Blackwell Mansion, Capital City Linfield–Eldoria.The vast estate of the Blackwell compound was eerily quiet. Servants on duty rose at dawn, swiftly cleaning the remnants of the celebration. Amid their brisk movements, Sebastian ascended the grand staircase, a tray of tea and sandwiches balanced expertly in his hands.At the master’s bedroom door, he knocked. “Master Lucian, I’ve brought you a snack.” Sebastian announced.“Enter.” Lucian’s voice came from inside.Sebastian stepped inside, setting the tray on the nightstand. Lucian emerged from the walk-in closet, buttoning his coffee vest over his white shirt.“You should rest, you haven’t had much sleep.” Sebastian urged, his tone laced with concern.“I cannot sleep.” Lucian admitted, his voice low. “The pills are becoming ineffective. Alcohol helps, but the children will worry.”“This could all be avoided if you heed the doctor’s advice, but you are far more stubborn than your parents combined. I’m glad the young master inherited la
Linfield, the capital of Eldoria, was an enormous city of pristine streets and elegantly dressed citizens who moved about without fear or caution. To visitors, the city appeared devoid of poverty, a model of wealth and order. But the truth was far grimmer. The poor were relegated to slums on the city's outskirts, hidden from the public eye unless they had business beyond their domesThe structure was discriminatory. While all were Eldorians, there was no sense of unity beyond their class. Sarang vividly remembered the first time he had witnessed a public beating of a pickpocketing child from the slums. If not for Sebastian’s intervention, the child would have lost a limb—or worse, his life. That incident had starkly reminded Sarang of his own fortune, because as twisted as it sounded, in some ways, slaves had it easier, provided their masters weren’t malicious.Nathaniel and Sarang wandered into Linfield’s bustling market, the heart of the city. They entered a quaint bookstore, browsi
Lucian rested in bed, the soft rustle of papers filling the room when the doors creaked open. Sarang peeked in, his lips forming a cute pout.“Master, can I come in? I made you food.” Sarang said, his voice tinged with concern.Lucian glanced up and nodded.Pushing the door open with his shoulder, Sarang waltzed into the room carrying a tray. He approached the bed and presented it to Lucian, who set the papers aside.“It’s ginseng chicken noddle soup.” Sarang explained, rubbing his shoulder nervously. “I heard you weren’t feeling well. Did the doctor come?”“Yes.”Sarang fidgeted with his fingers, his brows knitting in worry. “It’s not serious, right? Are you going to get better? I’ve never seen you bedridden–not even from a fever.”Lucian chuckled, placing a warm hand on Sarang’s hair with a reassuring smile. “You have nothing to worry about, I’ll be fine. The doctor said I overexerted myself and need some rest.”Sarang relaxed, his shoulders dropping as he offered a bright smile. He
Sarang stood by a small pond, tossing fish food to the colourful koi that swam eagerly to the surface. As the white cup in his hand emptied, he smiled in satisfaction. The fishpond was one of the most tranquil spots on the Linfield estate.The soft rustle of grass behind him caught his attention. He turned to find Nathan striding toward him, his expression taut with nerves, his fists clenching and unclenching in agitation.“We need to talk.” Nathan said, his voice sharp with urgency.Sarang set the empty cup on the pond’s edge. “Can we not talk here?” He asked, staring at Nathan. and Nathan surveyed their environment. There was no one around but he didn’t get a sense of seclusion in the open space.Nathan scanned the open space. While no one was in sight, it didn’t feel private enough. “No, we cannot. I need to speak to you in private. Come with me.” He said and grabbed his hand, leading him away.They disappeared into the shaded cover of the garden’s dense foliage. Without warning, N
