My lover saved his own life by telling the king where I was hiding.
In our kingdom, loving another man was considered an abomination. If you were caught, the law gave you two choices: confess your crimes and face execution, or name everyone involved and beg for mercy.
We had been together for almost three years.
Then soldiers began arresting men suspected of forbidden relationships.
I told him, “If they ever come for us, we say nothing.”
He squeezed my hand.
“I would rather die with you.”
Two weeks later, they came for him.
I was terrified, but I trusted him.
The next morning, a soldier entered my house.
“You're under arrest.”
I froze.
“How did you find me?”
He looked at me strangely.
“Your lover told us.”
I refused to believe him.
They dragged me before the king.
My lover was already there.
His hands were free.