#happy birthday alyssa!!!! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

samandcolbyownme · 6 months

Text

Summary: anon request - "Hey so it's my birth day tmr and was just wondering if you could write something for me like Zach justice x reader and he has a guest on the podcast and he gets jealous and the at the end of the podcast they have a cute moment before leaving and going home for like a rough but passionate smut"

Warnings: SMUT18+, strong language, Matt Rife Warning, Zach being Zach, banter, guest flirting with reader, Zach getting jealous, kissing, biting, hair pulling, slight choking, slightly rough and unprotected sex, fluff with a dash of filth

Word count: 4.9k | unedited

╔═══━━━─── • ───━━━═══╗

"So are you finally going to tell me who the special guest is?" You ask as you look at Zach through your phone screen.

He laughs, "Mm, what's in it for me?"

"Because tomorrow is my birthday and you'll be making me happy?" You say slowly and laugh, "come on." You pout into the camera and Zach sighs, "Stop being cute."

You smirk slightly and tilt your head as he continues, "or at least come be cute in my bed." You let out a laugh, "I think that that's my cue for going to bed."

"Laaaame." Zach drags out loudly. You scoff, "excuse me?" He laughs, "I said saaame. Goodnight."

You roll your eyes, "goodnight."

.·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

You show up to the house and walk through the door. Tara is standing with Alyssa and you walks up to them, "Hey."

"Hey!" Tara says, "Are you excited for today's show?"

You roll your eyes, "Zach wouldn't tell me who's coming." Alyssa laughs, "Really?" You nod, "I called him last night to see if he would tell me.. nope."

"Oh, well it's Matt Rife." Alyssa fills you in, "I have a feeling that Zach is going to be very jealous today."

Your brows furrow and you look between her and Tara, "Why.. um, why do you say that?" Tara rolls her eyes, "Please. That man is head over heels for you, y/n."

You laugh, shaking your head, "There'a no way."

"Alright party people, let's get ready to get this show on the road." Zach yells as he walks to his seat, "Special guest will be here in five."

You roll your eyes and make your way to your seat. Matt is going to sit where you normally sit, which is right next to Zach, so you sit in the seat next to Matt's.

"Fuck, sorry I'm late." Matt says as he rushes in through the door, "I'm here now."

Zach holds his hand up, "There he is. What's up, brother?" Matt walks up to Zach and give him a hand shake. He looks over at Jared saying hello to him and Tara before he look at you.

You're not looking at him, but you can tell his eyes are on you, and Zach secretly hates it already. Matt sits down and he waves to Alyssa, "Hey."

Alyssa smiles and puts her headphones on, along with everything else.

"What's up everybody, welcome back to drop outs." Zach says and you all cheer, "We have a special guest with us today, and it also happens to be very special day for someone else."

"Haaa-py biirthday.." Jared initiates by singing and soon everyone joins in.

"Happy birthday dear y/n. Happy birthday to you!"

"Thank you." You smile, "Thank you."

"Alright, now moving on to the more special part." Zach says and motions to Matt, "Matt Rife everybody."

"What's uppp." Matt smiles before looking to Zach, "Don't be mean to her. It's her birthday."

Zach looks taken aback for a split second before covering it up, "Yeah, you're definitely new here." Zach rolls his eyes, "Anyway."

"Oh. Wait!" Tara yells and stands up as she takes her headphones off. She runs off the set and over to her bag. Everyone is watching her and she comes back over with a tiara that says Birthday Girl in cursive, "Here!"

"Weird way to propose, but my answer is still yes." You laugh and look up at her from the tiara in your hands, "Thank you."

She takes it from your hands, placing the tiara gently on your head and fixes your hair, "You heard it here first everyone, this bitch is mine."

Zach raises an eyebrow as you look over at him and you roll your eyes as you smirk, "Zach." He shrugs, "What? You were thinking it too because you wouldn't have accepted Tara's marriage proposal if you didn't."

You tilt your head, raising your hand as you shrug, "Okay." You look over at Tara, "You got me there."

Tara puts her headphones on and leans in with a smirk, "I think I actually just fell in love with you, y/n." She laughs and you smile as you look around.

As the rest of you get lost in conversation, Zach's eyes zone in on the tiara resting perfectly on your head. His mind goes to watching you drop down to your knees and bob your head on his dick with it on.

"I think Zach fell asleep on us." Jared teases, "What the hell man? Are we that boring today?" Jared laughs and Zach looks at everyone, "I'm just not feeling it today."

"Everyone hold on." Alyssa laughs, "He's up to something."

"Are you okay, Zach?" You ask looking at him and he nods slightly, "Yeah," Quickly changing the subject, "So Matt, your profession is comedian, right?"

Matt nods, "Something like that, yeah."

"Huh." Zach nods, "What is your favorite thing to do within the show?" Matt purses his lips as he thinks, "Crowd work."

"That was my favorite thing to do at our live show." Tara nods, "getting to interact with the people was so fun."

"Exactly, exactly. And most of the people who come to my shows, know exactly what they're in for." Matt continues and you nod, "I can can agree that."

Matt turns his head, "You've been to one of my shows?" He smirks slightly and you smile, "I have."

"Which one?" He tilts his head and you laugh, "Liberty, I think? Cincinnati or something. I don't know but you went back and forth with someone who was a stripper."

Matt laughs and that causes Zach to clench is fist. He reflexed when Tara started talking, but he resorted to picking at his nails.

"Wait wait wait you need to eleborate." Tara laughs, "Please."

"Yeah we need context of this stripper incident." Jared laughs and Matt sighs, laughing as he starts to tell the story.

You look past Matt and stare at Zach.

His stare is on you and you squint your eyes at him. He purses his lips slightly and quickly winks at you. You smirk and so does he because he has you blushing.

"so yeah, but like I said, people basically pay to come get bullied by me." Matt nods, eyes flicking from your eyes to your chest.

"Have you ever hurt anyone's feelings by doing that?" Zach asks and Matt laughs, "Dude, are you not caught up with me?"

Zach sighs, "What the heck." He pulls out his phone and starts to google him, "Matt Rife Controversies."

"I love how he made controvers-ies, like more than one." Alyssa laughs and Jared nods, "Uh huh. Right."

"So while we wait, "Y/n. Are you excited about your big birthday bash tonight?" Tara says moving around to get comfortable, "I can tell you that I am so fucking ready to drink."

You nod, "Oh my god. I actually can't wait. I just got pictures of the venue being set up and it looks so good so far." You pull out your phone and go to the pictures.

You hand your phone to Tara and she swipes through, "Oh hell yeah."

"What time does it start?" Matt asks and you look at him, "You can come anytime after eight." He nods, "anytime after eight, got it."

This had Zach's blood boiling, "So you have made a lot of people mad." Zach chuckles, really wanting this podcast to be done and over with already.

Matt laughs, "Yeah, yeah. But I mean, that's honestly party of the gig." He shrugs, "I'm not for everyone and that is something that actually took a while for me to come to good terms with."

You carry on the conversation and a few others for the next hours and a half.

Zach couldn't wait until Alyssa said you all were good so he can finally get you alone for more than a few seconds.

Once the time comes he rips his headphones off of his head and rests them on the mic, "Thank you for coming onto the podcast, Mr. Rife."

Matt stands up, shaking his hand, "Thanks for having me." He points to you, "I hate to rush off but I have a few other things to do, but I'll see you guys later, yeah?"

You nod, "See ya." You wave and Tara waves, "Bye, Matt!" Alyssa waves and says by to him and right before he walked out he turns back, "Happy birthday, sweetheart."

Zach wanted to mock him horribly, but that would just be so out is the blue that people would start to question it, so he turns his eyes to you.

You smile and nod, looking back at him, "Thank you."

Matt gives you a wink and you turn back around, "Are we getting ready at my place or.. where do you want to meet?" You ask Tara and Alyssa.

"We can do it at my place." Alyssa nods, "Plus, I am close to the venue, so if we did need to we walk it's not far at all."

"Yes that works." You nod, "Okay. I'm going to go home and get my stuff ready. I will meet you guys at Alyssa's say.. six?"

They both nod and you give them a thumbs up, "Love yas. See yas." You go to turn and walk away but Zach walks up to you, "Hold your horses for a second."

You laugh and you turn around, mocking him, "I don't have horses." He smirks and tilts his head, "C'mere for a sec would ya?"

