My Royal Highness

One snuck into the palace gardens at seven.

The other, at eight, was the kingdom's chaotic prince, a blur of motion darting away from guards as he had done a hundred times before.

He didn't expect to find anyone in the dirt and tangled bushes of his private playground, but there they were, two children meeting in the dirt.

What started as a secret friendship became the Prince's only source of comfort.

For years, Nani was his world.

Through every hidden meeting, the bond deepened into something aching and profound. It was years of yearning, years of holding each other in the dark, until Nani became the Prince's entire heart, his first friend, his only lover, and his peace, and the kingdom accepted, moreover cherished the bond between the young boys.

Then, the dream broke. Nani disappeared.

There was no struggle, no letter, and no trace left behind in the dirt where they once played.

The Prince, who spent his life running away from his crown, finally found a reason to wear it, and he vowed he would use every ounce of his power to find the one person who made the palace feel like home.