By Zephyria 
“Cecile, stop! It’s dangerous any further!”
Alexis was in close pursuit. What could possibly be dangerous? Cecile didn’t slow down and leaped over a massive boulder blocking his path in one bound.
Neigh—!
Beyond the rock lay another black boulder. Startled by the unexpected presence, Cecile yanked the reins hurriedly. As he came to a halt, a sudden chill ran down his spine. Cecile froze, unable to even breathe.
Grrr, the low growl of a beast echoed right in front of him. A black predator of overwhelming size was staring at Cecile, baring its sharp teeth.
It was a Basilisk.
Its size defied imagination. The killing intent emanating from the beast made the hairs on Cecile’s entire body stand on end. At that moment, as if the horse felt the same terror Cecile did, it stamped its hooves violently.
“Ugh!”
Due to the sudden frenzy, he lost his grip on the reins. His balance shifted, and he plummeted downward. He thought he would crash straight down, but instead of the hard ground, a wide embrace enveloped him. Alexis rolled across the bare earth, clutching Cecile tightly to his chest.
“Ugh… ah!”
His head was spinning. Although Alexis had protected him, his entire body felt as if it had been beaten. Cecile let out a small groan and gripped Alexis’s collar.
Just then, the beast’s roar tore through the air. Only then did it flash through his mind that the Basilisk was right there.
“Al, Alexis. Over there.”
“Don’t worry. I’m here.”
A large hand caressed the terrified Cecile. The body that had been shielding him like a sturdy wall suddenly pulled away.
The Basilisk lunged forward like an arrow.
Simultaneously, Alexis righted himself, drew his longsword, and slashed through the air. Everything happened in an instant.
Thump. The massive carcass collapsed to the ground. The Basilisk’s head rolled away, coming into Cecile’s view. Even as the metallic scent of blood hit the tip of his nose, it was hard to accept the reality of it.
“…Cecile!”
Alexis exhaled a ragged breath. After roughly wiping the blood from his face with his sleeve, he dropped to one knee. Cecile’s shocked face was reflected like a mirror in those blue eyes.
“Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?”
“…….”
Cecile’s hands trembled. On Alexis’s flank, there were deep claw marks left by the Basilisk. His white hunting attire was gradually staining red.
“Cecile. Are you hurt?”
Yet, he didn’t even glance at his own wound, caring only for Cecile. He scanned the half-dazed face and looked genuinely distressed upon discovering a small scratch on Cecile’s hand.
“Still, it’s a relief it was only this much. That could have been serious.”
“Y-you’re hurt…. You’re bleeding so much.”
“It’s fine. This is nothing.”
“…….”
“I said I’m fine.”
Alexis forced a smile. However, Cecile couldn’t smile back. As their eyes met, the tears pooled in his eyes finally succumbed to their weight and fell in droplets. Seeing him cry silently, Alexis wrinkled his nose and wiped away Cecile’s tears.
“…….”
Neither spoke a word. Alexis, who had been tenderly stroking the wet cheek, let out a heavy sigh as if it pained him to watch.
“I’m sorry, but… can I hold you just once?”
Before he even received an answer, Alexis pulled Cecile’s shoulders into an embrace. After a brief moment of confusion at the unexpected action, Cecile soon relaxed in his arms. The tight strength of the embrace was soothing his tension.
Through their touching chests, he could feel Alexis’s heart beating wildly.
Cecile became even more confused. How on earth should he interpret this behavior? One thing was certain: in this moment, held by Alexis, he felt an indescribable sense of relief, as if he were reuniting with someone after a long separation.
Alexis and Cecile hurriedly left the hunting grounds. Contrary to appearances, his wound was not deep, and he managed to pull through with simple treatment.
Despite the injury, the Emperor was greatly pleased that the Crown Prince had slain a Basilisk, and Alexis was declared this year’s winner.
However, around the time they returned to the Imperial Palace, Alexis’s condition deteriorated rapidly. A slight fever intensified into a high fever, and by the time they arrived at the Saint Palace, he collapsed unconscious.
“There is no need to worry too much. He has suffered from severe insomnia recently, so it is largely due to accumulated fatigue. It is not because of the wound, so please do not be concerned.”
The royal physician reported Alexis’s condition in detail. Fortunately, it wasn’t a critical situation, but Cecile still couldn’t put his mind at ease.
After all, since Alexis was injured while saving him, it was only right and moral to stay by his side. Cecile decided to stay at the Saint Palace for the day. He chose to watch over the sleeping Alexis and help the attendants with his care.
