Aurein's POV
"Did we hear that correctly, Prince Aurein?" Ton-Ton asked in disbelief. "Did you just call General Voltaire my love?"
The three of them exchanged baffled looks, brows furrowed as if they were trying to solve an unspeakable mystery. At my side, I heard General Voltaire release a long, weary sigh.
"What—because—yes! I mean—yeah!" I blurted out in a panic. "I did call him my love!" I turned toward him just in time to see him already glaring at me. "Because... because... I love—"
All three of them leaned toward me at once, lips slightly parted, eyes wide with anticipation as they waited for what I would say next.
"I love everybody," I said brightly, forcing a confident smile. "I can call the three of you my love too. I'm gentle, I'm caring, and I'm very endearing. I know it's unusual for a guy, but I got it from my mother. She used to call me my love when I was a child, so I grew up calling everyone I feel close to me as 'my love'."
Will they accept that? Please let them accept that...
"My love..." Dante murmured thoughtfully.
"My love..." Asper echoed, nodding with a serious frown.
"My love..." Ton-Ton repeated cheerfully, smiling at the meat sizzling over the fire.
"My love!" all three of them suddenly shouted in unison. Laughing loudly, they slung their arms around each other, lifted their glass, clinked them together, and drank in one triumphant toast.
I froze in shock. I couldn't believe they had actually bought my excuse.
Beside me, General Voltaire brushed his hair back with open irritation, struggling to suppress his obvious annoyance.
I let out a quiet breath of relief. "I hope they didn't suspect anything after that," I murmured to him.
He gave me a flat, unreadable smile, lifted his glass, and drank it down in one long gulp. I found myself staring at him without realizing it, watching the movement of his throat as his Adam's apple rose and fell with every swallow.
Before I noticed what I was doing, my mouth had already fallen open.
When he caught me staring, he reached over and, without a word, gently closed my mouth with his fingers.
"Here, Prince Aurein—your 'my love' grilled meats," Ton-Ton announced cheerfully as he handed me a plate piled high with freshly cooked meat.
"Thank you, my love," I said with a bright grin as I quickly accepted it.
I started eating eagerly, then dared to take another sip of alcohol.
This time, it went down a little easier. The bitterness was still there, but it no longer overwhelmed me. Dante had been right—after a while, it will faded. It was only harsh at first.
"Drink slowly, Aurein," General Voltaire reminded me.
"Di-did we hear that correctly?" Dante suddenly asked, looking at us again.
Here they go again. What now?
"Yes!" Asper said immediately, just as startled. "With all due respect, General—but did you just address Prince Aurein by his first name? Without Prince? Isn't that against the law?"
General Voltaire closed his eyes briefly, his brow creasing as he reached up to scratch his head.
Maybe he had slipped, even though he wasn't drunk yet.
"Oh—I allowed him to call me by my first name," I said quickly. "We're really close, and it doesn't bother me at all. So you'll probably hear him call me that most of the time."
"Can we call you just Aurein too?" Ton-Ton asked eagerly.
"Hey! Ton-Ton! What are you saying? Only General Voltaire is allowed to do that!" Asper snapped.
"You know what, it's fine with me," I said with a warm smile. "After all, we're friends."
"But of course, we'll still call you Prince Aurein," Dante said nervously. "If someone hears us being casual with you, we might get punished."
Out of sheer nerves, I took another drink of alcohol.
"Mmm! This isn't bad at all," I said, nodding as I swallowed. "You were right, Dante—the more I drink, the bitterness really does fade."
"See? Now you're officially a drinker, Prince Aurein!" he said proudly.
Then, without warning, a strange tingling crawled along my spine—an unmistakable feeling that someone was watching me with dangerous intensity.
Slowly, I turned toward General Voltaire.
He was quiet, casting me a sharp sideways glance.
"I'm monitoring and counting how much you're drinking, Aurein," he warned calmly. "Don't let yourself get too drunk."
"Yes, General Voltaire!" I protested lightly. "Besides, I just started drinking! Give me a break."
