A few months had passed since the attack on the capital. Since Eugene saw Cadec.
He imagined that the prince was busy with his duties, after all, the activity of mercenaries had increased in recent months. Magnus, in turn, ordered Eugene to stay at the academy until his graduation and avoid leaving unnecessarily, always accompanied by his guard.
He was not foolish enough to make a fit, considering it an injustice. Eugene was fully aware of the delicacy of the current scenario, especially after being targeted by a surprise attack. However, it was frustrating to be confined, protected, unable to do anything.
And, to make matters worse, the unsolved confession hung in his mind.
"Ah... if regret killed..." sighed Eugene, rubbing his forehead.
But, in fact, Eugene hardly had time to think properly.
Regardless of the chaos that plagued the Empire, Eugene was about to graduate from the academy. He needed to complete his duties as student council chairman, ensuring that his successor did not inherit any loose ends.
"Eugene, what do I do with this report?"
"Eugene, the first year students signed a petition to attend graduation. How should we proceed?"
"Eugene!"
"Eugene!"
Eugene did not have time to lose himself in daydreams. At the academy, he was constantly asked to solve problems of his colleagues. He did not hate it, on the contrary, Eugene wanted to be useful. The leadership position he had gained was like a beacon in the midst of chaos.
"Send the report back to the swordship club. Ask them to review the calculations and redo the proposal. We need to discuss this before graduation" said Eugene, with a courteous smile, before turning to another colleague. "As for freshmen, inform that are the procedures of the academy. We do not have the authority to change this, but we can organize a party before the winter holidays."
That was his space. Giving orders and leading people was natural for Eugene, a Grimwood.
"Eugene, it looks like you have a guest" warned a colleague.
"A guest? Um... right, I'll go as soon as I'm done here."
Who could be visiting him?
After finishing his chores, Eugene apologized and left his colleagues taking care of minor matters while he was away. Crossed the hallways of the academy, waving to other students who greeted him. Each wave brought a hint of sadness. In a few days, he would graduate, and that would be his last goodbye to the academy.
The living room was in the main building, next to the director's office and other important departments. Upon opening the door, Eugene found a refined setting, perfect for his older brother, who was quietly sipping a cup of tea.
"Mag?" Eugene smiled when he saw Magnus. "It's been a while!"
Magnus raised his crimson gaze and smiled back, albeit restrained.
"I see you've grown even more in the last five months, Gene."
Eugene had a slight laugh. He had already reached the same height as Magnus, and that always filled him with pride. Although he could see the tired face in his older brother. Their visits were scarce, limited only to exchanging letters thanks to the mission that the Emperor imbued Magnus. Eugene missed being next to his family.
Sitting in front of him, crossed his legs and looked at him with curiosity.
"What brings you here? I thought you were visiting my brother-in-law."
"I'll go to the temple after here" Magnus replied, leaving the cup on the table. "That damn dove increased security around Lucian's room."
"Priest Skyler? Frankly... you two are fighting."
"He's a fool for thinking that those wimps can prevent me from seeing my husband. Especially when an omega is in its heat cycle."
"You intend to come in through the window, don't you?"
"For sure."
Eugene laughed. His brother made official visits during the day, under the watchful eye of the temple guard, but at night he would sneak out of the windows to stay with Lucian. Your brother-in-law always answered Eugene's letters telling of Magnus' adventures in sneaking in, and it was remarkable that Lucian enjoyed just watching.
They were lovely together, and Eugene loved hearing about those moments.
"Send my regards to my brother-in-law. I hope he can return to the Grimwood mansion as soon as possible."
"He will come back" said Magnus. "But it wasn't to talk about Lucian that I came."
Magnus crossed his hands on his knees, looking at the younger brother seriously.
"After your graduation, you will turn eighteen, Eugene."
"Yes... I imagine you want to talk about my debut..."
"Exactly. I want to know what you want for your future, so I can help you in whatever it takes."
It was amazing how welcoming Magnus could be with that serious countenance.
The question, however, took him by surprise. Eugene was not sure what to do after graduation. The natural order would be to marry and take over his husband's house, as expected of an omega. But his heart already had owner.
