KNEEL BEFORE THE CROWN (BL)

The man woke up when the sunlight fell on his eyes. Dazzling and slightly disturbed him. His head was so dizzy and his chest felt a little tight. The room was empty, there was only him. His hands and feet felt cramped, when his back tried to sit up straight. He pulled off a thick blanket from his body.

His feet tried to get out of bed, only a piece of white cloth attached to him. The everyday clothes he always wore. While trying to maintain his balance, he approached the door and opened it. Empty. No one was seen.

His head turned to the dark hallway, left and right. The few lamps hanging on the walls were not enough to brighten the corridor. His feet decided to go out.

"Hello?"

There was no answer. The situation turned a little tense. The atmosphere created an uncomfortable silence. The man dared to explore his magnificent castle. Opening every door of the room, but found no one. Strange. It was impossible for everyone to leave him.

Suddenly a woman appeared from behind the hallway, wearing a maid's uniform while carrying a tray containing a pot of tea. "Hey! Miss. Where is everyone?"

The woman made a displeased expression when she saw him, "Where have you been? The people outside are celebrating His Majesty's ascension to the throne."

"King? Whose king?"

"Oh. What's wrong with you? I don't have much time for a drunkard like you."

The woman walked away arrogantly. So he decided to go out to see who the king was. His feet descended dozens of steps, suddenly a faint voice reached his ears. It sounded like a cheer, quick steps were taken immediately. His heart was beating fast. And curiosity enveloped him perfectly.

He pushed open the large wooden door and suddenly a celebration party took place before his eyes. Thousands of flower petals flew in the sky. Everyone was happy. Singing and laughing. His eyes were dazzled by the bright sky.

Confusion then hit him, her eyebrows furrowed. His brain seemed unable to process the events that were taking place. What was happening. The man decided to step into the crowd of people. Squeezing like nobody.

His eyes caught a strange figure standing on the balcony, on the other side of his castle. A gold-plated crown studded with red diamonds rested on his head. His hand waved down, smiling proudly.

"Who is he? What is he doing in my Kingdom!?"

He looked around hoping for a familiar figure. Sure enough, he found one. "Trevor! Trevor! Come here!"

The tall man approached with a confused face, "Yes? Do I know you?"

"Who is he? Why is he wearing my crown?"

"Please watch your words to His Majesty, if you don't want to end up behind bars. I've never met you before."

"What? It's me, Adam!"

"Adam? What Adam?"

"Adam Everardus! King Wilhelmia!"

"No. King Adam is standing up there. There's no way you have the same surname."

Adam turned around and narrowed his eyes at the strange man. "No way. I'm Adam! That man isn't King Wilhelmia! I am the King!"

"-dam..."

"Adam..."

"Your Majesty, open your eyes."

Sweat poured from his forehead, Adam's eyes widened, he sat up straight immediately. Looking around his room. Trevor, Ackerley, Anthony, King Henry were surrounding him. Confused because they saw everyone gathered around him.

"Where is Weithia?"

The first word that came out of the King's mouth apparently made everyone look unhappy. Especially Anthony with his long breath, walked away leaving Adam. Sitting on the sofa with a disgusted expression.

"How are you feeling, Your Majesty?"

"I'm fine. Just a little nauseous and dizzy. What happened? Then... why did uncle come here?"

The old man gave a short hug and stroked Adam's head. "You almost made your Kingdom mourn, God gave you another chance. You were dying last night."

"I almost died? Seriously." He laughed skeptically.

"Yes, because of a Prince's kiss you were able to wake up. Thank me." Anthony returned with his joke.

"Prince? Whose prince?"

"Don't listen to him Adam." Henry said while laughing.

"Everyone here owes me an explanation."

Trevor who was sitting on the chair beside the King's bed just smiled slightly, "You just rose from the dead but you're already this fierce. Everything is fine, no need to worry too much."

"Death? Why? What was the reason?"

"The Deadly Nightshade." Said Ackerley

"The poison used to kill my people? You said the poison reached me?" 

Everyone in the room nodded, "It seems so, Your Majesty."

 "All night the doctor and healer were on guard here for you. But there was no progress. We all panicked because there was no medicine that worked. Until early this morning King Henry and Lord Tivius came with the antidote."

Henry nodded, "Yes, Tivius left a few days ago because he brought a sample of the poison to Gwylion. I decided to help you find the antidote. And it worked, Tivius himself said that he was a guinea pig. So it is guaranteed that the antidote is effective."

"Really?"

"If no one did that, of course we wouldn't dare to give you the medicine Adam."

"I really thank you Uncle, Anthony." Adam said softly.

