Aleron’s break was over far too soon for my liking. The days we spent together felt like a dream I wasn’t ready to wake from, and yet here we were, the time slipping away faster than I could hold onto it. Each night had brought us closer, and waking up beside him every morning had become something I never thought I’d crave. Now, the familiar routine was being snatched from me, and I could feel the weight of it settling on my chest.
The morning he was due to return to his duties, I woke to the quiet rustling of fabric, the soft sound of Aleron moving around our room. My eyes fluttered open, the early light from the window casting a warm glow over his figure as he sat on the edge of the bed, tugging on his tunic. For a moment, I stayed still, watching him, the peaceful rise and fall of his breath, the way his hands moved with practiced ease. It was a small, intimate moment, and it made my heart ache in a way I hadn’t expected.
“You’re up early,” I murmured, my voice rough from sleep as I sat up slowly, the covers falling from my shoulders. The chill of the room hit my skin, but it wasn’t the cold that made me shiver, it was the realization that our time, as brief as it had been, was ending.
Aleron paused, glancing back at me over his shoulder. There was something soft in his gaze, but also something resigned. “I have to get back to the council today,” he said, his voice low, as if speaking any louder would break the fragile moment between us. “There’s a lot that’s been left waiting.”
I nodded, even though I didn’t want to. I knew this day would come, but knowing didn’t make it any easier. “Of course,” I replied, forcing a small smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Duty calls, right?”
He turned fully toward me, his expression softening further. “It does.” He sighed, reaching out to touch my hand gently, the warmth of his fingers grounding me for just a moment. “But it doesn’t mean I want to leave.”
There was a tenderness in his words that made my chest tighten, and I felt the unspoken weight between us how much had shifted during his break, and how much more I wanted to hold onto.
“I got used to having you around,” I admitted quietly, surprising even myself with the vulnerability in my voice. I wasn’t sure when that happened, when having him beside me stopped feeling like an obligation and started feeling like a comfort.
He smiled at that, a real one this time, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. “I got used to being here.”
A silence fell between us, the kind that wasn’t uncomfortable but was filled with all the things we weren’t quite saying. I wanted to ask him to stay longer, to take another day, but I knew better. He had responsibilities, things I couldn’t compete with. And yet, I couldn’t help the small flicker of disappointment that settled deep in my chest.
“I’ll be back tonight,” he said, as if reading my thoughts. “We’ll still have the nights together.”
I nodded again, my throat tight. It wasn’t the same, but I didn’t want to make it harder for him. “Yeah, I know.”
He leaned in, brushing his lips against my forehead in a gesture that felt so intimate, so full of unspoken promises, that it made the ache in my chest swell. “Take care of yourself today,” he whispered against my skin. “I’ll miss you.”
I closed my eyes, holding onto that moment for as long as I could before he pulled away, his absence already leaving a cold space beside me. The door closed softly behind him, and I sank back into the pillows, staring up at the ceiling. The room felt emptier without him, and I knew that no matter how much I told myself I was fine with this, I would spend the day counting down the hours until he returned.
_ _ _
Aleron’s departure to attend to his duties left a subtle void in the air. I had grown so used to his presence, our shared time during his break a quiet balm to the tension that had existed between us for so long. Now, the palace seemed almost too large and empty without him nearby. But I couldn’t simply wallow in that feeling. There was still much of this place I hadn’t seen, and Ben, ever dependable, had offered to show me around.
“So, where would you like to start, Your Highness?” Ben asked, his usual composed demeanor softening into something more relaxed when it was just the two of us. He stood by the door to our chambers, patiently waiting for me to decide.
I glanced around the spacious room, taking a deep breath. “I think… I’d like to see the kitchen first. I’ve heard the palace has a reputation for its cuisine.”
Ben nodded with a smile. “An excellent choice. The chefs will be more than happy to show you their work.”
We left the room, the sound of our footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. The palace was grand, almost intimidating in its size, but there was a beauty to it, ornate tapestries hanging from the walls, tall windows flooding the halls with sunlight, and the air itself carrying a quiet dignity.
When we reached the kitchen, the smell of freshly baked bread and simmering herbs greeted me, wafting through the air like a warm welcome. The kitchen was bustling with activity, chefs moving about, chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and shouting orders to one another. Despite the chaos, it felt oddly comforting.