Throughout his sleep, Alexis let out faint groans. It was heartbreaking to see him suffering and drenched in cold sweat. This weakened version of Alexis felt alien.
“He’s not the kind of person to be laid up over something like this.”
Unable to watch any longer, Cecile used a cold towel to wipe the sticky sweat from Alexis’s forehead. At the cool sensation, Alexis groaned softly again. With a toss and turn, his eyelids fluttered open, revealing blue eyes clouded with fever.
Cecile froze, still holding the towel.
“Are you… awake?”
As he tried to slowly straighten his bent waist, Alexis reached out first. As he pulled the back of Cecile’s head, Cecile ended up falling on top of his upper body.
“Haa, Cecile.”
He exhaled a labored breath. His feverish body was so hot that it felt as if Cecile’s skin might be burned.
“Your Highness, w-wait a moment!”
“…I had a terrible dream. You died.”
“…….”
“That couldn’t be. It was a dream after all. There’s no way you’d leave me… right?”
“Let go of me!”
No; instead, he hugged Cecile even tighter. He must be out of his mind from the pain. If not, he would never whine like a child.
“…Don’t leave me alone.”
Cecile stopped struggling. He didn’t know why that voice, sunken to the depths, tormented his heart so much. As he slowly lifted his head, his eyes met Alexis’s. Alexis blinked slowly.
“If you’re going to leave, kill me first this time.”
Alexis pulled Cecile’s hand and placed it over his own throat. His hot hand overlapped, adding pressure. As if asking to be strangled just like that.
At that, Cecile clenched his teeth with all his might. A fire suddenly flared in his calm eyes.
“Who are you talking to? Your first love?”
“…I love you.”
“I’m asking, who is it!”
Alexis smiled faintly and cupped Cecile’s cheek. Due to the fever, he couldn’t distinguish properly. The Cecile reflected in his eyes was the lover he had loved so dearly.
“Why… are you angry? Is it because I haven’t kissed you?”
Their lips overlapped. The membranes of Alexis’s lips were hotter than imagined. Every time the rough texture of his lips rubbed against Cecile’s, Cecile’s shoulders flinched as if sparked.
Because of the boiling temperature, he felt as if his brain were melting along with it. After accepting a few kisses, Cecile shook his head.
“Ugh, don’t… stop.”
“Stop? …Why? You love it when I lick you here.”
Alexis thoroughly licked the inner skin of Cecile’s upper lip. The action was extremely slow, which only made the sensation more vivid. He sucked on the lips drenched in saliva and pushed his tongue deeper.
The invading tongue softly entwined with Cecile’s stiff tongue. He seemed like a man who knew exactly where to lick to get a reaction from Cecile. The hot tongue wrapped around him, smooth and rich like cream stirred into black tea.
As the tip of the tongue scraped against the hard palate, Cecile let out a faint nasal moan. A thrill of pleasure sent shivers through him. A tremor ran from the tips of his toes to his scalp.
‘Is kissing… always like this?’
Since it was his first time, he had no way of knowing. All he knew was that it felt too good. It was a sweet taste that Cecile loved.
As he obediently opened his mouth, Alexis hugged Cecile even more fervently. His body, which had been standing awkwardly, had somehow climbed onto the bed, occupying a corner.
Accordingly, the intensity of the kiss deepened. It was now closer to foreplay. Flesh mixed wetly, and breathing became labored. By the sound alone, it was as if they were sharing an intimate act.
Cecile was completely drained. All he could do was let out whimpering groans while entrusting his entire body to the other. A hot hand slid inside Cecile’s shirt. Alexis stroked his bare skin, repeatedly kissing Cecile’s mouth and neck. It wasn’t so much for a lewd purpose, but rather a gesture craving affection.
Cecile gripped Alexis’s collar and let out a small sigh. Anyone could see that this was crossing the line. But since he couldn’t hit a sick person, he only clenched his fist tightly.
“I’m overlooking this because you’re sick. Apologize to me later when you regain your senses.”
“Yes… apologies. A hundred times… a thousand times… I can do it. Anything, as long as you stay by my side.”
Alexis buried his feverish face in Cecile’s shoulder. He closed his eyes while hugging him fully with both arms. Finally satisfied, a faint smile spread across his lips.
“I love you. Cecile Adrian. I truly….”
Alexis murmured as if talking in his sleep. Then, his grip loosened and his breathing calmed. By the time he fell completely asleep, Cecile was clenching his lower jaw to hide his trembling breath.
I’m in trouble. What do I do!
His heart began to race wildly, heedless of its owner’s pace.