Valerius continued, "Lately, state affairs have been overwhelming. I cannot handle everything alone. I need a trusted advisor to assist me in reviewing the petitions and sharing the burden of governance."
He paused, his sharp gaze falling on Cassian Lightwood, who stood solemnly below. "Cassian, you were once the top scholar in the realm, renowned for your intelligence. For years, you’ve served as Helios's envoy, fostering diplomacy with neighboring nations, playing a significant role in stabilizing the court. Now, I appoint you as Grand Chancellor. After each assembly, stay with me in the Grand Harmony Palace to review petitions and discuss state matters."
Cassian bowed deeply, "I am honored to accept Your Majesty’s command."
Valerius smiled, clearly pleased. In one stroke, he had removed two thorns constantly vying for Ethan Caelan’s attention. The rebellion in Whitewater, deeply rooted and persistent, would occupy Harrison for years. Meanwhile, Cassian, buried in petitions until late into the night, would have no time left to seek out Ethan.
After the court session, Valerius Evander returned to the Imperial Study. As per the daily schedule, Cyril Stone requested entry to report on Ethan Caelan's situation.
"Your Majesty, last night His Highness was out past midnight, whereabouts unknown. Upon his return, he was completely unconscious. This morning, the imperial physician diagnosed him as having collapsed from exhaustion."
Hearing Ethan's condition, Valerius felt a sudden pang in his heart. Gently setting aside the memorials, he looked over at Cyril.
"I see. Continue your surveillance and report anything else of note."
Cyril bowed and exited the room.
Valerius couldn't stop thinking about the previous night. He hadn't expected it to leave Ethan in such a state. Until now, every person who shared his bed was eager to please, yearning for the opportunity. They always left his chambers smiling, their bodies strengthened by his attentions. But this Ethan… He was different. One night, and the boy could hardly handle it. Valerius let out a quiet sigh—he would have to take care of Ethan, make sure he was well-nourished and looked after.
Meanwhile, in the Jade Heart Palace, Ethan lay still, lost in a restless sleep. In his dreams, nightmares plagued him. He saw his first meeting with Valerius in the grand hall, where he had been mesmerized by the king's commanding presence, his majestic aura. Then the dream shifted, and Valerius was holding him by the Moonlit Lake, caring for him with tender hands. Ethan smiled in his dream, believing, if only for a moment, that Valerius truly cared for him. But then, those same gentle eyes turned cold, cruel, and predatory.
Suddenly, Valerius transformed into something primal, an untamed beast. His body crashed onto Ethan’s, seizing control, taking everything—flesh, breath, soul.
The larger man pinned Ethan down, the weight of him suffocating, smothering, until Ethan’s body couldn’t move, couldn’t fight back, frozen under Valerius’s relentless onslaught.
“No! Please, no! Don’t touch me!” Ethan screamed, drowning in the hopelessness of his nightmare, cold sweat clinging to his trembling form.
He jolted awake, his chest heaving, heart racing.
"It was… just a dream…" Ethan panted, struggling to calm himself.
Reed Jace and Leo Grant rushed to his side.
"Your Highness, you're awake!" Reed said with obvious relief.
"Please, Your Highness, you haven't eaten all day. Let me get you something," Leo added, signaling the attendants to bring food.
When the meal was placed before him, Leo carefully lifted a spoonful of bird's nest soup to Ethan’s lips. But as soon as the aroma hit him, memories of last night came flooding back. His stomach churned, bile rising in his throat.
“Ugh...” Ethan pushed Leo's hand away, gagging.
“Take it away, all of it—ugh!”
Reed quickly moved to steady him, but the mere touch of another man’s hand on his skin made Ethan flinch.
“Get out! All of you!” Ethan ordered, his voice hoarse.
Reed and Leo exchanged worried glances but bowed and left the room, leaving Ethan alone.
Alone with his torment, the horror of the previous night clung to him like a nightmare he couldn’t escape. The humiliation gnawed at his soul, an unbearable ache that made his heart clench painfully.
"It hurts... Why does my heart hurt so much?" Ethan muttered, clutching his chest and repeatedly pounding his fists against it. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t play this role…”
“I just want to go home… back to my world…”
“Ethan Caelan returns your body to you… Your fate, your suffering—I can’t bear it anymore.”
Ethan desperately reached for the knife hidden beneath the pillow, slowly placing it against his wrist. Just as the blade was about to touch his skin, a powerful gust of wind swept in from the doorway. Harrison swiftly knocked the knife to the ground. His eyes filled with worry and anguish as he looked at Ethan and said,
"Your Highness, why are you harming yourself like this?"
Ethan, weak and faint, gazed at Harrison.
"Harrison! I need to go home. I don’t belong here."
Harrison placed both hands on Ethan's shoulders and turned him around.
"Go home? You're only hurting yourself. Don't you know how dangerous this is?"
"Leave me be! Only death can release me from this place, to return to my world—my real home!" Ethan pushed Harrison's hands away, raising his voice.
"What are you talking about?"
"Harrison! Don’t stop me!" Ethan leapt off the bed, reaching for the knife again, but Harrison locked him tightly in his arms.
"Your Highness! Just yesterday, you were clear-headed. Why now…?"
Harrison looked at Ethan, lost in delirium, speaking senselessly. His heart sank when his eyes fell upon Ethan’s wrists, bruised and bleeding from bonds. It seemed something had happened to Ethan after the group had parted ways last night.
Harrison pulled Ethan into his broad chest, soothing and comforting him.
"Your Highness, tell me, who did this to you?"
At the mention of “who did this,” the image of Valerius Evander’s cruel face from the previous night flashed through Ethan’s mind. The pain pierced his very soul, and he didn’t want to recall it. He buried his face in Harrison’s chest, tears streaming down his cheeks, overwhelmed with bitterness and rage. But what could he do? All he could do was grit his teeth and endure.