Theo walked briskly through the palace halls, his mind already occupied with the tasks waiting for him at his office. But before he could even reach his destination, Edric intercepted him, holding a folder in one hand and a knowing smirk on his face.

  “Morning, little brother,” Edric greeted, his voice far too light for whatever he was about to say.

  Theo barely spared him a glance. “What do you want?”

  Edric didn’t answer right away. Instead, he handed over a printed document. “Just thought you might want to see the list of representatives for tomorrow’s Royal Meeting.”

  Theo took the paper without much thought, scanning through the names—until his eyes landed on Ravensford - Prince Cassius. His fingers stiffened around the edge of the document.

  King Edward was sending Cassius himself.

  For a brief moment, something twisted inside Theo’s chest. He hadn’t seen Cass in person since the humanitarian mission. They’d been talking—more than he ever expected—but now, Cassius would be here, standing across from him in an official capacity.

  He forced his expression into indifference and handed the paper back to Edric, raising an eyebrow. “And what is this for?”

  Edric’s smirk deepened. “Your love is coming.”

  Theo shoved the paper into Edric’s chest, hard enough to make his brother take a step back. “Shut the fuck up, Edric.”

  He turned on his heel and strode away, ignoring the sound of Edric’s laughter echoing behind him.

  ---

  Theo was buried in work when his phone buzzed on his desk. At first, he ignored it, his focus still on the reports in front of him. But when the screen lit up again, something in his chest tightened.

  A notification.

  Ravensford's Crown: Morning.

  Attached was a selfie—Cassius, seated comfortably in his royal jet, the interior sleek and pristine behind him. He wasn’t fully dressed in formal attire yet, just a simple white dress shirt unbuttoned at the collar, his hair slightly tousled. He looked relaxed. Almost smug.

  Theo exhaled, running a hand down his face. He should ignore this. He should.

  Instead, his fingers moved on their own.

  Theo: Do you always take selfies when flying for official duties?

  Cassius: Only when I know someone is waiting for me on the other side.

  Theo stared at the screen, his pulse kicking up. He clenched his jaw, forcing down whatever reaction that text stirred in him.

  Theo: Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll be too busy to even notice you’re here.

  Cassius: Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that, Harrington.

  Theo let out a slow breath, placing his phone down like it was something dangerous. He had work to do. Cassius wasn’t even here yet, and somehow, he was already messing with his head.

  ---

  Theo sat in the conference room, eyes fixed on the latest financial reports in front of him, but his mind was elsewhere. His pen tapped absently against the table before he started scribbling in the margins of his notes.

  Ravensford → Bellemont Flight time: 7 hours Departure estimated…

  His brow furrowed as he did the math. If Cassius had left in the morning Ravensford time, then factoring in the time difference—

  He’ll land at 7 PM.

  Theo blinked, realizing what he had just written. His grip on the pen tightened, and with a sharp exhale, he dragged a line through the notes, shaking his head at himself.

  This was ridiculous.

  Cassius was coming for a diplomatic meeting, nothing more. He was just another foreign representative. His arrival shouldn't concern Theo any more than anyone else’s.

  And yet.

  His hand twitched toward his phone, the urge to check for another message creeping in. But he stopped himself. Instead, he sat back in his chair, pressing his fingers to his temple.

  He needed to focus.

  Cassius would be here soon. But that didn’t mean anything. At least, it shouldn’t.

  ---

  Theo cleared his desk, pushing aside the lingering thoughts of Cassius’ arrival. He needed to go back to the palace, reset his mind, and remind himself that this was just another diplomatic visit. Nothing more.

  On the way back, he checked his phone—nothing.

  No messages. No updates.

  Cass had been texting him constantly for days, but now, when Theo was expecting something—silence.

  His fingers hovered over the screen, resisting the impulse to send something first. He shouldn’t care. He didn’t care.

  Yet, curiosity gnawed at him.

  As soon as he stepped into the palace, he noticed the faint murmur of voices coming from the dining hall. He slowed his steps, adjusting his cuff, pretending he wasn’t paying attention—until he caught a voice he hadn’t heard in person for months.

  Cassius.

  Theo turned the corner and found him sitting at the dining table with Edric, the two of them deep in conversation over a meal.

  Cassius was here. In Bellemont. Now.

  Theo’s grip tightened at his side as he took in the scene.

  Edric, ever the diplomat despite the historic tensions between their countries, had invited Cassius for dinner as if they were simply old friends catching up. As if this wasn’t complicated.

  Cassius looked up first. Their eyes met, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face.

  Theo said nothing.

  He turned to Edric instead. “You didn’t think to mention this?”

  Edric, smirking, leaned back in his chair. “What? You thought I’d let you be the only one enjoying his company?”

  Theo scowled. “You’re unbelievable.”

