CHAPTERS
Word reached the castle’s southern gate that an imperial delegation had arrived around mid-morning that day. Despite the Grand Duke having eyes and ears in every corner to monitor the imperial family’s movements, this delegation had arrived completely unannounced. As such, time had to be taken to verify whether they were truly imperial envoys or just overconfident frauds with a death wish. While things were being stalled at the gate, key retainers gathered swiftly in the audience chamber of the…- 279.4 K • Completed
- The Grand Duke and Aeryl held each other for a while longer before riding together back to the castle. Aeryl sat in front of the Grand Duke, still wrapped in his arms. With warmth returning to his body and a sense of safety washing over him, drowsiness began to creep in. ‘I shouldn’t fall asleep on horseback…’ Just as Aeryl tried to shake his head and stay awake, the Grand Duke whispered at his ear. “You can sleep if you’re tired. I’ve got you.” The gentle tone made the offer…
- 279.4 K • Completed
- ‘This is it.’ The Grand Duke urged his horse forward and arrived in an instant at the place where Aeryl had last been seen. It was a road leading into a neighborhood far filthier and gloomier than the rest of the town beneath the castle. This area, infamous for its chaotic and unregulated development, was notorious for disorienting anyone who entered for the first time. The buildings, too, had been illegally modified, resulting in an even more confusing structure. Aeryl was either caught by…
- 279.4 K • Completed
- Aeryl scoffed. It was a bluff, meant to make Derbas perceive him as more valuable. That way, the man wouldn’t treat him carelessly. Derbas fell for the bluff. “Got a better idea?” “Mind your manners.” “Do you?” “And why should I tell you?” Since the bluff was working, Aeryl raised his tone further. As he’d guessed, this guy was the type who crumbled in front of those stronger than him. “Ugh. Can’t even beat you up. If the boss were around, I could’ve just done…
- 279.4 K • Completed
- His lungs burned—not just from being out of breath, but with real pain. His mouth tasted of blood, and his vision blurred. And still, Aeryl didn’t stop running. He ran and ran. Because he had no destination, he couldn’t stop. Then suddenly, his foot caught on a raised brick. He couldn’t keep his balance and tumbled forward, hard. Thud! “Ugh!” The impact jolted through his entire body, leaving him stunned. Because of that, he didn’t notice right away the pair of brown boots…
- 279.4 K • Completed
- Lady Merel furrowed her brows, thinking of the maid who’d been bitten by a snake. “She’s in the hospital now, isn’t she?” “Yes, my lady.” “Make sure she’s well taken care of. Spare no expense.” “I’ll see to it.” With a sigh, she walked to the window. Outside, the scenery looked like it wouldn’t be strange if the first snow began to fall. The bare, branch-stripped trees gave the world a bleak atmosphere. “So winter begins.” Winters in the North were…
- 279.4 K • Completed
- While Aeryl was out, the people in the inner quarters were seized by a tension they had never known before. During what should have been a peaceful morning, the Grand Duke Asirion stormed into the East Wing with knights in tow. The conflict between the Grand Duke and Lady Merel was nothing new. It had continued for a year or two—or perhaps even longer, dating back to the early days of his ascension. From the moment he became the Grand Duke, Lady Merel had begun building her own faction, positioning…
- 279.4 K • Completed
- Aeryl covered his mouth with both hands. He had nearly screamed. ‘The Grand Duke likes me?’ So all that hugging, all those strange touches—was it because he liked him? ‘Calm down, Aeryl. It’s still an unverified theory.’ He tried to recall if the Grand Duke had ever shown signs of affection. To start, the Grand Duke rarely expressed emotion, and it wasn’t just Aeryl—others had said the same. But he had smiled in front of Aeryl, rare as that was. ‘His smile’s…
- 279.4 K • Completed
- The Grand Duke’s intentions were clear. His lowered blue eyes were fixed on Aeryl’s lips. ‘Uuhhh!’ Caught off guard, Aeryl squeezed his eyes shut. The Grand Duke took that as permission and boldly pressed their lips together. ‘So soft.’ Even though his face was sharp like an ice sculpture, his lips were soft. It was obvious, yet somehow surprising. The Grand Duke watched Aeryl’s reaction and began to move his lips slowly. Aeryl, dazed, felt the warm and soft lips suck and…
- 279.4 K • Completed
- Aeryl sprang to his feet and straightened his clothes. When he checked the clock, it was already well past nine and nearing ten. If he went out now, he would definitely be breaking curfew. He had promised himself never to break the rules again, yet here he was, walking out of his room of his own accord. Though fear weighed down his steps, he forced himself into the hallway. The servants had all left for the day, and the Grand Duke was away on business. Aeryl was the only one left in the Central…
- 279.4 K • Completed
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