He only sighed, shaking his head, and took another drink.
"Isn't it astonishing?" Asper suddenly said as I glanced at him. "General Voltaire takes such good care of you. But I've never seen him care this deeply for any guys."
"Well, perhaps it's simply his responsibility to watch over and protect Prince Aurein," Dante replied calmly.
"Sometimes I think Prince Aurein is like a child who still needs to be cared for and constantly guarded by General Voltaire," Ton-Ton added.
And unbelievably—General Voltaire actually nodded in agreement.
"Hmph!" I scoffed at him and took another drink of alcohol.
His eyes narrowed at me at once. It was as if every sip I took irritated him more—yet he was the one who kept refilling my glass.
"Aurein, you're not drinking water," General Voltaire reminded me sternly. "Drink slowly. I've already poured you far too much."
"Alright..." I said sweetly, though a hint of irritation escaped as I pouted.
"Prince Aurein..." Asper began carefully. "Please don't take offense at what I'm about to say, alright?"
"Go ahead," I replied nervously. What is he about to notice now about me and the General?
"I think that if you were a woman—if you were a princess—General Voltaire would have already been courting you," Asper said.
General Voltaire nearly choked on his drink.
"I think so too!" Dante added eagerly. "Prince Aurein is already handsome as a man—what more if he were a woman?"
"You guys!" I protested. "General Voltaire would never do that. You know, even if I'm born as a woman, I'm still royalty—it's forbidden. He takes his duties as a general seriously. It would be treason if he went beyond that."
"That's true..." Ton-Ton said thoughtfully as he turned the meat over the fire. "But if you were just an ordinary citizen, Prince Aurein... I really think General Voltaire would try to be in a relationship with you. If that happened—would you accept him?"
I swallowed hard and took another drink.
They don't even know that I've already crossed the laws and duty, I still accepted him as a lover. So what more if I were just ordinary? Maybe it would have been easier...
"General, we have a question for you," Asper said again.
"Choose your question carefully, Asper," General Voltaire said darkly. "Or I'll throw you back onto the training grounds."
Asper swallowed instantly. "You ask," he said quickly, passing the burden to the innocent Dante, who was busy chewing his meat.
"Huh?" Dante exclaimed in shock.
"Go on, Asper. Ask," General Voltaire said and trying to intimidate Asper.
"I just want to know—what do you truly think of our prince?" Asper asked with a sheepish smile.
General Voltaire frowned, then turned his eyes to me.
"Choose your words carefully, General Voltaire," I warned with a sharp side glance before drinking again.
"You're troublesome," he said flatly.
And that was it.
That was all he said.
I was waiting for more—waiting for him to say something good about me.
That was all?!
"You—hey, you!" I suddenly snapped, poking his chest repeatedly with my index finger. "Tell me what you really feel about me. I'm ordering you, General..."
"You're starting to get drunk, Aurein. That's enough," he said firmly.
"No, I'm not!" I protested. "I'm not even dizzy! Look—I can stand just fine!"
I stood up.
And the world tilted.
What the!
"Oh! Prince Aurein, you nearly fell!" Dante exclaimed, moving to steady me.
"No! I'm perfectly fine! I can drink more!" I declared, lifting my chin proudly. Then I turned around and shouted, "Let's have fun tonight!"
All of General Voltaire's warriors at the other tables turned to stare at me in stunned confusion.
I lifted my glass high.
"A toast to our humble beginnings! And may our journey to the competition be a success! To General Voltaire's army!" I declared with conviction.
"To all of us!" Dante shouted, rising with his glass. Ton-Ton and Asper followed—and then everyone stood.
"Toast!"
A thunder of cheers erupted as all of the warriors drank together.
"Ahhh! Refreshing!" I exclaimed happily. When I sat down again, I turned to General Voltaire, who looked thoroughly irritated. "Oh? Are you not happy?" I asked, laughing.
Nothing was funny, to be honest.
Yet I couldn't stop laughing.
He sighed—then his expression softened with concern.
"Are you dizzy now?" he asked gently.
