By the time they returned to the palace, the celebration outside was still alive with music and distant laughter.
But Nael was exhausted.
After a whole day of sneaking through festival streets, tasting sweets, and wandering from stall to stall, all the energy that carried him earlier had completely disappeared. The moment he reached his chambers, he collapsed onto the sofa near the tall window.
The palace was quiet.
Most of the lights inside the room were turned off, leaving only the soft silver glow of moonlight slipping through the curtains.
A few minutes later, Leo entered quietly, carrying a small tray of late-night snacks.
"You should eat something," he said simply.
Nael didn't argue this time. He picked up one of the snacks and began eating slowly. After finishing it, he grabbed another piece and held it out toward Leo.
"For you."
Leo paused for a moment before accepting it.
They ate quietly together, sitting side by side on the sofa near the window while the moonlight gently spilled over them. The room was peaceful, almost dreamlike.
Nael was completely absorbed in eating, lost in his own little world.
Leo watched him for a moment.
Then he quietly reached into his pocket.
The necklace.
Without saying anything, he leaned closer from behind Nael and carefully slipped the chain around his neck. Nael didn't even notice at first. Leo's fingers moved calmly as he hooked the clasp together.
Only when the cool pendant settled against his chest did Nael blink.
"Hm?"
He touched the necklace and lifted the small pendant hanging there. The blue orb caught the moonlight, glowing softly between his fingers.
"Very beautiful," Nael said with quiet admiration.
Leo was still behind him.
His voice came low and warm near Nael's ear, the closeness making the words almost a whisper.
"Just like your eyes. Shining and clear blue."
Nael froze for a second.
Then his cheeks slowly turned red.
He turned around to face Leo, and for a moment he simply stared. Under the silver moonlight, Leo looked… different. Calm, quiet, and strangely handsome in a way that made Nael's heart beat a little faster.
Without thinking too much, Nael leaned forward and hugged him.
"Thank you, Leo."
He buried his face against Leo's shoulder, his voice soft as he mumbled,
"I think… I would love to start a real relationship with you."
Leo stayed silent for a moment.
Then he spoke gently, almost carefully.
"Don't be confused, Nael. There are many better people than me in this world."
Nael didn't move from his shoulder.
"But only you are by my side," he replied quietly.
Leo let out a small sigh.
He didn't push Nael away.
Nael's voice came out muffled as he remained buried in Leo's shoulder.
"What if… we run away from here," he mumbled softly. "Settle somewhere peaceful where no one knows us."
He lifted his head slightly, looking up at him with sleepy eyes.
"Wouldn't you like it, Leo?"
For a moment, Leo didn't answer.
Instead, he simply reached out and gently ruffled Nael's hair, a small smile touching his lips.
"You must be tired," he said calmly. "Sleep now. I'll come back tomorrow morning."
Nael blinked at him for a second—then suddenly laughed.
"Hey, don't take it to heart!" he said, waving his hand playfully. "I was joking with you, hahaha. Just wanted to pull your leg."
Leo only shook his head faintly.
Nael stood up, still a little sleepy on his feet. Leo helped him find his night pajamas and waited while he changed, making sure everything was ready before he went to bed.
When Nael finally climbed under the blankets, Leo tucked the quilt around him properly.
"Good night, Nael."
Nael smiled drowsily. "Good night."
Leo gave him a light hug before leaving the room.
The door closed quietly behind him, leaving the chamber dim and peaceful, with only the soft moonlight lingering over the sleeping prince of Elyndria.
Leo thought while walking on the corridors " I'm just a knight who wants to protect you Nael" with resolve.