"Why?" You sigh, tilting your own head, "I need to go shower." He smirks, "You'll get a shower, I promise now come here."

He pulls you into the hallway leading to the stairs and he looks down at you. You and Zach have been good friends for a while now, even made out when he took you home drunk the one night.

You know the look he's giving you. You take a quiet breath, "Who told you?"

He smirks, "Eyes talk, sweetheart."

You bite your lip and you smile, "So are you coming home with me because I need to get my shit around."

He tilts his head, "Do you want me to come home with you?" You chew on your lip, this wave of boldness washing over you.

You lean in, "I have my own house. No one can hear anything." You lean back and smirk as you tilt your head towards the door, "Come on."

He follows you out to the car and gets into your passengers seat. You get in and look over at him, "So can I ask you something?"

You start your car and start to back out of the parking space and Zach nods, reaching over to slip his fingers into the rip of your jeans.

His gentle touch right above your knee driving you absolutely insane, "So, why now?" You glance over at him and he furrows his brows, "not following."

You sigh, laughing slightly, "why did you wait until now to finally tell me that you liked me, too?"

"I didn't say a word."

You look over at him, tension building rapidly the longer your eyes hold on his, "You didn't have to."

You lick your lips and look away, beginning to drive when the light turns green. His finger still brushing against your leg, itching for you to grab his hand and hold it within yours.

"So how do you feel about Matt being on the podcast?" You look over at Zach and he shrugs, "It is what it is." You roll your eyes, resting your arm on the consol as you dangle your hand right above his wrist, finger tips barely grazing his skin.

"Why are you acting like it wasn't a good podcast? I mean other than you being pouting and flirting with me on the down low."

You poke his arm and Zach groans, "Alright, you yanked my dick enough." He laughs and you roll your eyes, "You wish I did."

He points to you and smirks, "And that my friends, is a true statement."

You laugh, "Get on with it." You say as you pull into your driveway. You put the car in park and reach down to unbuckle, "We're not leaving this car until you tell me what I wanna know."

Zach opens his mouth, repeating exactly what you say at the same time you do, "It's my birthday, Zach. You have to be nice."

Your mouth drops and he gives you a nod, "Yes, princess. It's your birthday. Now.." he tilts his head, fighting back a laugh, "we needed to talk, and it needed to be somewhere you could take your clothes off.. " he fights back a smirk, "So, we can fuck in here or we can fuck in there." He points to your house and looks back at you.

You smirk, "who said anything about fuckin'?" He lays a hand on his chest, "Oh is this not why you brought me to your house? My apologies."

You roll your eyes, "You sound so jealous right now."

He scoffs, "Jealous of what, y/n?"

You press your elbow into the center console and rest your chin in your palm, "You know, you flirt, I mean.. fuck around with me every time I'm on the show and every time you see me, but never.." You hold up your pointer finger, and right now he's doing what you're doing and his face in an inch away from your finger.

"Not once." You move your hand and look into his eyes, "Did you pull me aside and give me that kind of a look."

"Explain this.. this look." He tilts his head, cheek now resting in the palm of his hand, "But you might want to make it quick because I don't want you to bitch because I made you late."

You roll your eyes, "You looked at me like you were in love." He slowly grows closer and you lick your lips quickly as your eyes bounce from his to his eyes.

"You ever think that maybe I am?" He whispers and you can't help but smirk, "I mean.. not like I was going to make that my birthday candle wish or anything."

He laughs, "Okay. I'll give you that one, that one was funny." You laugh and look at him, "Was Matt flirting sure me the final straw?"

You see him nod slightly and you bite your bottom lip.

His eyes flick down to your held lip and back up to your eyes, "Hey, um don't you have a party you need to get ready for?"

"Fuck." You laugh, nodding, "Yeah." You look at the house and back to Zach, "Come on." Zach stays still, "Where are we going?"

You smile and lean in, "So I can show you that you are the one that I want." You press your lips to his and his hand lays on the back of your head, not wanting you to pull away.

"Mm. Zach." Your giggles muffled by his lips on yours and you manage to lean back, "Hey. Come on." Zach huffs, "way to be a cock block, sweetheart."

He gets out, following you up to your door and his hands are roaming all over your body as you get your key from your key ring.

His hands slip under you shirt, "Runnin' outta time." Zach mumbles against your head and you push your door open.

He walks you in, hands on your hips and he uses his door to swing the door closed. You spin around and his body is on yours, a hand on your hip and a hand on the back of your neck, holding you to him as your lips meet his once again.

By this time, you had totally forgot you were still wearing the tiara that Tara got you and Zach's eyes fixate on it as he remembers what he first thought about.

"Knees." Zach says as he places his hands on your shoulders. You slowly drop down and you look up at him. He bites down on his bottom lip at he watches you undo his belt, "You know. As soon as that thing sat on the top of your head, I picture you exactly like this."

You feel your cheeks grow warmer and you let out a breath, "I totally forgot I had that on." Zach smiles, "I didn't."

You work to get his throbbing dick from his boxers move you've tugged his pants down. Your hand gently gripping the base of it, squeezing gently as you rise up to run your tongue over the head of his leaky head.

He lets out a groan and bites down on his lip, groaning lowly, "Mm." He looks down at you, "That's it, baby." He lays a hand on the back of your head, fully taking in everything about his fantasy that's coming true.

He moans lowly as you bob your head up and down, earning a gasp as you take him in fully, "Fuck, babe." Zach throws his head back, "That's my-" he looks down at you and pulls your head away from him. "-girl!"

You smile up at him and bite down on your lip, saliva dribbling down your chin. He swipes it away with his thumb and he nods towards your bedroom, "Lead the way."

You stand up, taking his hand into yours before you lead him up the stairs and into your bedroom.

You pull him in and close the door before Zach pulls you into him, lips meeting yours once more.

You let out a whine, gripping his shirt, "Zach." You whimper, "Please." You push your hips into his, reaching down between you to stroke his cock a few times.

He groans, hands gripping the hem of his shirt to rip it up over his head, and he places his hands on either side of your neck, "Shit." He breathes out, moving his hands down to your hips, "Get back there." He walks you backwards and it wasn't long until your knees buckled from hitting the bed.

Your back meets the mattress and Zach's lips meet your neck, "I really.." he speaks in between kisses to your neck, "..want to watch.." he kisses up to just below your ear, "..the birthday girl ride me."

You nod eagerly, "Please." You beg, "Please; Zach."

Zach chuckles, "And if I'm being honest, your whining and begging is completely boosting my ego-" he very quickly corrects himself, "I mean completely makes me want to cum inside that pretty little pussy."

You roll your eyes, "your head is swelled either way, Zach." You laugh, "But I'll take the second option please."

You bite your lip and his grip on your hip tightens before he rolls over to pull you on to his lap. He stares up at you for a few seconds before he nods while glancing towards your shirt, "C'mon now, you just told me you want me to cum inside you. Don't be shy now."

You smirk, laughing slightly as you pull your shirt up over your head, discarding it to the floor, "Happy now?"

You smirk at him and his hands move to your boobs with a nod, "oh hell yeah."

You watch as he looks up at you and with a swift motion, his hand is pulling you down to him by the back of your neck so he can kiss you.

Your lips move in sync for a few minutes then you suddenly remembered, it's my birthday!

But in panic mode, "Mm." You lean back, "What time is it?" You ask and Zach, obviously frustrated, lets out a short sigh, "Do I look like Father Time to you?"

"Well if you didn't still have your pants on, I could be on top of you already." You roll your eyes, leaning over to check your phone.

Zach scoffs, planting a gentle slap to your ass, "Sor-ry, I didn't know taking our time to enjoy this, wasn't on your agenda,too." You bite down on your lip to hide your laugh and you lean back over, looking down at him.

"I have a little under two hours." You whisper and he nods. His hands move to grip your waist and he slowly rocks your hips over his dick, that's straining against his pants.

"Zach." You whimper out, "stop teasing."

He rolls you over onto your back and his hands move to take off your jeans. He slips them down your legs and tosses them.

His bottom lip between his teeth as his eyes focus on your lace panties lying perfectly against your skin. He leans down, his lips lacing your skin with fiery, open mouth kisses as his fingers drift up your legs.

His fingers slip into the band of your panties and your hips rise as he pulls them down. His eyes flick up to you and back down to your soaked cunt.

