The throne room felt colder than usual.
Kaelith stood before the dais where the king sat, adorned in their formal attire. At the side, surrounded by a handful of court ladies, stood Princess Lysandra.
She looked different more regal than radiant. Her presence commanded attention, yet her eyes remained soft when they met Kaelith's.
"So, my son," the king began, smiling as he gestured between them, you've already crossed paths with our guest, I hear.
Kaelith offered a respectful nod. Briefly. She was walking by the gardens.
"Good," the king said. Then this won't be too much of a surprise.
The court lady spoke next, her voice warm but firm.
The engagement between you and Princess Lysandra will be formally announced in two days. We expect you to spend time together before then. Make a strong impression as future king and queen.
Kaelith didn't flinch.
There was no point in arguing. The court had already decided. This was politics. Destiny. Duty.
He glanced at Lysandra again.
Yes, she was beautiful. Graceful. She carried herself like someone born to rule. Any man would be lucky to call her his wife.
But Kaelith didn't want a wife he barely knew. And he certainly didn't want a life already mapped out for him.
Still, he gave a quiet nod. I understand.
Later, in Kaelith's Chambers
Kaelith sat in silence as Hale folded away his training cloak. Neither spoke for a while. The air was thick with things unsaid.
Finally, Hale broke the quiet. She's everything the court wanted for you.
Kaelith didn't respond.
She'll make a beautiful queen, Hale added softly. "Maybe… she's what you need."
Kaelith looked up at him, eyes indistinct.
I saw the way you looked when you saw her. Hale paused. "You didn't hide it."
I don't want to marry her, Kaelith said. But I can't stop the tide either.
Hale's gaze dropped to the floor. You don't have to want it. You only have to survive it.
Kaelith's chest narrowed. Survive it.
He wasn't sure he could.
PRINCE AND PRINCESS
The garden within Zarethrone's royal courtyard was bathed in golden light as the late morning sun filtered through climbing roses and carved stone arches. Prince Kaelith walked beside Princess Lysandra, their steps slow and unhurried, as if the weight of expectation hadn't yet settled on their shoulders.
"You train with real steel?" Lysandra asked, an amused smile dancing on her lips as she glanced at the polished sword at Kaelith's side.
Kaelith nodded. Wooden swords don't prepare you for what waits beyond the city gates.
She chuckled, graceful and poised. You sound more like a knight than a prince.
"Perhaps I'm a little of both."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly. Lysandra was clever, inquisitive, charming, and stunningly beautiful. Her laughter was soft but rich, the kind that turned heads. Her presence was magnetic, even Kaelith had to admit that.
From across the courtyard, Hale stood silently, blending into the shadow of a pillar. He watched them from a distance, unnoticed but not unseeing. Kaelith felt his gaze even as he smiled at Lysandra.
She leaned in slightly, brushing her fingers over the silken petals of a nearby bloom. So, Prince Kaelith… After the engagement ceremony, how soon would you want our wedding?
Kaelith's hand stilled over a rose. His gaze lifted slowly not to her, but beyond her shoulder, locking briefly with Hale's.
A small pause. Then a soft smile.
Let's look forward to the engagement first, Kaelith said, voice calm. We'll decide the rest in time.
Lysandra tilted her head, curious but pleased.
You're more cautious than I imagined.
"Not cautious," he replied. Just… not one to rush what can't be undone.
And then, without a single word of warning, Lysandra stepped closer. Her fingers brushed his cheek, and her lips captured him in a kiss light, intentional, and full of heat. It wasn't hunger, but certainty. It was the kiss of a woman used to being desired and knowing she was hard to refuse.
From behind the rose-covered arch, Hale turned away. The sound of his footsteps fading was the only proof he had ever been there at all.
Kaelith didn't return the kiss but he didn't pull away, either. Not until a few seconds passed, and the weight of everything unsaid returned.
I should return to my chambers, Lysandra said with a playful smile, stepping back with regal poise.
Kaelith gave a short smile, brushing his fingers over his lips.
As she walked away, her gown trailing behind like a wave of red silk, Kaelith stepped out into the corridor.
Prince Kaelith didn't speak much for the rest of the day. He sat through the council meal without truly eating, responded to his advisors with curt nods, and disappeared early into his private quarters. The corridors outside his door stayed quiet except for one person.
Hale entered with his usual calm steps, carrying the folded garments Kaelith had requested, expecting at least a glance. But Kaelith didn't even lift his eyes. He sat near the open window, the moonlight washing over him, expression unreadable.
"You've been quiet all day," Hale finally said, placing the clothes down gently on the side table. Even when the King asked for your thoughts earlier you barely looked up.
I'm quiet because of you, Kaelith's reply.
Hale turned to him, puzzled. Because of me? Why?
Kaelith said finally, his voice low. You've been quiet all day.
"I've had little to say," Hale answered without looking up.
"That's unlike you."
Silence again.
Kaelith rose and walked closer, stopping only a breath away. Something happened.
Still, Hale didn't answer.
"You saw it," Kaelith said.
That made Hale pause. His hands clenched the edge of the folded cloak a moment too long. Saw what?
"The kiss."
Hale let out a small breath sharp, bitter. I didn't mean to. It wasn't my place to see anything.
Kaelith studied him. Then why can't you look at me?
Hale turned away. "Because I forgot myself."
Kaelith's brows furrowed. What does that mean?
I started to think I mattered more than I should. Hale's voice cracked softly. But I'm not a princess. I'm not royalty. I'm just the man who dresses you in the morning, who shadows your steps, who bandages your wounds. That's all I've ever been.
Kaelith's breath caught. You are more than that.
No, I'm not. Why are you talking like something exists between us?
His voice was lower now. Strained.
"You're forbidden to love a man. I know that." He gave a short, bitter smile. "And I was never hoping for anything. You don't have to worry.
Finally turned, eyes meeting Kaelith's red-rimmed, intense. You are a prince. You were born to be adored by nations. To marry someone worthy of your name. Someone like her.
Kaelith stepped forward, slow but sure. She may be beautiful, but she is not the one I think about when I wake. Not the one I worry about when he's wounded. Not the one I search for in a crowded hall.
Hale looked stunned, but Kaelith didn't give him time to speak.
"You don't need to say anything," Kaelith whispered, his voice trembling now. I just need to do this. Once.
Then he leaned in tentative, reverent, and kissed him.
Hale's lips parted in disbelief, but Kaelith's mouth was warm, honest, trembling with restraint. The kiss wasn't rushed; it was a confession. A quiet surrender.
And Hale aching, broken Hale kissed him back.
The world tilted.
Their hands found each other without command, clutching cloth and skin like it might be taken away. Their breaths tangled, and time just for a moment ceased to matter.
When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless.
Kaelith stared at him, heart in his throat. I shouldn't have done that.
Hale shook his head slowly. "No… I'm glad you did."
Still, he stepped back. The intensity of what just happened made the walls of the chamber feel too narrow.
Hale lowered his gaze, then gave a soft bow not as a servant, but as a man trying to collect the shattered pieces of his heart.
And with one last glance, he slipped out the door, leaving Kaelith alone with the silence… and the echo of lips that had finally met after too long in denial.