Nathaniel stomped down the stairs, muttering under his breath. Sarang watched cautiously before stepping closer, placing a gentle hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder.“Breathe,” Sarang murmured, his voice soft and soothing as his fingers traced slow, calming circles on Nathaniel’s back.Nathaniel exhaled sharply, then mirrored Sarang’s deep, measured breaths. He maintained eye contact as he released a louder breath, his tension easing slightly.“Better?” Sarang asked with a small smile.“I’m not fine,” Nathaniel snapped, though his tone had softened. “Father’s gone too far this time. Making such a decision without consulting me—I’m not a child.”“I know. I agree with you that Master is acting… unusual. But an aggressive confrontation won’t solve anything, it will only make him difficult. You know how stubborn he can be.”Nathaniel sank onto the stairs, intertwining his fingers in frustration. “Then what do you suggest I do? Coddle him with soft words and kindness?” His voice dripped with sar
They returned to the estate at dusk, their earlier frustrations now a distant memory. They chatted excitedly about the places they would explore in Linfield: The original churches of the two religions in Eldoria, the museums of art, and the famed Big Bell Tower.Nathaniel reached for the entrance door’s handle, only to have it open. A familiar figure emerged—a lunari woman dressed in soft pink and a chessboard in her delicate arm. Her green eyes lit up at the sight of Nathaniel, and she tucked a loose strand of silver hair behind her ear with a shy smile.“Nathaniel, welcome. I did not think I would see you before I leave.”“Your Highness.” Nathaniel said, bowing alongside Sarang.Her lips curved into a soft smile. “We’re beyond formalities now. Please, call me Lysandra. Just Lysandra.”“What brings you here?” Nathaniel asked, his voice cool and steady, and his hands clasped behind his back.Lysandra held up the chessboard. The same board he gifted her. “You mentioned you didn’t have
“Your name is Sarang, right?” A soft, gentle voice broke through the quiet.Sarang turned to find Lysandra standing behind him, her cheeks flushed and temper mellow.“Your–”“No need for that.” Lysandra interrupted, holding up a hand to stop him from bowing. “I’m a guest here. Please, be at ease.”Sarang hesitated, then straightened. “Is there anything you need, Your Highness? The young master isn’t home.”“I know. It is not Prince Nathaniel I’m looking for. It’s you.”“Me?” Sarang echoed, blinking in surprise.“Yes, you.” Lysandra stepped closer, her expression sincere. “I apologise for how I behaved when we first met. It was unladylike, and I hope you can forgive me so we can start anew.”“You do not have to apologise or seek my forgiveness.” Sarang replied politely. “You’ve never wronged me, Your Highness.”“I should. You are Prince Nathaniel’s childhood friend and closest companion. Uncle Lucian said you grew up together, so you’re practically family.”“I suppose so.” Sarang repli
A little past evening, Nathaniel returned home, his eyes drooping with exhaustion. The viscount’s hospitality had been impeccable, but his daughters were by far the most obnoxious women he had ever encountered. Their relentless fawning and desperate, simpering smiles only solidified his disinterest in them.He reached for the doorknob, twisting it open, and stepped inside. Sarang sat on his bed, arms folded, gaze sharp with anger. Nathan quietly shut the door behind him.Without a word, Sarang lifted the crumbled paper in his hand and read aloud. “It is without a doubt that this season’s finest bachelor is an enigma from the household of the Grand Duke of Eldoria, Prince Nathaniel Blackwell. A young alpha whose presence has ignited a grand stir in the ton and fervent passion in the hearts of hopeful youths. But why now, and more intriguingly, for whom? Whispers travel that this mysterious gentleman seeks one thing–a diamond. A princess, no less. Should yours truly believe his diamond