He drops your panties beside him and locks eyes with you as he pushes both his pants and boxers down before moving to make his way in between your thighs.

You smirk, tilting your head as he lifts your hips slightly, "You know, you're incredibly hot when you're jealous."

You feel his dick brush against your clit and you gasp. Zach smirks and pushes the tip between your folds, "Me? Jealous?" He fakes a laughs and leans down, pressing a kiss to your lips, "Over you? Yes."

He thrusts into you and you let out a loud moan, "Fuck." You whimper out, "That's why it's so hot." He smirks and presses his lips to yours, and you accept his invite to make out.

His hips roll slowly into yours and you moan into his mouth. He swallows your moans with ears, kissing back towards your ear, "You're so beautiful."

His voice is low and you slide a hand down his arm and grab his wrist. You drag his hand up your body and place it around your neck.

You look up at him with such a pleading look, Zach can't help but not resist.

His hand tightens around your throat and you moan out, and your moans quickly grow quieter the harder he squeezes.

He leans up on his free arm and watches down at how your pussy swallows him with such great ease, "Fuckin' hell baby."

He looks up at you and his jaw literally falls slack to the scene below him, "Shit." He breathes out as his she's scan over your slightly reddened face, your eyes are rolled back with your lips slightly parted.

You're just absolutely loving being fucked by him right now.

His thrusts remained slow as he loosens his grip and you let out a quiet gasp. Zach stops thrusting and gently taps your cheek a few times, "Oh no. I killed her."

You smile and he sighs, "Phew. Great, because I did not want to have to put necrophiliac on my resume tonight."

You let out a laugh and lean up to push him to him to his back, "I mean, you know you have consent either way." You laugh as you straddle him.

Zach sits up, his face close to yours as he fixes the tiara that's slightly crooked on your head, "Hold on, baby."

Zach calling you baby and even sweetheart and especially princess, gave you butterflies. Even his jokey insults like slut, and bitch, and yapper number two, but especially slut because you would be his slut.

Any time of day.

"Better?" You ask watching him lay back, an arm tucking behind his head, "Better." He bites down on his lip as he watches you lift your one leg to reach down and hold his dick steady.

You spit into the tip of your fingers and smear it on him which causes him to gasp slightly. You smirk as you slide down onto him, eyes locking with Zach's.

His hands fly to your hips. You grip his forearms as you pant, gasping out at how deep he feels inside of you.

"Move. Sweetheart." Zach squeezes your hips, urging you to move in some type of way. You let out a whine as you roll your hips slowly, crying out Zach's name and other curses lowly.

"Use me to get yourself off, sweetheart." He winks, "I just wanna watch."

You smirk and you lean back, placing your hands on his knees for support. You bite down on your lip and keep your eyes locked on his as you start to move your hips up and down.

Zach positions one arm behind his head again, and places his hand under your thigh. His eyes move down to your pussy taking his dick, then he looks up at your tits bouncing each time your body meets his.

His eyes roll closed and his hips buck upward, "Goddamn." He groans out, "S-swe-etheart.. you're gonna make me cum."

You lean down, pressing kisses to his before you lean up, "Isn't that the point?" You ask, rolling your hips into his, moaning out quietly, "Zach."

He sits up and flips you over so your hips are pinned to the mattress, "I'd say you got about, maybe an hour to shower and get all your stuff around before you have to leave to get ready."

"Just fuck me." You whine, sitting up as you pull him towards you. His lips crash onto yours and you feel his hands push your thighs back, knees to chest type of deal.

You moan loudly, arching you back as Zach slides his dick back in to you, "What's the birthday princess want, baby?" Zach pants out and you dig your nails into his back, "I-I need you to cum in me."

Zach bites his lips, laughing slightly, "It's a risky move. I love it." He picks up the speed of his thrusts and sloppily presses a kiss to your lips, "I love you."

You freeze, "W-h- wai-" you laugh slightly, "Zach." He kisses up to your lips, "Mm. Wh-Wai- what, baby?"

"What di-"

Zach cuts you off, "I'll tell you later." He presses his lips to yours and you let out a loud moan as he thrusts his dick into you fully.

"Your arms tighten around his neck and you whimper in his ear, "I love you, too."

You feel his body tense and his grip on your hips tightens, "Say it again." He mumbles, turning his head in to kiss your neck, "Please."

You slide your arms down, laying your hands on his neck, moaning out as you squeeze his dick with your, desperate for release walls, "F-fuck.. Zach." You whimper out, "I love you."

You let out a moan, arching your back as you feel yourself quickly become engulfed with an intense pleasure.

Zach fucks you through your high, listening to every sound he can pull from you, "So fuckin' pretty." Zach grips your chin and his thrusts grow sloppy and slow.

You bite your lip as you feel his dick twitch inside of you and you look up at him. He raises his brows and lets out a sigh, "You told me to."

"I know." You laugh and reach over to grab your phone, "Fuck." You jump up, "If you're showering with me, let's go. But we're not fucking around."

Zach stands up, following you to your bathroom, "Yeah, you say that now. How much time you have?"

"Forty five minutes." You turn the shower on and Zach bites his lip, "Give me five of those minutes while we're in here."

You smirk and pull him into the shower with you, "Let's see it."

—

You were still shocked that Zach got you both off in five minutes before you rushed around and went to Alyssa's, but that was only after Zach trapped you in the car for another make out session while dropping him off.

Your party was going very, very well.

Everyone was having the time of their lives, and honestly so were you, you loved the attention but the only attention you wanted was from one person and his eyes have been on you all night.

His stare begging to get you alone.

You had to admit, Zach losing his final straw today was the best birthday gift ever, his jealously was super sexy.

"You look bored." You say walking up to him, "My party not good enough for you?" Zach laughs and leans in, "Nah, I just can't stop thinking about how pretty you sounded earlier."

You feel your cheeks darken and he smirks, "Happy birthday, Princess."

.·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

I hope you liked this! I'm going to get some Sam snippets out so in the mean time, tell me what you thought about this. Ilysm! 🖤

likes and reblogs are majorly appreciated!

#samandcolby-ownme #zach justice x reader #zach justice smut #zach justice x y/n #zach justice dropouts #zach justice #zach justice fanfic #Zach justice dirty one shot #Zach justice x reader smut #Zach Justice x y/n smut #Smut warning #the Final Straw

588 notes · View notes

imfoive · 1 month

Text

Crystal Bird - Chapter 5

Crown Prince! Chan x Princess (fem.) Genre: Royal au! Angst, Romance, Historical, hidden identity, slow-burn Warnings: mentions of blood, war, death, cursing, parental abuse, somewhat proofread WC: 8.4k A/N: It gets better, I promise! Feedback is always welcome, enjoy! ── MASTERLIST

Synopsis: The Crown Prince is saved by the Princess of a rival kingdom, and he swears his second life to his savior. A forbidden friendship no one knew of, grows deeper with every secret meeting. As the two are kept apart, memories of their sunset playdates by the serene river, begin blossoming into something beautiful. Cheeks blushed, stomach butterflies fluttered at the thought of each other. Years of yearning and imagining had only made them crave a sweeter reunion. And finally meeting at a Royal banquet, he could only stare at the now grown Princess, taken by her beauty, while she only watches as he gives his heart to the wrong princess.

Missed a chapter? - Prologue / Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4

CHAPTER 5 ───────────────────

The warrior prince of Nightshade had finally found his princess, and for a fleeting moment, he could almost feel the intense worry that had gripped his heart over the years, begin to lift.

Yet, as quickly as the relief settled in, it was overtaken by another, more unsettling emotion.

Confusion.

Chris’ momentary happiness was cut short as he watched Princess Sienna bid farewell with a formal nod after their introduction. The light in his eye morphing into a panic as Sienna dipped for a low curtsy. Her arm gently nudged the second princess, who had been momentarily dazed, and they both began moving toward the next circle of nobles to greet.

The warrior prince’s eyes followed her form, before his attention shifted to Han. They exchanged a look that mirrored each other’s bewilderment, both clearly taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.

By the lack of acknowledgment.

But before Chris could voice his thoughts to his guard, he was approached by another young lady. She gazed at him with a blend of awe and trepidation and a bit of lingering fear.

“G-good evening, Prince Christopher. I am Alyssa Miller, daughter of Count Miller.” She introduced herself.

