Academy Entrance, Exam Day
A soft morning breeze rustled the palace banners as Kael stood in front of the palace gates, dressed in his academy uniform. His cloak fluttered behind him, and his hand rested on the open carriage door.
He glanced at the sun, then toward the palace doors.
"She's late," he murmured.
Just then, hurried footsteps echoed across the marble floor.
"I'm so sorry I'm late!" Seraphina called, rushing toward him, slightly out of breath.
Her hair was a little tousled, books pressed tightly to her chest. She gave him a sheepish smile as she neared the carriage.
Kael opened his mouth to say something, but before he could—
Seraphina's foot caught on the edge of the carriage step.
"Ah—!"
She stumbled forward—only to find herself caught in a pair of strong arms.
Kael had moved in an instant, one arm behind her back, the other holding her books from falling. Their faces were close—too close.
He smirked down at her.
"There's no need to rush, Lady Seraphina. We have plenty of time before the written exam."
Seraphina's face turned bright red as she quickly stood upright and turned away.
"I-I'm fine. Thank you."
She climbed into the carriage with flustered dignity. Kael followed with a quiet chuckle, closing the door behind them.
"Let's go," he ordered the driver.
---
Inside the Carriage
The rhythmic motion of the ride filled the silence between them. Seraphina, still slightly red, stole a sideways glance at Kael.
The crown prince… Kael Aurelis. Known for his unmatched swordsmanship and calm composure in battle. I've always heard about his duels—watching him face Duke Alric during the practical exam will be…
She bit her lip.
Thrilling.
Unlike today. Ugh. A boring written test...
Suddenly— a jolt.
The carriage lurched as one of its wheels hit a rock in the path.
"Ah!"
Seraphina tumbled forward—straight into Kael.
And in the blink of a heartbeat, her lips brushed his.
They froze.
Her hands were braced on his chest, his hand had instinctively caught her waist again, and for a moment… neither moved.
Then—
Seraphina's eyes widened. She jerked back, scrambling to her seat, face pale with shock.
Kael blinked rapidly, then turned his face toward the window, his ears burning red.
Both sat stiffly in stunned silence, the air thick with unsaid things.
---
At the Academy Gates
They finally arrived at the academy. The grand gates loomed overhead, lined with students in polished uniforms.
Duke Alric approached with his usual confident stride. But his brows raised when he saw them.
"You both look like you've come down with a fever," he said, eyeing their unusually red faces.
Kael coughed, quickly turning his head. Seraphina looked away too fast to be subtle.
Alric smirked.
"Should I call the royal physician?"
Kael quickly spoke, flustered.
"No need. Just... let's go in. The exam is about to start."
He strode past with an uncharacteristic stiffness. Seraphina followed quietly, both too embarrassed to meet each other's gaze.