The palace morning was bathed in golden light, its grandeur filled with murmurs of departing royals finishing their last breakfast together. Theo moved through the grand dining hall effortlessly, engaging in polite conversations, but his mind was elsewhere.

  Cassius hadn't been at breakfast.

  Edric, as always, was punctual. He stood beside Theo, checking his watch. "Flight's in two hours," he reminded.

  Theo nodded absently, his feet already leading him back to his room for one last check. As he entered, the air inside still carried faint traces of Cass-his cologne, his warmth, his presence. He let out a slow exhale. This is the last time I'll be in this room.

  A knock at the door.

  Theo turned, and there he was.

  Cassius stood in the doorway, his gaze heavy with something unspoken. He took in Theo's travel attire, the packed luggage, the undeniable reality that he was leaving. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them, usually filled with teasing remarks or playful challenges, felt fragile.

  Cass took a slow step forward, his fingers brushing against the end of Theo's sleeve, holding it lightly.

  Theo swallowed, lifting a hand to Cassius' cheek, his thumb tracing the skin there. His eyes drifted lower-to the mark on Cassius' collarbone, the one he'd left the night before. He pressed his fingers over it, a small, knowing smile curving his lips.

  Cassius bit his lip. "Don't look so proud of yourself."

  Theo chuckled softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hard not to be when I know exactly how you got this."

  Cassius exhaled sharply, his grip tightening on Theo's sleeve. "Don't go." The words weren't a command, but a confession.

  Theo's chest ached. He cupped Cassius' jaw, his fingers threading into his hair. "Don't make this hard, sweetheart."

  Cassius closed his eyes at the name, at the softness in Theo's voice. "How can I not?"

  Theo leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to his lips-slow, deep, memorizing the taste of him. When he pulled away, he trailed a fingertip over Cassius' bottom lip.

  "Don't worry," he murmured against his skin. "You'll get some more, baby."

  Cassius exhaled, his hands fisting at his sides as Theo stepped back.

  A knock from outside. "Theo, we need to go," Edric's voice carried through the door.

  Theo glanced at Cassius one last time, ruffling his hair-because if he didn't make it playful, he might not leave at all. Then he turned and walked out.

  Cassius didn't follow him immediately.

  When he did, he stayed in the shadows of the palace halls, watching Theo put his prince mask back on-engaging effortlessly with the other royals in a final exchange of pleasantries. Watching him smile that carefully crafted, diplomatic smile.

  Watching him walk away.

  Theo slid into the car where Edric was already waiting. Before the door closed, he stole one last glance at the palace.

  There, in the shadow of the grand columns, Cassius stood-arms crossed, leaning against the wall, watching him. Silent. Unmoving.

  Theo smirked, tapping two fingers against his lips before letting them fall. Until next time, sweetheart.

  Then the door shut, and the car pulled away.

  ---

  Days blurred into the familiar rhythm of work. Meetings, reports, negotiations-Theo barely had time to breathe. His inbox overflowed, and his phone never stopped buzzing. The Kensington Foundation had expanded its reach, demanding more of him than ever.

  Between reviewing logistics and handling crisis management, Edric's name flashed on his screen.

  Edric: Come back to the palace.

  Theo barely glanced at the message before tossing his phone aside. He had a pile of unfinished work, but knowing Edric, it wasn't a request-it was an order.

  By the time he arrived at the Kensington Palace, he found himself ushered into one of the royal meeting rooms. The air was different-formal, expectant. Then the doors opened, revealing a familiar face.

  Prince Dylan of Viladair.

  The young prince entered alone, exuding quiet confidence. Unlike other royals Theo had encountered, Dylan lacked the usual pomp and grandeur. Instead, he was straightforward, his sharp eyes assessing Theo like an equal rather than a fellow prince.

  "Theodore," Dylan greeted, offering a hand. "It's been a while."

  Theo took it, shaking firmly. "It has. Didn't expect to see you here unannounced."

