THE next morning when Jeremy woke, he didn't expect to find himself tangled up with the Prince of Barguil. The sudden realization a few seconds later sent him crashing back down into the silk covered pillows. They'd spent the majority of the night kissing on Jeremy's bed, holding onto each other for dear life. Jeremy did not regret a second of his decision, but he knew there would be too many consequences to count if anyone discovered what they had done.

He had to end whatever this was now. But Michael was asleep, and he looked too peaceful to disturb, and Jeremy did not want to deprive the prince of the sleep that he very well needed. Jeremy also realized then that he had no trouble falling asleep the night prior, and he'd slept without dreams or nightmares for once. He had Michael to thank for that.

Jeremy desperately wanted to regret what had happened, but he couldn't will himself to do it. He had finally gotten something he'd been depriving himself of for years. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he knew this couldn't happen again. It was too risky, and it would take too much of a toll on both of them to keep a secret this big. 

Michael stirred in his sleep, curling into Jeremy's side, breathing him in and stealing his warmth. The gesture made a smile spread across the Kings face. He didn't want to let Michael go, because he knew if he did this would be the last time he'd get to hold him this way. 

Michaels' eyes opened, revealing the eyes that Jeremy so constantly found himself lost in. He found warmth there. 

"Goodmorning, beautiful," Jeremy whispered. His morning voice was raspy and it made Michael smile.

"Goodmorning," Michael replied, staring up at his... what were they after last night? Friends still, or lovers? "What time is it?"

Jeremy reached for his pocket watch on his bedside table. "Half-past seven." 

The prince groaned and trailed his arm down Jeremy's arm. "We must get up soon. It's almost time for breakfast." 

Jeremy gave him a nod, not really paying attention. He was too focused trying to figure out what to tell Michael. He didn't want to break his heart, for it would break his too, but he couldn't let anyone find out.

There was silence, and Michael leaned in for a kiss, but Jeremy turned his head and pulled back. The prince furrowed his eyebrows, and then whispered, "What's the matter? Do you regret last night? Oh that's right-- you don't actually like me--"

"No, my prince that's not it," Jeremy hurried to correct him and grasped his hand in desperation. "It's just, the consequences of our actions are more than its worth. I don't want to see you hurt, I care for you too much."

Michael looked up at him, "I can take it, Jeremy. I'll do anything--"

Jeremy had to look away from Michaels' eyes. They were drawing him in again, and he was going to drown this time. "I can't risk it. A secret this big is bound to get out no matter how hard we try to contain it. We have to--" The king's breath caught in his throat as Michael turned his head so they were staring into each other's eyes. "W-we have to stop this... before it--before it gets too serious."

Even though it pained him, and he was hurting and angry a part of Michael understood his decision. Though he was hurting, he was determined to make Jeremy regret this as long as he could. "I love you, Jeremy."

The king swallowed hard and pulled himself away from Michael. He untangled their limbs and dragged himself out of his bed. "I'm sorry I have to do this, but you understand what is at risk. I don't want to do this. It hurts me--"

"Don't give me that bullshit, Jeremiah. If it hurt you as much as you claimed you wouldn't do it. You'd forget about your horrid traditions for once, and you'd give us a chance. But you aren't, and you don't care!" The younger prince tossed the covers off of himself and threaded his fingers through his hair, pulling.

"You've got it all wrong, Michael. I care too much, that's the issue. I can't just throw away traditions, I'm not the only one who follows them. It's hard to change a whole countries ideals. You have to understand--"

Michael screamed, stomping his foot down. He stomped up to the king and crossed his arms. "Oh, I understand completely. Your country is far more important than me, and it will always be. You've shown me that for the past two years. You know what--" Michael fumbled with the pin on his collar and when he finally had it off he grabbed Jeremy's palm and slammed it down. "I don't want your pin if you don't want me."

Michael turned on his heel stomping off to the door. 

Jeremy stared off after him and hesitated, before speaking. "Michael I--" Michael stopped, and turned. There was a hint of hopefulness in his eyes, but they were still blazing with anger. Jeremy took a few long strides over to where Michael was standing and reached for his hand. He pressed a kiss to his hand and pressed the cool metal into his hand. "At least keep the pin." 

The king dropped his hand, and took a few steps back, letting Michael do as he pleased. The Prince of Barguil gave Jeremy one final glance, leaving a hole and sharp pain in Jeremy's heart. There was no going back now. He'd broken someone's heart and destroyed his own in the process. Now he was alone, and he knew he'd be alone for a long time. 

--

THE court had been ordered to gather immediately under the command of the royal advisor later that day. Even though Michael and Jeremy stood on opposite sides of the table, there was still visible tension, leaving the air thick. Jeremy's advisor stood next to his seat, a hand pressed on his shoulder. Jeremy was leaving the speaking up to him today. He was sure if he spoke then he do something he'd regret. 

"You all have been gathered here today because of a very pressing matter. The kingdom of Serris has been without a queen for many years, and it has not done the country well. As the advisor for this country, think it is time that the young king finds himself a lady to marry and run the country with," the advisor spoke calmly, his eyes scanning over the many faces of the court to see their reactions. From the timing of the proposition, Jeremy wondered if Squip knew about Michael and Jeremy interactions. But he couldn't, there was no way. The Squip had made no indications he knew either.

The Prince of Barguil was the first one to speak. He rapped his knuckled against the wooden table. "Don't you think that the king has been ruling this kingdom well on his own? Does he really need a wife to help him?"

Squip had an answer for that. He had an answer for everything. "The King needs heirs, and his wife can provide him with that. If she is not needed to help run the country, she can help preserve the future of it." 

Michael furrowed his eyebrows together. "Women aren't just here to provide us with heirs, Squip." Michael didn't miss the way Jeremy's hand curled quickly into a fist and then released as he spoke.

"Correct," The Squip released Jeremy's shoulder and walked swiftly around the table, his cape trailing behind him. He made a loop around the table so he was on the opposite side of Jeremy. "But the kingdom needs heirs. Jeremy and his wife can provide them."

Michael tapped his fingers against the table, eyes boring into Jeremy's. "Oh, I'm sure he can do that." 

The advisor brushed off Michaels comment and leaned forward on the table. "I suggest holding a ball to find Jeremy someone he can court. It would be the next month and three months after the ball would be when they would get married, and also when she would become the Queen." Squip placed a hand on Jeremy's shoulder. "You may discuss."

Jeremy's eyes were distant, grey and cloudy as he stared intently at a knot in the wooden table. His hands were clenched into fists at his side, but he refused to speak out. He was so close to an outburst, that if he said anything he'd reveal his true feelings. Michael had been right, he didn't run this country, he never truly did. His country was ruled by tradition and by a man who was nothing but an enigma. 

He looked towards Michael. He was talking to one of the Lords intently, hands moving around and accentuating his speech. Jeremy could hardly keep his eyes off of him.

The murmuring of the court settled down after a few minutes of deliberation, and the Squip grinned. "It's all settled. The ball will proceed as planned."