"Then, Trevor, did you manage to find Francilius and his gang? Then, Minister Jaquet turned out to be a traitor?" Adam continued.

"It seems so, Your Majesty. There were about fifteen of them. Including the women and servants. I am currently still putting them in the detention cell."

Adam glanced at Ackerley who looked gloomy. Remembering that his brother was part of the treasonous organization.

"Okay then, we have to quickly bring them to justice."

"Should you rest for a day?"

Adam felt his body still weak, there was no way he would face those people in this condition. He decided to listen to Ackerley's words.

"Then I'll let you rest Adam. I will stay here until you are okay." King Gwylion stepped away from Adam's room.

Not long after, a guard entered and called General Willhelmia regarding last night's matter. Ackerley joined him, until only Adam and Anthony were left in the room.

"You were delirious earlier, what happened? A nightmare?"

"Yes. It was really strange. I saw myself as unknown to anyone. The one who became the King of this country was another Adam. What a ridiculous dream."

Anthony smiled as his feet traced every corner of the room. He had a smile that showed as if he understood everything Adam was going to say. As if he was also experiencing the same pain as him. The depth of mystery in those blue eyes almost made him believe that the King was indeed the figure he had known all this time. The figure who used to accompany him to eat peaches every summer.

"Isn't that your wish? To be no one, are you now afraid to leave the throne and all this luxury?"

"Come on Anthony, let the past be the past. Today is today, and I am glad you are here to complete my day." Their eyes met. Adam's bare feet approached the tall man. Scars were clearly visible on his palms, as well as small scratches on the man's oriental face. The distance between them was so close.

"You must have worked hard to get here. Risking your life and uncle's by entering the Forest of Death. It was really dangerous, you should prioritize uncle's safety."

"I don't want to be late. If that happens, I will never forgive myself. Besides, His Majesty Henry insisted."

"It was a tough night. Ackerley and Trevor are working to find out who the mastermind is. Suspicion of the Princess should not be made, I did drink tea with her twice. Then she should have been poisoned too." He said weakly.

"What about your Knight?"

"Weithia? Impossible, he is very loyal to me."

Those words made Anthony laugh sarcastically, he roughly opened his leather coat. "Loyalty is a strange word. How can you measure someone's loyalty? Like love or affection." His voice sounded unfamiliar.

But then he laughed, "The person you call a Knight made love to a woman in the middle of the forest. Completely naked when I found him."

Adam's eyes widened in disbelief. He was silent for a moment. Then he shook his head weakly, "No way."

Anthony's anger began to peak, his voice slightly higher and firmer. "How long are you going to deny the truth? I'm sick of your naive attitude! If you really fell in love with that jerk, don't ever regret it someday."

Adam's feet began to feel cold, his coat blown by the gentle wind.

"Didn't you see me once? Hanging somewhere between emptiness and hope. I'm really tired! There's nothing I fight for more than you. And look now, you've forgotten me after you've succeeded."

"We were just kids back then."

Anthony clicked his tongue in annoyance, his hands reaching out to embrace the King. The man's head felt warm, his fever had not completely gone. Anthony could feel Adam's small shoulders. His heart beat irregularly, afraid that the King could easily hear him.

Adam could feel the fear between the hugs, warm words softly landing in his ears. Then the man let go and stepped away. Adam still stood silently staring at the green grass fields in the distance. A strong wind came in from his bedroom window making the thin curtains flutter erratically.

"Weihtia is in another room. He woke up before you. If you want to meet him, let me watch. Then come down for dinner."

Adam pondered, "I've never heard a single lie from your mouth. I believe when you say that as the truth and reality. While I may not want to meet him, let it be."

The King went into his bathroom and changed his clothes. He soon reappeared wearing long pants and a loose white shirt like a sailor. His face was still pale and his fingertips were still cold. Anthony gave him a coat to warm him.

"What are you going to do now?"

"Not much, back to my job."

"Sir Ackerley will be mad at you." He chuckled

"Let him be mad."

"Then let me work with you."

Anthony opened the door for the man, waiting for approval. Adam said softly, "Okay, how much do you pay?"

A cheerful smile was etched on Anthony's face. Instantly his steps became so cheerful and enthusiastic. He chuckled, "As you wish, Your Majesty."

"How about a piece of bread and a glass of milk."

"That sounds like slavery, but okay I agree."

Adam glanced at the man beside him while laughing, "You." He remembered when the sunset had not yet appeared. It was too early for dinner. Then sure enough the dining table was still empty and there was no one there. Adam realized that Anthony was the one who was hungry. 

