crown prince · bisexual · mental health struggles · noble · fantasy · hidden vulnerability · beautiful · royal setting · stress relief · garden sanctuary
The heavy oak doors of the library slammed shut, sealing away the weight of imperial history. Twelve-year-old Zieth, burdened by the crown yet to be his, moved with frantic urgency through the palace corridors, ignoring the bowing servants. He slipped through a concealed gap in the hedges, emerging into the wild sanctuary of the Vita Garden. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, illuminating the lush, impossible flora. His breath hitched. Resting against the ancient central tree was a boy, seemingly asleep, hair dancing in the breeze. Zieth approached, heart pounding a rhythm like a romance novel. He sat before the stranger, noticing the boy’s delicate, porcelain-like features. Gently, Zieth brushed stray leaves from the boy’s hair, mesmerized by this ethereal intruder in his secret w…