Nathaniel arrived late to dinner. He sat in the seat across Sarang, who heeded his food, deliberately ignoring him. Nathaniel slowly picked up his spoon, casting a long, sombre gaze at Sarang before he stated eating.Sarang, unfazed, finished his portion in silence. He dabbed his mouth with a napkin, then turned to Lucian.“Thank you for the food, Master.” He said with a soft smile and stood up. He bowed politely then left the dining room.Nathaniel immediately rose to follow. “Excuse me.”“Stay.” Lucian interjected smoothly. “Let us talk, you just arrived.”“Surely, it can wait.”“It will not,” Lucian replied, spearing a piece of fish with his fork. He lifted it to his mouth, then added, “Not if you want Sarang to forgive you.”Nathaniel eyed his father suspiciously and sank back into his seat.“You should eat more.” Lucian suggested, setting his cutlery down.“I’m not hungry.” Nathaniel muttered.Silence stretched between them. It had been a long time since father and son sat togeth
A little past evening, Nathaniel returned home, his eyes drooping with exhaustion. The viscount’s hospitality had been impeccable, but his daughters were by far the most obnoxious women he had ever encountered. Their relentless fawning and desperate, simpering smiles only solidified his disinterest in them.He reached for the doorknob, twisting it open, and stepped inside. Sarang sat on his bed, arms folded, gaze sharp with anger. Nathan quietly shut the door behind him.Without a word, Sarang lifted the crumbled paper in his hand and read aloud. “It is without a doubt that this season’s finest bachelor is an enigma from the household of the Grand Duke of Eldoria, Prince Nathaniel Blackwell. A young alpha whose presence has ignited a grand stir in the ton and fervent passion in the hearts of hopeful youths. But why now, and more intriguingly, for whom? Whispers travel that this mysterious gentleman seeks one thing–a diamond. A princess, no less. Should yours truly believe his diamond
“Your name is Sarang, right?” A soft, gentle voice broke through the quiet.Sarang turned to find Lysandra standing behind him, her cheeks flushed and temper mellow.“Your–”“No need for that.” Lysandra interrupted, holding up a hand to stop him from bowing. “I’m a guest here. Please, be at ease.”Sarang hesitated, then straightened. “Is there anything you need, Your Highness? The young master isn’t home.”“I know. It is not Prince Nathaniel I’m looking for. It’s you.”“Me?” Sarang echoed, blinking in surprise.“Yes, you.” Lysandra stepped closer, her expression sincere. “I apologise for how I behaved when we first met. It was unladylike, and I hope you can forgive me so we can start anew.”“You do not have to apologise or seek my forgiveness.” Sarang replied politely. “You’ve never wronged me, Your Highness.”“I should. You are Prince Nathaniel’s childhood friend and closest companion. Uncle Lucian said you grew up together, so you’re practically family.”“I suppose so.” Sarang repli
They returned to the estate at dusk, their earlier frustrations now a distant memory. They chatted excitedly about the places they would explore in Linfield: The original churches of the two religions in Eldoria, the museums of art, and the famed Big Bell Tower.Nathaniel reached for the entrance door’s handle, only to have it open. A familiar figure emerged—a lunari woman dressed in soft pink and a chessboard in her delicate arm. Her green eyes lit up at the sight of Nathaniel, and she tucked a loose strand of silver hair behind her ear with a shy smile.“Nathaniel, welcome. I did not think I would see you before I leave.”“Your Highness.” Nathaniel said, bowing alongside Sarang.Her lips curved into a soft smile. “We’re beyond formalities now. Please, call me Lysandra. Just Lysandra.”“What brings you here?” Nathaniel asked, his voice cool and steady, and his hands clasped behind his back.Lysandra held up the chessboard. The same board he gifted her. “You mentioned you didn’t have
Nathaniel stomped down the stairs, muttering under his breath. Sarang watched cautiously before stepping closer, placing a gentle hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder.“Breathe,” Sarang murmured, his voice soft and soothing as his fingers traced slow, calming circles on Nathaniel’s back.Nathaniel exhaled sharply, then mirrored Sarang’s deep, measured breaths. He maintained eye contact as he released a louder breath, his tension easing slightly.“Better?” Sarang asked with a small smile.“I’m not fine,” Nathaniel snapped, though his tone had softened. “Father’s gone too far this time. Making such a decision without consulting me—I’m not a child.”“I know. I agree with you that Master is acting… unusual. But an aggressive confrontation won’t solve anything, it will only make him difficult. You know how stubborn he can be.”Nathaniel sank onto the stairs, intertwining his fingers in frustration. “Then what do you suggest I do? Coddle him with soft words and kindness?” His voice dripped with sar