"Just... a little," I said sheepishly.
"That's enough," he said.
"No!" I protested. "I will drink more! Woooh!" I exclaimed and drained another glass.
Then I raised both arms and began waving them in wide circles through the air.
"Aurein," he whispered urgently as he pulled my hands down. "You're dancing already. You're drunk."
"Why? I love dancing! I want to dance!" I declared, unable to stop myself as my hips began to sway even while seated.
"You won't be able to control yourself if you keep this up," he warned.
"Why? Isn't that what you wanted from the beginning? For me to dance?" I laughed, taking another drink. "Ahhhh!"
"Aurein..."
"Well, that's why we're here. That's why we're together. That's why right now we—"
"Shhh..."
"Okay! I'm quiet," I laughed. "Anyway, we're together as lovers right now because of my dancing, isn't that right?"
General Voltaire fell silent, his brows knitting together.
"Don't tell me you forgot," I continued, pointing at his forehead. "You saw me dancing that night near the stream. And after that—my entire life changed. Because of you."
He remained still as I teased him mercilessly.
"You wanted me to dance in front of you in exchange for my secret, didn't you?" I said slyly. "So tell me—why did you want me to dance for you back then? Did you already like me? Are you lusting after my body? Huh? Huh? HUH?" I added as I poked his chest repeatedly like I'm trying to zap him.
"You're drunk, Aurein," he whispered urgently. "You're saying nonsense. They can hear you."
"Oh, look at them..." I said, glancing at Ton-Ton, Asper, and Dante, who were busy with their own conversation. "Guys, can you hear what I'm saying to my General?" I asked, laughing.
"We can't hear anything, Prince Aurein!" Dante replied.
"Just keep talking," Asper said calmly. "Pretend we're not even here."
"And I'm focused on cooking!" Ton-Ton said cheerfully.
"Thanks, guys! My love!" I said brightly, then turned back to General Voltaire, who looked even more annoyed now.
But teasing him like this...
It was far too fun to stop.
"So... let's return to my question, shall we?" I said with a slow, teasing smirk. "Did you already like me back then? Hmm? General Voltaire?"
"No. I did not like you before," he said, flat and serious. "You were a bratty little prince. Fortunately, you've changed for the better. I like the Aurein I know now."
"Then if you didn't like me before," I challenged, leaning closer, "why did you lie to my father that night—when you told him I was sword-training and not dancing? Clearly, you wanted something from me. We already knew each other before, but we never talked because you were too busy being the great, stoic general everyone admired... even to me. I never had a chance to speak to you." I smiled faintly, recalling it. "But that night... that very night... when you held me—everything began there."
He lifted his glass and took a long drink.
"I lied to your father because..." he said, pausing.
"Because what?"
"He might punish you—or worse, exile you," he said casually, as if we were speaking of the weather.
I sighed.
"Honestly... you're right. He probably would have. If you had revealed what I was really doing that night, we wouldn't be here. We wouldn't be talking like this." My fingers drifted to my necklace, brushing over the crystal. "Maybe... I would never have had the chance to know what love really feels like."
"Love?" Dante suddenly asked. "Prince Aurein, you're in love?"
"Hey! Weren't you guys not listening?" I asked, frowning.
"Your voice got a little loud, Prince Aurein..." Ton-Ton admitted.
"Did it...?" I murmured nervously.
"But have you ever been in a relationship before, Prince Aurein?" Asper asked.
"Relationship? None. I don't even know if what I have right now counts as one... the thing with... with—"
I froze.
General Voltaire's hand was suddenly on my thigh beneath the table—firm and warning.
"With who?" Asper asked curiously.
"With Princess Serena," General Voltaire answered sharply before I could speak.
The three nodded in understanding.
I nearly choked. I was this close to admitting something special about me and the General. Good thing he stopped me first!
"Right! Yes—Princess Serena!" I said quickly, still shaken, and reached for my glass.
"But you don't like her, do you, Prince Aurein?" Dante asked.
"Well... I like her. She's fine. But I don't see her that way," I said.
