The manor had fallen quiet as night blanketed the capital. Moonlight spilled through the arched windows, soft and silvery, casting long shadows across the tiled floor.
Rina sat curled up on a plush lounge chair near the hearth. She held her knees close, chin resting atop them. Her brown eyes were fixed on the pair asleep in the nearby bed as Kenzo and Akina, wrapped in each other's arms beneath the velvet covers.
They looked… peaceful. Whole.
Rina lowered her gaze, trying to block the rising ache in her chest.
She had only known them for a short while, and yet, the pull she felt toward Kenzo was undeniable. Not like a desperate crush or fleeting admiration as it was something different. Something deeper. He had seen her when no one else had. Protected her, spoken to her like a person, not property.
She remembered the moment his hand had stopped that whip. Her heart still raced every time she thought about it.
"…Rina?" a soft voice said from the darkness.
She turned quickly.
Akina stood by the bed, red hair slightly tousled, dressed in a loose night robe. She walked over and sat beside her.
"You're still up?"
"Yeah…" Rina mumbled, wiping at her eyes quickly. "Sorry."
Akina didn't press. She simply sat in silence with her for a moment, letting the stillness settle.
Finally, she said gently, "You care about him too."
It wasn't a question.
Rina bit her lip. "…I don't want to ruin anything."
"You wouldn't. Kenzo… he has a way of growing hearts," Akina said with a small smile. "I was like you, once. Unsure. Afraid to want something more. But… love isn't a limited thing. Especially not with him."
"But you're his wife now," Rina said, voice small. "How could I ever compare to that?"
Akina leaned in, gently placing a hand on Rina's shoulder. "You don't have to compare. You just have to be honest with yourself. And with him. That's all he's ever asked of anyone."
Rina swallowed hard, heart pounding. The warmth of Akina's words sank into her like rain after drought.
"…Do you think he'd ever… want me like that?"
Akina's smile widened just a touch. "I think he already does."
Rina didn't respond but her chest felt lighter, her breath deeper.
They both looked toward the bed again. Kenzo stirred slightly in his sleep, one arm reaching instinctively toward the empty space where Akina had been.
"…Come sleep with us," Akina whispered.
Rina's eyes went wide. "W…What?"
"Just to sleep," she said softly, nudging her. "He'd want you close. And… I think you need it too."
Rina hesitated.
Then nodded.
Moments later, she slipped under the covers, settling behind Kenzo. His body shifted slightly, recognizing the warmth. His hand found hers in the dark.
Rina's heart skipped.
[Bond Strengthening: Rina – Level 2.9]
Stability: High. Emotional Synchronization: Increasing…
The morning sun pierced the manor's curtains in golden rays.
Kenzo blinked awake, feeling warm softness pressed on either side. Akina at his front, already watching him with sleepy affection… and Rina at his back, her face buried into his shoulder, hand still resting in his.
"…Well," Kenzo murmured. "This is new."
Akina grinned. "You weren't dreaming."
Rina peeked up, face turning crimson. "I.. I didn't mean to…I mean, she told me….I just!"
Kenzo chuckled, pulling both closer.
"I'm glad," he said honestly. "Both of you."
Just then, a knock echoed from the door.
A muffled voice called, "Sir Kenzo, the Princess awaits you at the Ivory Court. Please prepare for your summons."
He sighed and sat up. "Time to meet royalty."
Akina stretched and slipped off the bed. "Let's not keep a future queen waiting."
Rina stood beside her, more confident now, despite the blush that still painted her cheeks.
Kenzo took a long look at both of them as two women who had come to mean everything to him and steeled himself for whatever the capital had in store.
The game was changing.
And he was ready to play.