  Dylan smirked. "I thought I'd handle this personally."

  Theo arched a brow, leaning back. "Handle what, exactly?"

  Dylan wasted no time. "Viladair is hosting a large-scale charity initiative next season. We want to collaborate with the Harrington Humanitarian Foundation. Our resources, your expertise. It'll be the biggest humanitarian event our kingdom has ever seen."

  Theo exhaled, intrigued. "And you came all the way here to discuss this in person?"

  Dylan shrugged. "Let's just say I prefer dealing with people directly rather than through layers of bureaucracy."

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Theo studied him. Straightforward. Calculated. Dylan had always been like this-determined, goal-oriented. It was an interesting proposition.

  "Tell me more," Theo said, already shifting into work mode.

  And so the conversation began.

  ---

  The deal was sealed with a firm handshake.

  "I'd love to have this collaboration with you, Dylan. It's an honor," Theo said, meeting the prince's steady gaze.

  Dylan nodded, a satisfied smirk tugging at his lips. "Likewise. I'll have my team send over the final paperwork by the end of the week."

  With that, Dylan departed, leaving Theo to exhale and sink into his chair. He ran a hand through his hair, shifting his focus to the thick proposal in front of him. His mind was already mapping out logistics, strategies, and potential roadblocks.

  Edric, who had been silently observing, finally took a seat beside him. "That was impressive," he remarked. "You really put yourself into this foundation, don't you?"

  Theo let out a small, knowing smile. "It's everything, Edric. You know that."

  Edric hummed, watching him for a moment. Then his eyes dropped slightly, locking onto something beneath Theo's slightly unbuttoned shirt.

  A faint, dark mark.

  His brows lifted. "Is that a hickey?"

  Theo's fingers instinctively moved to his shirt, buttoning it up with deliberate ease.

  "Not your business," he muttered.

  Edric's smirk widened. "Ah. So it is a hickey." He leaned back, arms crossed. "You know, I didn't take you for the type to come back from a political conference with... souvenirs."

  Theo shot him a warning look, but Edric wasn't done.

  "What happened?" he mused. "Did the ghost in Hartwell's guest wing get a little too friendly with you?" He snorted at his own joke.

  Theo exhaled sharply through his nose, shaking his head. "You're insufferable."

  Edric chuckled. "And yet, I'm still your favorite brother."

  Theo didn't dignify that with a response. Instead, he grabbed his pen and turned his attention back to the proposal, pretending to be far too busy to entertain Edric's teasing.

  But as he did, his mind betrayed him-flashing back to Cassius, to whispered words, to marks left on skin and the feeling of being wanted in a way he hadn't in years.

  He refocused.

  Not now.

  ---

  Theo sat on the edge of his bed, fingers hovering over his phone. Water droplets slid from his damp hair onto his bare shoulders, but he barely noticed. The screen lit up with a name that made his chest tighten-

  Yours, C.

  A slow smile formed as he scrolled through the flood of messages Cassius had sent.

  Cassius: Are you drowning in work again?

  Cassius: It's midnight here, and I just finished my royal duties. You better not be skipping meals, Theodore.

  Cassius: If I find out you're surviving on coffee and stubbornness, I swear I'll-

  Cassius: Never mind. You won't listen anyway.

  Theo chuckled, shaking his head. Cassius knew him too well.

  Then, his scrolling halted at an image.

  A selfie.

  Cassius was in his private quarters, lying on his bed, his robe slightly open at the collar. A fading mark peeked through-evidence of Theo's lips pressed against his skin days ago.

  Attached to the picture was a simple message:

  "I miss being in your arms."

  Theo exhaled, feeling the weight of those words settle deep in his chest.

  He typed back-

  Theo: You're making this very hard for me, sweetheart.

  Theo: I just got out of the shower, trying to focus on work, and you drop this?

  Cassius: Mmm. I don't recall asking you to focus on work, love.

  Theo let out a quiet laugh. His fingers hesitated before responding.

