He approached Augustin’s chamber. Edgar knew the palace almost blindly. But just almost. He knew everything much better in his father’s manor house. A big white brick. There were countless rooms, windows and opportunities to hide. It was on the cliffs of Ethereal. After that is also the piece of land named, that his family owned.This means, when his father dies, he will become Earl of Ethereal. And therefore will also rule on the side of the new King of Nefarious. Even if Edgar wanted nothing more than his beloved Augustin to become King, he is only the second-born. He won’t be able to take the throne until his brother Valentin dies.

But that won't happen too quickly, because Valentin is a 23 summer young lad. Just a few summers ago, he married the lovely Princess Daphne of Petrichor. It was not a marriage of love and conviction, but purely political. But what could hardly be taken from their togetherness. Because even after the few summers together, they looked like they had just fallen in love. Edgar wanted nothing more than to experience the same with Augustin. But this one preferred to play around, make him angry or jealous.

Once Edgar even left in the middle of the night, full of rage he drove his steed through the bitterly cold night. It is a 6 hour ride from Nefas Palace to the seat of the Earl of Ethereal. When he arrived home, he layed crying in his mother's arms for several hours. The mother patiently stroked his tangled hair and listened to him. Because for Edgar, at that moment, the world was upside down.

He knocked on Augustin’s door with the awkless feeling of memory. All the guards in the side wing, where the second-born was located, were untraceable. That was more or less normal. For if Augustine had one of his outbreaks, all the corridors were cleared as quickly as possible. So the King didn’t have to hang or otherwise kill innocent people.

A quiet, timid knock on the solid wooden door. Actually, Edgar did knew Augustin wouldn‘t answer. He never answered. But this time one heard light footsteps, then the crack of the knob and suddenly a howled Augustine stood before him. “What do you want? Trample on my inabilities a bit more. Haven’t had enough fun yet?” Said Augustine in a trembling but still angry voice. The hands are clenched in fists and released again.

The young Earl was undecided. Usually he was always met by a rage-filled, but not howling Augustin. Because if the prince was angry, Edgar would simply tempt him to have sex and after that the world looked a lot rosier than it actually was. But this time Edgar knew it would be useless. Something was wrong. Because even though Augustin was very moody and emotional. So he was also very careful and would never show his weaknesses. But now a young prince stood before him in tears. So he dropped his protective wall. But why, Edgar wondered. He couldn't think of an answer. He was sure now that something must have happened. Ever since he rode home after the quarrel, and yet only a few days later back to his prince, there had been a strange heaviness on Augustine's shoulder. You could see it in his face. However, Edgar tried to ignore this. He thought it was his fault.

But when the prince opened up to him, another heavy weight layed on his still-young shoulders. Slowly, Edgar strode toward Augustin. Hoping that the younger on would not move away from him or push him back. Nothing happened. The prince stood motionless. The young Earl finally enclosed him in a tight embrace. That had always helped. When Augustin fell off his horse, or drew his bow too tightly and hurt himself, or got hold of his mother's roses the wrong way. Edgar was always there to hug and comfort the little blond boy. Like now.

When the quake abated, they parted. Augustin took Edgar by the hand and dragged him to his bed. This was in the middle of the room, on the opposite the blazing fireplace. Edgar loved this room. Because here he took, the only thing Augustin can never give anyone else. Of course, the room also held the nocturnal cuddly times Edgar needed so much, which Augustin gave him every time without a word. The memory of the Rose Garden and this incredible promise came back to life.

The two of them wordlessly plopped down next to each other on the bed. Augustin took Edgar's hand in his again. Stroke over it with his thumb. Edgar knew the gesture and it did not bode well. The young Earl felt sick. Either the prince would send him away forever, like King Konstantin wanted a long time ago or he would tell him that he prefers to be with the young maid or even the lad from the riding-steel. They looked at each other. Augustin smiled, an honest smile. Not what everyone else always got to see. However, you could also see the pain on his face.

"Let's ride out in the morning, before sunrise!" Augustin squeezed his lover's hand tightly. " I need to talk to you about something. " His voice was so soft, yet behind it was such a great, strong meaning. Edgar swallowed hard, but agreed. Of course, the young Earl was furious that the prince did not speak out immediately. But he did not dare to disturb the sensual calm after the storm. He gave the prince a kiss on the forehead, squeezing his hand as the prince had done his before.