The palace gardens were the one place where Theo could pretend the world didn’t exist. It was quiet here, tucked away from the endless corridors of politics and expectation. The wisteria swayed gently above him, their lavender petals catching the soft afternoon breeze. Sunlight filtered through the vines, casting golden patterns against the stone pathways.

  He leaned back against the wooden bench, book resting on his lap, half-open but unread. A rare moment of peace. A moment just for himself.

  Then his phone buzzed.

  Theo sighed, already knowing who it was before he even checked.

  Cassius. Again.

  He unlocked his phone, and there it was—another selfie. This time, Cassius was reclining against the plush seats of what was unmistakably his car, shirt slightly unbuttoned, looking effortlessly smug.

  "Thinking about me? Thought so."

  Theo scoffed, shaking his head.

  Before he could reply, another message popped up.

  "You never send me one."

  Theo frowned. "What?"

  "A picture. You never send me any."

  Theo rolled his eyes. "Why would I? You already see me in person."

  Cassius' response was immediate. "Not the point. You have plenty of me. I have none of you. Unfair, don’t you think?"

  Theo smirked. "Sounds like a personal problem."

  "Then fix it. Now. Send me one."

  Theo groaned, tossing his head back against the bench. "You’re ridiculous."

  "And yet, you haven’t said no."

  Theo sighed, debating whether ignoring him would work. Probably not. Cassius was stubborn. And annoyingly persistent.

  Fine.

  Switching to his front camera, Theo adjusted the angle slightly. The afternoon light hit just right, catching the sharp edges of his features. He didn’t do anything extra—just a simple shot, natural, effortless. He sent it before he could overthink.

  The reply was instant.

  "...Okay."

  Theo frowned. "Okay?"

  "You look good."

  Theo blinked, his fingers hesitating over the screen. That… was unexpected.

  Then another message popped up.

  "This is now my phone wallpaper."

  Theo sat up straight. "WHAT."

  Cassius sent a screenshot, proving his words. Sure enough, Theo’s picture was set as Cassius’ home screen wallpaper.

  Theo groaned. "You’re insane."

  Cassius’ response was far too smug. "Lockscreen is dangerous. I’m playing safe."

  Theo exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "I should block you."

  Cassius just sent another selfie, smirking. "No, you won’t."

  Theo locked his phone, letting out a quiet laugh.

  His rest day had turned into something else entirely.

  And somehow, he didn’t mind.

  Theo was still shaking his head at Cassius' antics when a shadow fell over him.

  He looked up to see Edric standing nearby, arms crossed, watching him with something between curiosity and amusement.

  "Rare sight," Edric remarked. "You, at the palace, actually relaxing."

  Theo exhaled, leaning back against the bench. "Should I leave, then?"

  Edric huffed a quiet laugh. "Just checking in on you. Didn’t expect to find you… smiling at your phone." His gaze flickered down to the device still in Theo’s hand. "Who was it?"

  Theo clicked his phone screen off. "No one."

  Edric raised a brow but didn’t push. Instead, he pulled out his own phone and held it out to Theo. "Check this out."

  Theo took the phone, scanning the email displayed on the screen. His brows furrowed as he read through it.

  An invitation. From Ravensford.

  A royal gathering. The guest list was extensive—several kingdoms listed, prominent royal families from across Europe.

  And then his eyes landed on Kensington.

  "Attending representatives: Prince Edric of Bellemont, Prince Theodore of Bellemont."

  Theo stared at his own name for a moment.

  Not usual.

  He glanced up at Edric. "They listed me?"

  Edric nodded. "You're not normally included in these. But Hartwell specifically named you."

  Theo tapped the phone against his palm. "Did Father approve it?"

  "He hasn't mentioned it yet." Edric studied him. "But if your name’s already on the formal list, it means Hartwell wants you there."

  Theo exhaled slowly. Hartwell.

  His gaze flickered back to his own phone.

  Cassius.

  Was this why?

  ---

  Theo adjusted his watch as he stepped onto the private jet, Edric right behind him. The flight to Ravensford would take about seven hours, which meant seven hours of forced stillness—something Theo wasn’t particularly fond of.

