Star woke up to sunlight streaming through the curtains, his body sore in the best way. He stretched, feeling the ache from last night... Elandor's touches, the heat between them. A smile crept on his face as memories flooded back... the king's confessions, their bodies tangled in the sheets. It was intense... real. For the first time since arriving, the palace didn't feel so cold. But as he sat up, reality hit. The hidden papers from Mira... still under the mattress. Varyn's threats from the banquet. He couldn't ignore them forever.
"Morning already?" he muttered, rubbing his eyes. The room smelled like them... sweat and something sweeter. Elandor had slipped out before dawn, whispering promises of more time together. Star's heart fluttered at the thought, but doubt nagged. Was this love? Or just a distraction from the mess?
A knock at the door. "Star? It's Lila... with breakfast and a gift."
Star pulled on a robe, opening the door. Lila bustled in, tray in hand... eggs, fresh bread, fruits. But beside it, a small box wrapped in gold paper. "From an admirer," she said, winking. "Court's buzzing after last night... you and the king dancing? Romantic."
Star blushed. "Yeah... it was something." He eyed the box. "Who sent this?"
Lila shrugged. "Anonymous... but fancy. Open it!"
Star hesitated... memories of whispers about poison. But it looked harmless... a ribbon tied neat. He untied it, lifting the lid. Inside... a beautiful necklace, silver chain with a starry pendant. Sparkled like diamonds. "Wow... pretty."
"Put it on!" Lila urged. "Matches your name."
Star lifted it... cool metal. But as he clasped it around his neck, a prick... sharp on his skin. "Ow... what?" His vision blurred... room spinning. Poison? He clutched the table... legs weak.
Lila's eyes widened. "Star? You okay?" She grabbed his arm... but he slumped.
Shouts... doors banging. Elandor burst in... face pale. "Star!" He caught him before he hit the floor, ripping the necklace off. "Guards! Seal the room!"
Star's world faded... but he heard Elandor. "Antidote... now!" Strong arms held him... safe.
When Star woke, he was in bed... head pounding, but alive. Elandor sat beside... holding his hand. "You're okay... mild poison. I got to you in time."
Star blinked... throat dry. "How... did you know?"
Elandor sighed... eyes tired. "I didn't. But I suspected... after the banquet. Varyn's been too quiet. The necklace... traced to his chambers."
Star sat up slow. "Varyn... that bastard. He warned me... said accidents happen."
Elandor's grip tightened. "He what? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I... wasn't sure," Star admitted. "And with Mira's stuff... the papers."
Elandor's brow furrowed. "Papers? What papers?"
Star reached under the mattress... pulling out the pouch. "From last night... Mira met me in the gardens. Gave me these... proof Varyn's scheming with enemies."
Elandor flipped through... face darkening. "Traitor... deals with border rebels. This... changes everything." He looked at Star... grateful. "You kept this? Why not tell me right away?"
"Trust issues," Star said softly. "After all the secrets... but now... after last night... I believe you."
Elandor leaned in... kissing his forehead. "Thank you... for staying. For us."
But anger burned in Star. "Varyn... he tried to kill me. What now?"
Elandor stood... king mode on. "Confront him. Council meeting... expose it all."
Later that day, Star... still weak but stubborn... joined Elandor in the throne room. Nobles gathered... whispers flying. Varyn stood smug... scar twisting.
Elandor held up the papers. "Lord Varyn... explain this. Treason... poison... plots against my consort."
Varyn laughed... cold. "Lies... forged by rebels. The peasant brings chaos... not me."
Star stepped forward... voice strong. "I saw you... in my room. Threatened me. And the necklace? Your doing."
Murmurs grew. A noble spoke. "Proof?"
Elandor nodded to guards. They brought in a servant... trembling. "I... I delivered the box... on Lord Varyn's order. Saw him dip the clasp in vial."
Varyn's face paled. "Traitorous worm! Lies!"
But the council shifted... eyes on Varyn. "Arrest him," Elandor commanded.
Varyn snarled... pulling a hidden dagger. "You fool king... weak for a boy!" He lunged at Star.
Star dodged... but Elandor tackled Varyn... wrestling him down. Guards piled on... binding him.
As Varyn was dragged away... yelling curses... Elandor hugged Star. "Safe now."
But Star knew better. "One down... but the palace? Still a viper's nest. More enemies?"
Elandor nodded. "Yes... but together... we'll root them out."
Back in quarters, Star rested... Elandor by his side. "Last night... meant everything," the king whispered... hand tracing Star's arm.
Star smiled... pulling him close. "Me too... but no more secrets."