I watch from the shadows as I see Arthur walk in and head towards the kingdom’s most powerful possession. Rage replaces the blood in my veins as I am overtaken with betrayal. I step forward cutting him off from my father’s weapon. He steps back, startled but not really shocked.

“I knew I gave too much away,” Arthur sighs out, shrugging his shoulders in a casual movement.

“Gave?” I scoff, “that would insinuate that you were going to bare your soul to me and be transparent.” I voice, trying to hold on to the anger I felt moments ago, but that emotion is fleeting at the sight of his blue eyes.

His oceans always seem to drown my negative emotions away. Even when his betrayal hurts more than anything I’ve ever felt before. I feel as though my heart could stop beating any moment. For I am weak and heartbroken without him.

“Did I not?” He questions, a piercing edge in his voice. “Did I not expose myself and show who I really am? You are here, are you not?” He questions, taking a step further.

I can feel my pulse quicken at the ability to smell him, he always smells like peppermint.

“You are here, my Prince,” he whispers, “you are here because you know me. You know that I am a thief after your father’s righteous sword.” He murmured, eyes getting teary.

“Arthur,” I breathe, “tell me that I matter to you.”

“I love you more than my own cause,” he admits. “For if this mission was only for me, I would throw my duties away and focus on stealing your heart.” He reaches for my hands and grabs them.

“But you already have.” I admit.

“Then I would focus on cherishing it for lifetimes to come.” Arthur coos, “but this mission is for all of humanity and everyone else’s future. Your father is not fit to wield Excalibur.”

“And you are?!” I challenge, his lip twitches in irritation.

“I am the true ruler of Excalibur!” He voices deeply. I shiver. “I will be the king that these people deserve. And you know it.”

I don’t say anything. If this was a game of verbal chess, he would have me in check. Arthur is the ruler of Excalibur, I feel it in my bones. But am I willing to betray my father for the man that I fell in love with? Will I choose this unforeseen adventure with him over my stability? I am the prince, heir to the throne as long as I marry the neighboring King’s daughter. I can be the change this kingdom deserves.

“My love,” he sighs, reaching up to cuff my face and bringing me closer to him. “You would be a book worthy king. You would be a hope for the future. But, you will not be there quicker than what these people need now. Once I take this sword the civil war will begin to make me king. We can see change within months instead of years. Your father will run this kingdom into the ground before you will ever hold the throne”.

He admits. “I wish it could be you, but Leonardo, it has to be me. It has to be now.”

Checkmate. I pull him into me and he buries his neck into mine. It’s second nature to him. All those nights spent sneaking around comes rushing back. I pull back and before I can speak he kisses me. For I wish it was the lustful ones that I am used to, it now has transformed into a need for understanding and yearning. I give back, my soul set on fire by his touch.

“Arthur,” I voice, “I do believe you are the real King of Camelot. But I want to be selfish and keep you to myself.” I admit in spite of wanting to remain silent.

“Then be selfish and come with me. Rule beside me and let us be the real hope for future generations.”

“Grab the sword and disappear,” I instruct, bringing him into a hug again. “I will stay here for a week and figure out what my father will plan. I’ll meet you in the meadow by the River one week from now.”

I feel his lips on mine one moment and when I open my eyes and turn, he and Excalibur are gone. Arthur is a thief who took more than a sword. He stole my heart and a better and bright tomorrow