  As the attendants settled their luggage, Theo took a seat by the window, exhaling slowly. Edric sat across from him, already pulling out his tablet to go over some last-minute briefings.

  The hum of the engines had barely settled when Theo’s phone buzzed.

  He glanced at the screen.

  Cassius.

  Are you on your way yet?

  Before he could type a reply, another message arrived. This time, an image.

  Theo opened it—and nearly choked.

  Cassius, stretched out on a king-sized bed, hair slightly tousled, sheets draped just low enough to make the photo infuriatingly suggestive.

  I’m warming up our bed.

  Theo spit out his drink.

  Edric, startled by the sudden spray of liquid, recoiled. "What the—Theo?"

  Theo coughed, quickly locking his phone and grabbing a napkin. "Nothing. It’s—nothing."

  Edric gave him a skeptical look, glancing at the phone Theo was now gripping like it had personally offended him. "That didn’t look like ‘nothing.’"

  Theo took a deep breath, forcing his expression into neutrality. "Just—unexpected turbulence."

  Edric wasn’t buying it. "We haven’t even taken off yet."

  Theo pressed his lips into a thin line, willing himself to look completely unbothered. He wouldn’t give Cassius the satisfaction.

  Instead, he picked up his phone and, against his better judgment, replied.

  You're impossible.

  ---

  The plane touched down just as the sun dipped below the Ravensford skyline, casting long shadows over the regal city. As Theo and Edric descended the steps of their private jet, a delegation was already waiting for them on the tarmac.

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  At the front stood Hartwell's equerry, a man Theo recognized from previous diplomatic events. Dressed in the signature royal black and gold, he gave them a deep bow.

  "Your Highnesses, welcome to Ravensford," the equerry greeted smoothly. "His Majesty has arranged for your stay at the guest wing of the palace. If you'll follow me, the cars are ready."

  Theo adjusted the strap of his travel bag, nodding politely. Beside him, Edric offered a diplomatic smile before they both followed the escort toward the awaiting vehicles.

  The drive to the palace was silent, save for the occasional sound of Edric checking his emails. Theo leaned against the window, mentally preparing himself. Ravensford had always felt like Cassius' world, a place where Theo had no claim—yet here he was, his name unexpectedly listed beside Edric’s for this royal gathering.

  The palace gates opened, and the car rolled into the grand courtyard. Staff were already positioned, ready to assist them.

  A steward led them through the corridors of the palace until they arrived at the guest wing.

  "These rooms have been prepared for Your Highnesses," the steward explained. "Should you require anything, do not hesitate to ask."

  Theo nodded in thanks before stepping into his suite. The door clicked shut behind him, and for the first time since landing, he exhaled.

  Theo barely had time to set his bag down before his phone buzzed again.

  Cassius: Are you here yet?

  Theo sighed. He was about to reply when a knock came at the door.

  "Give me a second," he muttered, slipping the phone into his pocket as he went to open it.

  Edric stood there, arms crossed. "Just checking in. I know it's rare for you to be in a palace that isn't ours."

  Theo raised a brow. "Ravensford is hardly unfamiliar."

  Edric smirked. "Still. It's different this time. Your name being on the guest list was unusual, and you know it." He handed Theo a folder. "Details for tomorrow's events. Go through it before you sleep."

  Theo took it without argument, and Edric turned to leave. As soon as the door shut, Theo pulled out his phone.

  His eyes widened.

  Cassius [15 messages]:

  Oh, so you’re ignoring me now?

  Left me on read?

  Unbelievable.

  I asked ONE question, Theo.

  Are you here or not?

  Fine. Be like that.

  Maybe I should find someone else to text.

  See if I care.

  Actually, I do care. Answer me.

  Theo.

  THEO.

  I swear if you don’t reply in the next 30 seconds—

  That’s it.

  I’m calling.

  Theo barely had time to process before his phone rang.

  Ravensford's Crown.

  Theo sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before answering.

  "Before you start—"

  "Oh, now you pick up?" Cassius cut in, voice sharp. "Where the hell have you been? Do you know how insulting it is to be left on read?"

  Theo rubbed his temple. "Cass, I was busy—"

  "Busy doing what? Ignoring me? Because that’s what it felt like."

