Two days of traveling to get to the ship. Two days of being completely ignored by Kai. Demetri was exhausted. The town had thrown together as much of a farewell as they could muster. He recalled being so pumped, energetic, ready to begin his journey, while he dragged his blistered feet and aching body to the wagon for their twenty minute break. He pulled his water bottle from his satchel but coughed from drinking it too quickly.

“I am not made for this,” He told the ground, since he couldn't lift his head to talk to anyone else.

Cale and the others laughed. “Where’s that enthusiasm gone? Come on Demetri, fire it up. We’re almost there.”

Demetri scowled at him. Cale did this kind of thing for fun—training daily, cutting firewood, jogging laps around town—whereas Demetri was content to be tall and skinny, speedy and flexible. His long hair, although in a loose ponytail, stuck to the back of his neck and sweat dripped into his eyes. They brought two wagons to carry supplies, but everyone decided it was best to walk for exercise since they’d all soon be cramped onto a ship for a week.

When it finally came into view, they all paused, standing abreast, taking it all in. The sun gleamed off the water and bounced through the white sails of a massive oak ship. Demetri had pictured a row boat. Three masts stood tall, carefully spaced along the large deck, and held the white sails high so they could flutter in the wind. Rope connected from one point to another and rope shrouds hung like spider webs. High into the air, atop one of the masts, Nico flew carelessly into the crows nest and looked out at the water. Demetri wondered what the world looked like from up there.

Not only was the ship a magnificently breathtaking view, but arriving at it also meant he could sink his tired feet into the cold ocean water. He took off running, the others followed close behind with shouts of excitement.

They didn’t have long to rest before Kai and his men barked orders to load their belongings onto the ship. Demetri rolled his head back, suppressing a grumble. He didn't want to move, but also didn't want to seem weak and annoying with any complaints. He pulled his feet from the water, already missing its soothing coldness, and slipped them back into his shoes, using all his willpower to stand.

Kai gave the grand tour of the ship and assigned each person a set of chores that they needed to do daily to keep everything in ‘ship shape’.” Demetri’s chores consisted of cleaning the captains quarters and caring for the small onboard library. Small, he was dismayed to learn, meant one wall of books. However, he was glad to see the wall itself sealed with a waterproof barrier. He hadn’t thought about books getting water damaged until it started raining during the walk there.

With the coastline dwindling behind them and everyone settled in, they gathered in the galley for dinner: a simple but delicious meal of stew and bread. Arya, the ship’s cook, was fun to watch. Laughing and singing, she spun the ladles and danced from one activity to the next. She looked to be a small monkey hybrid with red fur rather than hair and a long skinny tail trailing behind her. Her energy was addictive; soon the whole crew, including Kai, was singing with her. It was a wonderful way to begin a voyage, Demetri thought, with high hopes, singing, and laughter. All thoughts of the recent terrible events left behind, for now.

Once everyone had finished their meals and grew tired, Arya’s helper Ezra, gathered the dishes and washed the tables.

Demetri headed to the front of the ship, which he had learned was called the bow, to relax and take in the view. He sighed at the breathtaking sight of a blanket of stars meeting the ocean, the sound of waves slapping against the side of the ship, and the slight chill of the sea air. So serene and calm, yet so much to take in. He looked up at the stars, wishing he could study them, or all the ocean creatures lurking below. The sound of footsteps approaching interrupted his thoughts, but he was too calm to care enough to turn around to see who it is.

“Enjoying the view?” Kai stood beside him, but notably at a safe distance away.

“Yes, it’s beautiful.” Demetri inhaled the new intoxicating scent of Autumn leaves mixed with the sea air, the aroma made his heart flutter.

"I've only sailed once before," Kai said. "On a short exploration trip. I prefer land, but perhaps with the improved company, this one will be more enjoyable." He glanced toward Demetri with a smile, then quickly back to the ocean.

Demetri watched him, confused by Kai’s sudden change in demeanor. He seemed antsy, like he was forcing himself to stay at arms length and not look his way. Demetri took a small step towards him, watching for his next move like they were playing a game of chess. Kai took a step back. He sighed out a deep heavy breath and turned to walk away.

He fought between wanting to give him space and needing answers. “Kai, wait.” He reached an arm out after him. “You didn’t come out here just to ask about the view.” He said it matter of factly. “I know you are under a lot of stress, but please tell me what I’ve done to offend you.”

Kai spoke with his back still turned and barely above the sound of the waves. “Nothing. You’ve done nothing wrong, and I’m sorry for any pain I’ve caused you.”

Demetri moved forward and placed his hand on Kai’s shoulder. Kai quickly threw it off and spun around to face him.

“Don’t!” Kai said harshly, but instead of anger his eyes showed fear. Quieting his voice again, he whispered, “We can’t. Please don’t. I can’t give you an explanation, but no one can see us speak as more than colleagues or it will put you in danger.”

Demetri let out a nervous laugh. “Danger? From whom? From what? Will the fish kick us off the ocean for touching? You pretend you don’t know me after—” He swallowed a lump in his throat. “And now you tell me I have to ignore this?”