"Is there any hurry for me to marry, Mag?" asked Eugene, hesitant.
"Not at all. I would be grateful if you married in the eighties."
Eugene laughed, funny.
"Don't be silly, Mag. I'm serious."
"Me too." Magnus smirked. "Jesse and I agreed not to interfere with your marriage choice. But know that I will not tolerate you choosing any useless worm like that count."
"No, of course not!" Eugene replied quickly. "Honestly, Mag, I would like to help with the affairs of our territory."
Magnus raised an eyebrow, surprised.
"From the Grimwood territory?"
"Yes. I can help my brother-in-law in public appearances, at events... and I can also..."
Eugene got excited, listing ideas and ways to be helpful. His eyes shone, excited by the possibility of contributing to the family. Magnus, attentive, noticed his brother's enthusiasm, but knew that something else was bothering him.
Eugene was avoiding talking about marriage.
His heart already belonged to Cadec. For some time, Eugene had a silent love for the prince, which only grew after the last events. For him, Cadec was the knight in golden armor, always ready to protect him.
But what about the confession?
The conversation between them was... strange. Cadec had not rejected directly, but he also did not give hope. It was difficult to interpret what that meant. Eugene wanted answers, but he also understood that he needed to give the prince time.
"I'll think about it" said Magnus. "Concentrate on your graduation. And if you want, you can help Lucian with the preparations for your debut."
"Thank you, Mag!"
"Oh, before I forget..." Magnus opened his jacket and took out a sealed envelope, giving it to Eugene. "Cadec asked me to give you this."
"His Highness?" Eugene took the envelope, surprised to see Cadec's name written there.
"I don't know what he wants to talk to you about, but I hope he's not asking for your help in the rebel investigation."
"No way. His Highness is more than capable of handling it alone."
Hearing his brother buff, Eugene opened the seal and took out the letter from inside. His eyes went through the words and, recognizing the handwriting of Cadec, his heart accelerated. It was surreal to think that the prince had written directly to him.
Eugene read carefully, admiring Cadec's impeccable writing as his rosy eyes swept every line.
"In the care of Eugene Grimwood,
I hope this letter finds you well and safe. Although our responsibilities have kept us away in recent weeks, I want you to know that your efforts and dedication at the academy have not gone unnoticed. Your growth, both as a student and as an individual, is admirable.
There is something left unsaid since our last meeting. That moment we shared, which still remains in my mind, made me reflect more deeply than I imagined. I admit that your confession took me by surprise and, for this reason, I was not able to respond at the time.
I would have given you a clear answer, but as I said, it is not an easy decision. My position as First Prince forces me to consider many variables that go beyond my personal desires. There is a responsibility in my choices that falls on the future of the Empire, and on those around me.
However, this does not mean that I was indifferent to what he told me. Your words touched my heart more than you can imagine.
With the growing tension in the Empire and the dangers we face, the last thing I want is to put you in a vulnerable position. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to me. I am aware that you are not someone who needs constant protection, but please be careful.
There is still much to be decided, and I know that the time to take a definitive position is approaching. When the chaos that surrounds us wanes and I can glimpse a more stable future, perhaps, finally, we can talk again about what could not be said that day.
Until then, take care. I'll see you soon.
Cadec Saint Richmond."
As finished reading the letter, Eugene's heart sped up even more. His position would remain the same, longing for an assertive response while anguishing for him.
Eugene's fingers clenched slightly.
Maybe Cadec was sorry to reject him? Or was he giving way for Eugene to conquer him? Well, he was a Grimwood! Eugene would not let an opportunity pass.
"Is there a problem?" Asked Magnus, with a penetrating look.
"No" Eugene smiled sweetly as he folded the letter "Tell me, my brother... I need a pair for my social debut, right?"
"It would be nice to have someone to stand by your side during the event. So you avoid getting dirty hands on you."
Eugene bit his lower lip while thinking.
In no way would he allow Cadec to leave it aside. If he was still clearing his own feelings about Eugene, then it would be the perfect time to show that he wasn't a child.
Would make Cadec your companion during his social debut.