Despite the ever-growing tension twisting itself through the palace corridors like ivy, Aiden remained oddly detached from it all.
He had no idea how tightly Cassian, Celestia, and Shinomi had begun circling each other.
Instead, he spent most of his days quietly doing his duties—tending the garden terrace, sorting scrolls for Shinomi's study, and occasionally helping the kitchens prepare sweets for the nobles. His world was still a corner of service and stolen glances.
Aiden didn't see the sharp looks exchanged at royal meetings.
He didn't notice how Cassian's gaze often lingered too long when he thought no one would catch it.
He missed how Celestia's laughter had begun to sound forced whenever Shinomi was near.
He didn't even catch Shinomi's growing irritation whenever Cassian's name was mentioned.
But others did.
That evening, Aiden stood beneath the pale moonlight in the inner garden—barefoot on the grass, a soft shawl wrapped over his shoulders as he stared up at the stars. A warm breeze swept through the trees, brushing his shoulder-length hair gently over his cheek.
"Still not used to the palace lights?" came a familiar voice behind him.
Aiden turned, lips curling into a small smile. "I like the dark better. It's quieter."
Shinomi stepped closer, his armor abandoned for a simple black tunic tonight. In the moonlight, he looked softer. Almost vulnerable.
"You were working all day," he said. "You should rest."
"I will," Aiden murmured, but he didn't move.
Shinomi hesitated for a moment before walking up beside him. Without warning, he gently reached forward and tucked a stray strand of Aiden's hair behind his ear.
Aiden's eyes widened slightly.
"You always let it fall over your face," Shinomi said, his voice a little lower. "Do you know how distracting that is?"
"I… didn't mean to," Aiden whispered, caught off guard.
Shinomi's hand lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
Just then—footsteps.
From the arched entrance to the garden, Cassian appeared, his long cloak fluttering behind him. He looked more prince than man—regal, unreadable—but something flickered across his face when he saw what was in front of him.
Aiden and Shinomi turned at the same time.
"Your Highness?" Aiden blinked, surprised.
Cassian didn't answer immediately. His golden eyes moved from Aiden's gentle expression to Shinomi's too-casual closeness. He was too late. Again.
"I came to speak with… Ren," Cassian said finally. "But it appears he's otherwise occupied."
Aiden's smile faltered.
Shinomi, as usual, didn't move an inch. "We're done for today, Your Highness," he said coolly, then glanced at Aiden. "Aren't we?"
Aiden looked between the two powerful men—one cold and curious, the other sharp and possessive—and nodded slowly. "I suppose so…"
Cassian gave a small, sharp smile. "Then I'll take a walk with him, if you don't mind."
Shinomi said nothing.
But Aiden's voice broke the tension first. "It's getting late… maybe tomorrow?"
Cassian stared at him for a long moment, then chuckled—low, like he was almost amused by his own loss.
"Of course. Tomorrow."
And with that, the prince turned and vanished into the dark hall.
Aiden looked at Shinomi, confused. "Did I say something wrong?"
Shinomi didn't answer right away.
"No," he said at last, but his eyes stayed locked on the corridor Cassian had disappeared into. "Not at all."
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