  Theo closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. "Edric came by. I wasn’t ignoring you on purpose."

  A pause. Then, quieter—"…Oh."

  Theo almost smiled. "You’re ridiculous."

  "I could’ve died waiting for your reply."

  "You’re being dramatic."

  "You bring this upon yourself." Cassius huffed, but Theo could hear the teasing behind his irritation. "Anyway, you never answered my question."

  "What question?"

  "Are you here yet?"

  Theo rolled his eyes. "Yes, Cass. I’m here."

  A pause. Then, smugly—"Good. Now, do you want me to come over, or are you sneaking into my room?"

  Theo barely had time to replied before his phone rang again.

  James.

  He sighed, rubbing his temple before answering. "James."

  "Sir, just an update on the supplier request you sent earlier. We’ve finalized the list, but there’s a slight delay on the shipments from—"

  Theo pinched the bridge of his nose, listening as James detailed the logistics issue. He turned toward the window, gazing at Ravensford's night skyline. Lights flickered across the city, a contrast to the quiet grandeur of the palace grounds. His mind was split—half on James’ words, half on everything else weighing on him.

  "Alright," he said finally. "Send me the email. I’ll check it—"

  The sudden creak of his door interrupted him. Theo barely glanced over, assuming it was Edric.

  "Edric, I’m on the—"

  But it wasn’t Edric.

  Cassius stood just inside his room, chest rising and falling like he’d run all the way here. His hair was slightly disheveled, his shirt loose at the collar.

  Theo’s brows snapped together. "James, send me the email. I’ll check it later." He ended the call and turned, glaring.

  "The fuck was that, Cass?" His voice was sharper than he intended. "I was in the middle of a call, and you just barged in. Again."

  Cassius crossed his arms. "You weren’t answering."

  Theo let out a breath, frustration curling at the edges of his exhaustion. The seven-hour flight, the back-to-back schedules Edric had given him, the foundation’s logistics—everything was pressing down on him, and now Cassius was adding to it.

  His irritation slipped through before he could stop it. "I was on the phone, Cass. It’s foundation business—"

  Before he could finish, Cassius moved.

  His arms wrapped around Theo, pulling him close.

  Theo stiffened. The warmth of Cassius’ body against his own, the steady press of his heartbeat, the familiar scent of him—it all hit at once.

  "I miss you," Cassius murmured.

  Theo exhaled, the tension in his shoulders slowly easing. His hands hovered for a second before settling against Cassius’ back.

  "I miss you too," he admitted, his voice quieter now.

  Cassius sighed against his neck, his grip tightening just a little. "Good. Because I was about to start a war if you kept ignoring me."

  Theo huffed a small laugh, shaking his head. "You’re impossible."

  "And yet, here you are, hugging me back."

  Theo didn’t reply, just let himself stay there for a moment longer, letting the weight of the day slip away in Cassius' hold.

  ---

  Cassius sat on the edge of Theo’s bed, flipping through the details for tomorrow’s royal gathering. His expression shifted between boredom and mild interest, eyes skimming over the list of attending dignitaries, the itinerary, and the formalities he had already memorized a hundred times over.

  Meanwhile, Theo leaned against the table, his laptop open as he scanned through the email James had sent. His fingers moved swiftly over the trackpad, scrolling through logistics reports, supplier updates, and a few urgent matters flagged for review.

  Cassius sighed dramatically. "Hello, I’m here."

  Theo didn’t look up.

  Cassius rolled his eyes, shutting the folder in his hands with a soft thud before pushing himself up from the bed. He walked over, stopping beside Theo and tilting his head to glance at the screen.

  "That looks like a headache," he remarked, eyes flicking over the complex spreadsheets and negotiation drafts.

  Theo finally turned his head, just enough to meet Cassius’ face—then, without warning, he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

  Cassius barely had time to react before Theo pulled back, eyes already shifting back to his screen.

  "Wait a minute," Theo murmured, focused again on his work.

  Cassius stood frozen for a second, caught completely off guard. His brain scrambled to process the unexpected kiss, his lips still tingling from the brief contact.