  Cassius, ever composed, took a sip of his wine before setting the glass down. “I see Harrington hospitality hasn’t changed.”

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  Theo huffed, ignoring the way his chest tightened at the sound of Cassius’ voice. “And Hartwell still enjoys testing its limits.”

  Edric chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. “Oh, come on. Sit. Join us.”

  Theo hesitated.

  Cassius’ gaze never left him.

  Theo wanted to refuse. He should refuse. Every instinct told him to turn around and walk away, to keep his distance.

  But Cassius sat there, perfectly composed, watching him like he was waiting for something.

  Edric, of course, knew exactly what he was doing. That smug expression made Theo want to shove him off his chair.

  Instead, he sighed, pulled out a chair, and sat down.

  “I didn’t realize I was extending my hospitality tonight,” Theo muttered, picking up a glass and pouring himself some water.

  Cassius tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. “I would’ve invited you myself, but it seems your brother beat me to it.”

  Edric grinned. “Figured you’d appreciate the surprise.”

  Theo shot him a glare before focusing on Cassius again. He was dressed impeccably, as always—Ravensford's perfect prince, straight-backed and effortlessly poised. But Theo noticed the subtle signs of exhaustion beneath the polished exterior.

  The flight. The diplomatic obligations. The weight of expectation.

  “You just arrived,” Theo stated. “You should be resting.”

  Cassius lifted his glass in a half-toast. “And yet, here I am.”

  There was something in the way he said it—something meant for Theo alone.

  Theo looked away, focusing on the meal before him. He had barely touched his food, but his appetite felt distant. The weight of Cassius’ presence, the awareness that he was here in Bellemont, under the same roof, made it impossible to focus on anything else.

  Edric, ever the instigator, leaned in. “So, tell me, Cassius—how’s Ravensford holding up without its prince?”

  Cassius hummed, swirling the wine in his glass. “It seems they’ve managed to survive.”

  “And your father?”

  A flicker of tension crossed Cassius’ face. Brief, but Theo caught it.

  “He sent me here, didn’t he?” Cassius replied smoothly, but Theo could hear the weight beneath the words.

  Edric nodded, clearly fishing for more, but Theo cut in. “You’re here for the meeting. We should focus on that.”

  Edric raised an eyebrow, but Cassius smiled slightly, as if he understood what Theo was doing.

  “Of course,” Cassius said, setting his glass down. “Strictly business.”

  Edric laughed. “Right. Strictly business.”

  Theo ignored him. But beneath the table, his fingers curled into his palm. Because no matter how much he tried to keep this formal, professional, and distant…

  Cassius was here.

  And Theo wasn’t sure if he could pretend it didn’t affect him.

  ---

  Theo sighed, pressing the wrapped sandwich into Cassius’ hand as they stood by the car.

  “For you,” he said, glancing at the untouched plate Cassius had left behind at dinner. “You hate formal meals, don’t you? Eat this.”

  Cassius raised an eyebrow, turning the sandwich over in his hand like it was some rare artifact. “Did you make this yourself?”

  Theo exhaled sharply, already regretting this. “If I say yes, will you actually eat it?”

  A slow smile curled at Cassius’ lips. He unwrapped the sandwich and took a deliberate bite, eyes never leaving Theo’s. “Then I suppose I have no choice.”

  Theo huffed a laugh, shaking his head. “Unbelievable.”

  Cassius chewed thoughtfully, then nodded. “Not bad. Maybe I should let you cook for me more often.”

  “Don’t push your luck.”

  Cassius only grinned, stepping back toward the sleek black car waiting for him. His guards lingered at a respectful distance, but Theo could feel their watchful eyes.

  Cassius paused before getting in, still holding the sandwich, still watching him.

  “This meeting tomorrow,” he said. “Are you going to be there?”

  Theo hesitated for only a second. “Yes.”

  Cassius smiled again, softer this time. “Then I’ll see you there.”

  And with that, he ducked into the car, leaving Theo standing there, watching his taillights disappear into the Bellemont night.

  ---

  The grand hall of the Bellemont Palace buzzed with quiet conversations as royals and dignitaries from different nations arrived one by one. The air was thick with formality, a carefully orchestrated dance of power, diplomacy, and silent rivalries.

  Theo stood near Edric, watching the room fill. He kept his posture relaxed, indifferent, but his gaze flickered toward the entrance every so often—waiting.

  When Cassius arrived, it was with the effortless presence of a prince born into the spotlight. Dressed in the deep navy of Hartwell, adorned with subtle gold accents, he moved through the crowd with quiet authority. The moment he stepped in, the room adjusted to his presence, as if gravity itself had shifted.

  Theo remained still.

  Edric, however, nudged him lightly. “Your love has arrived.”

