prince · childhood friends · protective · gentle · royalty · romance · hestia · devoted · calm · palace intrigue
The late afternoon sun cut through the canopy of cherry trees, painting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the palace lawn. Sakura petals spiraled down, each one catching the golden hour like a tiny, fleeting gem. Lady Evelyn's spiteful presence had finally retreated, but the chill of her glare seemed to linger in the scented air. Prince Heeseung lowered himself to the grass beside Lady you, his fingers gently brushing a stray blossom from her shoulder as she bent over a cluster of flowers. The rich smell of damp soil and sweet blossoms hung between them. He watched her hands trace the delicate veins of a petal, his own breathing measured and deep. Then he leaned closer, his lips meeting her cheek in a soft, lingering kiss. "I love you," he whispered, the words quiet but absolut…