  "You—" He shut his mouth, blinking.

  Theo kept typing.

  Cassius narrowed his eyes. "You can’t just—" He exhaled, running a hand through his hair before stepping back. "Fine," he muttered, dragging himself back to the bed.

  He sat down, watching Theo with an impatient gaze, resisting the urge to pull him away from the laptop. His fingers drummed lightly against the mattress.

  For once, he waited.

  ---

  Theo finally shut his laptop with a quiet click, exhaling as he pushed away from the table. His body ached from exhaustion—the flight, the endless emails, the weight of responsibility pressing against his temples. He didn’t say anything as he walked toward the bed, but Cassius tracked his every movement.

  When Theo sat beside him, Cassius expected some kind of sharp remark about barging into his room again. Instead, Theo shifted closer, then wordlessly laid his head on Cassius’ lap.

  Cassius stiffened, caught off guard by the sudden intimacy. His hands hovered awkwardly for a second before instinct took over, and he slowly let his fingers thread through Theo’s hair, brushing back the strands with quiet care.

  Theo sighed, his eyes already drifting shut. "I’m too tired to read through the details of the royal gathering," he murmured, voice lower now, softer. "Can you just tell me what’s going to happen tomorrow?"

  Cassius smirked slightly, continuing to run his fingers through Theo’s hair. "So now you need me?"

  Theo hummed, too comfortable to argue.

  Cassius rolled his eyes but still complied. "Fine. Breakfast is at eight, followed by the diplomatic introductions—boring as hell, but you’ll have to endure it. Then there’s a discussion about trade agreements, which I assume you’ll actually care about. The King will be present for that one."

  Theo made a quiet noise of acknowledgment but didn’t move.

  Cassius continued, his voice taking on an amused lilt. "After that, a formal lunch, some smaller meetings, and then the big evening gala. I assume you’ll be thrilled to attend that part."

  Theo let out a soft groan, burying his face against Cassius’ stomach as if to block out the very idea.

  Cassius laughed, his hand still gently stroking Theo’s hair. "That bad?"

  "You already know the answer," Theo muttered.

  He shifted again, turning on his side while still resting on Cassius’ lap. His arms came up, and before Cassius could react, Theo wrapped them around his waist in a loose, half-conscious embrace.

  "You smell nice," Theo mumbled against his shirt.

  Cassius stilled. His breath hitched, his fingers briefly pausing in Theo’s hair before resuming their slow, absentminded motions.

  For a moment, he just looked down at Theo, the way his lashes rested against his cheek, the way he naturally leaned into Cassius’ warmth.

  A small, satisfied smirk curled at Cassius’ lips.

  "Careful, Harrington," he teased, voice quieter now. "You almost sound like you like me."

  Theo didn’t respond.

  Cassius glanced down, only to realize Theo’s breathing had evened out, his grip loose but still present.

  He had fallen asleep.

  Cassius huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he continued to gently run his fingers through Theo’s hair, letting him rest.

  ---

  Theo blinked his eyes open, feeling the warmth beneath him before his brain fully caught up. His face was still buried against Cassius’ stomach, and his arms were still wrapped snugly around Cassius’ waist.

  His voice was thick with sleep as he mumbled, "Did I fall asleep?"

  Cassius chuckled, fingers still idly playing with Theo’s hair. "Oh, you’re awake? Took you long enough. It’s been an hour, and I’ve been sitting here like a damn statue."

  Theo groaned but didn’t move. "You regret it?" he asked, his voice low, testing.

  Cassius let out an exaggerated sigh. "Unfortunately… no."

  Theo smirked at that and, instead of pulling away, tightened his hold. Cassius felt the slight squeeze around his waist and let out a small, involuntary laugh.

  Then a thought struck him. A perfect idea.

  "Hey, Theo," Cassius murmured, amusement lacing his tone. "You want to see something?"

  Theo barely lifted his head, still half-draped over Cassius. "What?" he asked, voice groggy.

  Cassius pulled out his phone, unlocking it with an easy swipe. Then, with a slow grin, he tilted the screen toward Theo.

  Theo’s own face stared back at him.

