The next morning, I woke at the usual hour for my training.

  Soft light filtered through the curtains, casting a pale glow across the room. Aunt Valeria was still asleep beside me, her back resting gently against my chest. Her breathing was slow and even, far more peaceful than her usual guarded expression during the day.

  For a moment, I simply watched her.

  Last night had shifted something between us. The air felt different—quieter, heavier, yet strangely warm.

  I wrapped an arm around her waist carefully. She stirred almost immediately.

  “Mm…?” she murmured.

  Her eyes fluttered open, and when she realized how close we were, a faint blush colored her cheeks. She turned to face me, giving me a look that tried—and failed—to be stern.

  “You’re awake already, Edric?” she asked softly.

  “I have training,” I replied with a small smile. “But I didn’t want to move. You looked comfortable.”

  She sighed, though her lips curved upward slightly. “You really are troublesome.”

  For a brief moment, we simply looked at one another. The playfulness was subdued now, replaced by something more serious.

  After a few seconds, she slowly sat up.

  “We need to talk,” Valeria said.

  I nodded. I had expected this.

  “…Let me bathe first,” she added, glancing at the disheveled sheets before quickly looking away. She slipped out of bed and walked toward the bathroom.

  Soon, the sound of running water filled the room.

  I sat quietly, collecting my thoughts. Being a member of the Valemont Family meant that every action I took could ripple outward. As the Fourth Prince of the Eldoria Imperium, I could not afford recklessness.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  After a short while, I approached the bathroom door and knocked lightly.

  “May I come in?”

  There was silence. Then—

  “…Fine.”

  Steam drifted outward when I entered. Valeria stood beneath the falling water, her posture composed but her expression conflicted.

  “Edric,” she began, not meeting my eyes, “you cannot tell anyone about this.”

  “I won’t,” I said firmly.

  She finally looked up at me. There was worry in her gaze.

  “What happened between us… it’s complicated. I am still legally tied to Marcus Kainridge. And you…” She hesitated. “You are a prince of the Valemont Family. If rumors spread, it would damage you far more than me.”

  I stepped closer but kept a respectful distance.

  “I won’t let rumors control my life,” I replied calmly. “And I won’t let anyone harm you because of me.”

  She gave a faint, sad smile. “You speak as if you can control the entire Imperium.”

  “Maybe not yet,” I admitted. “But I will.”

  Her expression softened at that.

  “Part of me thinks we should end this before it grows more dangerous,” she whispered. “You know the consequences, Edric. Politics within the Eldoria Imperium are not forgiving.”

  “I know,” I said quietly. “But I won’t pretend last night meant nothing.”

  Silence lingered between us, broken only by the sound of water.

  “I’m tired,” she confessed finally. “Tired of pretending everything is stable. Tired of enduring things alone.”

  Without hesitation, I closed the distance and gently wrapped my arms around her. This time, she did not resist.

  “You’re not alone anymore,” I said softly. “I promise you that.”

  Her shoulders trembled slightly before she steadied herself.

  After a long moment, she stepped back.

  “Go train,” she said, regaining her composure. “You’re still Edric Valemont before anything else.”

  I smiled faintly. “Yes, Lady Valeria.”

  Once dressed, I headed to the courtyard and began my morning training. Each movement of my blade was sharper than usual. If I intended to protect those I cared about, strength alone would not suffice—I would need influence, strategy, and patience.

  When I returned, the scent of breakfast filled the house.

  Valeria stood at the stove, moving with graceful efficiency. From behind, she looked composed, untouchable. But now, I knew the truth behind that strength.

  She sensed my presence and glanced over her shoulder. A faint blush crossed her face before she quickly turned back to her cooking.

  Moments later, Julian Kael entered the kitchen.

  “Mother… Edric…” he greeted, tilting his head slightly as if sensing something unusual.

  We sat and ate together, maintaining an appearance of normalcy.

  But just as we finished, a heavy knock struck the door.

  “Valeeeria… I’m back…” came a slurred voice from outside.

  Valeria froze.

  The warmth in the room vanished instantly.

  I stood slowly, my expression hardening as I turned toward the entrance.

  Marcus Kainridge had arrived.