  Theo didn’t react, merely picked up a pen from the table, rolling it between his fingers. “Shut the fuck up, Edric.”

  Cassius took his designated seat—directly across from Theo.

  Their eyes met.

  For a moment, there was only silence.

  Then the meeting began.

  King Edward had sent Cassius as Ravensford's official representative, marking a shift in the country’s stance. This wasn’t just politics anymore—it was personal. The discussions unfolded around them, land disputes, diplomatic relations, alliances forming and breaking with carefully measured words.

  Theo listened, absorbed, but part of him was aware of every movement Cassius made. The way his fingers tapped idly against the polished wood of the table. The way his gaze, sharp and assessing, skimmed across documents before flicking up—landing on Theo.

  There was tension, unspoken, stretching between them like a pulled wire.

  And it was only just beginning.

  The meeting concluded smoothly, a rare feat when royals from different nations gathered in one room. As the attendees made their way to the dining hall, Theo and Edric remained behind, shaking hands and exchanging final words with representatives.

  Theo engaged in a brief conversation with a prince from Valmont, who seemed particularly interested in the Harrington Humanitarian Foundation’s work. "Your efforts have been remarkable, Prince Theodore. I’d love to arrange a visit to one of your sites."

  Theo gave a practiced smile, always diplomatic. "I’d be honored. We’re always open to collaboration."

  A few steps away, Cassius watched. He had kept his distance throughout the meeting, speaking only when necessary, maintaining the image of Ravensford's prince. But now, as the crowd dwindled, he finally stepped forward.

  He extended his hand toward Theo. "Harrington’s," he greeted.

  Theo turned to face him, meeting his eyes briefly before clasping his hand. His grip was firm, steady—calculated. "You’re doing great, Hartwell," he said smoothly, as if it were nothing. Then, without another word, he released Cassius’ hand and walked away.

  Cassius remained still for a moment, something pressing against his palm. He glanced down, unfolding the small slip of paper Theo had left behind.

  'You're welcome to my room.'

  His fingers tightened around the note as he exhaled slowly, forcing himself to maintain his composure.

  —

  Lunch came and went, and soon, the royals began preparing for their departures. Cassius, however, lingered.

  The Bellemont Palace was vast, grand in a way that felt suffocating if one wasn’t used to it. He had no real reason to still be here, but somehow, he hadn’t left yet.

  He had a reason.

  Theo found him standing near one of the palace’s open corridors, looking almost lost, though his expression remained as impassive as ever.

  Theo took his time approaching. "Didn’t know you were the type to loiter in someone else’s palace, Hartwell," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

  Cassius turned his head, eyes narrowing. "The hell should I know where your room is, Harrington?"

  Theo laughed, a rare, genuine sound, before stepping closer. He lowered his voice just enough for only Cassius to hear.

  "My apologies, Your Highness," he teased, a smirk tugging at his lips. Then, he inclined his head toward the hall.

  ---

  They walked side by side, their steps measured. A few glances from passing staff, a lingering presence of formality in the air, but neither of them cared. Not now. Not after everything.

  Theo led them through a quiet corridor, eventually stopping in front of a door. He pushed it open, stepping inside first before looking back.

  "Well?"

  Cassius rolled his eyes but stepped in, shutting the door behind him.

  Theo’s room was exactly what he expected—practical, sharp, but undeniably his. The scent of cedar and something deeper clung to the air, and Cassius was hit with the realization that this was the first time he was truly in Theo’s space.

  He turned, arms crossed. "So?"

  Theo smirked, leaning against his desk, arms braced on either side. "You really enjoy torturing me, don’t you?"

  Cassius raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

  Theo pulled out his phone, scrolling for a second before turning the screen toward Cassius. "You. Your constant selfies. Your texts. Do you even realize what you’re doing to me?"

  Cassius blinked, then grinned. "Wait—you actually look at them?"

  Theo scoffed. "I have to. They pop up on my screen like an unavoidable curse." He sighed dramatically. "First thing in the morning, a picture of your smug face. Midday? Another one. Night? Oh, look—Cassius looking devastatingly handsome in some formal suit."

  Cassius chuckled, stepping closer. "Devastatingly handsome, huh?"

  Theo narrowed his eyes. "That’s not the point."

  "Oh, but I think it is," Cassius teased, his voice dropping just slightly.

  Theo rolled his eyes, but his smirk betrayed him. "You’re insufferable."

  "And yet, here we are."

  Cassius moved closer, just enough that Theo could smell the faint trace of his cologne, something rich and warm. His voice softened. "I sent them because I thought you might like them."

  Theo exhaled through his nose, tilting his head slightly. "I hate to admit it."

  Cassius reached out, brushing his fingers over the edge of Theo’s sleeve. "Then don’t."