  A clear, high-quality photo of him, likely the one Cassius had managed to trick him into sending earlier. Set neatly as Cassius’ wallpaper.

  For a moment, there was silence.

  Then—

  "Shit, Cass!" Theo bolted upright, eyes widening in horror. "You—you actually did it?!"

  Cassius grinned, entirely unrepentant. "Of course. You looked good in the picture."

  Theo lunged for the phone.

  But unfortunately for him, he moved too fast, still half-asleep, his limbs not quite coordinating—

  His foot slipped against the carpet, throwing him off balance.

  And before Cassius could even process what was happening—

  Theo fell forward.

  Directly onto Cassius.

  A soft thud. A sharp inhale. And suddenly, they weren’t sitting anymore.

  Theo was pressed against him, chests flush, his arms instinctively bracing against the mattress on either side of Cassius’ head.

  Cassius blinked.

  Theo blinked.

  Silence.

  Cassius’ phone had slipped from his hand, forgotten somewhere on the bed. But neither of them looked away.

  Theo’s face was too close.

  Cassius’ breath was too shallow.

  The world outside their little space blurred into the background. The only thing that existed was the warmth between them, the sound of their breathing, the undeniable tension tugging at the space left between their lips.

  Cassius, ever the instigator, let out a low, amused hum.

  "Well, well," he murmured, his voice teasing but his eyes darker than before. "Didn’t think you’d throw yourself at me this soon, Harrington."

  Theo narrowed his eyes, but he didn’t move away.

  "Shut up," he muttered.

  Cassius’ lips twitched. "Make me."

  A challenge.

  And Theo—Theo had never been good at resisting a challenge.

  ---

  Theo’s eyes darkened as he met Cassius’ gaze. He’d never been one to back down from a challenge, and Cassius had just issued one. With a smirk tugging at his lips, Theo leaned in, voice low and confident as he whispered, "I told you to shut up."

  Cassius didn’t hesitate. The air between them crackled as he grabbed Theo by the shirt, pulling him closer, their chests pressing together once more. His lips met Theo’s with a rush of heat, raw and urgent.

  The kiss started clumsy, sloppy, as if neither of them could quite catch their breath, but their hunger for each other only grew. Theo’s fingers tightened on Cassius' skin, the tension in his body building with every movement of their lips. Cassius’ hands roamed, pulling at the fabric of Theo’s shirt with impatient urgency, the sound of fabric tearing slightly as they both scrambled to get closer.

  Then, in one quick motion, Theo lifted Cassius’ shirt, his lips trailing along Cassius’ skin, hot and demanding. Each kiss against his chest made Cassius gasp, his hands fisting in Theo’s hair, pulling him back up for another kiss, deeper this time.

  The intensity between them escalated, the slow burn of desire building like a wildfire, uncontrolled. Cassius’ breath hitched as Theo’s lips traveled lower, his touch leaving a trail of fire across his skin. Cassius' fingers slid down Theo’s back, finding the waistband of his pants, his hands desperate for more, moving to explore the hard, heated planes of Theo’s body.

  Theo’s lips moved back up, meeting Cassius' mouth once more with a fierce kiss, their breaths becoming ragged as they let go of all restraint. Cassius' hands slid to Theo’s chest, pushing him back onto the bed, and for a second, Theo hesitated, before his hands grasped at the hem of Cassius’ pants, pulling them off. Cassius responded with equal urgency, unbuttoning Theo’s trousers and pushing them down, both of them now completely exposed.

  Cassius’ fingers ran down Theo’s chest, trailing over the scar on his side, and the heat between them blazed hotter. Theo’s breath came out sharp as he pulled Cassius closer, their bodies pressed so tightly together it was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began.

  Cassius’ lips traveled lower down Theo’s neck, biting softly, the sensation sending waves of heat straight to Theo’s core. Cassius’ hand slid down Theo’s stomach, just brushing past the waistband, teasing. Theo groaned in response, his fingers gripping Cassius' wrist, guiding him where he wanted him.

  "Please..." Theo muttered, voice thick with need, his body aching for more.

  Cassius smiled against his neck, his own voice low and husky as he replied, "You’ll get what you want, Harrington."