Chris stared at her for a moment, before giving her a curt nod. He had briefly met her and her father the evening before at dinner. But he didn’t care enough to recall her name. Yet, here she stood, clearly intrigued by the Nightshade prince, looking at him as if he were some animal in a zoo.

A brief silence settled between them. The young lady awkwardly fidgeted with her gloves, while Han eyed his stoic prince, void of any emotion on his face.

“Have you taken to the dance floor yet, Prince Christopher?” Alyssa continued, her rigid but shy demeanor stealing glances at the composed warrior.

“I have not.” Chris responded curtly.

“Would you like to—”

Her eyes faltered at the sight of the familiar pendant hanging on his neck, gaze narrowing. Something that did not go unnoticed by the defensive foreign prince.

Did she also recognize it? What was going on?

“First Princess Sienna had something just like this.” Her lips had thinned into a thoughtful smile, trying to recall that afternoon.

“My father had collected it on one of his journeys and I had gifted it to her myself during a birthday celebration—but she had lost it.”

Alyssa’s recount of the story was automatic, Chris didn’t even have to attempt to get it out of her.

He finally had a backstory of this crystal pendant, he knew what came next. From the vivid memories he swore not to forget, to Han’s detailed explanation of that day.

The Princess had lost it while saving him that afternoon.

Sienna had left the crystal bird for him to find.

The crown prince of Nightshade raised a brow, crossing his arm over his chest.

“How long has your father been on the King’s court?” Chris questioned.

His question caught Alyssa off guard, bringing her out of her memories, causing her to blink in surprise.

“Uh-um, ever since I was born. I used to play with the princesses when I was a child.” She confessed, her eyes drifting towards where Sienna and Y/N had been.

“...Though Princess Sienna doesn’t quite recall.” Alyssa added softly, her words piquing the interest of the stoic prince, his brows arching in curiosity.

This time Prince Christopher glanced back at Han, eyes subtly calling for the young guard to approach. Han quickly came to his prince’s side, a small smile playing on his lips.

“You must be thirsty, Lady Alyssa. My guard here will fetch you a drink.” The Prince said, his tone softer this time.

“Oh!— How can your personal guard do such a thing? There is no need.” Alyssa protested politely, stealing a glance at Han, who stood confident, a guard clearly of high rank.

“I insist.” Chris replied, attempting to be charming, a demeanor he rarely adopted.

“If you’re still hesitant, why don’t you come along, my lady. I can fetch my prince his drink instead.” Han suggested, his smile unwavering.

Alyssa appeared to be taken by the gentle smiles of these handsome yet mysterious foreign men, slowly nodding in agreement as Han gestures for her to lead the way. Christopher glanced at his guard once more, silently assigning a task.

The evening’s bustle grew louder as the nobles relaxed with more drinks, setting aside political discussions for idle gossip. And somehow Chris found himself wrapped up in it as well.

“You know, I was quite surprised the Nightshade Kingdom even accepted an invitation.” One of the older noble men addressed, looking towards Prince Christopher, who somehow found himself amongst them.

Without his guard to deflect them, Chris sighed inwardly, resigned to joining their conversation, humoring whatever they talked about.

“You don’t speak much do you, your highness?” Another young noble, evidently from the Elysium King’s court, added.

“I’m more of an observer.” Chris replied politely, finally asserting himself.

Count Miller, who Chris recalled from the previous night’s dinner, and Lady Alyssa’s father, let out a hearty laugh.

“Of course. Observing is what the Nightshade warriors are good at. Like predators looking for their prey. Uncivilized and ready to attack.” He chuckled, and the group amongst them bellowed out with their laughter as well.

The warrior prince’s brow twitched at the remark, his rigid posture prompting a few uncomfortable glances among the group. But he managed to hold his tongue.

Noticing the sudden tension, Count Miller patted the young noble besides him on the shoulder and turned to Chris with a grin.

“Surely my jest didn’t offend you Prince Christopher?” The look on his face felt taunting almost.

The other men glanced at the foreign prince with unease, their thoughts likely drifting to the notorious reputation of the Nightshade Kingdom.

“Of course not.” Chris replied with a smile, though his hands clenched in the pockets of his slacks.

The men chuckled in response, and some minutes later Prince Christopher seized the opportunity to excuse himself, citing the need for some fresh air.

He found himself in the back garden, one that he recalled seeing from his chambers at Ruby Hall. But the sight of pretty roses weren’t enough to calm his nerves. Anger was evident in his expression as he paced behind the hedges, muttering curses under his breath, his fingers tightening around the crystal bird pendant in an attempt to calm his nerves.

“A jest? Ridiculous.” He muttered through gritted teeth, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior.

He was stewing in his anger, inhaling deeply to soothe the frustration. But the foreign prince’s brief moment of solitude was interrupted by approaching voices, pulling him back to reality.

Did he appear suspicious standing alone out here?

Quickly, he tucked his necklace into his vest and melted into the shadows of the hedges.

Yeah, definitely not suspicious. He chided himself silently.

“You’ve gotten really bold lately.” Lady Katherine’s voice carried, though hushed, with unmistakable anger as she dragged Y/N along by the wrist, her grip tight.

“How can you even speak out amongst them?” Lady Katherine continued her tirade.

Y/N glanced between her livid mother and her mother’s personal attendant.

She wasn’t sure herself.

What had come over her?

Y/N hadn’t intended to speak up, but witnessing the nobles’ mockery of the Nightshade warriors, even after Chan’s departure, had stirred something inside her.

A protectiveness that she guessed stemmed from her loyalty to a friendship she was too afraid to acknowledge, had led her to voice out her disapproval. Her legs automatically moved and she had found herself confronting the group of noble men.

“Speaking in favor of those wild beasts isn’t something fit for a princess.” Her mother admonished sharply.

There were those words again.

Fit for a princess.

The words echoed in Y/N’s mind, a constant reminder of the expectations and scrutiny that plagued her every move.

But why didn’t she feel like a princess?

Especially today.

Tonight on the day where she was supposedly one of the main character’s of the banquet. The night where she was finally introduced as the second princess of this nation.

She didn’t feel like a Princess at all.

And with Chan failing to recognize her this evening, she felt even less than. Y/N closed her eyes tightly for a brief moment, holding back the anger and hurt that simmered within her.

“My words were nothing but the truth. Surely you don’t believe belittling our honorable guests is acceptable? Besides I’ve asserted my power as second princess, you should be satisfied by my actions.” Y/N implored, her words hitting her mother like a challenge.

Lady Katherine stood momentarily speechless, visibly taken aback by her daughter’s defiance, the stubborn glint in her eyes. Things that were becoming too frequent.

Instead of responding, Katherine raised her hand as if to strike Y/N, a familiar threat when she couldn’t counter her daughter’s bold truths. Y/N closed her eyes, ready for the sting that came with it. However, the mother’s hand faltered at the sharp exclamation of her maid.

“My lady, you mustn’t! The princess is still recovering from yesterday’s bruises.” The old maid interjected urgently, prompting Lady Katherine to glance at Y/N’s cheek, concealed under fading makeup.

Her mother’s hand dropped to her side with a frustrated “tsk,” the sound resonating in the quiet night air.

“Have her maid take her back to her chambers, her wounds are becoming visible. I shouldn’t see her for the rest of the night.” Katherine spat, her words laced with displeasure, before turning sharply and stomping off toward the banquet hall.

The maid hesitated, caught between her duty and the tension in the air.

“S-stay here, Princess. I shall send for your maid.” She stammered, hurrying after Lady Katherine.

Finally left alone in the garden, silence stretched around Y/N. The second princess stood in her anger, shame, guilt, for a long while. She glanced around, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

The hiding warrior prince stood puzzled in the shadows, staring wide ahead into the night, suddenly uncertain of his next move. There was an uneasy feeling in his chest from whatever he had stumbled upon unknowingly.

Should he step out and confront the situation, or slip away into the hedges to find another route of escape from this awkward encounter?

But before he could ponder further, he heard her footsteps drawing closer, stopping just a few feet away from the shadows he had concealed himself in. He scrunched his face, praying she would not turn his way, hoping that she would just stomp off.

“Damn it.” She muttered, frustration evident in her voice as she ran a hand through her hair and sighed loudly.

Of course she doesn’t stomp off, the unmistakable sensation of being watched made her jolt, head swiftly turning towards the hedges. Y/N nearly gasped, hand clutching at her chest when she saw the Nightshade Prince step out of the dark bushes.

