“Scandal in Viladair: Prince Cassius of Ravensford, Prince Theodore of Bellemont, and Prince Dylan of Viladair Caught Clubbing”

  “The Golden Prince Tarnished? Cassius’ Night Out Sparks Controversy Over His Future as King”

  “Is Prince Cassius Fit for the Crown? Public Outcry Over ‘Reckless’ Behavior”

  Theo scrolled through the articles, already knowing what to expect. He’d been through enough scandals to recognize the media’s pattern—exaggerate, speculate, tear someone down, and let the world feast on the fallout. He had learned to let the noise pass, but this wasn’t about him.

  This was Cassius' first real scandal. And it was bad.

  Theo checked his phone. No messages. He dialed Cassius. Straight to voicemail.

  A slow, uneasy feeling settled in his chest. He had seen Cassius handle diplomatic negotiations with composure, face his father’s expectations with a perfect smile, and endure endless scrutiny without a crack in his fa?ade. But this was different. This was personal.

  He tried again. Still no answer.

  Frustrated, he called Dylan.

  The moment Dylan picked up, Theo didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Have you talked to Cass?”

  Dylan let out a low whistle. “Morning to you too, mate. No, I haven’t. But I assume he’s currently getting his royal ass handed to him by King Edward.”

  Theo clenched his jaw. “He’s not answering me.”

  Dylan sighed. “That’s not surprising. You’ve seen the headlines. It’s a mess. I’m used to this kind of thing, and even I got a call from my father—though, honestly, my grounding is more of a ‘don’t embarrass me further’ situation.”

  Theo paced the room. “Cassius isn’t like us. He doesn’t get to brush this off. His entire image is built on perfection. One night out, and they’re questioning if he’s fit to be king.”

  “Yeah,” Dylan said, the teasing edge in his voice gone. “He’s probably dealing with damage control. His father is—well, you know how King Edward is. This will be handled swiftly and harshly.”

  Theo’s stomach twisted. “I need to see him.”

  “Bad idea,” Dylan warned. “Give him space. If he wanted to talk to you, he would.”

  Theo ran a hand through his hair. He knew Dylan was right, but the thought of Cassius dealing with this alone made him restless.

  Then, an even worse thought struck him.

  What if Cassius wasn’t just shutting Theo out? What if he was being forced to?

  Theo’s grip on his phone tightened.

  Screw waiting. He wasn’t going to sit back and do nothing.

  If Cassius wouldn’t answer his calls, then Theo would find another way to reach him.

  Even if it meant going straight to Ravensford.

  ---

  Theo stormed into Edric’s office without knocking, his mind set on one thing.

  Edric barely looked up from the documents on his desk before saying, “No.” His voice was firm, absolute.

  Theo clenched his fists. “Come on, Edric. Maybe you can—”

  “No.”

  “You don’t even know what I’m going to say.”

  Edric finally met his gaze, unimpressed. “Whatever you’re saying, the answer is still no.” He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Why do you care so much about him, Theo? I leave you alone for one night, and you’re already making headlines.”

  Theo let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, now you care? You were perfectly fine letting me deal with my own scandals before.”

  “This isn’t about you,” Edric said, his voice sharper. “It’s about him. Cassius is in trouble, and running to him right now will only make things worse.”

  Theo slammed his hands on the desk. “Worse for who? You? The image of Bellemont? Because I sure as hell don’t care about that.”

  Edric exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It’s worse for him, Theo. You showing up in Ravensford will only add fuel to the fire. He needs to handle this on his own.”

  Theo’s jaw tightened. “You think I don’t know that? But he’s not answering me, Edric. And if I know Cassius, that means one of two things: he’s either drowning in this alone, or someone is keeping him from me.”

  Edric’s expression didn’t change, but something in his posture stiffened.

  Theo leaned in. “Tell me the truth. Is King Edward keeping him locked away?”

  Edric didn’t answer immediately, which was answer enough.

  Theo took a step back, shaking his head. “Unbelievable.”

  “I’m telling you this for your own good, Theo.” Edric’s voice lowered, calmer now. “For his good. Don’t make it worse.”

  Theo turned to leave, his chest tight with frustration. “If you won’t help me, I’ll find another way.”

  Edric didn’t stop him.

  And that was all the confirmation Theo needed.

  Cassius was being kept away.

  And Theo wasn’t about to let that happen.

  ---

  Edric sighed, setting his pen down. “You don’t know when to stop, do you?”

