The grand gates of the capital opened with the usual fanfare: golden banners flapping in the summer wind, guards standing in formation, nobles gathered to greet the returning royals. But something in the air had changed. It wasn't just the anticipation of Celestia's engagement being finalized — it was the silent tension swirling between the three heirs… and the servant who had somehow managed to capture the attention of them all.
As the group dismounted from their carriages, Cassian walked with his usual composure. But behind his carefully molded expression, his mind was a storm. Since the trip began, he had been watching Shinomi and Ren — no, Aiden — with wary eyes. The familiarity, the closeness, the way Shinomi stood just slightly too near…
It was finally making sense.
And now, Shinomi confirmed it.
That very evening, just before dinner, Shinomi requested a private meeting in one of the palace's side chambers.
Cassian arrived first. The room was dimly lit, decorated with a massive circular stained-glass window casting soft colors on the marble floor. Shinomi entered, wearing a navy cloak draped over one shoulder, his usual blade at his side — but tonight, he was armed with words.
"I'll be quick," he said, shutting the door behind him.
Cassian folded his arms, calm but cold. "So will I. If this is about Ren—"
"Aiden."
Cassian paused.
"His name is Aiden," Shinomi repeated, voice firm. "And you know what this is about."
Cassian's gaze flicked to Shinomi's collar — partially open. And now that they were alone, Shinomi casually tugged the fabric down to reveal the faint bruise still blooming like a seal just above his collarbone.
Cassian's brows drew together. "He… gave you that?"
Shinomi didn't flinch. "He came to me the night before we returned. Uninvited. Flustered. A little drunk, maybe, but not confused. And before running off like a startled fawn, he left this."
He let the silence hang, then stepped closer.
"He confessed."
Cassian said nothing.
Shinomi pressed forward. "He chose me, Cassian. You know that too. But if you still have feelings for him — if you were hoping he'd choose you — let me say it plainly: I won't step aside."
Cassian's jaw clenched. "You make it sound like a battle."
"It is. For someone like him, it always will be." Shinomi's voice softened, but only slightly. "You're crown prince. The throne is your destiny. So either marry Celestia, or find another bride — but don't linger around Aiden if you're not ready to give him what he truly needs."
Cassian's expression twisted with something unreadable. "What makes you think you can?"
"I don't need to think. He already believes in me."
Shinomi straightened his cloak and turned to leave but paused at the door.
"You had your chance, Cassian," he said quietly. "But I won't let you confuse him anymore. Not when he's finally looking at someone the way I've always wanted to be looked at."
The door clicked shut behind him.
Cassian stood alone in the stained glass light, jaw tight, fists clenched — and the name "Aiden" repeating in his mind like an echo.
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