💖FROM HATE TO HEART 💖

QUIET MOMENTS

CHAPTER-15

Magnus and Alec walked together through the grand hallways of Alicante’s palace, their fingers brushing occasionally. They had just come from the palace library, where they spent hours reading old books about the histories of their kingdoms. Magnus loved how passionate Alec was when talking about history.

And there where magnus first felt the taste of protection. He's a fae prince and a very courageous man too but having protection from someone else like alec melted his heart. Although alec was the reason of his restless night .

As they approached the throne room, Alec slowed down, looking thoughtful.

“Is something wrong?” Magnus asked gently.

Alec shook his head with a small smile. “No... There’s someone I want you to meet.” He hesitated. “His name is Aiden. He’s like a father to me and the reason I became king.”

Magnus smiled warmly. “I’d love to meet him.”

They continued walking until they reached a grand hall with high ceilings and beautiful murals. Near one of the large windows stood a tall man with silver-streaked hair and kind blue eyes. He looked strong but had a gentle presence that put Magnus at ease.

Alec squeezed Magnus’s hand. “That’s Aiden. Remember that man from the ceremony. ”

Magnus nodded, ready to meet the man who meant so much to Alec.

“Alec,” Aiden greeted with a smile. “It’s good to see you.”

Alec returned the smile, warmth in his voice. “It’s been too long.” Gently, he tugged Magnus closer. “This is Magnus, from Aetheria.”

Magnus inclined his head politely. “An honor to meet you, Lord Aiden.”

“ The honor is mine,” Aiden replied, his voice deep and steady. “I’ve heard much about you. Specially about Aetheria and king luke ”

They moved to a sitting area near the windows, where soft sunlight streamed through the stained-glass panels. Servants brought refreshments, and the three settled in, beginning a serious discussion about the state of the two kingdoms.

Magnus, initially reserved, soon found himself drawn into the conversation. He offered strategic suggestions on improving trade routes and strengthening alliances. Aiden listened with a thoughtful expression, occasionally nodding in approval or adding his insights.

But the longer Magnus spoke, the more aware he became of something... off. It wasn’t anything Aiden said — the older man was respectful and encouraging — but there was something in the way he watched Magnus. His gaze lingered just a fraction too long, and when Magnus made particularly clever points, Aiden’s lips twitched into a knowing smirk, as if he expected Magnus to be brilliant.

At first, Magnus dismissed it as polite admiration, but the feeling deepened. Aiden’s eyes weren’t just watching — they were studying, like he recognized something about Magnus that even Magnus himself couldn’t grasp.

As the discussion wrapped up, Aiden rose with a commanding grace, offering Alec another warm clasp on the shoulder. “You’ve chosen your allies well, Alec.” His gaze shifted to Magnus. “You’re far wiser than I expected.”

Magnus narrowed his eyes slightly but kept his tone light. “Thank you... though I sense you expected quite a lot.”

Aiden’s faint smirk returned. “Perhaps.” He inclined his head respectfully but held Magnus’s gaze just a second longer than necessary, his expression unreadable.