Kairan was in the palace garden, kneeling by the soft earth as he tended to his healing plants. His mother's book lay open beside him, its worn pages filled with notes and instructions.
Carefully, he pressed the soil around the roots, murmuring spells and following the guidance she had left behind.
The warm morning breeze carried the scent of fresh herbs and flowers, mixing with the faint hum of magic.
But even surrounded by life, he felt hollow.
He had spent months as Aldric's mate, months marked by duty and quiet companionship-but not love. Not in the way he longed for.
Kairan wasn't blind to the whispers in the palace halls. That he was just a promise fulfilled, a bond honored out of duty rather than devotion. That Aldric did not love him-not truly-but only kept him because he had to.
The whispers were always there. Kairan had thought that once they performed the binding ritual, they would stop. But the unfulfilled claim had only fueled them.
He told himself he didn't believe them. He shouldn't believe them. And yet... doubt festered like a wound refusing to heal.
Footsteps approached. He didn't need to turn to know who it was.
Aldric.
"You look like a child lost in his own world," Aldric said with a tired smile, his voice softer than usual.
After Kairan's heat, Aldric had made an effort to spend more time with him. They shared quiet breakfasts and took slow walks through the garden.
"It reminds me of when we were younger," Aldric had said once, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Back when our biggest concern was sneaking out of lessons to hide in the orchard."
Kairan had laughed at that, remembering how they would lie in the tall grass, staring at the sky for hours, talking about everything and nothing.
Back then, it had been easy. Back then, Aldric had been his closest friend, his anchor in a world that always seemed too vast.
But now... even with these moments together, Aldric seemed distant, his mind always occupied with the kingdom's growing crisis.
Kairan understood. He truly did.
But that didn't stop the loneliness from settling deep in his chest.
He glanced up, wiping his hands on his robe. "My father gave me my mother's healing books when he left. She left detailed instructions on how to take care of these plants, to increase their healing power."
Aldric crouched beside him, brushing soil off Kairan's cheek with his thumb. His fingers lingered for a moment before moving lower, gently taking Kairan's hand in his own.
Kairan swallowed. It was so easy to get lost in moments like this, to pretend this was enough. To let himself believe the warmth in Aldric's touch meant more than he feared it did.
"You always lose yourself in these things," Aldric murmured.
Kairan forced a small smile. "I like caring for them."
Aldric leaned in and kissed him. The warmth of it spread through Kairan, slow and deep, pulling him in. His omega instincts stirred at his Alpha's touch, his scent growing stronger in response.
He kissed back, because he wanted this. Wanted Aldric.
But somewhere in the depths of his heart, something whispered-
What if you are just a duty to him?
Aldric's grip tightened as he deepened the kiss. His hands slid around Kairan's waist, pulling him closer. The world outside-the garden, the palace, the responsibilities-faded away.
Without breaking the kiss, Aldric lifted him into his arms with ease. Kairan let out a small breath of surprise but didn't protest. He knew where this was going. His heart pounded as Aldric carried him through the halls, ignoring the passing glances of servants, until they reached the privacy of their chambers.
The door shut behind them.
Aldric set Kairan down on the bed and, without hesitation, reached for the ties of his robe. He untied them slowly, letting the fabric slip down Kairan's shoulders, baring his skin.
Kairan's breath hitched as Aldric's fingers brushed over him, warm and firm, exploring every inch as if memorizing him all over again.
Aldric removed his own clothes just as slowly, his eyes never leaving Kairan's.
When he climbed onto the bed, he pressed Kairan down against the sheets, his weight warm and solid above him. He leaned in, lips brushing over Kairan's collarbone, then lower, tracing a path across his skin.
Kairan arched beneath him, gasping softly as Aldric's hands roamed lower, fingers teasing. The slow, careful touches sent heat pooling in his belly.
Aldric took his time, preparing him with gentle strokes, stretching him until the tension melted into pleasure.
Kairan's fingers tightened around Aldric's arms, his body trembling from the overwhelming sensation.
"Aldric," he breathed, his voice laced with urgency. "Now... please... I don't want to wait."
He wanted to say more-I don't want to wait anymore. I want you to claim me. I want you to prove that I'm more than just a promise you made.
But the words never left his lips.
Aldric stilled for a moment, searching his mate's gaze. But Kairan turned away. He couldn't afford to be seen.
Then, with a quiet exhale, Aldric pushed forward, entering him in a slow, steady movement.
Kairan gasped, his body tensing before gradually adjusting to the stretch. Aldric kissed him deeply, grounding him, holding him through it. When Kairan relaxed beneath him, Aldric began to move, setting a rhythm that sent sparks of pleasure through both of them.
They moved together, bodies perfectly in sync.
Aldric's pace quickened, his grip tightening as he lost himself in Kairan's warmth. Kairan clung to him, their breaths mingling, hearts racing in unison.
When release finally came, it crashed over them like a wave. Kairan trembled in Aldric's arms, his body pulsing with the aftershocks of pleasure. Aldric held him close, his own breath unsteady as he pressed soft kisses against Kairan's damp skin.
They lay tangled together, their bodies still humming with the remnants of passion. Kairan rested his head on Aldric's chest, feeling the steady beat of Aldric's heart beneath his ear.
Aldric ran his fingers through Kairan's hair, his touch lazy and soothing.
For a brief moment, everything was still.
But Kairan knew the moment would end. It always did.
Then-a knock at the door.
Both of them froze.
A voice called from the other side.
"Your Majesty, the Sevaris Clan Leader, Zareth Sevaris, has arrived."
Aldric sighed, fingers tightening around Kairan's waist before pressing a lingering kiss to his temple.
"It seems duty never waits."
Kairan let out a soft, sad smile. "Yeah. It never does."
But he knew-whatever had brought the Sevaris leader here wouldn't be simple.