Ilic will never truly be free

he never once had a choice or say in anything that's happened to him since being picked up by the king. he's practically been imprisoned and shackled by the harassment and "love" of someone he quite literally couldn't refuse. He knew there was nothing he could do but to go along with it all. imo, whatever he may feel over time is the work of his subconscious helping him survive. I also find it realistic that until the very end he doesn't feel actual love for the king. This isn't the kind of story that should have a sweet ending or whatever. I don't care how well he was taken care of or how much "love" he was showered with, the reality is that he had always been a victim. His freedom to choose was taken from him since day one and he's had to live like this for decades. I would lose my sense of self if I was him. It's shocking how well he's managed to keep himself together all these years.
That being said, the way the story is told does make you pity the king.. which is crazy in itself!! hell, it even makes you wanna root for them to find happiness before they die. yah.... lots of conflicting feelings.