The servants hurriedly served the food to the King. Even so, it was never simple and always luxurious food that was served. "Have you forgotten when you ate?" Adam asked when Anthony had eaten the roast meat with gusto. Quickly spooning vegetable soup and a piece of chicken. 

"Maybe last night, I don't know I don't really remember." 

Adam felt a little offended, "Never trouble yourself for others. Your own health is the most important thing."

"You eat too." 

Adam decided to pour red wine into his glass. "What about the others?"

"King Henry is probably sleeping now. He didn't sleep at all last night either. Let the others catch up."

"Adam, look at this." Anthony blew water on his glass of water, creating small air bubbles.

Adam shuddered in annoyance as he hit the man's hand. "Stop being so dirty!" they both laughed. Lost in a feeling of happiness, although brief but so meaningful. From inside the dark hallway, Adam saw a woman walking with her beautiful dress dragging on the carpet. The sound of her footsteps in high heels echoed.

Her hair was long and flowing. Smiling at the two men. "Your Majesty. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes. I feel better."

"May I sit here?"

"Please."

The girl smiled weakly knowing that the King's attitude was a little displeasing to her. "Thank goodness you can eat. I wasn't allowed to see you since yesterday. After hearing that you were awake, I wanted to meet you."

"Yes, thank you for your concern. Is there anything you want to say?"

"Of course. Regarding Weithia, I understand that a stranger like me is suspicious."

She continued, "But I swear I didn't do anything. I didn't go to the festival with Weithia. I immediately returned to the palace after your speech at the Idrus River yesterday. But General Trevor said that I was lying."

"Princess, I myself asked Weithia to escort you." Her voice was suppressed.

"But did you see me go with her? You only gave orders, but then immediately came back here. Can't be sure, did you see my face with Weithia? Before you rode back to the palace."

"Layla and I were in the last group. Because we enjoyed seeing the beauty of the Idrus River. While you were in the front group. Because my body was not feeling well, I returned to the palace on foot. There were only Grissham's guards with us."

Adam and Anthony listened. "Is the Princess that you saw in the forest?"

Anthony shook his head, "I'm sorry but I can't be sure. The woman immediately ran into the forest quickly under her robe."

"What other news is that, Your Majesty? Do you think I went into the forest?"

"No, Princess. Now the problem is that Weithia was found alone with a woman in the middle of the forest, making you the most suspected person." Anthony said.

The girl's expression was furious and disapproving.

Adam quickly interrupted. "Calm down, Princess, you are my and Wilhelmia's honored guest. There's no way we-."

"Your Majesty! I am personally very offended. Then what was with the escort? Are you accusing me of poisoning you!? I came all this way never expecting to be treated like this! I will return to Grissham now."

"Princess, wait! I never said anything like that. Sit down quietly, let's talk it over."

The Princess immediately got up from her chair, "No wonder your country's relationship with Grissham has never been good. I came here as a symbol of peace, but why am I being accused carelessly just because I'm a foreigner!"

Adam pulled the girl's hand and stared at her closely. "Please don't leave with this angry feeling. I've never once suspected you. It's just people's opinions, is it more important than my decision? As the King of this country? From the start I only stated the facts that happened, not accusing you."

Carmellia turned her face away, still angry. But the man was truly a skilled negotiator – understanding that Carmellia must be angry. Anyone could get angry if accused of something. "Alright. It wouldn't be good if I went home angry. But I also can't stay here any longer. My parents have sent a letter, telling me to go home."

"I understand, Princess." Adam gave the girl's hand a short kiss.

"I will try to resolve this case quickly. Hoping that maybe you can help me. Please?"

"O-of course. I'm happy to help. But I don't want those baseless accusations to be made against me."

Adam released his grip on her hand gently. "Eat with us, Princess."

"Isn't it still too early?"

"Anthony is already hungry, please excuse me, Princess."

"Sir Anthony Tivius? Isn't this our second meeting?"

"Yes. It's an honor."

"Princess, the General has found one of the traitors to the Kingdom. That way we are one step ahead. The spread of news about the death of the nobleman is also confirmed to be their doing." Adam glanced at Anthony.

"We only need to interrogate them so that they confess. We can now find out who the mastermind is."

"Thank you for your transparency, Your Majesty."

"Of course, you have the right to know when you have already been involved in this problem. I apologize if the visit to Wilhelmia did not please you. Once again, I apologize on my own behalf."

"No, Your Majesty. I am happy to be here, there are so many experiences and stories that I want to tell my parents when I return home." Finally, a smile returned to the tiny face. "I understand that if a country experiences a conflict like this, it is clear that the situation will be chaotic and out of control."