  Theo scoffed. “Like you don’t know me by now.”

  Edric studied him for a long moment, something shifting in his gaze. He leaned forward slightly, voice quieter but heavier. “Then tell me, Theo. Be honest with me for once.”

  Theo frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean—” Edric exhaled, as if steadying himself. “I want you to tell me what this is. You and Cassius.” His eyes searched Theo’s face. “You are my brother. If this is real, if this is something I need to stand by you for, then say it.”

  Theo clenched his jaw. He had spent so long keeping this quiet, too afraid of what saying it out loud would mean. But now? After everything?

  “I have feelings for him, Edric.” His voice didn’t waver. “Feelings I’m sure about.”

  Edric’s expression didn’t change, but something in his posture eased.

  Theo pressed on, his chest tightening with emotion. “I can’t let him handle this alone. I won’t. I promised to be by his side. Forever.”

  Edric let out a breath, slow and measured. “Forever.”

  Theo nodded. “Yeah.”

  A beat of silence passed between them.

  Then Edric looked away, rubbing his jaw. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

  Theo huffed a laugh. “You love me anyway.”

  Edric shook his head, but the corner of his mouth twitched. “Unfortunately.” Then his expression sobered. “I can’t help you, Theo. Not officially.”

  Theo’s heart sank. “But—”

  “But.” Edric met his gaze, something unreadable in his eyes. “That doesn’t mean I won’t help you.”

  Stolen story; please report.

  Theo straightened. “What do you mean?”

  Edric exhaled, standing up. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  It wasn’t much. But it was enough.

  ---

  As Theo turned to leave the room, his hand already on the door, Edric's voice stopped him in his tracks.

  "Theo!"

  Theo froze but didn’t turn around, his hand still gripping the doorframe. "What now?" he groaned, already feeling the weight of the conversation.

  Edric stood up, a sly grin playing on his lips. "So, tell me—at the guest wing, it’s not a ghost, is it?"

  Theo’s face burned with frustration. He turned to face Edric, scowling. “Fuck you, Edric.”

  Edric laughed, his deep chuckle filling the room. “I’m serious. I didn’t know you were so into haunting the place.”

  Theo shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose in disbelief. "You’re insufferable, you know that?"

  "Just checking, brother." Edric leaned back against the desk, his smile never faltering. "But seriously, take care of yourself. And him."

  Theo shot him one last glare before leaving the room, the weight of his brother’s teasing lingering in his mind. But even with the joke, Edric’s words stayed with him—he knew Edric cared, even if he didn’t always show it.

  ---

  "Theodore."

  Theo’s heart skipped a beat when he heard his father’s voice. He had been so focused on reaching Cassius, trying to fix the mess that had happened, that he didn’t notice King Alistair standing at the foot of the stairs.

  “Son.” The King’s voice was calm, but there was an undeniable edge to it.

  Theo stopped dead in his tracks, cursing under his breath. Fuck.

  He didn’t turn around at first, but he knew his father was waiting for an answer. When the silence stretched, King Alistair's voice came again, more insistent.

  “Where are you going, Theo?”

  Theo stayed quiet for a beat longer, his body tense with frustration. He couldn’t avoid the conversation forever, but damn it, he didn’t want to have it right now. Not when Cassius needed him.

  “I’m asking you, Theodore,” his father repeated. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  Theo finally turned to face him, unable to hide the irritation in his eyes. "I need to meet King Edward and explain to him it’s not what you all think happened."

  King Alistair didn’t respond right away, but there was something dangerous in the way he looked at Theo—his gaze unwavering. "Why bother too much?"

  Theo’s throat tightened, and for a moment, the words got caught in his chest. He knew his father wouldn’t understand. But he couldn’t just stand by and let Cassius be dragged through this alone.

  "Because..." Theo’s voice broke for a second, and he took a breath, trying to steady himself. His mind was racing. "He’s not just a friend to me. I can’t leave him to handle this by himself. He doesn’t deserve this."

  The tension between them hung thick in the air, and Theo could feel the weight of his father’s gaze on him. King Alistair didn't reply right away, but his lips tightened in a hard line.

  "One step out that door, and I’ll take your title. That means you’ll no longer be a Harrington."

  Theo’s stomach dropped. He could feel his pulse thundering in his ears. His father’s threat wasn't a joke—he knew it. It wasn’t just words; it was a real possibility. But for Cassius, for them, Theo couldn’t back down.

