The palace woke earlier than usual. Servants hurried through the halls, preparing carriages and supplies for the two-day journey Kaelen stood in the courtyard, dressed in his travel attire, his sword hanging at his side. His expression was calm, but inside, he was restless.
From the kitchen doors, Ael stepped out carrying a small basket meant for the trip. His eyes flickered toward the prince, but he quickly looked away, pretending to busy himself with the head chef's orders.
The king arrived with a few guards, checking the preparations. "Everything must go smoothly," he said firmly, his gaze falling on Kaelen. "This journey will not only secure trade, but test your leadership."
Kaelen nodded, though his thoughts were already wandering—to the one person he wanted by his side.
As the carriages stood ready, Kaelen stepped forward first, dressed simply but still unmistakably regal. His eyes swept over the crowd until they caught Ael. For a moment, neither of them spoke—just a silent acknowledgment, heavy with unspoken thoughts.
When the footman opened the carriage door, Kaelen climbed in and sat near the window. Ael hesitated at the bottom step, clutching the strap of his small satchel. He wasn't sure if he should sit beside the prince or across from him. Kaelen noticed his hesitation and, with a faint smile, tapped the seat next to him.
"Sit here," he said quietly.
Ael's heart gave a nervous jolt. He climbed in and took the spot Kaelen had pointed to. Their shoulders didn't quite touch, but the space between them felt charged. As the door shut and the horses lurched forward, the carriage began its journey—two days ahead, and perhaps something more neither of them dared name.
The road wound on, dust rising from the hooves of the horses. The rocking of the carriage should have lulled them into a comfortable silence, but neither Kaelen nor Ael could fully relax.
Kaelen shifted, leaning back against the cushioned seat, his gaze fixed on Ael. "You really don't speak much, do you?" he asked casually.
Ael glanced at him, startled. "I can speak, Your Highness."
Kaelen raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. Then what about now? Isn't it necessary to keep me entertained? We have two whole days of this."
Ael hesitated, his hands tightening slightly in his lap. "I… I wouldn't know what to say."
"Then tell me something simple," Kaelen said, leaning forward slightly. "What do you like? Besides cooking."
Ael blinked at the question, not used to being asked about himself. After a pause, he murmured, "I like quiet mornings… and the smell of fresh bread." His voice softened as though he hadn't planned to say it out loud.
Kaelen's smile widened. "That suits you." His eyes lingered on Ael longer than they should have, and for a moment, the air inside the carriage felt charged, warmer somehow.
Ael's heart skipped, and he quickly turned back to the window, pretending to watch the blur of trees. He told himself it was just conversation, nothing more. But deep inside, he knew he was lying.
The carriage rolled on, the silence between them no longer cold but alive—filled with things neither dared to speak yet.
They had only reached halfway when night fell.
So they decided to rest on the road instead of moving on.
They set up tents there.
The servants caught a few fish from the nearby pond, and Ael cleaned them and cooked them over the fire while Kaelen sat quietly and watched, unable to help and doing nothing except observe him. When the food was ready, everyone ate in silence, and soon after they prepared to sleep for the night.
Kaelen then said that Ael would sleep in his tent, and although one servant tried to object and said it was not appropriate, the prince did not listen. The servants returned to their tents, and
Ael followed Kaelen inside but stopped, standing there in confusion. Kaelen noticed and told him not to be nervous, adding that he was not going to eat him alive. As the camp grew quiet and everyone else fell asleep, the two of them lay awake, unsure how to sleep in the same space, until Kaelen finally broke the silence and softly asked Ael if he liked someone.
Ael said no, he did not like anyone. Kaelen had no idea how happy that answer made him feel, and he said nothing about it. After some time, Ael slowly fell asleep, his body turning slightly toward Kaelen. Kaelen noticed and stayed still, unsure what to do, but his chest felt tight and warm at the same time. He had to control himself to stop from hugging Ael. After a while, his thoughts faded, and he also fell asleep beside him.