"Then your standards must be very high," Asper said. "If Princess Serena still hasn't won your heart, it means you're looking for something she doesn't have."
"He's looking for something she doesn't have," General Voltaire suddenly added with a smug grin. "You're right."
The three looked at him, waiting for more.
I stared at him too—he was teasing me. A moment ago he was strict and annoyed. Now he was changing again? What was he doing?!
"Maybe... he has already found it," he said. "Something the princess doesn't have."
Then his gaze slowly lowered—toward his—
"Let's talk about something else, shall we!" I interrupted loudly, panicking as I gulped down another drink. "I'm starting to feel... the dizziness you mentioned. It's happening."
"Nice! It's starting!" Asper said excitedly.
"Drink more, Prince Aurein!" Dante said, handing me the jug and filling my glass again.
"You three behave yourselves," General Voltaire warned darkly. "If Aurein gets drunk, I'll blame all of you."
All three immediately bowed their heads like scolded children.
I looked at General Voltaire—strict, commanding... and yes, faintly entertained by my misery.
Suddenly, he speared a piece of grilled meat. He lifted it, blew on it gently to cool it down... and then brought it to my lips.
"I thought you were going to eat that," I asked, confused.
"That's for you," he said plainly.
I blinked and opened my mouth. He fed me gently.
The moment he did, I glanced at the others—Ton-Ton, Dante, and Asper—all frozen, staring at us in disbelief.
Then, flustered, they each grabbed a piece of meat and began feeding one another!
I looked back at General Voltaire and saw him glaring at them like a wolf warning pups. They panicked instantly and straightened their backs.
"General! What are you doing?" I hissed softly. "They might see it the wrong way!"
He frowned and turned to me.
"I know my men," he said calmly. "Don't worry. They've been drinking—they won't think clearly at this rate. Besides..." His eyes lowered to my lips. "Your mouth is messy."
He reached out and wiped the corner of my lip with his thumb.
I froze.
I immediately turned to check whether the others saw.
Ton-Ton was pretending to be deeply focused on the grill.
Dante was staring up at the ceiling as if studying constellations that weren't there.
Asper was counting people inside the food stall for absolutely no reason.
"I told you," General Voltaire murmured, "don't mind them. Don't worry. If I command them to forget everything... they will forget everything."
He then lifted another piece of grilled meat and fed me again.
I couldn't help it—I smiled.
He was taking care of me.
* * *
Voltaire's POV
I was about to feed Aurein again when I stopped abruptly. Because I had noticed something.
A flicker of movement.
A shift in the air.
Someone—somewhere—felt as though a person was watching us.
Observing. Waiting.
I straightened slightly in my seat, the habitual instinct of a warrior sharpening my senses. Though I had told Aurein not to worry, the truth was far less simple.
Someone's gaze lingered... yet I could not find who it belonged to.
So I calmed myself. Steadied my breath. I needed to keep control of the situation... and of myself.
Aurein, on the other hand, had grown bolder from the alcohol—reckless, warm, unbearably sincere.
Though at this time, he fell quiet, staring into his glass before drinking the alcohol.
Then he lifted his head and began watching the others—smiling at their laughter, listening to their banter—while I watched him.
And beneath the table, hidden in the shadows where no eyes could see, I slowly reached for him.
My fingers brushed the back of his hand.
He startled—just slightly—then turned to look at me.
I gave him a faint smile as I laced my fingers with his and stroked the lines of his knuckles.
"Sorry I can't proudly hold your hands in front of everyone right now," I whispered.
"I know," he said softly, smiling. "This is already enough for me."
He tightened his hold on my hand—firm, warm, grounding.
On the surface, we were nothing more than a general and a prince sharing a meal.
But beneath the tablecloth, hidden from the world, we were something else entirely.
Our hands intertwined.
Our fingers tracing slow, secret patterns against each other's skin.
Our feet brushing—light, teasing, intimate.
He kept sliding his fingers between mine, pressing lightly, as if testing how far he could go. I allowed him. Gods help me—I wanted him to continue.