One of the head chefs noticed us entering and hurried over, wiping his hands on his apron. “Your Highness!” he exclaimed, bowing low. “What an honor to have you here.”
I offered him a small smile, trying to ease the formality. “I’ve heard a lot about the palace kitchen. I thought I’d see it for myself.”
The chef beamed with pride. “We do our best to serve the royal family with only the finest dishes. Would you care to try something? We’ve just prepared a new pastry for the afternoon tea.”
I nodded, genuinely curious. The chef quickly called over a young maid, who brought over a tray with delicate pastries dusted with powdered sugar. I picked one up, the flaky crust still warm to the touch, and took a bite. The sweetness of the filling melted in my mouth, perfectly balanced with the buttery pastry.
“This is incredible,” I said, my eyes widening in surprise. “You have a gift.”
The chef looked pleased, bowing his head once more. “Thank you, Your Highness. It’s an honor to serve.”
After sampling a few more treats and exchanging pleasantries with the kitchen staff, we made our way to the Royal Library. I had always been fond of books there was a quiet solace in the written word, a place to escape and find new worlds. The library was vast, the scent of old parchment and ink filling the air as soon as we stepped inside. Towering shelves lined the walls, stretching up toward the ceiling, filled with volumes upon volumes of ancient texts and modern works alike.
Ben led me toward one of the reading alcoves, a quiet corner with a large window that overlooked the palace gardens. “This is one of his highness the crown Prince’s favorite places, as I’ve heard from the librarian” he said softly, gesturing to the comfortable chairs and small table near the window. “He often comes here to read or to think. It’s a place of peace for him.” The librarian chimed from behind me
I walked over to the nearest shelf, my fingers brushing against the spines of the books. “I can see why. It’s beautiful.”
I pulled out a random book, its cover worn from age but still well cared for, and flipped through the pages. The language was old, archaic in some places, but the content, a collection of poems… was timeless.
Ben stood nearby, watching quietly as I perused the books. “If you ever wish to spend time here, Your Highness, the library is always open to you.”
“Thank you, Ma’am,” I replied, closing the book gently and placing it back on the shelf. “I think I’ll be spending quite a bit of time here.”
Our next stop was the throne room, a place I had only seen in brief glimpses during formal occasions. As we entered, I was struck by the sheer majesty of it. The room was vast, with towering pillars supporting a ceiling painted with intricate frescoes depicting the kingdom’s history. At the far end stood the throne itself, a grand, imposing seat of power, draped in rich fabric and adorned with golden accents. It was a symbol of authority, of the weight of leadership that the king of the empire carried every day, and Aleron would soon sit there.
I walked toward the throne, my steps slow, almost reverent. The room felt different now that I was here alone, without the usual audience of courtiers and officials. It felt more personal, like stepping into a piece of Aleron’s life that I hadn’t fully understood until now.
The throne was a heavy thing, both in its literal and metaphorical weight. It was a responsibility that demanded much.
After taking in the throne room, we continued the tour, visiting various other parts of the palace,each room more impressive than the last. The grand ballroom, the formal dining hall, and even the royal gardens where flowers bloomed in vibrant colors despite the late season.
Finally, we returned to my chambers, the familiar space now feeling more like a home than it had before. Ben left me at the door, bowing slightly before taking his leave. “If you need anything, Your Highness, just call.”
“Thank you, Ben,” I said, giving him a nod of appreciation.
I closed the door behind me, the quiet of the room settling around me like a blanket. I walked over to the window, gazing out at the palace grounds below. The sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the gardens.
A part of me felt lighter now, having seen more of the palace and understanding the place that Aleron called home. But another part of me felt a growing anticipation for his return. The palace, as grand and beautiful as it was, felt incomplete without him here.
I took a seat on the bed, my mind wandering back to the tour, to the people I had met, the sights I had seen. But no matter where my thoughts drifted, they always seemed to return to Aleron. I didn’t realize how much I had grown accustomed to his presence until now, as I waited for him to come back, the hours feeling longer than they should.
And so, I sat there, waiting, the quiet anticipation building with every passing moment until the door finally opened, and Aleron stepped into the room.
It was late evening, the room softly lit by the golden light of the setting sun that filtered through the heavy curtains.
I thought of the nights we had spent together, sharing the same bed for the first time in what felt like forever. Though there had been no intimate touches, the warmth of his body beside mine was a strange comfort, one that I hadn’t realized I’d missed until it was there.
