In the morning, Ael was making breakfast while thinking about the night before. It felt unreal, like a dream, and the more he remembered it, the happier he felt. He kept thinking about how Kaelen had looked at the table, calm and close, and it made his hands slow for a moment. Outside, Kaelen waited, just to catch a glimpse of Ael's face before breakfast. He reached the table first and sat there quietly. When his father arrived, he stopped and laughed in surprise, asking why Kaelen was there so early and teasing him about it. One by one, everyone else came in and stared, shocked, like they were seeing a ghost at dawn. Soon after, the servants began serving breakfast, and the hall slowly filled with noise again.
Then Ael entered the hall. The first person he saw was Kaelen. He lowered his head at once and started serving breakfast quietly. Kaelen watched him the whole time, noticing every small movement, finding him unintentionally cute. The king tasted the food and praised it, clearly pleased. Soon after, all the servants finished serving and left, and Ael left with them. When the table was clear, the king made an announcement. He said that a prince or governor is coming to meet Kaelen's older brother for marriage proposal. He then looked at Kaelen and said it would be his responsibility to manage everything for the guest, the arrangements, the food, and all other matters. He added with a smile that Kaelen loved food these days, teasing him on purpose. Everyone at the table laughed, and Kaelen could only shake his head.
Everyone left the hall one by one. Ael returned with the other servants and began collecting the dishes. Kaelen stayed seated at the table, watching him
When Ael came closer, Kaelen slowly slid a cup toward him with his finger, as if saving it just for him. Their eyes met for a second. Kaelen smiled softly and tilted his head, his gaze lingering longer than needed. When Ael reached for a plate, Kaelen lightly tapped the table near his hand, not touching him but close enough to make him pause. Ael's ears warmed. He kept his head down, but a small smile escaped him. As Ael moved past him again, Kaelen slowly pushed a folded napkin toward the edge of the table, right in Ael's path. When Ael picked it up, Kaelen looked up at him through his lashes and gave a small knowing smile. He drummed his fingers once, slow and deliberate, as if calling Ael closer without words. Ael's steps faltered. His face warmed, and he pretended to focus on the dishes, but his hands were not as steady anymore. When he turned to leave, Kaelen cleared his throat softly, just enough to make Ael glance back. Their eyes met again. Kaelen gave a slight nod, gentle and private. Ael quickly looked away and followed the other servants, his heart beating faster than it should have.
After lunch, Kaelen called the head chef to the study and talked with him about the dishes for the coming days. After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms as usual. The palace grew quiet. Kaelen went to the yard and waited for the milk tea he liked to drink in the evening. Ael came with the tea when the yard was empty. As he placed the cup on the table, Kaelen gently caught his hand and pulled him closer. He kissed Ael on the cheek. Ael jumped back at once, startled and shy. Kaelen smiled and teased him, saying no one was there and he did not need to be so scared. Then Kaelen told him to come to his room every night after midnight, when everyone was asleep. After saying that, Kaelen left. Ael stayed there for a moment, quiet and blushing, thinking about what excuse he could give his father to visit the prince's room.
When Ael returned to his room, he closed the door and sat on the bed. His heart was still racing. He touched his cheek again and smiled without meaning to. The room felt warm and silent. He lay back, staring at the ceiling, replaying Kaelen's voice and his closeness. The thought of midnight made him nervous but happy. He pulled the blanket closer and waited, already counting the hours.
....