“Lantt.”
“Yes?”
“You know I love you, right?”
“Yes, I know.”
Lantt beamed, his happiness radiating more affection than I’d ever poured into him. His adorableness melted my heart.
“Lantt, I…”
Smiling, I gripped his hand tightly.
“I love His Highness as much as I love you.”
His body stiffened. I gently stroked the back of his hand to soothe him.
“Loving him doesn’t mean I’ll love you any less.”
“…”
“You’re my one and only precious brother. That won’t change, even if I marry, have children, or leave this world.”
I knew what Lantt truly feared.
Abandoned by his parents as a child and separated from the slaves he grew up with against his will, he had a deep aversion to parting from those he loved.
“Don’t worry. I’ll never abandon you—couldn’t if I tried.”
“…”
“You’re not losing me. You’re gaining a brother you can rely on.”
Lantt listened silently. I patted his hand and continued.
“I’m not saying you have to accept him right away. I just want the two men I love to be happy.”
“…I’ll try,” he mumbled, resting his head on my knee.
I toyed with his navy hair. Time passed—my legs began to numb when I noticed his breathing had steadied. He’d fallen asleep, his face peaceful. I couldn’t bear to wake him.
Someone would come for us soon enough, given the late hour. I decided to stay until then.
“My lady, it’s late—”
“Shh.”
Mari entered but froze at my gesture. I pointed to the sleeping Lantt, whispering, “Fetch a knight.”
She nodded, stepping out. Soon, knights arrived.
“Move him carefully, don’t wake him.”
A knight hoisted Lantt onto his back. Exhausted, the boy didn’t stir, clearly in deep sleep.
“Shall we prepare his bed?”
“Yes.”
After ensuring Lantt was settled, I returned to my room. Mari swiftly made my bed.
“Rest well, my lady.”
She left after helping me change.
“I’m exhausted.”
Dealing with Irene had drained me today. I massaged my shoulders, tilting my head side to side.
As I reached for the covers, the curtains billowed, and a cold breeze swept in.
“Who—!”
“Shh!”
“Sys!”
“Quiet, I said.”
He pressed a finger to his lips, grinning.
“How are you here at this hour?”
He closed the window and strode toward me.
“You stormed off this afternoon—how could I sleep?”
“So you snuck in this late?”
I stared, incredulous. He shrugged.
“My fiancée said she didn’t want to see me. How could a sensitive guy like me sleep?”
He wagged his finger playfully.
“Sensitive, huh? How did you get past the security?”
House Eliant was a fortress, guarded by our knights, imperial guards, and Pison Trading Company’s forces—stronger than ever. No one could sneak in without help.
“I climbed the wall, obviously.”
“…”
He stood proudly, hands on hips. His deliberate childishness made me want to laugh. I knew why he was acting this way but played along.
“I should pull the imperial knights from night duty.”
Only those under his command could’ve let him through. He dropped the playful act, chuckling.
“I risked getting caught and skewered by your father, and this is how you treat me?”
“He wouldn’t dare stab the crown prince.”
“You don’t know your father well enough.”
“He wouldn’t kill you, at least.”
“That’s comforting,” he muttered, sounding anything but reassured.
“If I get caught, I’d have no defense against your father’s wrath.”
Grumbling, he wrapped his arms around my waist. I touched his cheek, frowning.
“Have you been eating?”
Up close, his face looked haggard, aged in just a few days. I wondered why I hadn’t noticed earlier.
“More than you’d think.”
“You need to eat properly, especially now.”
“Your concern feels nice.”
He rubbed my hand against his cheek. His usually smooth skin felt rough. His cheeky demeanor annoyed me, but his worn face tugged at my heart.
“Is something not going well?”
“It’s not an easy matter.”
“If there’s anything I can help with, tell me. I’ll do what I can.”
“No, I don’t want you involved this time.”
He shook his head firmly.
“Why not?”
“What man would watch his beloved dive into danger?”
“Wouldn’t an extra hand help? I have Pison Trading Company behind me.”
“Bee.”
His low voice silenced me. He pressed my hand to his lips, the roughness grazing my palm.
“You’re capable—maybe you’d solve it faster than anyone.”
“Then let me help.”
“But, Bee…”
He paused, pressing his lips to my forehead.
“I don’t want to feel that way again.”
“Sys…”
“I’m done trembling, watching you face danger alone.”
His voice quivered softly.
“Once was enough. If I saw you standing alone like that again, my heart wouldn’t survive.”
“It’s not like with the First Consort. I’m not stepping into the open.”
“It’s worse.”
“Sys!”
“We don’t know who the enemy is or what they’re after. It looks like I’m the target, but it could be someone else. Nothing is certain.”
His golden eyes, heavy with anger, anxiety, and fear, met mine. Those emotions flooded into me.
“I won’t let you face any danger. Never.”