  Theo’s gaze flickered to his mouth. The air between them shifted. The playful teasing was still there, but underneath it was something heavier, something unspoken.

  Cassius smiled, slow and knowing. "You’re proud of me."

  Theo swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. "You already know that."

  "Say it."

  Theo exhaled, then, softer, "I’m proud of you, Cass."

  Cassius’ expression faltered, just for a second, before he caught himself. He nodded, pleased. "Good."

  Then, without warning, he reached for Theo’s tie, looping a finger through it and giving the slightest tug.

  Theo’s breath hitched.

  "You missed me," Cassius murmured.

  Theo didn’t deny it. Instead, he reached for Cassius, his hands finding his waist, fingers pressing just enough to feel the warmth beneath the fabric. "You’re going to be the death of me, Hartwell."

  Cassius smirked. "Then what a beautiful way to go."

  Theo didn’t give him a chance to say anything else.

  He closed the distance, pressing his lips to Cassius’, tasting the remnants of mischief and something sweeter underneath. Cassius responded immediately, hands sliding up Theo’s chest, curling into his shirt.

  The kiss deepened, slow and unhurried, as if making up for lost time. Theo groaned against his mouth, the sensation of having him this close, of feeling him again, almost overwhelming.

  Cassius bit his lip, just enough to tease, before pulling back slightly, his breath warm against Theo’s skin. "You’re not as composed as you pretend to be."

  Theo huffed, shaking his head. "And you’re more reckless than you let on."

  Cassius grinned. "Always."

  Theo kissed him again, pushing him gently against the edge of the desk, hands gripping his hips. Cassius let out a soft noise of approval, his fingers threading through Theo’s hair.

  They lost themselves in it—breaths mingling, hands roaming, the weight of their separation melting away.

  For now, nothing else mattered.

  Cassius’ fingers curled tighter in Theo’s hair, dragging him deeper into the moment. The air between them grew heavier, charged with something neither of them wanted to name but both desperately felt.

  Theo’s hands traced the line of Cassius’ waist, his thumbs pressing into the fabric of his jacket as if trying to anchor himself. He could feel the rapid beat of Cassius’ pulse under his fingertips, the warmth of his body pressed against his own.

  “Still torturing me,” Theo murmured against his lips, his breath coming faster now.

  Cassius smirked, but it was softer this time, his voice a little breathless. “And you love it.”

  Theo let out a low chuckle before tilting Cassius’ chin up, his fingers brushing over the sharp line of his jaw. He kissed him again, slower this time, savoring the way Cassius melted against him, the way his fingers curled into Theo’s shirt like he didn’t want to let go.

  The world outside this room—the expectations, the rivalry, the weight of their names—didn’t exist in this moment. Here, it was just them.

  Cassius pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against Theo’s. His hands slipped from Theo’s collar, tracing lightly down his chest before gripping his waist in return. "You’re proud of me, and you missed me. What else are you keeping from me, Harrington?"

  Theo exhaled sharply, trying to regain control of himself, but Cassius’ touch was a distraction, a damn good one.

  “You think too highly of yourself,” Theo muttered, though his hand was still resting on Cassius’ hip, his thumb moving in slow circles.

  Cassius hummed, unimpressed. “I think just right.”

  Theo shook his head, pulling back enough to look him in the eye. “I meant it, though. You’re doing good, Cass. You’re proving everyone wrong.”

  Cassius’ smirk faltered, replaced by something more vulnerable. He didn’t respond right away, but Theo saw the way his fingers tightened slightly against his waist.

  “Say it again,” Cassius said quietly.

  Theo softened. He cupped Cassius’ face, running his thumb across his cheek. “I’m proud of you.”

  Cassius swallowed hard, his expression unreadable, but then he exhaled and leaned into Theo’s touch, closing his eyes for just a second.

  Then, as if needing to shift the moment before it became too much, he smirked again, looking up at Theo through his lashes. “Well, you should be. I look damn good on the front page.”

  Theo rolled his eyes. “And you ruined it.”

  Cassius laughed, and Theo had to bite back a smile.

  The moment could have lasted longer, but a sharp knock on the door shattered the space between them.

  Theo sighed, already annoyed. “That’s my cue.”

  Cassius straightened his jacket, smirking again. “Guess I should leave before someone catches me ‘lingering’ in Bellemont's palace.”

  Theo stepped back, but before Cassius could fully move away, he reached out, fingers brushing against Cassius’ wrist. “You know where my room is now.”

  Cassius raised a brow. “Oh? Is that an invitation?”

  Theo smirked. “A warning.”

  Cassius chuckled, giving him one last lingering look before slipping out of the room, leaving behind only the warmth of his presence and the lingering taste of him on Theo’s lips.

  Theo exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

  This was dangerous.

  And yet, he was already looking forward to the next time.

  "Come here."