The letter came in the early morning.
Sealed with the royal crest. Carried by two trembling messengers who looked like they might wet themselves when Eryx opened the scroll and read the contents aloud with a flat voice.
"His Majesty the King formally requests the presence of Princes Eryx and Viel at the royal palace, to attend the Crown Prince's coming-of-age ceremony."
"Attendance is not optional."
⸻
The twins stared at the paper.
Then at each other.
Then, slowly, turned to Cael, who had just stepped into the room holding a tray of sweet rolls.
"...No," Eryx said immediately.
"No," Viel echoed softly.
Cael blinked. "What?"
"We're not going."
"Absolutely not."
Cael sighed, setting the tray down. "It's the king's command. You can't ignore that."
"We can," Eryx said.
"We just won't," Viel added.
"That's not how the monarchy works," Cael tried.
"It should be."
Cael ran a hand down his face. "You two—! This is your half-brother's coming-of-age. He's the Crown Prince. You have to go."
"No," Eryx repeated, crossing his arms. "Unless you come with us."
Cael froze.
His heart skipped.
"I—what?"
⸻
The twins closed in immediately, flanking him on both sides like little predators.
"You're our nanny," Viel said. "We'll get lost without you."
"You'll burn something down," Cael muttered under his breath.
"You're our anchor," Eryx whispered sweetly, leaning against his shoulder. "You keep us from committing mild royal treason."
Cael stepped back. "I'm not going to the palace."
"Then we're not either."
"Be serious. This is politics. You can't throw a tantrum."
"Oh?" Eryx smiled wide. "Watch us."
⸻
And they did.
Books flew off shelves. Curtains were torn down. One poor guard was chased halfway across the garden with a butter knife.
The head butler was found hiding under a table.
One of the cooks resigned on the spot.
And Cael...
Cael watched them, hands on his hips, lips twitching.
Because while the staff was screaming—
He was trying not to laugh.
They were terrifying, yes.
But in his eyes?
They just looked like clingy, stubborn kids who didn't want to be left behind.
⸻
That night, he sat them down on the bed, rubbing his temples.
"You can't just throw a fit every time you don't like something."
"You're hiding something," Viel murmured.
Cael stiffened. "I'm not."
"You are," Eryx said calmly. "You don't want to go. Not just because of us."
Cael looked away. "I just... I'm not good with crowds. Or balls. Or... people."
He didn't mention the nobles who would remember him.
He didn't mention his stepbrother.
The one who was still hunting him like a ghost chasing a heartbeat.
⸻
He stood to leave.
"We'll figure something out," he said quietly. "Just don't destroy the dining room again."
"Promise us," Viel said, eyes wide.
"Promise what?"
"That you'll come with us."
Cael hesitated at the door.
"I'll think about it," he whispered.
⸻
Later, curled in bed between them, he wondered aloud:
"Do you get along with your older brother?"
Eryx rolled his eyes. "Not particularly."
"He's... perfect," Viel mumbled. "Strong. Smart. Too proud."
Cael smiled faintly. "Sounds like mine."
Eryx tilted his head. "Did he love you?"
Cael looked up at the ceiling.
"...I think so. I hope so."
He didn't say: but he'll never forgive me for running.
He didn't say: if I go back, he'll find me.