The door creaked open, and Aleron stepped into the room. His presence, as always, filled the space immediately. I glanced up and saw the tired lines on his face, though his expression softened the moment he met my gaze.
Like he promised, Aleron returned. There was a weariness in his eyes from the day’s work, but there was also something else, a lightness that hadn’t been there before his break. He climbed into bed beside me, his arm brushing against mine as we lay in comfortable silence. Even though he was back to his duties, the connection between us lingered, like the warmth of a fire that refused to burn out.
“You’re back,” I said, standing up from the bed, feeling the quiet excitement of his return.
“Yes,” he replied, his voice low but warm. “I’ve missed you.”
It was such a simple statement, but it struck me deeply. I hadn’t realized just how much I had missed him, too, even though it had only been hours.
I gestured toward the space next to me on the bed, and he smiled faintly before walking over and sitting down. We fell into a comfortable silence for a few moments, the tension of the day easing as we both settled into the quiet peace of being together again.
“How was your day?” I asked, leaning back slightly to face him.
“Tiring,” Aleron admitted, running a hand through his hair. “But it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
I nodded, watching him for a moment before speaking again. “I had a tour of the palace today. Ben took me to all the places I hadn’t seen yet.”
Aleron raised a brow, interest lighting up his eyes. “And what did you think?”
I smiled. “It was… overwhelming, but in a good way. I had no idea how vast this place really is. The throne room was incredible, though intimidating.”
“I can imagine,” Aleron said with a smirk. “It’s meant to be intimidating.”
“And the kitchen,” I continued, chuckling softly. “The maids were so kind, offering me samples of almost everything they were making. I think I’ve eaten enough pastries to last a lifetime.”
Aleron laughed, a rich sound that filled the room. “I’m sure they were thrilled to meet the prince consort.”
“Maybe a little too thrilled,” I replied, smiling. “But it was nice. They made me feel… welcome.”
Aleron reached out, placing his hand over mine. His touch was gentle, but it sent a warmth through me that I couldn’t quite explain. “I’m glad to hear that,” he said quietly. “I want you to feel like this is your home, too.”
“I’m starting to,” I admitted, my voice soft. “It’s still strange sometimes, but… it’s getting better.”
We sat there for a while, the quiet between us comfortable, filled with unspoken understanding. It was in these moments that I realized just how much Aleron had changed. He wasn’t the same distant, cold man I had first met. There was a warmth to him now, a softness that I hadn’t expected.
Eventually, Aleron let out a long breath and leaned back against the pillows, his arm resting behind his head. “Tell me more about your tour,” he said, his tone light. “What else did you see?”
I leaned back beside him, looking up at the ceiling as I spoke. “The royal library was… incredible. I’ve never seen so many books in one place. I could probably spend the rest of my life in there and never read them all.”
Aleron chuckled softly. “I had a feeling you’d like it. You should spend more time there, if you want.”
“I will,” I replied. “It’s definitely one of my favorite places so far.”
“What about the throne room?” he asked, turning his head slightly to look at me.
I hesitated for a moment, thinking back to the grand space. “It was… imposing. It’s hard to believe that one day you’ll be sitting on that throne.”
Aleron’s expression softened at that, a flicker of something unreadable passing across his face. “It’s hard to believe sometimes, too,” he admitted. “But when the time comes, I’ll do my best.”
“I know you will,” I said quietly, offering him a small smile.
We stayed like that for a while, talking about the palace, about the places I’d seen and the people I’d met. It was easy, the conversation flowing naturally between us, and I found myself feeling more at ease with him than ever before.
As the night grew darker, Aleron turned to face me more fully, his eyes tracing over my features. “I wish I didn’t have to go back to work so soon,” he said softly, his voice laced with a hint of regret.
I nodded, understanding his sentiment. “I wish you didn’t have to either.”
“But,” he continued, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, “at least we’ll still have our nights together.”
I smiled at that, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Yes, we will.”
And as the night continued, we lay there in the quiet comfort of each other’s presence, knowing that while the days would be filled with duties and responsibilities, the nights would always be ours.
—
The sun cast a soft glow through the large windows of my chambers, bathing everything in a golden hue. It should have been a peaceful moment, a rare pause in the otherwise hectic palace life but my heart was anything but calm. I stared blankly at the stack of letters before me, some of them weeks old, invitations and messages that I hadn’t found time or the will to respond to. Aleron had been busy all morning with council meetings, and Ben, always nearby, was ready to attend to my needs. But even his quiet presence wasn’t enough to soothe the storm brewing inside me.