Her brows furrowed, "Then if I'm not mistaken, Your Majesty said earlier that your Knight was with a woman in the forest. Has the woman who was with him last night been found? That statement was so surprising to me, Your Majesty."

"Not yet, but that's not something to talk about now. Maybe he's just his lover or a friend. I didn't pay much attention, my people said that they saw you and Weithia together after the ceremony at the Idrus River. That's why the unpleasant rumors arose. Please understand, Your Majesty."

The girl nodded in understanding, "Layla and I went straight to the room. And the two of us didn't even hear about you, until the General came."

"Maybe the situation isn't very safe right now. Please always go with an escort."

"Of course."

In the middle of the ongoing conversation, Trevor in his shiny armor came in a hurry. His forehead was sweaty and his breath was short. "Your Majesty is here? No wonder your room is empty."

"What's wrong?"

"Sorry to disturb your rest time. But I found something you should probably see. Can you come with me?"

Adam nodded and glanced at Anthony and Carmellia, "Princess, excuse me."

"Of course I am, Your Majesty."

Trevor's hurried footsteps took him to the meeting room. Adam and Anthony followed behind him. The dark brown mahogany door opened, and the three of them entered. Adam's eyes caught a pile of papers and documents on the wide table. Hundreds of white sheets filled with writing and pictures.

"We found all these documents in Minister Jaquet's residence, Your Majesty." A tall man spoke up.

"What documents are these?"

"Complete documents regarding Her Majesty Wilhelmia." Ackerley answered with a serious face. 

"These papers contain the identities of your parents, King Alexander and Queen Helena. One of them is your personal data. Look at this."

A set of documents was given to Adam. His eyes widened in surprise, a picture of himself when he was a child was printed on the papers. Date of birth, position, hair color, eyes, height, all in detail written there.

"What does this mean?" His hand shifted to take the document that had a portrait of his parents. His origins, even his grandparents were also present on the paper.

"It doesn't stop there, Your Majesty. Look at this one, it contains detailed information regarding Wilhelmia's vital locations. Military leaders, the Haven Institution, the entrances to every border, the weapons factory, to parts of this castle."

"How did they get all this? Then what does all this have to do with my family?"

"That is something we still do not know, Your Majesty."

"They have also attempted to assassinate me. Once we have the identity of the enemy, immediately deploy emergency security throughout the country. Urge the people to prepare for the worst. Have you questioned the prisoner?"

"Not yet, Your Majesty, we await your orders."

"Then do it!"

Trevor nodded.

"Anthony, ask King Henry to return home immediately, I respectfully request that he not interfere with this matter. Because it will affect Gwylion and his own safety." The man agreed and immediately left the room.

Philip spoke up, "Your Majesty, General. Excuse me but I have received news from the Evtalon soldiers guarding the border. They claim to be chasing someone who is thought to be part of the gang. But unfortunately he escaped, he entered the forest – fleeing on a stolen horse."

Trevor's brow furrowed in annoyance, "So one of the suspects escaped?"

"I'm sorry, General."

"Never mind, the most important thing is that we have evidence and the people who are being held. That is enough. Then Ackerley, what about Francilius. Have you talked to him?"

"No. I beg your pardon, Your Majesty. I never thought he would be a traitor. Our relationship was not close. After our parents died, Francilius and I decided to go our separate ways."

Adam nodded in understanding. 

"Your Majesty, may I ask about Weithia and Princess Carmellia. What should we do with them?" Trevor said.

"Do you still suspect the Princess left with Weithia last night?"

Trevor leaned forward, "Your Majesty, I saw it with my own eyes. Is it possible that she is lying?"

"Watch your words, Trevor. There is no way she is lying. Isn't the Princess easy to cooperate with? We talked earlier, I didn't see any signs of lying or fear. That girl has strength and intelligence, for example if she goes home and tells her parents that King Wilhelmia accuses her of committing a crime and immorality, what do you think will happen?" he said firmly.

"Let's forget about Weithia's actions for now, the most important thing is to find out who is behind all this. Those who tried to kill me are definitely them, we just have to find out for what or who executed them."

Anthony came out of his master's room, King Henry. The man was preparing to go home that night. After Anthony explained what happened. "Remember my message Tivius, if you want to show your loyalty to King Adam. Don't expect more, and just do what he orders."

The old man wore his robes sewn with gold thread. His blond hair was neatly combed, pale in color because a lot of gray hair had grown. The wrinkles on the sides indicated that the man smiled a lot.

"I will indeed go home early. There are many things I cannot leave in Gwylion. If you want to stay here, I allow it. Please don't cause trouble with anyone."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Just trust me. You better go the usual way. Don't even think about going back into that forest."

