Responses
I honestly just think it's Stockholm syndrome (●'◡'●)ﾉ
He did say he couldn't tell him, "i love you, " or sweet nothings like he did with women because he felt the king's feeling were going to pass. His mother and later his mercenary boss told him that nobles tend to change their minds about the people they slept with. So, he kept and kept defining the duke's feelings for him. This chapter gives him a little freedom and is finally seeing that years have gone and the Duke still loves him.
does he like the duke/king and just uncomfortable w those feelings since he’s never thought he’d be interested in a pretty man? or is his self esteem low bc he thinks he’s just a plaything that will be disposed of if the duke/king gets bored? like he just feels unworthy? his feelings towards the duke/king is a little confusing for me…