With a guilty expression plastered on his face, Chris cleared his throat awkwardly, searching for an excuse. He glanced around the garden attempting to come up with anything to say about his presence here. For hiding and ultimately eavesdropping.

“P-Prince Christopher!” Y/N blurted out, before regaining her composure quickly.

“Second Princess…” He addressed, her title still sounding strange and foreign no matter how aware of her existence he was.

“What are you doing here? Are you lost?” She asks, attempting to divert his attention, though it was clear he had overheard her earlier conversation with her mother.

Chris caught himself, pretending he wasn’t glued to the darkness but was talking a nightly stroll and simply stumbled across her path. His gaze flickered toward the direction Lady Katherine and her maid had disappeared, then settled back on Y/N.

“I was out for some air. The atmosphere inside is quite stifling for a wild beast.” Chris remarked casually, his tone laced with a sudden hint of amusement, to ease the awkward, stuffy mood.

Her breath hitched at his words, realizing he had overheard more than she intended. Quickly regaining composure, she bowed slightly.

“I apologize if what you have heard has offended you.”

“Oh? Were you ladies having a discussion about me?” Chris countered with a feigned innocence, his eyes flicking toward the path the two older women had taken, once again.

“Surely not.” Y/N lied with a practiced ease, mirroring his pretense.

“I was referring to Count Miller’s words back then.” She continued

Chris stood impressed by how adeptly the so-called Second Princess handled the situation, even though both were aware of the source of his subtle remarks.

“Do you not agree with Count Miller’s words as well? All of those nobles seemed to have quite a laugh at what he said. I’m sure it’s not different from what everyone here at Elysium believes to be true.” Chris pressed, a trace of frustration creeping into his voice.

“It’s common for the noble folk to mock and taunt others in the pretense of a joke. They do it amongst themselves all the time. If you heed into it, you’ll become an easy target. The best thing to do is treat them in the same way. Or, use your authority.” Y/N states, just like she had done before her mother dragged her out here.

Chris almost chuckled at her straightforwardness, but he maintained his stoic demeanor, studying her with intensity. For a weak princess who had been sheltered all her life, she was really bold. Her ideologies seemed to differ from those of the rest of the Elysium people he had encountered.

An eerily familiar feeling spreads through him.

The silence between them lingered briefly as he observed her, wondering who exactly was this second princess. But while the Nightshade Prince ponders in his thoughts, the second princess is battling her own feelings. A tug at her heart, the want to call out for her Chan.

“D-Do you believe we’ve met before, Prince Christopher?” Y/N interjected, breaking the quiet with a hint of uncertainty, hint of something else.

Chris raised an eyebrow, arms crossing over his chest.

“Is this some sort of flirty remark used in your Elysium Kingdom?” He teased lightly, watching for her reaction with a faint amusement.

One which he easily gets with her stunned gaze, and lips parting slightly in shock.

Composing herself, she dropped her gaze, her voice quieter. “You simply looked… familiar.”

Part of her wished he would recognize her, wished she would clear his misunderstanding. While another part accepted that his failure to do so was probably for the best.

“I have been in the White Mountains of the North for the past decade. It is highly unlikely we crossed paths, even more so for a Princess like yourself.” Chris replied, his demeanor returning to its usual composed state.

Her wonders of where he had disappeared, were finally answered.

Of course she had questions, she had many questions but her voice refused to come out, mind and heart battling with conflicted thoughts and emotions. Her mother’s warnings, her own doubts and self-deprecating thoughts clashing against her want to pull her once only true friend into an embrace.

Instead, she bowed her head.

“I must have made a mistake then.”

Chris softened slightly at the downturn of her expression, his brows easing as he stood upright. The familiar feeling gnawed at him. His heart hammered in his chest.

“Have you ever ventured to the deep end of the Grand Forest river, Princess?” Chris asked, his tone serious, his eyes holding a mixture of earnestness and concern.

A doubtful worry.

A desperate attempt.

Y/N froze, feeling the weight of his question. Stiffening at his awaiting figure before she slowly glanced up to meet his gaze, uncertain of how to respond truthfully.

“I have not.” She found herself lying, the words slipping out almost automatically.

All but a white lie. Her mind concluded.

Silence settled between them, and Chris took in a deep breath, finally coming to his own conclusion.

He crossed his arms, his gaze flickered over to the faint redness peeking through her makeup, the previous day’s bruise healing.

“How is it that a Princess is allowed to be treated in such a manner in your so-called ‘civilized’ society?” Chris questioned, his tone laced with a hint of bitterness.

Y/N raised a hand instinctively to cover her cheek, her head turning in the direction Lady Katherine had stomped off. Bringing her back to her harsh reality.

Once again, the second princess easily controlled her emotions, as she met his gaze. It was no big secret, Lady Katherine had always paraded around her status as the Second Elysium Princess’ mother. It wouldn’t be too long before the foreign guests were made aware of who she truly was.

What expression will Chan make when he finds out about her less-than royal status? She wondered.

“What you witnessed was a mother simply disciplining her child.” She explained, catching him off guard with her response.

His brows contorted in confusion, eyes squinting as he studied her face.

“Are you not the child of the King and Queen?” Chris asked, genuinely confused.

She looked just like the King. She shared lots of similar features with Princess Sienna, he would have never guessed they weren’t full sisters.

“I am the daughter of His Highness the King, and yes, the Queen is mother of all royal children. But the lady who bore me is Lady Katherine, my mother.” Y/N clarified, watching his reaction carefully.

Chris stared at Y/N, trying to process this unconventional family structure. Then, unexpectedly, he let out a mocking laugh.

“The King here runs around having his fun and bringing children into the world, yet your society calls us ‘uncivilized’?” Chris’ words pierced through Y/N, who glanced around quickly to see if anyone had heard his damning words.

“Worry not. There is no one around.” He reassured her, though his eyes involuntarily flicked towards the hedges where he had previously hidden.

“But I guess he still honors his Royal reputation, as you’ve still gotten a title and allowed you to reside on the palace grounds.” Chris mused aloud, while Y/N remained silent.

Everything Christopher had just said struck a nerve of truth. Both embarrassing and painfully true. Despite carrying the title of “Princess,” Y/N knew she could never truly embody it.

But of course a crown prince like himself would never be able to understand that.

“Is it not like that in Nightshade?” Her voice is quiet.

Chris crossed his arms, a half-smile playing on his lips. “We choose one Queen. We’re quite a romantic clan.” He proclaimed proudly, standing tall almost.

His words, though tinged with a hint of cockiness, answered many of Y/N’s unspoken questions. She bit her lip, wondering if he had made his choice.

She recalled the warmth in his eyes as he stared at Sienna. Would he have looked at her like that if she had stepped forward? If she had been bold enough to call him “Chan” right here, right now?

No.

He hadn’t looked at her at all.

He looked down at her because compared to a Sienna, she looked nothing like a princess.

Y/N’s eyes instinctively searched for the crystal bird pendant he had earlier displayed proudly, only to find it discreetly tucked away beneath the collar of his jacket.

But before she could ask about it, before she could perhaps convince herself to tell him about its origins, Chris’ head snapped toward the direction of the trail leading back to the banquet, his eyes narrowing.

“Someone is coming.” The Prince stated abruptly.

Immediately Y/N takes a step back, and seeing her do so, the confused prince is easily able to interpret her expression.

She did not want to be seen with him.

Of course, she was a Royal from Elysium, unlike his princess, she probably hated his kind, his people, like everyone else in this nation.

He sighed, retreating back into the hiding place among the shadows. Turning his head in an unbothered stance, his eyes met Han’s stunned gaze.

“My princess!” It was Anna’s voice, sent to escort Y/N back to her chambers as Lady Katherine had ordered.

The young girl hurried to guide her mistress through the dimly lit garden while Y/N stole one last glance at the hedges where the Warrior Prince had vanished. Emotions swirled within her.

Shame, embarrassment, sadness.

Regret.

“Why didn’t you come out sooner? It’s not polite to eavesdrop, you know?” Chris chided from the shadows once the two men were alone. As if he hadn't done the exact same thing.

“I would have, but it was quite difficult. The Second Princess had already seemed quite flustered after seeing you.” Han explained as they emerged, the Prince and his guard making their way down the garden path.

Chris glanced back briefly towards the direction the second princess had vanished into, her surprised expression, her narrowed gaze.