  The two of them moved in a rhythm that was chaotic, passionate, driven by nothing but pure, unrestrained desire. Their hands explored each other freely, and the more they touched, the more they lost themselves in the moment. Neither of them cared about anything beyond the wild tension between them, the way their bodies met, clashed, and finally, surrendered to the pull of their attraction.

  And in that moment, the world outside their room didn’t matter. There was only Theo, and only Cassius.

  ---

  Cass lay next to Theo, both of them exposed, the cool air of the room brushing against their skin, but the warmth between them kept the chill at bay. The soft rustle of the sheet around them was the only sound for a moment as they lay there, their bodies still tangled from the heated intensity that had just passed between them.

  Cass shifted slightly, his fingers tracing patterns on the sheet. "Can I ask you something, Theo?" His voice was soft, yet there was a note of curiosity in it that drew Theo’s attention.

  Theo, his face still buried in the back of Cass' neck, let out a small chuckle. "Wow, you're actually asking for permission now?" His tone teased, a glimmer of humor in his voice as his arm tightened around Cass’ waist, pulling him closer.

  Cass rolled his eyes, though the smile tugging at his lips betrayed the amusement he tried to hide. "What do you save me as in your contacts?" he asked, his tone playful but with an undercurrent of seriousness. "Is it 'Prince Cassius'? Or just 'Cass'? Or maybe 'LOML'?" He laughed, his voice light, yet his eyes were watching Theo carefully.

  Theo’s eyebrows raised in mock shock, chuckling as he pulled back slightly to look at Cass. "Ravensford's Crown," he said with a straight face, his voice thick with amusement, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

  Cass’s jaw dropped. "Are you serious?" he exclaimed, his voice full of disbelief. He shook his head, a grin breaking through his serious facade. "You are boring, Theo."

  Theo leaned back on his elbow, chuckling again at Cass’s reaction. "Why?" he asked, genuinely curious, though his voice betrayed his amusement. "What would you want me to save you as?"

  Cass sighed dramatically, as if burdened by the sheer weight of the question, then fished his phone from beside the bed. He opened it, scrolling through his contacts with purpose before holding it up in front of Theo's face. "Look at mine," he said, almost smugly. The name on his screen read, "Dear, T." He smiled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "What do you think of that?"

  Theo stared at the screen, blinking in disbelief. "You must be joking." He shook his head, lips curling into a grin despite himself. “That’s… that's so you.”

  Cass’s face remained serious as he stared at Theo, unwavering. "No jokes. You don’t think it’s personal enough?" His voice had a teasing edge, but there was a small flicker of vulnerability in his eyes, like he wasn’t entirely sure.

  As if realizing he hadn’t completed his task, Cass reached over to Theo’s phone, lift the screen in front of his face, swiping it from his hand in one fluid motion. Theo blinked, caught off guard by Cass’s sudden move. "What the hell are you going to do, Cass?" he asked, but the playful irritation in his voice was only half-hearted.

  Without a word, Cass tapped away at Theo’s phone, his fingers working quickly. He was being bold now, more assertive, the playful challenge in his eyes never leaving. Finally, he pulled his phone away and showed Theo the screen. The contact name on Theo’s phone now read: "Yours, C."

  Theo froze for a moment, blinking at the change, then laughed—deep and genuine—shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable,” he said, half-amused, half-impressed by Cass’s sudden boldness. "You just changed my contact name?"

  Cass stared at him, waiting, his eyes unwavering. “Done. This our letter,” he said, his voice low and firm. “Accept it, or tonight will be the last night you’ll see me.”

  Theo let out a laugh, his entire body shaking with it, but then he looked at Cass, eyes softening. He pulled him closer, his arm draped protectively over his shoulder. “You’re total prince out there,” he murmured with affection, pressing a kiss to Cass’s crown. “But you’re not like a prince at all when you’re with me.”

  Cass smiled at the kiss, his hand resting gently against Theo’s chest, a quiet contentment settling between them. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said softly, his voice thick with warmth. The unspoken truth hung in the air: They were more than just the titles they held.

  In this moment, there were no heir or princes—just two people, tangled in a connection neither could deny.

  "I'm glad to be yours," Theo tightened his arm.