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The sun over Hearthshade was unusually kind, the air less dusty than usual. Kael wiped sweat from his brow and returned to hammering nails into a shipment crate, working under Russell's supervision near the southern delivery post.
Work was quiet — until someone loudly sneezed behind a pile of planks.
Kael turned, frowning. "This area's restricted."
From behind the crates popped a small hooded figure, black dye streaked across their cheeks and nose from a badly applied disguise.
"Bless me," said the girl cheerfully. "You build crates for a living?"
Kael blinked. "What?"
"I mean—how fascinating! Crates! Look at these corners. So… square!"
He stared at her, unamused. "Are you lost?"
Euphelia grinned. This was him — the boy from yesterday. Strong arms, serious eyes, quiet voice. Not a prince or noble, just… real.
"I was looking for someone. Then I found you. Lucky me."
Kael grabbed a plank. "Don't block my work."
She tilted her head, watching him hammer. "That's not how you hold a nail."
Her maid, Anna, raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess—you've committed another crime against noble expectations."
"I met him."
"Who?"
"The boy." Euphelia flopped dramatically onto a cushioned chair. "He's serious, broody, and so annoyingly focused. I think I'm in love."
Anna folded a towel. "And did this boy return your affections?"
"No. He called me 'nosy' and threatened to nail my hood to a crate."
Anna nodded. "True romance."
---
Meanwhile, in Hearthshade, Kael returned home carrying leftover bread.
Lina jumped. "Kael! Phia came again! She told us you talked to her!"
Kael sat down. "More like she talked at me."
Damon smirked. "You talked about a person?"
Kael raised a brow. "She's loud."
Lina giggled. "You noticed her."
Kael muttered, "She wouldn't let me not."
His siblings exchanged a glance.
For the first time ever, Kael Roy Lancaster had been disturbed — and he'd remembered it.
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