  “Don’t do this,” Edric’s voice came from behind him, full of worry. Theo turned to see his brother standing there, his face a mix of concern and disbelief.

  “I need to do this, Edric,” Theo said quietly, turning his back on his father. “I can’t just stand by.”

  King Alistair didn’t say anything else. He didn’t need to. The silence was enough of a warning. But Theo didn’t hesitate.

  One step closer to leaving, and the title of Prince of Bellemont might be gone forever. He wasn’t sure if that would hurt him more than anything else.

  But he didn’t care. This time, Cassius came first.

  ---

  Theo arrived at Ravensford at 2 a.m. The rain was relentless, hammering down in heavy sheets, soaking through his clothes the moment he stepped out of the car. He barely felt it. His heart was pounding too hard, his hands clenched into fists as he stared up at the towering palace gates.

  The guards were already in position, standing firm as if they had been expecting him.

  “Harringtons are not allowed to see Prince Cassius.” The words were cold, detached, as if they weren’t barring him from the one person he needed to see most.

  Theo clenched his jaw, trying to keep himself in check. “I need to see him.”

  Silence. The guards didn’t move.

  Theo let out a sharp breath, his patience snapping. “Let me see him!” His voice cut through the rain, raw and desperate.

  Still, no response.

  His pulse thundered. His clothes were drenched, his fingers trembling, but none of it mattered. What mattered was Cassius, locked inside that palace, alone, bearing the weight of the scandal by himself.

  His vision blurred with frustration. His breath came in short, uneven bursts. And then, he lost it.

  “CASS!” His voice tore through the downpour. “CASSIUS! I know you can hear me!”

  Thunder rolled in the distance, but Theo barely registered it. He stepped closer to the gate, gripping the cold metal bars. “Cassius, damn it! Let me in!”

  Nothing.

  His chest tightened, his heart slamming against his ribs. “You don’t have to do this alone! Please!” His voice cracked on the last word, swallowed by the storm.

  Still, there was no answer. No movement from inside the palace.

  Theo swallowed hard, his throat raw. He wasn’t leaving. He couldn’t. Not until he saw him. Even if it meant standing here all night in the freezing rain.

  ---

  Cassius sat at his work table, a book resting on his lap, untouched. His eyes weren’t scanning the pages. He wasn’t reading. He was just there, staring at nothing, his mind a storm of noise.

  Then, a knock.

  "Your Highness," a voice came from the other side of the door. "Prince Theodore is at the grand gate."

  His head snapped up. “What?”

  "He’s… demanding to see you, sir."

  Cassius stood, pushing the book aside. His heart pounded as he strode toward the window, and when he looked down at the gate, he froze.

  Theo was there.

  Drenched from the rain, pacing, running a hand through his hair in frustration. His other hand gripped the iron bars of the gate so tightly his knuckles were white. Even through the storm, Cassius could hear him cursing. He knew that look—rage, helplessness, desperation.

  Cassius inhaled sharply. “Let him in.”

  The guards hesitated, but his order was absolute.

  He turned away from the window, his chest tight. Why did he come?

  ---

  They walked into his room in silence, both of them dripping wet. The only sounds were their ragged breathing and the occasional roll of thunder outside.

  Theo stood in the middle of the room, his hands on his hips, his shirt clinging to his skin. His jaw was clenched, his eyes dark with frustration. Cassius didn’t say anything, just took a towel from the chair and tossed it to him.

  Theo caught it, but he didn’t move to dry himself.

  Cassius crossed his arms. “I don’t appreciate you coming here, Theo.” His voice was quieter than he expected.

  Theo let out a sharp laugh, disbelieving. “You’re not answering my calls, not even replying to my texts, Cass.” His voice was tight with anger. “At least let me know you’re okay.”

  “I am okay.”

  “Bullshit you are okay!” Theo’s voice rose, the restraint snapping. “You shut me out for two days! Do you have any idea what that did to me?”

  Cassius’ fingers dug into his arms. “You shouldn’t be here—”

  “You think I care?” Theo cut him off, stepping closer. “I had to see you—”

  “Well, now you’ve seen me,” Cassius shot back. “So leave.”

  Theo flinched, just barely, but his frustration only flared hotter. “Stop acting like this doesn’t affect you! You think I don’t know you, Cass? You think I don’t see right through you?”

  Cassius’ jaw tightened. “I don’t need you to—”

  “You don’t get to push me away!” Theo’s voice cracked, his eyes burning. “Not when I—” He stopped himself, exhaling sharply.