Suddenly he recalled the young lady who had approached him at the Queen’s palace the morning prior, the familiarity of her voice, her sharp gaze. He faltered in his steps.

“I guess we have met.” He muttered a tinge amused, garnering a look of curiosity from his guard.

The Prince shook his head, changing the topic.

“Did you find out why Princess Sienna didn’t recognize me? Or was she pretending because someone might have overheard?” Chris inquired, concern evident in his voice.

Han sighed, knowing his master had been eagerly anticipating a different outcome.

“Apparently, Princess Sienna was in a carriage accident in Melgarde. She was bedridden for quite some time.” Han revealed, his eyes reflecting Chris’ surprise and sadness.

The prince’s expression softened at such news. Although she was well now, as he had seen, she must have been in a great deal of pain.

“Lady Alyssa mentioned that Sienna struggled to recognize many of the young ladies here. It’s been years since she was last in this palace, and perhaps her injury and the long recovery that followed may have affected her memories of growing up here.” Han continued, observing Chris’ somber mood.

Chris was at a loss for words.

Why was fate so cruel?

He wanted to do nothing but reunite with the one girl that had always lingered in his mind, in his thoughts. Yet, here he was, unable to do any of that. Han placed his hand on the Prince’s shoulder, giving it a soft press.

“Worry not. Think of it as another opportunity. Another chance for you to reconnect with her, without any secrets or hiding of identities—And let’s be honest, now you’re much more charming and handsome, you’ll easily win her over.” Han teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“Was I not handsome and charming as a kid?”

Leave it to Chris to point out the negative side of things.

“You were quite scrawny and arrogant for your age back then. It was very easy to carry you too.” Han answered honestly, prompting a scoff from Chris, but he couldn’t refute.

“Let’s return before they suspect we’re up to something.” Chris muttered, the two men heading back towards the festivities, leaving behind the quiet garden and the tumultuous emotions that had stirred in its midst. ──────────────────────── Y/N stared at her reflection in the tall mirror. Her cheeks remained flushed, the redness lingering even after she had scrubbed away all her makeup. Embarrassment surged anew. She hadn’t expected to encounter the Warrior Prince, let alone for him to see her in such a disheveled state.

To laugh at her rank.

Now he knew her true status.

How lowly she was compared to Princess Sienna, how plain she must have seemed in his eyes. He might not have even considered her a princess before her introduction, and he hadn’t acknowledged her presence back then either.

Tears pricked at her eyes, catching the dim light of her chambers. His words echoed in her mind, his question about the forest, the place where they had met.

She had lied straight to his face.

And now she cried.

Should she have confessed the truth? That the girl he thought of as a dear friend was nothing but a lowly princess, unworthy to stand beside him, let alone befriend him?

Chris had once wondered how his princess would react upon discovering his princely identity. He had reassured himself that there was nothing to worry about. In the cold mountains of the north, he had come to that conclusion.

But clearly, he was wrong.

Instead the sharp Elysium princess took a deep breath, wiping her tears away and finding the strength she always used to hide her pain.

She had made the right decision.

It was nothing but a white lie.

Yes. A lie that would preserve her cherished memories of Chan, who had sought only her company and celebrated only her birthday. Looked at only her.

A lie that would shield her from her heart shattering into a million tiny pieces.

Prior to the arrival of the foreign envoys, the King’s Mistress had warned her daughter to stay cautious of the Nightshade Kingdom and their representatives. Yet, the Queen had declared that the second princess would become an unofficial host to the princes, particularly the Warrior Prince, an excuse that would keep him at arm’s length from her own daughter.

Of course, none of it went unnoticed by the cautious second princess, who wanted to do nothing more than avoid her childhood friend. The childhood friend who suddenly didn’t remind her of the scrawny, innocent boy anymore. Instead, she saw what everyone else did.

A commanding presence with keen eyes and curt words, a no-nonsense young man. Handsome and mysterious.

If Y/N hadn’t glimpsed a tinge of his playful side in the garden that evening, she might have never seen a trace of Chan in him, although his words and demeanor had still remained guarded and brusque even in the presence of them two that night.

But still the lowly princess struggled. Y/N could not separate Chris from Chan, and the pain of it cut deep.

She was unsure of what she had expected.

She had denied being the young princess who once visited their special spot by the river, the one who frequented The Grand Forest. She had let him misunderstand her, yet she couldn’t help but gnaw at her lips as she watched Chris, a smile lingering on his lips, his tone smooth and engaging, a stark contrast to the bluntness he had used with her, when he greeted Sienna.

An emotion simmered within her, elusive and overwhelming. But before it could consume her in the midst of the gathering, she was jolted back to reality by Prince Ian’s loud, carefree laughter. His loud chuckle of carried with the wind.

The royals were gathered at the table, basking in the afternoon warmth of a luncheon hosted in name by Princess Sienna. In truth, her day-younger sister had done the actual preparations. Sienna had not denied it this time. Perhaps, the Queen had given her a stern warning following Sienna’s previous defiance of her wishes the night of the royal dinner.

Although everyone smiled and engaged in conversation, an unspoken tension hung in the air. Sienna hesitated to glance at the foreign princes, either due to unfamiliarity with the situation or lingering childhood lessons about staying wary of Nightshade warriors.

The first princess aside, even the Elysium Crown Prince seemed cautious of the Warrior Prince across from him, yet avoiding meaningful conversation with Prince Hyunjin, who wasn’t important enough for Ian’s attention.

The two crown princes exchanged discussions about politics and current events, probing each other’s nations’ positions through sweet talks.

And even if Prince Ian didn’t quite fill in his title as Crown Prince, Chris could easily tell he was a weasel. a schemer, gathering secrets to use for his own advantage when he saw fit.

Of course, he was his father’s son after all.

Yet, the second princess sat frustrated amongst them. Although Sienna made an excellent princess, with her graceful and generous nature, perfectly embodying an Elysium royal, she lacked the skills to entertain any political conversations, let alone foreign delegates. Perhaps the Queen mother must have noticed it as well, seeing as she ordered for Princess Y/N to be practically glued to the first princess, whenever it came to Sienna interacting with these foreign royals. Aiding her from the shadows.

A place Y/N had never left to begin with.

Amidst her emotional turmoil and recent heartache, Y/N only wished she could escape this gathering. She feared that Chan might catch her stealing glances and misunderstand her longing gaze.

Why shouldn’t he? She had denied any childhood connection with him.

Conflicted and uncertain, Y/N managed to keep her feelings in check. She turned her attention to the Sylvancrest prince, engaging him with genuine interest in tales of his voyages to distract herself from Prince Christopher and the Nightshade matters. Yet, as she laughed softly at something he said, she felt the intense gaze of the Warrior Prince upon her. Despite her attempts to dismiss it as coincidence, his eyes lingered, studying her.

When she looked up to meet his gaze, his eyes quickly softened and looked away, as if it were an accident. Moments later, his gaze shifted to Sienna, who was conversing with the Princess-consort. This time, his expression was gentle, even if his glance was fleeting.

Y/N couldn’t really blame anyone, even if she wanted to. Sienna had never confirmed that she was Chan’s childhood friend, she had merely been captivated by the crystal bird hanging around his neck. Perhaps it gave her a glimpse back to her memory from that day.

But her simple acknowledgment of it seemed to be enough for a friend desperate to reunite with her like they had once promised.

The very bird that had once belonged to Sienna herself.

Despite Y/N’s efforts to plant seeds of denial, Sienna’s inability to recall details of their shared childhood in the capital felt like one of the cruelest coincidences of all.

What a harsh twist of fate. ──────────────────────── The leader of the Midnight Order found himself facing new and unexpected challenges. For years, he had navigated the night with ease, slipping through shadows without fear of detection. Yet despite the rigorous training he’d undergone in the harsh Northern Mountains, he was ill-prepared for the complexities of foreign terrain. To make matters worse, the Kingdom of Elysium was a vibrant and restless realm, alive with activity even after dark.

However, as the leader and sole shadow protector of his band of Midnight warriors accompanying his prince to this foreign kingdom, Minho was well-versed in completing his tasks with precision. By the time the palace was shrouded in the deep darkness that marked the end of the day, after enduring a long day of hearing Prince Ian boast about his prowess with sword and bow, Crown Prince Christopher knew upon seeing Minho in the darkness of his chambers that his warrior had discovered something significant.

Han stood guard, though it was more a precaution than a necessity, as the three warriors in the room had finely tuned hearing, honed over years of training.