He glanced at me once more, and I gave him a smile meant only for him—the kind no one else had ever been allowed to see.
He returned it... then turned to speak casually with the three warriors beside him, acting perfectly normal.
And no one knew.
No one saw.
Above the table, we were composed. Ordinary. Untouched.
But beneath it?
Beneath it, his hand was in mine—warm and gentle—and he kept tracing circles on my skin as if memorizing me.
And I held on just as tightly, wishing I never had to let go.
* * *
Night had deepened, and we had all drunk far more than intended. Asper, Dante, and Ton-Ton were already slumped together, arms around each other, swaying left and right as they sang off-key.
Beside me, Aurein watched them with pure delight, laughing like a carefree child. He even joined them—humming, swaying his hips, unable to keep himself still.
This little guy was absolutely drunk. And at this rate, he would say or do something reckless if I didn't keep an eye on him.
"Aurein, are you alright?" I asked.
He looked at me, cheeks flushed a deep rosy red—his lips even redder, soft and slightly parted.
Even drunk... he was the most captivating sight in the world.
"I'm perfectly fine, General Voltaire!" he said, smiling so brightly it almost hurt.
I swallowed hard, wrestling with myself.
One small push—just one—and I would have kissed him right there.
But I had to restrain myself.
Suddenly, the stallkeeper switched the music to an upbeat melody, and with their drunken enthusiasm, the warriors instantly stood. And so did Aurein.
Everyone gathered in a messy circle and began dancing.
"General Voltaire! Come on! Dance with us!" Aurein called out, laughing.
"You go ahead. I'll stay here," I said from my seat.
"Hmp!" he huffed, rolling his eyes at me before dancing again. "Follow my moves! Quickly!"
He started dancing—soft, fluid motions, his hands gliding like silk through the air.
Almost like a moon dancer.
And the most astonishing thing?
My warriors actually copied him—every single one of them—mimicking his gentle movements.
I shook my head, suppressing a laugh.
The scene was chaotic, loud, joyful—and yet my gaze never left him. Even surrounded by warriors twice his size, he stood out effortlessly.
His softness contrasted so beautifully with their roughness.
His joy illuminated the entire night.
Before I realized it, I was smiling.
Seeing him like this—free, happy, laughing—it made something in me come alive.
This... this was what he deserved. Even if only for tonight. Even if everything ahead of him would be cruel and heavy.
I wanted him to have moments like this.
He was enjoying himself so much.
Maybe he had never experienced this kind of warmth before.
And I—
I would fight the entire world just to let him smile like this again.
Before, my purpose had been simple.
Protect Ardentia. Nothing more.
But now?
Now my reason for fighting had changed.
I wanted to protect Aurein.
Only him.
Yes, I would still protect the kingdom. But in my heart, I knew... if Ardentia ever turned against him—if one day they learned what we are hiding—they would cast him aside.
And if that day came, I would stand against them all.
Against the kingdom my father died to protect.
Against the world, if I must.
Because the person I valued most—above duty, above honor, above everything—was standing right before me.
"General! Come!" Aurein said as he ran toward me and grabbed my hands. "Let's dance! You're the only one sitting!"
I resisted, laughing. "No, no. I don't dance. It's embarrassing."
"Embarrassing? Look at your warriors! They're far worse! Look, Ton-Ton is trying to dance like a moon dancer—he's struggling so much! And Asper—by the gods—he's about to snap in half! And Dante? He's giving too much effort!" he said between laughs. "So let's go! Come on! I'll teach you."
He kept pulling me upward.
"Aurein, you're drunk..."
"And? Let's have fun!" he said cheerfully.
I exhaled deeply, then finally stood.
He pulled me into the center, surrounded by drunken warriors who cheered loudly as soon as we stepped in.
"Now follow me. Just copy how I dance," he said. He lifted his arms and began the fluid movements again.
His hands glided so effortlessly. Meanwhile, I... could barely move without looking foolish.
"General! I thought you never back down? But from a simple dance—you retreat?" Aurein teased.
"I would do anything—except dance," I said.