Sarang stood by a small pond, tossing fish food to the colourful koi that swam eagerly to the surface. As the white cup in his hand emptied, he smiled in satisfaction. The fishpond was one of the most tranquil spots on the Linfield estate.The soft rustle of grass behind him caught his attention. He turned to find Nathan striding toward him, his expression taut with nerves, his fists clenching and unclenching in agitation.“We need to talk.” Nathan said, his voice sharp with urgency.Sarang set the empty cup on the pond’s edge. “Can we not talk here?” He asked, staring at Nathan. and Nathan surveyed their environment. There was no one around but he didn’t get a sense of seclusion in the open space.Nathan scanned the open space. While no one was in sight, it didn’t feel private enough. “No, we cannot. I need to speak to you in private. Come with me.” He said and grabbed his hand, leading him away.They disappeared into the shaded cover of the garden’s dense foliage. Without warning, N
Lucian rested in bed, the soft rustle of papers filling the room when the doors creaked open. Sarang peeked in, his lips forming a cute pout.“Master, can I come in? I made you food.” Sarang said, his voice tinged with concern.Lucian glanced up and nodded.Pushing the door open with his shoulder, Sarang waltzed into the room carrying a tray. He approached the bed and presented it to Lucian, who set the papers aside.“It’s ginseng chicken noddle soup.” Sarang explained, rubbing his shoulder nervously. “I heard you weren’t feeling well. Did the doctor come?”“Yes.”Sarang fidgeted with his fingers, his brows knitting in worry. “It’s not serious, right? Are you going to get better? I’ve never seen you bedridden–not even from a fever.”Lucian chuckled, placing a warm hand on Sarang’s hair with a reassuring smile. “You have nothing to worry about, I’ll be fine. The doctor said I overexerted myself and need some rest.”Sarang relaxed, his shoulders dropping as he offered a bright smile. He
Linfield, the capital of Eldoria, was an enormous city of pristine streets and elegantly dressed citizens who moved about without fear or caution. To visitors, the city appeared devoid of poverty, a model of wealth and order. But the truth was far grimmer. The poor were relegated to slums on the city's outskirts, hidden from the public eye unless they had business beyond their domesThe structure was discriminatory. While all were Eldorians, there was no sense of unity beyond their class. Sarang vividly remembered the first time he had witnessed a public beating of a pickpocketing child from the slums. If not for Sebastian’s intervention, the child would have lost a limb—or worse, his life. That incident had starkly reminded Sarang of his own fortune, because as twisted as it sounded, in some ways, slaves had it easier, provided their masters weren’t malicious.Nathaniel and Sarang wandered into Linfield’s bustling market, the heart of the city. They entered a quaint bookstore, browsi
Blackwell Mansion, Capital City Linfield–Eldoria.The vast estate of the Blackwell compound was eerily quiet. Servants on duty rose at dawn, swiftly cleaning the remnants of the celebration. Amid their brisk movements, Sebastian ascended the grand staircase, a tray of tea and sandwiches balanced expertly in his hands.At the master’s bedroom door, he knocked. “Master Lucian, I’ve brought you a snack.” Sebastian announced.“Enter.” Lucian’s voice came from inside.Sebastian stepped inside, setting the tray on the nightstand. Lucian emerged from the walk-in closet, buttoning his coffee vest over his white shirt.“You should rest, you haven’t had much sleep.” Sebastian urged, his tone laced with concern.“I cannot sleep.” Lucian admitted, his voice low. “The pills are becoming ineffective. Alcohol helps, but the children will worry.”“This could all be avoided if you heed the doctor’s advice, but you are far more stubborn than your parents combined. I’m glad the young master inherited la