---
The night in the capital was quieter than the others — no formal events, no royal meetings, just the thick hush of moonlight spilling through velvet drapes. Aiden had barely settled in his room when a light knock came at the door.
It was a servant, politely bowing. "His Highness Shinomi requests your assistance… in his chambers."
Aiden blinked. "Assistance? What kind?"
The servant simply smiled and left.
Aiden stood there in silence before groaning. "He better not be planning something again."
Still, his feet moved before his mind could protest further.
---
When he entered Shinomi's room, the lights were low, casting warm golden glows across the space. A faint herbal scent lingered in the air — massage oil, most likely. Shinomi was already lying shirtless on the bed, his long hair slightly damp, robe tossed to the floor, a bottle of oil in one hand.
"About time," Shinomi said lazily. "I pulled a muscle during sword practice. Help me apply it."
Aiden folded his arms. "You couldn't call a physician?"
Shinomi glanced at him from the corner of his eye. "They don't have hands as soft as yours."
Aiden flushed. "I'm not your—"
"Come here."
With a sigh that betrayed his secret anticipation, Aiden walked over and knelt beside the bed. Shinomi handed him the oil and laid flat on his stomach, arms folded under his head.
"Just the shoulders and back," he murmured.
Aiden drizzled some of the oil onto his palms and gently pressed his hands to Shinomi's skin. The warmth of his back met his fingers, and the slow, rhythmic motion began.
"Mmh… yeah, right there…" Shinomi groaned.
Aiden's hand slipped. "Don't make that sound!"
"What sound?"
"That one! The weird… moany one!"
Shinomi smirked, eyes still closed. "I didn't mean to. Maybe it just feels good."
"You're doing it on purpose!" Aiden scolded, cheeks bright red. "People outside will think we're—"
"—Making out?" Shinomi offered, voice dipped in mischief.
Aiden smacked his shoulder lightly. "Stop!"
But then, without warning, Shinomi twisted around and faced him. Aiden barely had time to react before he found himself straddling Shinomi's waist again, just like before.
"You're sitting on me again," Shinomi said, voice low.
Aiden's breath caught. His hands were still slick with oil, hovering awkwardly in the air.
Shinomi leaned up slowly and took Aiden's hands, guiding them to the back of his neck. "You're warm," he murmured.
And then, without hesitation, he pulled Aiden into a kiss.
It was deep — less teasing , more claiming. Shinomi's fingers pressed gently at Aiden's back, holding him close. The oil made Aiden's grip uncertain, his breath shaky as his lips moved against Shinomi's.
Aiden pulled back slightly, lips swollen, eyes wide. "Is this… is this why you called me?"
Instead of answering with words, Shinomi gave him a sly look — and suddenly flipped him over.
Now Shinomi was on top of Aiden, his bare chest hovering inches above. Aiden gasped as he landed on his back, wide-eyed beneath him.
"I just wanted you to see how serious I am," Shinomi said softly, voice dipped in heat.
He slowly unbuttoned Aiden's loose shirt, one button at a time, letting the fabric fall open to expose his pale chest. Aiden's breath hitched.
Then, without warning, Shinomi lowered his head and gave Aiden a hickey — right on his chest, just above his heart. A deep, possessive mark bloomed under his lips, making Aiden shiver.
Aiden squirmed. "Y-You—! You're doing it !"
Shinomi smirked against his skin. "Returning the favor. You gave me one, remember? Now we're even."
Aiden tried to push him off in protest, but Shinomi was quicker.
He caught Aiden's wrists, pinned them down above his head, and whispered close to his ear, "If you want, you can leave. Or…"
He kissed the corner of his mouth, hot breath tickling.
"We can continue."
Aiden's whole body went red. "Y-You… You're shameless—!"
He jerked free, slipping out from under Shinomi and stumbling to his feet.
"I-I'm going!" he shouted, cheeks on fire.
But just as he reached the door—SMACK—Shinomi delivered a perfectly timed spank to his backside.
Aiden yelped, nearly tripping.
"SHINOMI!"
Shinomi leaned against the headboard, utterly pleased. "That's for running. Next time, I won't let you escape so easily."
Aiden didn't dare look back. He bolted out of the room, hand on his backside, muttering, "He's insane—he's completely insane!"
Shinomi laughed quietly in the dim room, his fingers grazing the red mark on Aiden's chest. That hickey was only the beginning