I reached for one of the letters, slowly breaking the seal with a practiced hand. I had spent the past weeks distracted, and now, with the anniversary of the empire looming, I knew I had to catch up. One invitation after another, a tea party here, a social event there. Most of them were well past due. But then, my fingers stilled as I picked up a small cream colored envelope, distinct from the others. The paper felt delicate beneath my touch, and the floral seal was unfamiliar.
A feeling of unease settled in my stomach as I broke the seal and unfolded the letter. The handwriting was elegant, the kind that seemed meticulously crafted. My eyes scanned the words, each one pulling me deeper into a sense of discomfort.
To His Royal Highness, Lucian, Prince Consort of the Empire,
You are cordially invited to a small and intimate tea gathering, hosted by Lady Adeline Greystone and several esteemed members of the court. The event will feature the presence of the most prominent omegas and young ladies within the noble circles, designed to foster camaraderie and conversation among influential figures.
The gathering will take place at the East Pavilion Garden at the Greystone Mansion.
We look forward to your gracious presence.
Yours most sincerely,
Lady Adeline Greystone
I stared at the letter for a moment, the words blurring together as I processed what they meant. A tea party with omegas and noblewomen. I should have felt honored, I suppose, to be invited to such an exclusive event. But instead, all I felt was apprehension.
“Ben?” My voice came out quieter than I intended, and Ben, ever observant, stepped forward from where he stood.
“Yes, Your Highness?” he asked, bowing slightly.
I handed him the letter. “What do you know of Lady Adeline?”
Ben took a moment to read the invitation, his eyes scanning the elegant script before he met my gaze. “Lady Adeline is one of the most prominent noblewomen in the empire, Your Highness. She’s known for her discretion and her ability to host influential events. Her gatherings often involve high ranking omegas.”
I nodded, the knot of anxiety in my chest tightening. “And why do you think she’s invited me?”
Ben hesitated for a moment, clearly weighing his words carefully. “Lady Adeline likely has her reasons, Your Highness. She is a careful strategist. However, it is not unusual for someone of your position to receive such invitations.”
I leaned back in my chair, my fingers playing absently with the edge of the letter. “I don’t like it. The timing feels… strange.”
Ben didn’t reply right away, and I appreciated his silence. He always seemed to know when I needed space to process things. I stared out the window, watching the sunlight play off the gardens below. The thought of attending a tea party filled with omegas and young ladies stirred an unease I hadn’t felt in a long time. Before my marriage to Aleron, I might have relished such an invitation. But now, the idea of being scrutinized by the noblewomen and whispered about in their circles made my skin crawl.
“I suppose I should attend,” I muttered, more to myself than to Ben. “It would look suspicious if I didn’t.”
Ben nodded slightly. “If you decide to go, Your Highness, I will ensure everything is prepared.”
I gave a small, reluctant smile. “Thank you, Ben. I’ll need something suitable to wear. Nothing too extravagant. I don’t want to draw unnecessary attention.”
“Of course,” Ben said, bowing slightly before he turned to leave, no doubt already mentally preparing my wardrobe.
As he left, I placed the letter down on my desk and reached for another. This one was different, though. The simple white envelope stood out against the dark wood of the desk, its presence sending a shiver down my spine. I stared at it for a long moment before finally picking it up. The seal was plain, unadorned, but there was something about it that made my heart race.
With trembling fingers, I broke the seal and unfolded the letter. The handwriting was familiar, painfully so. My breath caught in my throat as I began to read.
Lucian,
It’s been too long. I’ve missed you, and I know you’ve missed me too. The anniversary of the empire is fast approaching, and it wouldn’t be complete without a reunion. I’ll be waiting in the garden at dusk. Let’s reminisce.
—K
My blood ran cold. The room seemed to spin around me as memories I had long buried rose to the surface. K. The name alone sent a wave of nausea through me. I could still hear his voice, smooth and enticing, weaving lies and promises. I could still feel the weight of his gaze, the way he had manipulated me, controlled me, until I no longer recognized myself.
I had thought I was free of him. I had thought those days were behind me, locked away in the darkest corners of my mind. But now, with this letter, it all came rushing back. The fear, the anger, the shame.
