and he would lead by example. No more fear. No more hiding. Julen would be king—a homosexual king—with Dacias by his side.

Julen pressed their lips together, wiping the remaining tears from Dacias’s eyes. “We will come back. We’ll prepare in Caligon and return to take control of this territory. You and I will be the leaders these people deserve. I can’t imagine a greater honor than changing this place with you by my side.”

Dacias steadied himself. His emotions subsided, and his eyes pierced with determination. “I look forward to that day, my love.”

???

Souzie sat next to her father in the dark crypt. His hand rested in her lap, and she rubbed it, trying to soothe his constant rambling. Julen’s chest grew heavy as he watched. None of the council members had taken to Julen’s magic. While the darkness no longer took hold of them, their eyes looked lost, searching for answers in a place only they could see.

Julen knelt beside Souzie and spoke in hushed tones, hoping not to agitate her father. “What can I do to help?”

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