Marcus tied his wavy brown hair into a loose braid to keep it out of his face. He wore hunting gear—worn leather armor, dark gloves, and a moss-green cloak. He looked more like an adventurer than a noble. A sharp tan line marked his neck, contrasting with the pale skin typical of House Willow.
The sound of his boots echoed in the corridor. Once, his steps were measured—elegant and poised, just like a crown prince's should be. But now, each step felt free. Unburdened. No longer worried about a blade waiting behind his back.
"Cathlyn?"
The Ambrose daughter had just emerged from the greenhouse. Gardening?
In that dress?
Marcus frowned. Strange. Noble girls weren't usually the type to enjoy dirt. Stranger still, Cathlyn looked flustered. Her cheeks were flushed, and she quickly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand as she saw him.
She didn't even greet him.
Had she forgotten who saved her family from execution?
"That girl? Looking for trouble again?"
The Ambrose family did have a habit of stirring chaos, one after another. If he looked closer, was she meeting someone? A lover?
No way she'd be with a lover inside the greenhouse for all to see.
Was she… a masochist?
Marcus narrowed his eyes, scanning the area around the greenhouse. Footprints. Damp dirt. Knee marks? Did she fall?
"…Forget it."
"Lord Marcus! Good afternoon." Brian greeted him with a warm smile.
"Planning to join the young prince today?" the old man asked, folding his arms as he looked Marcus up and down. "Getting buff, I see?"
Brian chuckled to himself.
Even though Marcus and Lukas were now grown men, to Brian they were still boys. But the swords at their waists reminded him—they were not ordinary boys.
Marcus turned away slightly, flustered.
"Why is she here, Brian?" he asked suddenly. "Isn't she supposed to be the Queen's lady-in-waiting? Don't tell me she went into that sector alone?"
From behind, the shape of Lady Cathlyn—from the way she stood to the curve of her shoulders—reminded him of Thalia. But her face lacked deference. No fear. Just… nervousness.
"I'm sorry, my Lord," Brian replied with a shrug. "I don't know what arrangement the King and Queen have, but she hasn't been seen with any guards lately."
Marcus squinted.
"Yeah… I really don't get how my brother thinks," he muttered. "If it were me, I'd stick close to the one I love. She could fall into a ravine and die for all he knows…"
Brian lowered his gaze. Remarks like that could cost a commoner their head.
Marcus glanced once more at Cathlyn, who was now hurrying down the hall.
Something was off.
He couldn't say what.
"My loovee!"
Marcus suddenly knelt down, arms wide open.
Brian turned to see a small figure sprinting like a shot arrow.
"Uncle!" Eliot launched into Marcus's arms, burying his face in the man's chest.
"I'm not a baby…" he muttered, shyly.
Marcus rolled his eyes and mimicked Eliot's lips behind his back, just for Brian.
"Haha…" Brian chuckled softly.
He stepped into the kitchen and returned with a snack pouch prepared earlier by Samuel's request.
"You jumped into my arms—that makes you a baby," Marcus teased, kissing Eliot's cheek and tickling his belly with his other hand.
"Uncle, stooop!" Eliot squirmed, laughing. His cheeks flushed as nearby maids tried not to giggle.
"Aww, the little chick's embarrassed?"
"Put me down!"
"You jumped yourself. So cute…" Marcus laughed and hugged him tighter before finally lowering him gently.
"Your Highness," Brian said, handing Eliot a small pouch, and giving a larger sack to Marcus. "Snacks for later."
"You're such a spoiled baby," Marcus teased again.
"No, I'm not!" Eliot pouted, stomping his tiny foot and turning away.
"Ooh! Look! The baby chick is mad! Stomp stomp! Where's the sound? Peep peep~!" Marcus imitated duckling feet while laughing.
Eliot looked mad, but his eyes twinkled with joy.
Marcus didn't care if the boy got sulky. He liked this side of Eliot—genuine, unfiltered. Adorable and warm.
"…Baby."
"So precious," whispered one of the maids. They smiled. The palace felt alive today.
"Brian." Marcus's voice changed. Serious now. The seasoned man stepped closer.
"Keep an eye on that lady-in-waiting. Something's… off about her."
Brian nodded slowly.
"And keep feeding the little one. Whatever it takes. He must grow strong. If he refuses to eat, tell him I won't come again until he grows taller than my shoulder."
Brian nodded again, this time more firmly.
As Marcus turned to leave, a timid kitchen worker peeked from behind the counter.
He'd been kneading dough earlier and was too afraid to move when Marcus entered.
"Wasn't he once the Queen's lover?" the young man whispered.
"Shh." Brian wasn't angry, just weary.
"Sometimes, being as quiet as a mouse is the smartest move, Russell," Brian muttered with a sigh.
"It's hard not to wonder though," Russell murmured. "If I were Marcus, I'd never have let a woman like her go… even if she were just a commoner."
"For the first time, they married outside the Erlost bloodline. It worries me, Brian."
"What worries you exactly?" Brian asked.
"Power shifts. Have you seen how obsessed the King is with that woman? I don't get why Lord Marcus let her go. Maybe it's about status—no, that's not it."
"Marcus used to be the next in line for the throne. His rank was higher than Lukas's. If the King had died… why did Lukas become ruler? They're from the same House. I think—" Russell leaned closer and whispered in Brian's ear.
"Thalia is Marcus's shield."
"Traditionally, Lukas wasn't even supposed to kill the King…"
"Right? I'm still confused why the former King died in the first place."
Two more kitchen workers entered and overheard Brian and Russell's conversation.
Brian had known the two brothers since they were kids. Of course he knew more than he let on.
"So… who do you think the Prince's real father is?" One of them finally asked.
The three of them exchanged glances—except Brian, who stayed quiet, unwilling to get involved.
Sonia and Russell turned toward Merliah, knowing she was the one closest to the Prince in his early years.