"Yes, I know, who would be willing to set foot in that place if not for Adam. Show some manners Tivius, why have I been educating you all this time. You never even paid attention to how you speak. If you hold Cedric's teachings, I would have sent you to that boarding school too."

Anthony smiled, "Sure."

"I'll be home after dinner."

"I understand."

"Where is he now? That knight."

"I don't know."

"You keep an eye on him."

Anthony nodded. "Then I'll go back first."

His feet stepped along the corridor of the third floor of the castle.

Dozens of stairs awaited him if he wanted to return to the meeting room earlier. 'Don't expect more, and just do what he ordered'

He clicked his tongue in annoyance, "I never expected anything."

His eyes accidentally caught the figure of a man standing nervously on the edge of the living hall - near the wall. Confused like a fool. Anthony shouted, "You have no shame anymore huh? Dare to set foot here?"

His face was bruised after Anthony's feet flew last night. His face was so scared when he saw Anthony walking towards him. His veins were visible, he quickly grabbed Weithia's hair roughly and slammed his head against the wall.

A groan of pain escaped the poor young man's mouth. He didn't even have enough energy to defend himself let alone fight back. His lips were closed not saying anything, with difficulty getting up again trying to walk away.

"Wrong way. The exit is over there." Anthony pushed Weithia hard into a window causing the glass to shatter into pieces.

The young man's arm was torn and stuck by sharp glass shards. "How do you want to die? I will gladly serve you." Anthony, who could not control his anger, threw punches at Weithia's face and stomach.

The place that was previously quiet, now several servants came to see because they heard the commotion. No one dared to break it up, not even a guard soldier.

Vomiting blood spurted from Weithia's mouth, blending with the equally red carpet. While kneeling, Weithia held his stomach which was in pain with one hand. Anthony kicked the young man's back once again, causing him to fall to the other side of the room.

He pulled the hair of the Knight who was already powerless, only a few centimeters away from his face. Anthony smiled seeing Weithia who no longer had the slightest fighting spirit. "Is this the greatest Knight in Wilhelmia? Disgusting."

The young man was silent, resignedly accepting all of Anthony's actions. "Come on, stand up. Fight me. Like you fought that woman last night. How, fun isn't it?"

"Don't you know? Adam almost died last night. Were you by his side? No!"

More and more people saw the fight between the young men, until when the King appeared, the situation suddenly became quiet. The luxurious carpet looked dirty with blood. Anthony saw Adam's arrival and stopped his actions.

Disappointment was visible on the king's face. His head shook slowly. He took turns looking at Weithia who was curled up on the floor and Anthony who was arrogantly beating Weithia. The knight groaned trying to crawl closer to Adam.

"Y-your Majesty..." his hand touched the King's shoe.

"Forgive m-me." he coughed several times while spitting out blood.

Anthony stepped on Weithia's foot. "You made His Majesty's shoes dirty."

The King reached out his hand to help Weithia stand up. He showed a look of pity when he didn't recognize the young man's face. Only full of swelling and purple-blue bruises.

He took out a handkerchief and cleaned the young man's face from the blood. His hand led Weithia to sit on one of the chairs. Now the King turned to Anthony who turned his face away. "Do you know that stepping on him is the same as stepping on Wilhelmia?" he said coldly.

"He already has a title. This young man is a Knight of Wilhelmia after all. When will you change your brutal behavior?" Adam said softly.

"Not all problems have to be solved with violence. I understand if you are angry, but please, control yourself."

"You still defend this bastard? I am the one who desperately came here to save you. Then what did he do? Making love to a woman in the forest while you were dying in bed!? Is it worth defending?"

"Now you sound calculating with me Anthony. What do you want? Pay you with a sack of gold?"

Adam held back his surging anger. His hands clenched, he did not want to show his feelings in that place and at the wrong time. Weithia just cried while prostrating himself at his feet.

On the other hand, Anthony was the figure who had saved her life. While Weithia himself... he did not have the heart to punish him.

"Get up, show a little of your dignity Weithia. Anthony has represented my punishment. And remember, do not appear in front of me unless I order you to. Understand? Now go." He said firmly.

"Y-yes, Your Majesty." His voice was hoarse. The King's head was not ready to be bothered with new problems. The evidence he found had already given him a headache, and now Anthony and Weithia were at odds.

Adam turned to Trevor and Ackerley, "Tomorrow we start a meeting with the parliament, they are tirelessly demanding that I do something for something. The news of Minister Jaquet's betrayal is also a major topic of conversation in Wilhelmia." Adam said.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will convey it to the higher-ups."

"Immediately. Prepare the prisoner to testify before me tomorrow"