BOUND BY ROYALTY

CHAPTER 12

_ _ _

The event had finally come to an end, though the memories of Kastiel's smirk and his piercing gaze lingered in my mind like an unwelcome shadow. I had barely eaten, barely spoken, yet every step I took through the lavish hall had felt heavy, as though dragging the weight of his presence with me.

Now, the stillness of the royal garden brought a slight reprieve. The soft chirping of crickets and the scent of blooming jasmine filled the air, but it wasn't enough to calm the storm inside me. My hands trembled as I gripped the edge of the marble fountain, staring into the rippling reflection of the moonlight on the water.

"You've been quiet all evening."

The deep voice startled me, and I turned to find Aleron stepping into the garden. His presence commanded attention even now, his broad frame bathed in the silvery glow of the moon. His expression wasn't harsh, but there was a sharpness in his eyes, one that made my chest tighten.

"I'm just... tired," I said, attempting to smile. "It was a long evening."

Aleron crossed his arms, his brows furrowing. "Tired? Or distracted?"

The accusation, though subtle, struck like a blow. My lips parted, but no words came. How could I explain the turmoil within me without revealing the truth about Kastiel? The truth I had hidden so carefully?

He took a step closer, his gaze softening. "Lucian, I'm not accusing you of anything. But something was off tonight. I could feel it."

"I... I don't know what you mean," I lied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Aleron tilted his head, studying me with an intensity that made me feel exposed. "It started when Kastiel approached us. Do you know him?"

The question sent a jolt through me. My heart raced as I searched for an answer that wouldn't unravel everything. "I've... met him before," I admitted cautiously, my hands twisting together. "He's well-known in noble circles. It's hard not to have heard of him."

"That's not what I asked," Aleron said, his voice low but firm. "Do you know him, Lucian?"

I swallowed hard, feeling trapped. "I—"

"Your Highness!" A servant's voice broke through the tension, echoing from the entrance of the garden. Both Aleron and I turned as the man approached and bowed deeply. "There's been a request for you both to join the council for an urgent discussion."

Aleron's jaw tightened, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before he nodded. "We'll be there shortly."

The servant scurried away, leaving us alone once more. Aleron exhaled heavily and straightened, the tension still palpable. "We'll talk about this later," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He reached out, his hand brushing against mine for a brief moment before he pulled away and turned toward the palace.

I stayed behind for a moment, needing to compose myself. The cold, oppressive feeling of Kastiel's presence hadn't left me, and now Aleron's questions had only made it worse. How much longer could I keep the truth hidden? How much longer could I pretend that Kastiel wasn't a threat to everything I had built with Aleron?

_ _ _

Later that night, after the council meeting had concluded, I made my way back to my chambers. The hallways were dimly lit, the flickering torches casting shadows along the ornate walls. The air felt heavy, and each step I took seemed to echo louder than the last.

As I reached the door, a figure stepped out from the shadows. My breath hitched, my body freezing in place. Kastiel.

"Lucian," he said softly, his voice carrying that same dangerous charm that had always drawn me in and left me aching. He stood casually, as though his presence here was entirely natural.