"Where did you put the gift?" Eiran whispered, careful to keep enough distance from Ren as he tiptoed to reach Zayden’s ear. However, due to his shorter height, Zayden had to lean down.

"It’s in my pocket. Don’t worry," Zayden chuckled, gently patting the boy’s back.

"What are you two doing?" Ren asked, eyes narrowing. They had been acting strange for the past few days, always whispering among themselves.

"It’s a matter between father and son!" Eiran declared, sticking his tongue out teasingly. "And you won’t know."

"Exactly," Zayden added, straightening his posture.

"Hah..." Ren sighed. What was he supposed to do with these two? Instead of growing up, it seemed Eiran had become even more childish—and Zayden was no different, behaving just like him.

Soon, they arrived outside the main palace. Most of the carriages were already gone—meaning they were among the few that hadn’t departed yet.

"Your Imperial Highness!" The guards in front of the large gate quickly bowed, while one of the knights opened the carriage door for Zayden. However, Zayden first opened the door on the opposite side, letting Eiran in. Then, he extended his hand toward Ren, smiling softly.

Ren tilted his head slightly, perplexed.

"Why are you extending your hand to me? Get in," he said, stepping into the carriage.

"Fuck," Zayden muttered under his breath, freezing for a moment.

"Your Imperial Highness?" The knight, still holding the door, hesitantly called. How long was he supposed to stand there, waiting for him?

"Ah," Zayden murmured faintly before finally getting in. He couldn’t sit beside Ren, as the man was already seated next to Eiran.

The knight closed the doors, keeping the cold breeze from entering the small space.

Eiran observed his dad for a while before a soft chuckle escaped him.

Zayden’s gaze immediately shifted toward the boy, almost glaring. Of course, Eiran was mocking him—for missing his first opportunity to make a good impression on Ren.

After all, Eiran was the one who had given Zayden all those books full of advice about what to do before confessing his feelings. There were countless tips and rules—out of which Zayden had chosen a few, only to fail the very first one!

Ren, on the other hand, looked out the window, his reflection faint in the glass.

After a moment of silence, Zayden finally spoke. "Oh, right. I almost forgot—Hannah sent a letter."

Ren turned to him, surprised.

"Hannah?" He repeated. It had been a while since he last heard the name. Even if it might come out mean, she didn’t cross his mind at all. Was it because every day, there was a new event, keeping him from thinking about anything else?

"Mhm," Zayden nodded. "She said everything is going smoothly at the mansion. The new servants have settled in, and the greenhouse repairs are almost done."

Ren hummed quietly, his expression softening. He remembered that due to the heavy snowstorm, the greenhouse was slightly damaged.

"Already? That’s good to hear."

Zayden hesitated for a second before adding, "She also said she sent someone to the festival. For you."

"For me?" Ren frowned slightly, shifting his gaze from the window to Zayden. "Did she say who?"

Zayden shook his head.

"No. Just that we would know once we see them. Said it was ’a surprise.’"

Ren leaned back against the seat, thoughtful. Hannah wasn’t the type to send strangers around without reason. Then who did she send? And why?

Eiran looked between them, blinking. "Maybe it’s a friend!"

Ren’s lips curved faintly.

"Maybe."

Zayden, watching the faint crease of concern forming between Ren’s brows, felt an odd mix of curiosity and unease. Whoever Hannah had sent, he just hoped they wouldn’t ruin what he had planned for today.

Soon, the carriage came to a stop. A few knights were stationed nearby, opening doors for the nobles and guiding them through the path toward the heart of the forest.

Ren stepped out first, followed closely by Zayden and Eiran.

When he turned, he found the two whispering again. Of course. Shaking his head, he began walking ahead of them, keeping close to the knight leading the way.

The path was long, his boots sinking deep into the snow with every step. The cold bit at his ankles until, finally, some snow slipped inside his boot. He flinched at the icy sting.

Zayden, who had clearly been watching him, rushed over without hesitation.

"Hold onto my shoulders," he said, already crouching down to reach for Ren’s boot.

A faint pink rose across Ren’s cheeks. "M-My Lord," he stammered, frowning. "What are you—here? Everyone’s watching—"

Zayden ignored him completely. He took Ren’s hands and placed them on his shoulders, steady and warm. Then, lifting Ren’s left leg, he removed the boot and gave it a firm shake before setting it back down.

Ren slipped his foot in again—and blinked. The inside was warm.

"...Did you warm them up?" he asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

Zayden looked up at him with a grin, saying nothing before he sprang to his feet.

Ren sighed softly. Lately, Zayden had been too gentle. He was always kind. But recently, it was... Too warm. Too affectionate. It made his chest ache in a way he’d long forgotten—one that felt dangerously close to something he’d once called love.

Whispers spread almost instantly. The nobles who had just arrived turned their heads, their breath visible in the cold air like white smoke. Some covered their mouths with gloved hands, pretending to talk quietly; others didn’t bother to hide their disapproval.

"Did the General just kneel... for a servant?"

"How improper."

"I knew the rumours about him favouring that boy were true."

The murmurs grew, soft but sharp, carried easily through the crisp morning air.

Ren froze, realizing the piercing gazes of each of them. His pulse quickened, and he instinctively tried to walk away—but Eiran quickly grabbed his hand, not letting go.

"Papa!" Eiran smiled brightly.

Before Ren could say anything, Zayden had also begun walking.

The smile was gone from his face.

His sharp, commanding aura returned in an instant—the kind that silenced a battlefield.

The nobles who had been whispering felt their words die in their throats as his cold gaze swept across them, unreadable but threatening. They knew better than to mess with the Imperial General. But sometimes, they felt the urge to speak out against him. Even if it had to be done discreetly.

Eiran, noticing the sudden tension, stepped forward as well. The boy felt strangely small between Ren and Zayden, his smaller hands gripping Ren’s tightly. His expression was serious—defiant even. How dare they mock his Papa?

Zayden shifted slightly, forcing an empty smile on his face. The kind that didn’t reach his eyes, and the one in front of him knew exactly what awaited them if they defied him—death.

"Is there a problem?" he asked, his voice calm but sharp like his blade.

No one answered. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

The nobles quickly averted their gazes, pretending to fix their coats or speak to their attendants. The air grew heavy with unease until finally, Zayden gave a faint nod and turned away, keeping Ren close at his side as they resumed walking.

Ren’s heartbeat hadn’t slowed. He didn’t dare look up at him—but the weight of that silent protection, of being defended so openly, lingered in his chest far longer than the stares ever could. A faint smile formed on his lips.

"I want someone to protect me. Please, Gods. Send me someone." A wish he had made long ago echoed in his mind.

However, it wasn’t the Gods who granted his wish.