  Theo: What do you want me to do about it?

  Cassius: Come here and find out.

  Theo sighed, running a hand down his face. Damn him.

  Theo: Give me five minutes. I'll book a flight.

  Cassius: Theo-

  Theo: Kidding. (Mostly.)

  Cassius: You're impossible.

  Theo: And you like it.

  Cassius didn't reply immediately, and Theo thought maybe he'd fallen asleep. Then, another message popped up.

  Cassius: ...I do. I do like it. I like you, Theo.

  A pause.

  Cassius: More than I should.

  Theo's grip tightened around his phone. His lips parted slightly, but no words came to him.

  For a moment, all he could do was stare at the screen, heart beating just a little too fast.

  ---

  "That's a lot to revise Theo, but I believe in you."

  Theo noted by what Dylan ask.

  They take a break inside the foundation hall diner.

  Theo leaned back, balancing his teacup between his fingers as he watched Dylan eye his buzzing phone with growing amusement.

  "You seem like a busy man, Theo," Dylan mused, sipping his tea. "But with the nonstop buzzing... girlfriend?"

  Theo chuckled, shaking his head. "Not exactly."

  Dylan smirked, setting his cup down. "Not exactly? That's a very interesting answer, Harrington. So, what is it, then? A very devoted assistant? A secret lover? Or-" he gasped dramatically "-is Harrington's untouchable prince actually in a relationship?"

  Theo rolled his eyes. "You sound like the tabloids."

  Dylan grinned. "That's because I read the tabloids. Keeps things interesting." He leaned in, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Come on, just a hint. Is it someone I know?"

  Theo arched a brow, taking a slow sip of his tea. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

  Dylan scoffed. "That's exactly why I'm asking."

  Theo glanced down at his phone, another message lighting up the screen. He debated ignoring it but ultimately gave in, tilting it just enough to read Cassius' latest text. 'Are you ignoring me? Unbelievable.' Theo smirked.

  Dylan caught the look immediately. "That smile. That's the smile of a man in trouble."

  Theo exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "It's nothing."

  Dylan leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "So it is someone?"

  Theo glanced at him. "Since when did you become this invested in my personal life?"

  Dylan grinned. "Since I realized it actually exists. You do know you're kind of an enigma, right? Theo Harrington-untouchable, unreadable, always about business. And yet here you are, glued to your phone like a lovesick fool."

  Theo scoffed. "Hardly lovesick."

  Dylan smirked. "Then prove it. Put the phone away."

  Theo held his gaze for a moment before locking the screen and slipping the phone into his pocket. "Happy?"

  "Not even remotely," Dylan said, grinning. "But I'll let it go... for now."

  Theo shook his head, amused.

  Dylan leaned back, tapping his fingers on the table. "Whoever they are, they must be something special to get this much of your attention."

  Theo didn't respond, but the small, lingering smile on his lips said enough.

  Theo's phone buzzed again, cutting through the casual rhythm of their conversation. Dylan noticed it-again-and his eyes danced with amusement.

  Theo just grinned, shaking his head. "You're as nosy as ever, Dylan."

  Before Dylan could respond, the phone buzzed again—louder, as if it was demanding attention. Then the screen lit up with a familiar name, followed by another call coming in right after. Theo sighed, half-annoyed, half-amused.

  Dylan leaned forward, grinning mischievously. "Just answer your damn phone, Theodore. Someone might send a search party after you if you don't."

  Theo let out a breath and glanced at Dylan, his smirk curling. "Fine, fine." He hit the accept button and lifted the phone to his ear. "Yeah?"

  Instantly, a voice came through, laced with exasperation. "Where the hell have you been! You're been ignoring my text for all day! I don't aspect any excuse coming from you Theodore!"

  Theo smiled softly at the tone, the familiar voice calming him. "Sweetheart, I'm here now, okay?"