“The elite nobles of the Elysium King’s court have been making frequent visits to his throne room.” Minho reported quietly.

“Sometimes they even venture into the king's official study, despite all the revelry. These visits often stretch late into the night.”

Something was definitely amiss, and the Nightshade Prince felt a simmering anger as he grappled with the mystery behind it all. Worry crept in, fueling his unease about the schemes the Elysium royals and nobles might be plotting. He recalled the jabs Count Miller had made during the banquet and the palpable hostility from Prince Ian. He even remembered the way Sienna had avoided looking at him.

Had she begun to hate him?

Did the years spent apart reshape her perspective, so that she no longer saw Nightshade as a nation with its own traditions and history? Instead as an enemy?

Was she afraid of him?

Minho’s sharp, low voice pulled Chris from his troubling thoughts.

“I will continue to monitor the situation. However, I suspect the Elysium Queen has more influence on what is happening than she admits.”

Han’s brows furrowed as he tried to recall any signs of underlying tensions from the Queen. All he remembered were her pleasant smiles as she clung to the king’s arm during the rare glimpses he had of her.

Chris leaned back in his seat, eyes fixed on the Midnight leader.

“She’s embedded her own people everywhere, keeping a watchful eye from the comfort of her parlor. I’ve already seen a few familiar faces slipping in and out of her palace.”

It wasn’t surprising to Chris. He had long suspected that the Queen was more than just her gracious demeanor and generous words. If the King’s mistress could cause trouble and strike the second princess, surely the Queen was capable of far more.

For a fleeting moment, Chris’ thoughts drifted back to the second princess. To her surprised expression when he saw her in the garden that evening, the red flush on her cheeks from her mother’s “discipline.”

He suddenly remembered her stepping away from him, afraid someone might see her engaging in a conversation with him. Perhaps, looking down on him.

The warrior prince remembered her soft giggle. The one that had caught his attention amidst his conversation at the luncheon earlier that day. Watching as her eyes crinkled, fingers masking her lips to muffle the delicate sound that came through.

His hand reached towards the crystal bird necklace, gripping it softly in his palms as he bit the inside of his cheek, frustrated.

Why was he suddenly fixating on a princess he hadn’t known about until a few days ago?

Chris found the distraction unsettling and did not like it at all.

Her presence irked him.

Although the Nightshade Prince noticed that the second princess’s eyes always narrowed into a scowl whenever she thought he wasn’t looking, he couldn’t help but feel irritated.

The feeling was mutual it seemed.

After every encounter, Y/N’s stern tone and narrowed brows didn’t escape the observant prince.

Unlike Sienna, who perpetually wore a warm smile and exuded a gentle, welcoming demeanor, Y/N was unflinchingly forthright. Her candidness was striking and at first, it even impressed Chris, especially when she added her voice to the complex debates among the princes. However, her views always seemed to oppose his, as if she were deliberately contradicting him.

It was clear she didn’t like him. (He was mistaken, of course.)

What the keen eyed Warrior Prince failed to see was that Y/N was, in fact, reflecting his own opinions in her way, articulating thoughts he would come to later.

If she made a controversial statement, the room would dismiss it as the naive blunders of a young lady unfamiliar with politics. A princess from Elysium would never publicly criticize her own nation. Especially a lowly princess like herself.

But if Chris, the crown prince of a rival kingdom, had expressed similar sentiments, the reaction would have been different. Harsh words and accusations would fly, tarnishing his reputation and insulting his people. Calling him uncivilized.

In reality, the second princess was always on his side, even if she told herself to keep her distance until it was time for him to leave.

She would pretend their childhood friendship had ended with his cheesy, dimpled smile and promises of a reunion that carried with that summer breeze in the Grand Forest, was the last memory she had of him.

But fate seemed to have other plans.

She continually found herself drawn into Prince Christopher’s orbit.

Y/N’s thoughts were interrupted as she gazed at the novel in Anna’s hand. The young maid’s face was alight with excitement as she held it out.

“I finally managed to snag it for you, my lady.” Anna said, her enthusiasm evident.

Despite her usual disapproval of the princess’s obsession with romantic tales, Anna was always one step ahead in securing these stories for Y/N.

Y/N took the book, her emotions shifting as she held it. The love stories within had become an escape from her bleak reality, fueling dreams that suddenly felt unattainable for someone like her.

She was royalty, but not royal enough . A princess, yes, but one often overlooked and forgotten.

Such stories of perfect love seemed forever out of reach now.

“Princess?” Anna’s bright eyes, brimming with hope, were impossible to ignore.

Even though the young maid pretended to be indifferent to these tales, she always listened intently as Y/N recounted them.

With a resigned sigh, Y/N accepted the novel, slipping once more into the realm of impossible happiness. ──────────────────────── The founding day celebrations had been postponed to coincide with the grand wedding of the Elysium Crown Prince and his future consort. Yet, the festivities seemed endless. Chris gazed out of the large window, which framed a perfect view of the rose garden, and immediately noticed a figure that seemed both out of place and captivating.

Y/N.

She was seated under the gazebo, lost in the pages of a novel, her afternoon dress casual yet elegant.

When Chris had first discovered that his room overlooked the rose garden, he hadn’t paid it much attention. But seeing her there, so absorbed in her book, a wave of distraction washed over him before he swiftly composed himself and drew the curtains closed.

The following day, at the same time, with the sun still high and the warm afternoon breeze flowing through the garden, she was there again, holding the same novel.

Chris found his curiosity piqued. Yet, agitated at the same time.

What could be so enthralling about that book that it drew her out again? She looked so at peace now but earlier she had crossed him over a discussion at the library.

On the third day, it was as if he had been expecting her. The new memory of their encounter earlier that day lingered bitterly, her deliberate avoidance still fresh in his mind. Her curt dismissal had stung his pride, yet the warrior prince found himself inexplicably drawn to observing her from the windowpane.

Han had been talking about yet another celebratory dinner, but Chris remained silent, his gaze fixed on her in the distance.

Did she realize how much she irritated him? Her aloof and sometimes sharp demeanor, her lack of deference, all irked him.

Did she know how beautiful she was?

The way her brows furrowed in concentration, her fingers absentmindedly toying with the earring on her lobe. Subtle gestures that were just enough to capture the Nightshade prince’s attention.

Chris’ eyes traced the contours of her figure as she sat elegantly, yet casually, at the garden table. But as quickly as his gaze lingered, they were cast downward.

Damn, he was doing it again.

Staring.

What was wrong with him?

He chastised himself for the impropriety of his thoughts and the rudeness of watching a princess lost in her own world.

He should have been thinking about Sienna. He should be thinking about her sweet smile, her soft voice that reintroduced him to a familiar dessert they’d shared in the quiet of the forest as children. Her apology when she noticed that he was upset by what her sister had said.

Chris glanced to his right, finding Han waiting for a response to a question he hadn’t fully heard. Something about another royal dinner, as if the numerous gatherings he’d attended since arriving hadn’t been enough.

“It seems Elysium revels in fanfare and celebrations.” The Nightshade Crown Prince chuckled, pulling the curtains shut.

Han hummed in agreement.

“Yes. Even Minho is exhausted. The palace grounds are bustling day and night, with no respite for him to wander in the dark.”

Chris recalled how Minho had been in and out of his room all night, avoiding patrol guards, and how he nearly tackled the poor warrior the first time he snuck in.

But, despite all the criticism and his reservations, not all these events were unwelcome.

They provided glimpses of Sienna, giving Chris hope for a chance to exchange words and be enchanted by her smile. Perhaps help her remember some of the things they enjoyed laughing about as children. Lately, however, wherever Sienna went, Y/N followed.

The second princess, almost her exact opposite in grace and demeanor.

Chris scowled at the closed window, a sour taste in his mouth.

“Prince Ian wants you to join him in the garden this afternoon. Apparently, he wants to show off his archery skills.” Han said with a hint of amusement, leaning back onto the wood of the grand door.

Chris frowned at the mention of the garden, the very place where Y/N was currently sitting.

“Send an attendant. I’ll be delayed.” He dismissed with a groan, sinking back into his recliner. He had no interest in engaging in passive-aggressive conversation with the second princess, or in witnessing Ian’s mediocre archery skills.

But Chris hadn’t been able to stay away, despite his best efforts.

