Fated To Love • GeminiFourth

8. A Chance To Get Closer

The palace corridors stretched endlessly before Gemini as he made his way to Prince Fourth's chambers. The quiet footsteps of servants echoed faintly against the grand marble floors, while delicate silk tapestries fluttered slightly in the breeze from open windows. Beyond the courtyard, the garden was in full bloom, yet none of its beauty could calm the turmoil brewing inside Gemini’s mind.

Being summoned by the prince was an honor few servants ever experienced, yet unease gnawed at him. Ever since the prince had first laid eyes on him, there had been an inexplicable tension between them. Something beyond their current roles, something ancient and unspoken.

Arriving at the heavy wooden doors, guarded by two palace soldiers, Gemini took a deep breath. One of the guards pushed the door open, allowing him inside.

Prince Fourth’s chambers were grand, as expected of royalty. The walls were adorned with elaborate scrolls depicting the imperial family’s history, while low, intricately carved wooden tables held fine porcelain vases. Beyond the open window, the sweet scent of magnolia flowers drifted in, mingling with the incense burning in the corner.

The prince was seated at a table, pouring himself tea. His robes, adorned with gold and deep blue embroidery, shimmered under the sunlight. His expression was calm, but his eyes betrayed a quiet intensity. His long dark hair was pulled back, held by a simple yet elegant jade hairpin, showing the regal nature of his bloodline.

Gemini knelt deeply, his forehead nearly touching the ground. “Your Highness, I have come as requested.”

Prince Fourth’s voice, smooth and measured, broke the silence. “You were there at the ceremony.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Gemini responded, heart pounding.

Fourth stood up, his movements graceful and controlled, like the wind itself. He approached Gemini slowly, his gaze never wavering. “I have seen many servants in this palace, yet none like you.”

Gemini stiffened. His throat went dry as he struggled to find words. “I… am but a humble servant, Your Highness.”

Fourth gazed at him for a long moment, his eyes sharp as if trying to pierce through Gemini’s soul. “Humble, perhaps. But not ordinary.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the distant rustling of bamboo leaves outside. Prince Fourth paced slowly before him, his hands clasped behind his back. “I have chosen you to serve me directly. From today onward, you will attend to my personal needs.”

Gemini’s chest tightened. His heart raced, and though he kept his head bowed, the weight of the prince’s gaze was impossible to ignore. “But, Your Highness,” he began cautiously, “I am not fit for such a position. Surely, others are more qualified.”

“I care not for qualifications,” Fourth said firmly. “I trust my instincts, and they tell me there is more to you than you let on. You will serve me.”

Gemini bowed his head even lower, his mind a whirl of confusion and fear. “As you wish, Your Highness.”

Fourth’s expression softened slightly, but there was an unreadable quality in his eyes. “Good. Prepare yourself. I will require your service at the garden later today.”

Before Gemini could respond, the door slid open once more, and in stepped Emperor Earth and Empress Mix. Their arrival was sudden, their presence commanding. The emperor’s robes were richly embroidered with dragons symbolizing power, while the empress’s attire was a cascade of silks in hues of jade and gold.

Gemini immediately lowered his head further, his body trembling under their imposing gaze. Though he could not see their faces, the atmosphere in the room grew cold as they regarded him with disdain.

The empress was the first to speak, her voice smooth but laced with sharpness. “This is the servant you have chosen, Fourth?”

“Yes, Mother,” Fourth responded, his tone respectful but unwavering.

The empress cast a glance at Gemini, her eyes narrowing with obvious disapproval. “A common servant. How typical of you to indulge in your whims.”

The emperor, who had remained silent, stepped forward, his gaze hard as steel. “You are a prince, Fourth. You cannot lower yourself by associating with those beneath our station. You will bring shame upon this family if you continue this folly.”

Fourth’s jaw tightened, but he did not flinch under his father’s words. “It is my decision whom I choose to serve me. Gemini will remain by my side.”

The emperor scoffed, his voice filled with derision. “Do not forget your place, Fourth. You are the heir to this empire. Your responsibilities extend far beyond your personal desires.”

Gemini remained silent, his head still bowed, though shame burned in his chest. He knew his place in this world was beneath theirs, but the emperor’s words stung like a wound being reopened.

Empress Mix sneered slightly, glancing at Gemini as if he were dirt beneath her feet. “This servant is nothing, Fourth. Your time should not be wasted on him.”

But Fourth did not back down. His gaze never left his father’s as he spoke. “I am not a child, Father. I know what I am doing.”

The emperor’s face darkened with frustration, but he did not press further. With a final look of disdain toward Gemini, he turned on his heel and exited the chamber, the empress following close behind.

As the doors closed, the tension in the room remained thick. Gemini dared not move, his heart pounding in his chest. He had been chosen by the prince, but the emperor and empress’s scorn hung heavily over him.

Fourth let out a slow breath, his expression softening as he turned to Gemini. “Do not worry about them. You are under my protection now.”

Gemini nodded, though unease still gnawed at him. The weight of the imperial family’s disdain would not be easy to bear. Still, there was a strange comfort in Fourth’s words—a reassurance that their bond, whatever it was, transcended their roles in this life.

But deep inside, Gemini knew this was just the beginning of a struggle far greater than anything he had ever known.