"Stop being grumpy! Give me your hand," he said, grabbing my right hand. Then he guided it, moving it gently, shaping it into soft, flowing motions while I simply stared at him—at his beautiful, glowing face under the lantern lights.
As he controlled my hand, I could think of nothing else but cherishing this moment.
Maybe... after this, I wouldn't have a face to show as a general.
But for him—for Aurein—I would do it gladly.
I gathered the last of my courage and started moving on my own.
My hand glided awkwardly—but sincerely.
"Yes! That's it!" Aurein said, clapping excitedly.
"Is this correct?" I asked, moving even more earnestly.
"Yes! That's good!" he said, laughing. "Give more effort!"
And hearing him laugh—because of me—felt like the greatest victory I had ever won.
"You all dance terribly! Soften your movements or I'll punish every one of you!" I ordered my warriors.
And so we all danced—messy, loud, chaotic—but full of joy.
Aurein danced in front of me, glowing with happiness.
"Thank you, General Voltaire," he said softly.
All I could see was his face, even while the world around us blurred into chaos. It was as if my focus had narrowed to him alone."
"All for you," I said quietly.
And in that moment, under lantern light, surrounded by laughter and music, I wanted to kiss him more than ever.
But if I did... the world would burn.
* * *
Rowan's POV
I stood in the corner, half hidden in shadow, quietly watching the scene unfolding before me—General Voltaire's entire army dancing wildly under the lantern lights, and Aurein... dancing beside them.
Beside him.
I couldn't bear to see it.
Watching them move together.
Laugh together.
Breathe the same air as if they belonged side by side.
That should have been me.
Not that general. Not him.
Their closeness was growing—deepening—and I could not, would not allow it.
I had to act.
And so, I did.
I slipped away from the festivities and made my way back toward the palace. My intent was clear: I would tell the king exactly what Aurein and Voltaire were doing at this hour.
But as I searched the halls, I crossed paths with someone unexpected.
"Princess Serena!" I exclaimed, startled.
She turned toward me with a slow, sweet smile, her voice gentle as silk. "Hello. Looking for someone?"
"I was looking for the king," I said. "I have something to report. Something urgent."
"Really?" she asked, tilting her head, still smiling. "If I see him, I can pass the message. What is it about?"
I looked at her—at her soft expression, her innocent demeanor. Did she know what was happening between Aurein and General Voltaire?
If she didn't... she would certainly feel insulted once she learned.
"Wait—where is General Voltaire?" I asked, feigning confusion. "Shouldn't he be with you? He's your personal guard, correct?"
"Yup," she replied, smiling even wider.
"Then why is he not at your side?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.
"I don't know," Serena said lightly. "Maybe he's busy somewhere else."
"Then he's neglecting his duty," I insisted. "We should inform the king."
"No need," she said sweetly.
"Why not?" I asked, genuinely thrown off.
"I just want some time alone," she said with a shrug. "It's not as if someone will storm into the palace. There are plenty of warriors guarding the halls. Unless there are enemies inside disguising as you know... friends."
"But still—don't you know?" I said, lowering my voice. "When he was Aurein's personal guard, he never left his side. Not once. Wherever Aurein went, he followed."
Serena nodded calmly. "Alright. Good for them."
"You're not... bothered?" I asked.
"No," she said simply, shaking her head before sighing softly. "Rowan, it's late. Maybe you should rest."
I exhaled slowly.
"Maybe. But I still have to look for the king," I said.
"He might already be asleep," she replied.
"Alright then. I'll go ahead," I said, turning away.
But just as I took my first step, she called after me.
"Rowan..."
I turned back. "Yes, Serena?"
She smiled again—sweet, gentle—but something in her eyes glimmered with a strange sharpness.
"What brings you to the Central Region?" she asked softly. "Don't you usually stay in the Southern Region where your father rules?"
I swallowed.
"I just wanted to see Aurein," I said. "It's been a long time since we last spent time together. We grew up together... and there's not much required of me in the Southern Region at the moment. So this is like a short vacation."
