The palace gardens were a sanctuary for the royal children. It was here that Adrian walked at dawn, his hand brushing against the cool stone of the fountain. Waiting for him was Sir Caelan, captain of the royal guard. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a scar across his cheek, Caelan bowed stiffly.
"You should not meet me here," Adrian whispered, though his voice betrayed longing.
"And yet you asked me to come," Caelan replied, his voice low and rough. His eyes softened when they met Adrian's. "Tell me, my prince—are you ready to stop hiding?"
Adrian's heart clenched. He wanted to say yes, but the weight of his father's crown pressed against him. If the truth came out, he feared not only losing Caelan, but also the loyalty of nobles who clung to tradition like armor.
Elsewhere in the garden, Selene walked among roses, her fingers stained red by their petals. She met Lady Elara in a shaded corner, where the ivy climbed high walls and muffled their voices. Elara's dark eyes glistened with affection.
"You must be careful," Elara whispered. "If your mother suspects—"
"I don't care," Selene cut in, fierce. "Let them see. I will not live a life built on lies."
But even as she said it, her gaze flicked toward the castle windows, where she imagined her father's stern eyes watching. Duty warred with desire inside her, a battle she knew she could not win easily.
Meanwhile, Prince Dorian was sprawled on the grass with two companions—Lord Marcus, a handsome nobleman, and Lady Cressida, a diplomat's daughter. Both laughed at his daring jokes, and both leaned closer when he spoke. Dorian basked in their attention, unconcerned about rumors.
"They will call me scandalous," he said with a grin. "But let them. The court has always needed something to gossip about."
As the sun rose higher, three siblings carried secrets as heavy as crowns, their lives entangled in love that defied the kingdom's rigid traditions. None of them knew that soon, events beyond their control would force their truths into the light.