Kai turned his face away. “Ignore what exactly? We only had one night together. There’s nothing more to it.” He clearly tried to sound dismissive, but the crack in his voice betrayed his words.

“You feel it too, I know you do.” Demetri grabbed Kai’s hand quickly before he had the chance to pull away. “This electrical current when we touch. Look me in the eyes and tell me you never to feel it again.” He paused waiting for Kai to answer, but he still held his face away, wordlessly. “I don’t understand. No one has cared if people are gay for hundreds of years. Unless you’re an only child. How could this hurt us?”

Kai shook his head. “I have twelve brothers and sisters. I’d have more, I’m sure, had my mother not died during my youngest sister’s childbirth.”

“Then what is it?” Demetri pleaded. “I need a reason to stop.” He reached a hand up to Kai’s face. “Something to make my fingers no longer ache to touch you.”

Kai looked heartbroken. He opened his mouth to say something but, just then, Ezra and Arya exited the galley to throw some waste food overboard. Kai stepped back. Demetri thought he would run but instead he leaned in close. “Come to the captain’s quarters. We can talk there.”

Demetri’s heart pounded louder with each step he took towards the room. As soon as they got there, Kai opened the door and ushered Demetri inside, casting a glance around to make sure no one was around to see them entering together. Kai closed the door and locked it behind him. Demetri stood in place, waiting impatiently, fidgeting with his shirt, and twisting it in his fingers. Kai was still facing the door, leaning his forehead against it, probably trying to figure out what he could say.

“I’m sorry for ye--” Demetri said, unable to bear the silence any longer. Kai turned and rushed to him, crushing his lips against Demetri’s in a desperate kiss. Demetri’s hands rested on Kai’s waist as he attempted to steady himself. Kai’s hands on Demetri’s face, holding him near. One of them slowly traveled down his neck, sliding his fingers through Demetri’s thick black hair, still held back in a ponytail. Kai groaned against his mouth. The sound made Demetri’s heart and cock jump as their tongues swirled and danced, massaging each other’s. Kai slowed himself, removing his tongue but continued the kiss with gentle lips.

Kai leaned his forehead to Demetri’s. “I’m sorry. I never meant to put you in harms way. We can’t be together. If you are seen with me in any way other than a friend you will most likely be killed.”

"You kiss me like that and tell me we can't be together?" Demetri spat back at him. "Is this some kind of cruel joke? Or is it just the best way you could think to get rid of your clingy one-night stand?"

Kai growled and stepped back, pulling Demetri’s chin up, forcing him to look into his eyes. “You think I don’t feel what you feel? This spark between us shifts my whole world out of balance. I could think of nothing but your touch and these perfect lips for these past months.” Kai ran his thumb over Demetri’s bottom lip. “I thought leaving you that morning was the hardest thing I could do, but seeing you these past few days and not being able to touch you or even give you a kind word or smile… that was torturous.”

“Then why? You say I’ll be killed but why and by whom?” Demetri trembled. Not from fear, but.... was it happiness? “Is it your father, the King?”

Kai let his hands drop down, sighed in frustration, and sat on the bed. “Yes.”

Demetri sat beside him. “Just how does he claim the title of King anyways?”

“My great grandfather was a royal from another land during Earth’s time. Our family settled in Kesh shortly before Marius attacked. Now, with the old king practically dead, my father believes it’s time to have a new one.”

Demetri had never considered having a king, of any kind, again. “So he just decided to name himself King?”

Kai leaned against him. “He claimed the title, King of Kesh, many decades ago. The people never once fought against him for it. He’s good to them. We make certain everyone in Kesh are safe and cared for.” Kai sat up and dragged a hand down his face in exhaustion. “Or at least they were safe, before the attack. It was only recently that he began speaking of joining Athlone and Kesh together under his rule.”

Demetri stored the information to think more on later. At that moment, he was much more interested in why they couldn’t be together. “Forgive my ignorance of politics, but why does that mean we can’t be together? Is it that you are a prince and I am not anyone of importance?”

Kai shook his head. “It wouldn’t matter who you were. My father has a plan for my future and this plan could potentially change the world. I can’t tell you what it is, only that he will kill to protect it.”

Demetri softened his tone. “Listen, I don’t know what these plans are or how I affect them. All I do know is you are someone I am willing to fight for. I’ll leave you alone if that’s what you truly want, but if I can, I want to be with you.” He grabbed Kai’s hand. “Tell me what I can do to help you.”

Kai’s face reverted back to the stoic manner it had been as he stood, looking at the wall. “There’s nothing to be helped. I will take you to Montauk where you will find the cure to awaken the princess, and I will put an end to their destruction. I’m sorry for giving into my…” He paused, clearing his throat as he opened the door. “I’m sorry for the confusion. Please excuse me, I need to rest. Goodnight.”

Demetri walked out in a daze and Kai closed the door behind him as quickly as he could manage. What the hell just happened? He thought, running a hand down his face. He could still feel him on his lips, aching and inflamed from being kissed so hard. He just kisses me like that… then he tells me we can’t be together or I’ll be murdered… have a nice night?

Demetri wandered to his room slowly. When he entered, his three bunkmates were all asleep. Too tired to think anymore, he climbed into the top bunk and drifted off to sleep.