"I see," she said, smiling again. "Then go on, wherever you were headed."
"Good night, Serena," I said.
"Good night," she replied, turning away gracefully.
But something about her unsettled me.
There were moments when she seems to be sweet, innocent, almost fragile—and then there were moments like this...
when a single shift in tone made something cold slip through the cracks.
As if she were hiding something.
Something she didn't intend anyone to know.
But now wasn't the time to think about her.
I had other matters to deal with.
I took one step—and froze.
Queen Crysta was walking toward me, her expression tight with concern.
"Rowan, I'm glad I found you," she said.
"Yes, Queen Crysta? What do you need?" I asked politely.
"Have you seen Aurein?" she asked. "It's quite late now and he hasn't returned. I know his training with General Voltaire should be done by now, but he's not in his chamber."
I sighed softly before offering her a polite smile.
"I actually know where they are," I said.
Her brows lifted. "Where?"
"They're at the city market," I told her. "The prince and the general are drinking alcohol... and they were dancing beside each other, too close I would say. And it seems like they are not aware that the eyes of the public might see it the wrong way."
"Really?" Queen Crysta asked, confused.
"Yes, it's true," I said.
She exhaled deeply and nodded. "When they return, tell them I want to speak with both of them."
"I will, Your Majesty," I said. "It's truly improper for a general to drink with the prince in public. Imagine what people might think."
"That's exactly what worries me," she said. "They might assume Aurein is slacking off. Thank you, Rowan. You may go."
"My pleasure, Your Majesty," I said, bowing deeply—
—while hiding the slight smirk curling at the corner of my lips.
This time, I would pull them apart.
For sure.
I still held secrets—dangerous ones—especially about the prince and the general sharing a kiss.
I didn't reveal everything—not yet. I only gave enough information to plant seeds of doubt.
A time when I am ready to use my final card.
A card that would tear them apart completely.
* * *
Voltaire's POV
Night had already descended over the palace by the time we returned. The vast corridors were dim, lit only by scattered lanterns swaying from the faint night breeze sneaking through the windows. Most of the royal household was already asleep—at least, I prayed they were.
Because in my arms... was a completely intoxicated prince.
Aurein could barely stand on his own. Every time he attempted to walk, his knees buckled underneath him, sending all his weight into my chest. So I carried him—his arms hanging loosely around my shoulders, his breath warm and heavy against my neck, reeking unmistakably of alcohol.
"Come! Let's dance here, General Voltaire," he said with a drunken, luminous grin as he pointed vaguely at the marble floor. "I want to dance with you right here in the palace."
"Shh!" I hissed in panic. "Be quiet. Someone might hear you," I said sharply.
"No one's awake," he said, waving his hand lazily. "My parents are definitely asleep. I'll tell them that I'm not drunk! I'm just... tired from extreme training. Hehe!" he said, sounding exactly like someone who was absolutely drunk.
Though, I had a strange feeling someone had been following us through the palace halls.
"This is the last time you will ever drink alcohol. Do you understand me?" I said, irritation slipping into my tone.
"Boo! No!" he protested. "I will drink with Ton-Ton and Asper and Dante! We'll drink and dance and sing—" He leaned closer, giggling. "I even wanted to kiss you passionately a while ago."
I nearly dropped him.
"Stop talking. I'm taking you to your chamber right now," I said firmly.
"Okay, General Voltaire. Hehe," he said with absolutely no sincerity. "Give me small kisses along the way, please?"
I just shook my head. This guy is too drunk already. I wonder, would he remember everything what he's saying when he's sober?
"If you won't give me small kisses, then I'll give them to you myself," he said—and without warning, he pressed a kiss to my cheek. Not once, not twice, but a lot!
"Shh, Aurein! Someone might see us," I whispered, turning my face away from him.
"No. I don't care," he said stubbornly. "I want to kiss you. And if you try to stop me, I'll make noise right here. Do you dare risk it?"
I had no choice.
Either way, we would be discovered.
