Maelis POV...
Food arrived soon after.
Silver trays were placed neatly on the table, steam rising gently, the aroma rich and warm. I sat across from Riven and waited.
He didn't move.
Of course he didn't.
Why would he? Who would trust their former bully....the same Maelis who made his life hell...now calmly offering food and acting kind? Anyone in his place would be suspicious. Anyone would think there was poison mixed in, or that this was another cruel trick.
"I didn't mix poison," I said finally, breaking the silence. "You can eat. Wait....let me show you."
Before he could react, I reached forward and took a bite from his plate.
I chewed slowly, deliberately.
Only then did he move.
He dug in.
Not politely. Not carefully. He ate like someone who hadn't eaten properly in a long time—hands trembling slightly, bites hurried, as if the food might disappear if he slowed down.
And the truth was… it wasn't an exaggeration.
In the novel, Riven often survived on leftovers...scraps from other princes and princesses. He faced discrimination every single day, all because of Maelis. Because the original owner hated him, everyone else treated him worse just to impress the crown prince.
Watching him eat like this made my chest tighten.
When he finally finished, I handed him a clean handkerchief. He wiped his mouth and looked at me briefly.
"Thank you," he said awkwardly, voice low.
After that, he stood up, clearly ready to leave. "I should go back to my room."
"I'll walk you," I said immediately.
He hesitated, then nodded.
I followed him out, expecting him to head toward the wing where the other princes stayed.
Instead… he turned toward the stables.
The smell hit me first.
I covered my nose instinctively, staring ahead in disbelief.
Wait… why is he here?
No.
Don't tell me....
He stopped beside a corner where dry grass was piled neatly, clearly arranged to resemble a bed.
There it was.
My expensive coat.
Folded carefully. Untouched. Kept clean despite the surroundings.
My stomach dropped.
So this is where they made him sleep…
In a stable.
Among animals.
That was the moment everything clicked.
That was when I truly understood why Riven, in the future, executed Maelis and the other bullies without mercy. Why he became so ruthless. Why he ruled with iron instead of mercy.
Anyone would.
"Thank you for the meal," he said quietly. "And for walking me here. I'm going to sleep now."
"No," I said instantly.
He paused.
"Riven, you can't stay here. Come with me," I said, my voice firm. "From now on, you'll live with me."
He turned, eyes wide with shock.
"What…?" His voice faltered.
I didn't give him time to argue. I turned and started walking back, fully expecting him to follow.
After a moment… he did.
Snow was falling again as we walked side by side, our footsteps slow, the silence heavy but not uncomfortable.
"Riven," I said quietly, breaking it at last. "I'm sorry."
He stopped walking.
"I'm sorry for my past behavior. I know it's hard for you to believe me. And I know words won't fix everything… but I'm genuinely sorry."
I took a breath. "From now on, no one will bully you."
I wasn't the original owner. But the pain he suffered because of Maelis was real. And if apologizing could soften even a fraction of that future hatred… then it was necessary.
He didn't respond.
But I didn't expect him to.
Healing doesn't happen in a day.
We reached my palace soon after.
I led him inside and gave him a room on the lower floor....warm, spacious, clean. He stood there, stunned, eyes moving slowly across the room as if afraid it might vanish.
I handed him my night clothes. "Change and sleep. You can rest."
Then I instructed the maids quietly. "Prepare breakfast for him as well."
They nodded, eyes wide but obedient.
The only problem left…
What if the king and queen find out?
Giving special treatment to a hostage was the complete opposite of what their real son would have done. I pushed the thought aside for now.
I went to my room and changed into my night clothes.
Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, memories flooded in.
My mom.
My little sister.
I missed them.
I wanted to go home.
---
The next morning, the maids woke me early.
After bathing, they dressed me, and I headed to the dining area for breakfast.
Riven was already there.
Standing. Waiting.
He bowed slightly. "Good morning."
"Good morning," I replied, surprised.
We sat down together. The maids served breakfast, and we ate quietly, the atmosphere calmer than I expected.
After breakfast, we went outside.
Snow covered everything, sparkling under the pale sunlight. Riven stopped and stared at it, eyes soft. He stretched his palm out, watching snowflakes land and melt against his skin.
I smirked.
I bent down, scooped some snow, and threw a small snowball at him.
It hit his shoulder.
He looked at me in shock.
I threw another.
"What are you waiting for?" I said, laughing lightly. "Hit me too."
He hesitated… then awkwardly tried copying what I did, forming a loose snowball and throwing it.
I dodged.
He blinked.
Then thump—another snowball hit him.
Soon, he started dodging too. Laughing quietly. Throwing back.
A snowball fight broke out.
We were both breathless by the time we stopped.
"Do you want to build a snowman?" I asked suddenly.
He tilted his head. "What's a snowman?"
"Oh… right. My bad." I smiled. "It's like making a human-shaped figure out of snow."
I showed him how.
His eyes lit up as the shape slowly formed.
"Crown Prince," he asked softly, "will you teach me too?"
I smiled. "Of course."
I guided his hands, helping him shape the snow. He focused intently, completely absorbed.
Time slipped by without me noticing.
By the time we looked up again, it was already noon.
We went back to the palace together.
For the first time since I arrived in this world, the story felt… different.
Lighter.
And for the first time—
Riven smiled.