  Cassius looked at him, chest rising and falling. “Not when you what, Theo?”

  Theo swallowed, hands clenching at his sides. “Not when I love you.”

  The words crashed between them, as loud as the storm outside.

  Cassius didn’t react. Not at first. He stood there, fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palm. He closed his eyes, breathing hard, as if physically holding himself together. He wouldn’t cry. He refused to cry.

  Then, in a voice so quiet it was almost drowned by the rain outside, he whispered, “I can’t do this, Theo.”

  Theo’s expression twisted, pain flashing across his face. “Can’t do what, Cass?” His voice was hoarse, filled with frustration and something close to desperation. “What the hell are you even saying?”

  “I can’t afford this,” Cassius bit out, stepping back like Theo’s presence was suffocating him. “To love you. I can’t.”

  Theo let out a sharp breath, eyes narrowing. “What does that even mean?”

  Cassius’ hands curled tighter into fists. “It means my life is already written, Theo. It means I don’t get to be selfish.” His voice cracked, but it only fueled his rage. “I am the heir of Ravensford. My duty, my responsibility—it’s to my country, to my people. Not to this—” he gestured between them, voice trembling, “—not to something I can’t afford.”

  Theo stared at him, chest rising and falling, his lips parted like he wanted to argue. Like he refused to accept this.

  Cassius pressed forward, not letting him. “You can be reckless, Theo. You always have that choice. But I don’t.” His voice was raw now, breaking open. “I don’t get to run away. I don’t get to risk everything for love. You think this is hard for you? I was raised for this, Theo! I was trained to be perfect, to never step out of line, to never make mistakes—” He let out a ragged breath, voice shaking with rage and something deeper. “I don’t have the luxury of making mistakes.”

  Theo took a step forward, shaking his head. “Cass, listen to me—”

  “No, you listen.” Cassius’ voice rose, his control slipping. “You think I don’t want this?” His hand trembled as he pointed at Theo, his eyes burning. “You think I don’t wake up every damn day wishing I could just have you?” His breath hitched, and for a second, he looked like he might shatter. “But I can’t. I can’t afford to take this for granted. I can’t risk this kingdom for my own selfish wants—”

  Theo’s frustration turned to something fierce, something raw. “So what, Cass? You’re just going to pretend this doesn’t matter?”

  Cassius let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “It doesn’t matter. It can’t matter.”

  Theo’s face twisted, something in him breaking. “You don’t mean that.”

  Cassius met his gaze, breathing hard. His entire body was tense, his jaw tight, his fingers still curled into fists.

  And then, finally, with a quiet, shattering certainty, he said, “Yes, I do.”

  Theo paused, his heart racing as he stood there, inches away from Cassius, desperate to bridge the gap between them. But Cassius recoiled, moving a step back, his face shadowed with pain.

  "Cass, we can figure this out. We can love each other, just in the way we know. We can—"

  Cassius shook his head, his voice breaking as he cut Theo off. "Please, Theo. Don't make this harder." He turned away quickly, and a single tear slid down his cheek, though he tried to wipe it away as if it never happened.

  Theo's chest tightened, his fingers aching to reach out, to stop him, but the words died on his lips. "Cass, listen—"

  Before Theo could say anything more, a sharp knock echoed through the door, startling both of them.

  "The King demands to see you both, Your Highnesses," the voice from the other side called out, stiff and formal.

  The tension in the air thickened, but the weight of their unresolved feelings hung between them like a silent scream.

  ---

  Theo and Cassius stood before the King, the weight of unspoken words pressing heavily between them. The grand chamber was silent except for the soft crackling of the fireplace, but the tension in the air was suffocating.

  King Edward’s gaze was sharp, unreadable. When he spoke, his voice was laced with mockery.

  "Prince Theodore," the King greeted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "What an honor it is to have you here under such… circumstances."

  Theo straightened, knowing he had to tread carefully. "Your Majesty, whatever blame needs to be placed—place it on me. Cassius did nothing wrong. He doesn't deserve this."

  The King leaned forward, studying Theo with a piercing stare before shifting his attention to his son. "Then answer me this, Cassius," he said, voice dangerously calm. "If this is not your fault, why did you choose to follow him? Why did you not walk away?" A pause. Then, he asked, "Am I wrong, Prince Cassius?"

  Cassius swallowed hard, his hands clenched at his sides. "No, Father," he answered, his voice subdued, yielding. "You're not wrong."

