💖FROM HATE TO HEART 💖

BEYOND THE PALACE WALLS

💗CH-9💗

In the grand library of Alicante,  Alec  moved quietly between towering shelves of leather-bound books contains seelie history and ancient scrolls .

The library had always been his sanctuary, a place of knowledge, history, and comfort away from the burdens of the throne. But on this particular morning, he wasn't here just for the solace of books; he had come with a hope—a hope to find a familiar face that he found himself thinking of more often than he cared to admit.

As he approached one of the quiet reading alcoves, he noticed the unmistakable figure he’d been looking for: Magnus . Alec’s gaze softened as he took in the sight. Magnus, dressed in finely woven silks of dark green and silver, sat absorbed in a book.

His long, dark braid rested over his shoulder, swaying slightly each time he shifted. His amber eyes traced each line with intense focus, and Alec noticed with a quiet fascination how Magnus's lips moved just barely as he read, whispering along with the words on the page.

It was a mesmerizing sight, one that Alec found himself unwilling to interrupt. There was a calm and peaceful aura around Magnus as he read, like he belonged to another world entirely.

Magnus’s presence had become a quiet comfort in Alec’s life since they first met—something he hadn’t anticipated, but now found himself drawn to more and more. It was as if the library itself had grown warmer, more welcoming, when it's first time Magnus has visited. He never appeared in this library because of the two hours distance between Aetheria and Alicante

After a few moments, Alec cleared his throat softly, just enough to let Magnus know he was there without breaking the peaceful atmosphere. Magnus looked up, and when his eyes met Alec’s, they softened with recognition and a touch of warmth. A small, genuine smile appeared on his face as he closed the book just slightly, marking his place.

"Your Majesty," Magnus greeted, his voice gentle but playful. "I see I’m not the only one who seeks refuge in the company of books today."

Alec returned the smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "And here I thought you might be lost in some distant corner of Aetheria," he replied, his tone light. "But instead, I find you here, occupying my favorite seat."

Magnus laughed softly, the sound as soothing as the rustle of pages. "Well, I’m honored to have claimed the king’s preferred spot, even if only temporarily." He gestured to the seat across from him, and Alec took the invitation, settling in with a comfortable familiarity.

“It’s hard to resist a place like this, even if it is cost my two hours ” Magnus continued, glancing around the grand space. “Aetheria’s libraries are beautiful, but there nothing related to fae there’s , a magic here, in Alicante’s halls, that I don’t feel anywhere else.”

Alec’s gaze lingered on Magnus, his words resonating deeply. “I feel the same,” he admitted, leaning forward slightly. “There’s something here that brings peace, and I think it’s a rare thing to find.”

Magnus nodded, a hint of understanding passing between them, and then his gaze shifted back to his book. Alec’s eyes followed, noticing the intricate script and the faded ink. “What are you reading, if I may ask?” he asked, curiosity sparking in his voice.

Magnus’s face lit up as he held the book up for Alec to see. “An old tale from Aetheria,” he replied, his voice filled with fondness. “It speaks of the the how the fae court of aetheria was there contained hope , joy and love”

The last word hung in the air between them, and Alec felt his heart skip a beat. “I wasn’t aware the histories of fae court was so closely woven,” he said, his tone quieter, almost reverent. “Would you… would you share a part of it with me?”