Note: (1/8) of the mass release
March 24, 1096
When night hit, Prince Nabu felt reluctant.
He had a few hours left to spend with his son and River. And as each hour that grew closer towards the next day had Prince Nabu’s heart feeling heavy. It always became like this when he had to leave.
Staring at his son, he held back a sigh and his displeasure. He did not want his son to see his negative thoughts showing on the surface.
Hearing Kiyt’s laughter and seeing River’s smile, Prince Nabu had to glance away.
He went through this cycle each time.
Internally sighing, Prince Nabu wished he could run away. But, even though he is the third child, he is set to take the throne after his father because he is an alpha. Why couldn’t he have been born an beta like the first and second born?
Hearing another laugh from his son, Prince Nabu shook his head.
Then again, if he was a beta, would it have been easy to have a child with River the way they did?
And even though all his siblings are females, it is not unheard of a woman taking the throne. Maybe the fourth child could take his spot? He knew they all wanted it while Prince Nabu couldn’t care less.
A flicker hit his forehead, causing him to look up. River stood before him, “Get out your thoughts and go help Kiyt take a bath.”
Prince Nabu smiled, “Is this your way of cheering me up?”
“Do it or get out.” River turned around, not caring to glance back.
Standing up, Prince Nabu walked over to Kiyt, picking him up, “Are you ready for your bath?”
Kiyt shook his head; he hated taking a bath. “Do I have to?”
“Yes.” Prince Nabu responded, rubbing his son’s head. Kiyt could only pout.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
They walked into the bathroom as Prince Nabu set Kiyt down. He leaned over, turning the water on before bending down to close the drain. Touching the water, Prince Nabu made sure the water was warm as he watched the tub beginning to fill with water.
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Finally, he grabbed a small towel, setting it to the side as he looked back towards Kiyt. “You ready.”
“No.” Kiyt instantly replied but still walked towards the tub and got inside by himself.
Once his son was inside the tub, Prince Nabu turned off the water. He grabbed the towel, dipping it into the tub before adding more soap to it. Kiyt picked up the toy boat, running it into the bubbles with a pout still present on his face.
“Kiyt.” Prince Nabu called.
Kiyt’s pout continued to grow.
Leaning forward, Prince Nabu bit Kiyt’s cheek. He caused the boy to giggle and push his dad away. “Daddy, stop.”
“There goes my boy’s cute smile.” Prince Nabu teased.
Kiyt kept smiling as Prince Nabu started cleaning him.
Once they finished bathing, Prince Nabu picked up Kiyt. He set him on his feet before grabbing a towel; he dried his son off.
River walked into the bathroom with Kiyt’s pajamas, setting them on the toilet seat before crouching down. He pulled Kiyt close and said, “Who is this clean little boy smelling so good?”
“It’s me!” Kiyt yelled, throwing the towel off him.
Prince Nabu and River laughed.
“Well, let’s get you dressed and ready for bed, love.” River grabbed the boy’s underwear first. Kiyt took the underwear, putting them on as Prince Nabu picked up the fallen towel. He set the towel in a bin, stretching as he stood up. He has been on his knees for a while.
River continued helping Kiyt get dressed until there was nothing left. Once he finished, he picked Kiyt up, getting ready to take him to bed. Prince Nabu stopped them, kissing Kiyt goodnight before walking towards River’s bedroom.
He changed his clothes as he waited for River to return.
River walked into the room, staring at a shirtless Prince Nabu before standing in front of him. He touched the man’s chest before it slipped towards his heart.
Prince Nabu looked at the hand before glancing up at River, who had an indescribable expression on his face. “Do you regret meeting me that day?” Prince Nabu could not help but ask.
“If I regretted meeting you, then would I be regretting having Kiyt?” River quickly questioned.
Glancing back down, Prince Nabu watched the hand that could feel his heart beating. He did not know what to say. Prince Nabu never regretted their meeting because if he did, how else would he find something that could make him feel?
But, he always wondered if River did because Prince Nabu compromised everything.
And now, the question threw him off.
“I know you would never regret Kiyt, but I ruined everything for you, didn’t I?”
“I made my choices. You did not cause anything. What is there to regret, Nabu? Do you regret meeting me? I bet disappearing each time has made the relationship between you and your family strain.” River finally moved his hand away.
“I always had a strained relationship with them; what is the difference?” Prince Nabu muttered.
“If that is your answer, then don’t ask me any more questions.”
It became quiet as River climbed on the bed, lying down as he closed his eyes. Turning around, Prince Nabu joined him, wrapped his arms around him from behind, pulling him close.
He rested his head on River’s shoulder, “If I do not come back, would you care?”
“Don’t say silly things, Nabu. I know you will always be back to see Kiyt.” River rolled his eyes.
“Would you care?” Prince Nabu pressured.
River did not reply for a minute before he said, with a low tone, “Go to sleep. You have a long ride ahead of you.”
Sighing, Prince Nabu closed his eyes. He ignored the way his heart strained from the lack of response. But at the same time, he knew this was how River was. So, he took in the man’s scent before drifting to sleep.
When morning came, he said goodbye to his crying son and to his indifferent love that always hides his emotion. It was time to return to his cold home.
March 26, 1096
After putting his horse away, Prince Nabu sneakily entered the palace, making his way to his room without anyone seeing him.
During his silent walk, he noticed the lack of people inside.
His home was usually busy, someone always had a job to do. But, today, he barely passed by anyone. Even the always loud place laid eerily quiet. His instincts told him something was wrong, but he still made his way towards his room.
As he reached his room, Prince Nabu opened his door, entering. But before he could take another step, he stopped at the scene before him.
His father, siblings, guards, and an investigator stood in his room. They looked to have been waiting for him. “Father?” Prince Nabu questioned.
His father tensely stood, walking towards him with a concealed expression. His hand landed on Prince Nabu’s shoulder, pushing it down with barely controlled strength.
Prince Nabu fell to his knees with gritted teeth.
“Son, I do not wish to believe you are a traitor.” His father started.
“Because I am not.” Prince Nabu interrupted, earning a hit across his face. His cheek began turning red as his bottom lip busted open.
He looked back at his father, barely fazed by the hit.
“We will see about that.” His father sneered, finally showing some emotion. “Take him away.” His father spoke to the guards and investigator.
“For what, father? For what!” Prince Nabu asked. He didn’t struggle as the guards grabbed his arms, pulling him up as they held it behind his back.
No one answered as the guards pulled him away while the investigator followed. But, his eyes took in the smug smile of his first and second sister. He knew that they must have set him up for something.
Anything for the throne, huh? They are fools; he never wanted it.
The chapters are going to come in at random times. I never write-ahead because no matter how many times I try, it bores me. I write the same time I post instead; so the chapters are randomly going to be posted instead of all together.
Uuurgh poor Nabu… he just wants to be with his real family so leave him alone 😭