  Theo’s heart twisted. "Cassius only followed me because I—"

  "Enough," the King interrupted, eyes narrowing. "If you're so eager to take the blame, then I will grant you that wish. The crown will not be taken from Cassius."

  Theo exhaled in relief, but it was short-lived.

  "On one condition," the King continued.

  Both Theo and Cassius looked up, dreading what would come next.

  "You will no longer see Cassius," the King decreed. "And you are never to step foot in Ravensford again."

  The words struck like a blade to Theo’s chest. His heart clenched painfully, his breath catching. He turned to the King, searching for any sign of mercy, but there was none. Instead, the King looked at Cassius with something almost like satisfaction.

  "You fit the role of king perfectly," Edward remarked, his voice eerily calm. "The golden prince—loved by all, flawless in every way."

  Theo’s fingers trembled as he reached for Cassius’ hand, gripping it tightly. "It’s going to be okay," he murmured, more to reassure Cassius than himself. "I came here knowing I could lose everything—my title, my place in Bellemont—but I was willing to risk it. That doesn’t matter to me anymore." He swallowed hard. "But losing you…" His voice faltered. "That, I never expected."

  Cassius squeezed his hand back, desperation in his grip. "Then don’t agree to this," he pleaded, voice cracking. "We can figure this out—just like you said. I trust you, Theo."

  Theo’s fingers twitched against his, but he knew. He knew Cassius' dream, his duty, his entire life had been built around this future. And Theo couldn’t—wouldn’t—take that away from him.

  Slowly, he let go.

  Cassius' breath hitched as Theo stepped back.

  "No," Cassius whispered. His hands trembled. "No, please—"

  Theo didn’t look at him as he turned away, walking toward the door.

  Cassius fell to his knees, the weight of it all crashing down on him. He stared at the cold marble floor, his breath coming in shallow gasps. "I love him," he murmured, voice breaking. Then louder, more desperate, "I love him, Dad."

  He scrambled to his feet, turning to his father, eyes wild. "Please, Dad," he begged, his voice raw with emotion. "I fucking love him. I'll do whatever you want—I'll be the perfect prince, the perfect king. I'll be your puppet, just—" His voice cracked. "Just don’t let him leave me. Please."

  His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the floor, sobbing. "Theo!"

  Theo forced himself to keep walking. He had to.

  "Restrain him," the King ordered.

  Cassius thrashed against the guards who grabbed his arms, his voice breaking as he screamed, "Theo!"

  Theo kept moving, his steps heavy, each one feeling like a nail in his own coffin.

  As he reached the car, Julien opened the door for him. Theo slid inside, exhaling shakily, his hands curling into fists.

  Julien glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Your Highness?"

  Theo let out a humorless chuckle, staring out at the palace that had just sealed his fate.

  "Guess the crown really does take all."

  Julien hesitated, then said softly, "There’s an old saying, Your Highness."

  Theo turned his head slightly.

  "Love conquers all."

  Theo looked away, his expression unreadable as the car pulled away from the palace, leaving behind the echoes of Cassius' cries.

  ---

  They had flown miles across the sea, the skies above them dark and quiet, as if mourning alongside him. Not a word was spoken during the flight. Theo had stared out the window the entire time, eyes blank, fingers digging into the armrest, as if trying to hold himself together.

  When the plane finally landed in Bellemont, the silence followed him like a shadow.

  Julien escorted him through the palace gates, but Theo moved on autopilot. The marble corridors were familiar, yet they felt colder now—emptier. He climbed the grand staircase slowly, each step heavier than the last.

  And at the top, waiting like he always did when they were boys, stood Edric.

  Theo paused. His throat tightened.

  “Edric,” he said, voice barely a whisper.

  Edric didn’t say much—he never did when it mattered. Just that one word, filled with everything.

  “Theo.”

  That was all it took.

  Theo’s mask broke. All the strength he had been holding onto, the composure he had carried across borders, shattered in that instant. His eyes brimmed with tears, and he let them fall—silent, heavy, unrelenting.

  He staggered forward, reaching for his brother like he had done in childhood, like he was drowning and Edric was the only shore.

  And Edric caught him—without a word, without hesitation.

  Theo buried his face in his brother’s shoulder, the sobs tearing out of him soundless and raw. He had lost him. He had walked away.

  Everything went dark as the grief overwhelmed him, and the world faded into the quiet, broken hum of his name being whispered in the halls of Bellemont.

  ---