As he arrived at the garden, he found the atmosphere tense and charged with unease. Prince Hyunjin was absent, leaving only the Crown Prince Ian, the two princesses, and a young Nightshade warrior in training.

Prince Christopher’s attendant.

The young boy stood rooted in place, eyes on the ground, visibly terrified.

Ian had grown up under his father’s shadow, inheriting not only the title of Crown Prince, but also a sense of superiority and disdain for those he deemed beneath him. At the academy, he had developed a cruel pastime, using his archery skills to intimidate and humiliate others. What began with targeting fruits and inanimate objects had escalated to using live targets. Servants, humble nobles, anyone he felt he could dominate.

And now, in the pretense of afternoon tea, Ian was showcasing his skill with a bow and arrow. His target, already picked out. He was showing off, and had been goading Chris’ young aide, a warrior in training who seemed weaker compared to the seasoned soldiers.

Even Ian’s choice of target revealed his own inadequacies as an archer, highlighting how pathetic his skills truly were.

The Elysium Prince’s taunts were laced with condescension and veiled threats, masking his unchecked power with laughter and mockery. Sienna, watched in silence, troubled by Ian’s behavior, while Y/N struggled to contain her anger at the blatant injustice.

The foreign warrior prince and his guard watched in disbelief as the scene unfolded.

“Usually, a bow and arrow are used to protect people. But here, the traditions seem different,” Chris remarked, his anger barely concealed behind a veneer of calm.

Ian’s expression soured. “Don’t be such a downer. He’s just an attendant.” He retorted nonchalantly, his dismissive tone making Chris’ gaze narrow.

“Then use me as the target. He’s just my attendant after all.” Chris challenged, aware that Ian would never risk breaching the peace agreement by aiming at him.

If Ian dared and attempted to draw an arrow at him, Minho or Han would intervene before he could react. Han’s fingers hovered over the hilt of his sword, ready to act.

Sienna gripped Y/N’s hand tightly, her face a mask of fear and worry as the sudden tension mounted. A silence fell between the two crown princes until Ian grunted in concession.

“Fine then.” He said, scanning the area and locking eyes with a young attendant among his own servants. “You, get over here.”

Another young boy froze, wide-eyed and trembling. This time the second princess couldn’t hold her tongue, unable to stay silent any longer. Slowly, she made her way to the two young men, her legs moving on their own. Sienna watched with a look of concern, hoping her justice-driven sister wouldn’t act recklessly.

“Brother, you shouldn’t cause such a scene.” Y/N finally interjected, her voice steady despite the palpable tension.

“The Nightshade Prince doesn’t seem comfortable with this game.”

Ian’s eyes flashed with irritation at Y/N’s interruption. He glanced at Sienna and then at the second princess, who seemed to be forgetting her place.

The Elysium crown prince laughed, his tone mocking.

“Fine then, why don’t you play with me, my dear sister?”

Y/N stiffened, suddenly caught off guard by the Prince’s audacity. Sienna stood up, shocked by his words, while Chris wondered if such behavior was common among the royals here.

And they called his country barbaric.

“Surely you’re not serious?” Sienna exclaimed, horror evident as she looked between her siblings.

“It’s just a friendly game between siblings.” Ian taunted with a sinister grin. “Isn’t it?”

“I accept your challenge.” Y/N declared firmly, though her hands trembled as she clutched her dress.

“Princess Y/N, you don’t have to.” Chris finally interjected, stepping forward.

“Ian, this isn’t necessary.” He said, his voice calm but firm.

Nothing about this situation was sane. Even the second princess, who Chris thought would be level headed, proved to be prideful and stubborn.

But Y/N, with a boldness that surprised even herself, stood her ground.

“It’s just a friendly game between siblings.” She insisted, her gaze unwavering despite knowing the potential consequences of defiance.

Chris glanced around the courtyard, his eyes narrowing as he observed the absurdity unfolding before him.

Prince Ian, standing with a bow in hand and a smirk on his face that exuded arrogance. While Princess Y/N, stood a few paces away, appeared both defiant and uncomfortable.

Han stood frozen, shock evident on his face as he exchanged glances with his frustrated Prince.

“You’re too short. Place it on your shoulder.” Prince Ian taunted, gesturing toward the apple in Y/N’s slightly trembling hands.

The stubborn princess straightened her back, determination in her gaze. With a forced smile, she placed the apple on her shoulder, trying to balance it as best she could.

Ian smirked triumphantly, drawing the bowstring taut. The tension in the air was palpable as everyone held their breath, acutely aware of Ian’s skill with a bow but also the wrongness of the situation.

Chris felt a surge of anger. His patience snapping as he glared at Prince Ian.

“This must be a joke.” Chris muttered, shifting his gaze between Ian and the silent Sienna, who refused to meet his eyes.

“Prince Ian, this is not—”

The arrow sliced through the air, cutting his words short before striking the apple cleanly and embedding itself into the tree behind Y/N. The second princess flinched. A sudden yelp escaped her lips as her hand instinctively went to her shoulder where the arrow had grazed her skin.

“You distracted me, Prince Christopher.” Ian snapped, sucking his teeth, lowering his bow and turning a challenging glare towards Chris.

“Y/N!” Sienna’s voice erupted amidst the tension.

Chris took a step forward, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

“This wasn’t a jest, Ian. You could have seriously hurt her.”

Ian’s expression darkened, wounded pride evident in his retort.

“It was just a game.” He said dismissively, waving off Chris’ concern.

The hurt princess winced slightly as she withdrew her hand from her shoulder, revealing bloodied fingers from where the arrow had grazed her. Sienna rushed forward, concern etched on her face as she examined Y/N’s injury.

“I-It’s just a small nick.” Y/N assured her sister with a strained smile, though her discomfort was clear.

Sienna bit her lip, suddenly unsure of how to address the situation in front of the guests, in front of the servants and the foreign attendants, not wanting to escalate matters.

“Tsk. The sight of blood has fouled my mood.” Ian grumbled, setting down his bow with evident annoyance, while Chris shot him a frustrated look.

“You’re just a guest here, Christopher. Don’t overstep your bounds.” Ian’s tone was laced with irritation.

The Warrior Prince clenched his jaw, fists tightening at his sides. He had respected Ian as a prince and a future leader of Elysium, but in that moment, he saw only a bully hiding behind his title.

The Crown Prince made a swift exit, leaving his sister to handle the aftermath.

Chris stood in his own silence after the Prince’s quick return. Inhaling sharply as he crossed his arms against his chest and took slow, deliberate steps towards the princesses.

“So this was the ‘friendly game’ between siblings?” He raised an eyebrow, disappointment and frustration clear in his eyes as he looked at Sienna, who had done nothing to prevent the situation.

He had expected at least her to say something. Even if both her siblings appeared to be insane, Sienna should have said something. But Chris’ gaze faltered, seeing Y/N scowl at him, even amidst her clear pain, a scowl that seemed so familiar to him now.

“I advise you to keep these sarcastic remarks to yourself, Prince Christopher. It was nothing but a mistake.” Y/N interjected before Sienna could even begin to come up with something to say.

Chris’ gaze shifted to the injured but still defiant second princess, who took a sudden small step back under his cold scrutiny. The bravery she had shown moments ago had suddenly crumbled under his stern stare. He remained silent, looking between her faltering eyes and the hand covering her injured shoulder. She seemed vulnerable, a small bunny trembling under his gaze.

His brows narrowed, another surge of frustration and anger simmering within him. But he clenched his fist, composing himself.

“The second princess claims to be fine. It’s just a small misunderstanding, Prince Christopher.” Sienna sighed softly, shielding her younger sister.

Chris exhaled, his gaze falling to the ground before he spoke.

“If Princess Sienna says so.” He finally said, his voice softening as he nodded at the first princess.

Then his eyes shifted back to the second princess, turning colder as he looked at her.

Y/N’s chest tightened with a mix of hurt and disappointment. Chan’s disapproving look cut through her defenses, making her feel exposed and vulnerable, more so than the small nick on her shoulder ever could.

Y/N was ruining herself in his eyes, and it was a torment far worse than the physical pain.

It didn’t feel like a simple white lie anymore. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ to be continued.

── ask to be tagged! - @stayceebs97, @palindrome969, @tsunderelino, @solandiszale, @fixation-dump, @ellelabelle, @gaslasyttune, @qwonyoung23, @minh0scat, @candyquokka

99 notes · View notes