K was a key figure in society, always charming, always well-connected. He knew how to play the game, how to manipulate people to get what he wanted. And now, he wanted me.
The anniversary celebration was approaching fast, and the palace would be filled with guests, both noble and common. The thought of K mingling among them, of him being anywhere near me, made my skin crawl. But worse than that was the thought of Aleron finding out. What would he think if he knew about K? Would he see me differently? Would he think less of me?
I swallowed hard, my hands shaking as I tucked the letter into the folds of my robe. I couldn’t let Aleron see it. I couldn’t let him know.
“Lucian?” Aleron’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, and I quickly looked up, forcing a smile as he entered the room.
“Is everything alright?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.
“Of course,” I lied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “Just… thinking about the anniversary festivities.”
Aleron studied me for a moment, his brow furrowed slightly, as if he could sense the tension beneath my words. “You seem distracted,” he said gently. “Is there something you want to talk about?”
I shook my head, trying to maintain the facade. “It’s nothing, really. Just a lot on my mind.”
He didn’t look entirely convinced, but he nodded slowly. “Alright. But remember, you can always talk to me.”
I watched as he turned and left the room, his presence leaving me feeling both comforted and more alone than ever. As soon as he was gone, I pulled the letter from my robe and stared at it, my mind racing.
I had to do something about K. I couldn’t let him ruin everything. I couldn’t let him get close to Aleron or to me. But how could I handle this without revealing the truth?
I closed my eyes, my heart heavy with the weight of the secrets I was keeping.
The thought of confronting my former lover brought a rush of anxiety, but it was necessary.
I thought to myself, How could K even enter the palace with such tight security? The very idea seemed impossible, yet my stomach churned with doubt. This was K. He always had his ways, slipping through barriers as if they didn’t exist. I couldn’t dismiss the unease that twisted inside me. For all I knew, he was already here, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
I clenched the letter in my hand, my mind running through all the possibilities. How could I stop him? Confront him? What would he even want from me after all this time?
But the more I thought about it, the more one truth solidified in my mind: K wasn’t here to be ignored. His presence in my life again, no matter how unwelcome could not simply be brushed aside. He wanted a confrontation. And knowing him, he would not rest until he had it.
I glanced at the clock, my pulse quickening. Aleron had been coming to bed later and later these days, the weight of the empire’s anniversary pulling him deeper into preparations. It was his routine now, his evenings swallowed by meetings, his nights growing longer. I knew exactly when he would return, and I had time. Time to slip away unnoticed, time to deal with this before it got out of hand.
Without giving myself another moment to doubt, I rose from my seat. My fingers shook as I reached for my black robe, the fabric cool and smooth against my skin. It felt heavier tonight, as if it bore the weight of my decision. But this was something I had to do. I couldn’t let K get to Aleron. I couldn’t risk him unraveling everything I had worked so hard to build.
The palace halls were quieter now, dimly lit by flickering lanterns that cast long shadows on the marble floors. I moved swiftly but carefully, my senses heightened. Every step felt calculated, each movement measured as I made my way toward the garden.
I couldn’t stop thinking about K. What did he want from me? He had never been one to reach out without an agenda. The idea of “reminiscing” was a farce. There was always something more lurking beneath his words, some darker motive.
My heart pounded in my chest as I reached the garden entrance. The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from the nearby flower beds. The garden itself was cloaked in shadows, the only light coming from the moon that hung low in the sky.
I hesitated at the threshold, the weight of my choice pressing down on me. K was dangerous, charming, manipulative, and unpredictable. But I had to face him. If I didn’t, he would only dig his claws in deeper, and I couldn’t allow that.
I took a deep breath and stepped into the darkness, my footsteps barely audible on the stone path. The garden stretched out before me, a maze of twisting vines and carefully manicured bushes. Somewhere in this maze, K was waiting for me.
And I had no idea what would happen when I found him.
Our eyes met in the dim moonlight, and my heart seized in my chest. There he was, standing in the shadow of the garden’s towering hedges, a figure draped in dark elegance. K. He hadn’t changed, still as unnervingly beautiful as ever, his presence intoxicating in the worst possible way.
He smiled that smile. The one that had once felt like an invitation into something dangerous and exciting, but now only sent a shiver down my spine. Devilish, yet somehow innocent. A mask he wore so effortlessly.
“Lucian”
_ _ _
Comment