  Dylan, curious as ever, watched intently but remained silent. Theo kept his voice smooth, not wanting to slip up and say too much. He didn't want to let anything slip about who was on the other end of that call.

  Cass's voice came through, dripping with frustration but also a certain tenderness. "Sweetheart? You've been ignoring my messages all day. What's going on with you?"

  Theo chuckled under his breath, a light laugh. "I've just been busy, love. You know how it is. Can't get any peace around here."

  Dylan caught the word love, and his smirk grew wider.

  Cass cursed under his breath, clearly still irritated. "Busy? You've been dodging my texts all morning, Theo. It's almost like you're avoiding me."

  "Not avoiding you," Theo reassured him, his voice lowering. "I'm just... dealing with a lot. But I'm here now, okay?"

  Dylan looked like he was trying to stifle a laugh, but Theo's eyes shot him a brief warning. He needed to keep the conversation brief.

  "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'll make it up to you when I can, I promise," Theo said, his voice calm but with a tenderness that betrayed his concern. "Just... don't get too mad, alright?"

  "You better." Cass sighed, a little quieter this time. "Don't make me fly to Bellemont just to drag your royal ass out of your office."

  The call ended.

  For a moment, there was silence.

  Then Dylan burst out laughing. "Oh my god, you are so whipped. Sweetheart, huh?"

  Theo groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Shut up."

  Dylan wiped a fake tear from his eye. "No, no, let's talk about this. Who is this mystery person, Theo? And why does they sound like they ready to declare war if you ignore one more text?"

  Theo shook his head, standing. "That's classified."

  "Oh, classified, is it?" Dylan wiggled his brows, standing as well. "Wow, Bellemont's Prince is hiding something scandalous."

  Theo only smirked as he grabbed his coat. "Careful, Dylan. Curiosity kills."

  Dylan grinned. "Yeah? Well, in this case, curiosity is thriving."

  Theo shot Dylan a playful glare, but the smile on his face was unmistakable. He wasn't used to someone so persistent, but Dylan's teasing was starting to feel a little less like mockery and more like friendship. He buttoned his coat, standing up from the couch as he readjusted the papers on his desk.

  "Alright, alright," Theo said with a dramatic sigh, trying to look unaffected. "Enough with the interrogation, Dylan. Let's focus on the reason you're here—our upcoming collaboration."

  Dylan crossed his arms, still grinning ear to ear. "Oh, sure. But just know, I'm keeping my eye on you, Theo. That mystery person is definitely a story worth following."

  Theo shook his head with a smile as he walked back to the desk. "You're impossible."

  Dylan was quiet for a moment, eyes shifting thoughtfully as he glanced over the documents Theo had been reviewing earlier. "You know," he said, his tone a little more serious now, "this charity is gonna be huge. The impact you have is incredible, Theo. It's not just about the foundation—it's about you and what you stand for. It makes people want to trust you, follow you... even if you're too busy to pick up a call or two."

  Theo's expression softened, the weight of Dylan's words settling in. "I know... I just wish it were easier to balance everything, you know? There's always something going on. People don't realize how much of me goes into all of this."

  Dylan nodded, his teasing grin now replaced with a more understanding smile. "Yeah, well, that's what makes it work. You don't half-ass anything, Theo. And that's why it's not just your foundation that's thriving, it's you too. You've got something worth fighting for, even if you're not ready to admit it yet."

  Theo met Dylan's eyes for a moment before he looked away, a hint of something deeper flashing in his gaze. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Thanks, Dylan. That... means more than you think."

  Dylan gave him a knowing nod. "Anytime, man. Now, let's make sure this collaboration goes smoothly. After all, we both know you can't hide behind your work forever."

  Theo couldn't help but chuckle. "I'll try to keep that in mind."

  With a final exchange of a smile, Dylan followed Theo back to the desk, the conversation turning back to business. But there was something different now—less teasing, more mutual respect. Theo couldn't help but feel a bit lighter, as if, for the first time in a long while, someone saw past the mask he wore every day.