All I could do was let him kiss my cheek repeatedly and hurriedly bring him back to his chambers—before this turned into something far more dangerous than a stolen kiss.
I carried him down the hall, moving as quietly and swiftly as I could, my heartbeat pounding with every corner we turned. If anyone saw him in this stat, kissing my cheek... especially the King or Queen... we're both doomed.
I steeled myself and eased open his chamber door.
Once inside, I lowered him onto his bed, he slumped back, smiling lazily at me—and the way his body moved told me he had lost every last shred of control.
Alcohol had taken him hostage completely.
"Are you dizzy?" I asked.
"Yes!" he said, giggling. "Everything's spinning! Weeeee! My world is spinning."
I exhaled heavily. Even if he was legally of age, seeing him like this made my chest tighten with anxiety. If his parents walked in now...
"I'll bring you water to make you feel a bit refreshed." I said.
"No need!" he interrupted. "General, I feel hot. Don't you?" He fanned himself dramatically with his hand.
"I'll open it—"
I was about to step toward the window.
"No... not that kind of hot," he said suddenly, his voice dropping.
A sharp instinct jolted down my spine.
"Aurein, you're drunk," I said firmly, refusing to entertain whatever he meant.
He chuckled.
"General..." he whispered.
Then, he slipped a hand toward the waistband of his trousers.
"Aurein!" I whispered harshly as I grabbed his wrist before he could reach further. "Absolutely not. I am never letting you drink again! You don't even remember for sure what you did after we danced. You did a lot of embarrassing things! I even have to pay and threaten everyone in that stall to silence them to prevent any rumors from spilling."
He only laughed—then, without warning, pressed his lips to mine.
I froze.
His lips were warm, soft, intoxicating—and still tainted with alcohol. When he pulled back, he smiled at me with heavy-lidded eyes, as if he were seeing straight through me.
"This isn't you," I whispered, shaken. "This is the alcohol controlling you."
"I know you want it, General Voltaire," he whispered, his gaze dark and unwavering. "You keep saying you don't desire me, but I know... you're itching for it."
My breath faltered.
Is this truly what alcohol does to him? Turns him bold—reckless—dangerous?
Before I could speak, he tugged off his upper garment, letting it fall carelessly onto the floor. His bare chest caught the lantern light—soft gold against flawless skin—and my throat tightened involuntarily.
"Aurein..." I whispered, unable to stop the heat rising in me.
"General Voltaire," he murmured, "Touch my body."
He took my hand and pulled me forward—so suddenly that I stumbled on top of him. His hands slid around my waist, drawing me closer, and he tried to kiss me again.
And for a moment—just one—
I kissed him back.
Deeply. Hungrily. Everything I had suppressed surged to the surface.
But then—
I pushed him away. Gently. Reluctantly.
"Someone might see us," I whispered, breath unsteady. "Stop, Aurein."
"I can't... control myself anymore," he said as he tugged at the hem of my clothing, trying to undress me.
His breath ghosted across my cheek, warm and uneven, the scent of alcohol clinging to him like fire.
"I want to feel it, General Voltaire. I want you inside—"
I clamped my hand over his mouth before he could finish.
"Don't say that," I said sternly. "That's not you speaking." I held his gaze, even as his eyes struggled to stay open. "I want to do it too, yes. But not like this. Not when you're drunk. Not when you're not aware. I want it when you're sober... when you're ready. Understand?"
He nodded faintly beneath my hand—his eyes softening, a sleepy smile forming despite everything.
Then, all at once... he went limp.
He had fallen asleep in an instant, like a flame extinguished.
"Finally..." I murmured as I removed my hand. "You're unbelievably reckless when drunk, Aurein. You're never drinking again. Sleep well..."
I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead—a gentle, lingering kiss I knew he would never feel, but I hoped he would sense somewhere in his dreams.
Then—
A sound.
A soft, unmistakable click.
My heart lurched.
I snapped upright and turned.
"Queen Crysta!" I exclaimed in shock.
She stood in the doorway—silent, unreadable—having walked in on the aftermath of everything I had been terrified of.
End of Chapter 24