The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the quiet path that led to the small wooden house.Thomas was panting, his chest rising and falling as he darted through the narrow shortcuts, calling out, "Rion! Master Rion!" His voice carried desperation, cutting through the still air. When he finally reached the small wooden house nestled behind the grove, he didn't even bother to catch his breath before shouting again.
Rin stepped out, his hair tied loosely and sleeves rolled up from tending to herbs. His calm expression shifted the moment he saw Thomas' face. "What happened?" he asked, his tone composed but sharp, the kind that demanded answers without raising his voice.
"S–Someone's looking for you," Thomas blurted out, bending over to breathe. "A man—he came asking for the famous herbalist. I didn't like the way he looked around, so I ran here."
For a heartbeat, Rin stood frozen. The air around him stilled, his fingers tightening around the cloth he was holding. He didn't need to ask who. There was only one person who would come searching this far south.
"Where are the twins?" he asked quickly.
"Still outside, near the field," Thomas replied.
Rin's heart dropped. "Of course," he murmured under his breath, already reaching for his cloak. But before he could step out, a child's voice rang from the distance—clear and bright.
"Papa! We brought a patient!"
Rin's blood ran cold.
He turned sharply toward the sound just as a tall figure emerged from the misty path—broad-shouldered, clad in a dark traveling cloak, his golden eyes locked on him with a mixture of relief and something dangerously close to anger.
"So you're really here." Alaric's voice was low, steady, but beneath it, restrained emotion trembled.
Thomas froze, glancing between them before Rin said quietly, "Thomas, take the twins to my aunt's house. Now." His tone left no room for argument.
Thomas hurried to gather the children, but before they could leave, Alaric's hand shot forward and gripped Rin's wrist firmly.
"Why?" His voice was no longer calm—it cracked slightly with the weight of years. "Why did you disappear like that four years ago? Why didn't you wait for me to return from the expedition?" His grip tightened. "Are you really married now? Are those twins yours—with someone else?"
Rin's eyes narrowed, his composure trembling just slightly. "That is none of your business, Your Highness." His voice was polite, but the edge in it was sharp as glass.
"Not my business?" Alaric's brows furrowed, his expression darkening. "You think I spent four years looking for you just because of duty?"
"You don't need me anymore," Rin cut in, voice cold. "Your pheromones have been stable for years. The potion served its purpose. You are fine now—there's no reason for you to come here."
Alaric's hand clenched tighter. "Do you really not know the reason why I kept searching for you?"
Rin stared at him, silent.
"Because I love you," Alaric said, the words falling heavy between them. "Even if it took me years to understand, I knew—I needed you, Rin."
Rin laughed softly, though there was no amusement in his voice. "You're mistaken, Your Highness. That isn't love." His eyes, though calm, held a quiet sorrow. "You're obsessed—with the man who cured you, with the one who fixed what you thought was broken. Nothing more. Nothing less."
Alaric's jaw tightened. "Then let me prove it. I'll find a way—I don't care about your status or mine." His voice softened, almost pleading. "I'll even accept your twins, even if they aren't mine."
The brief flicker in Rin's gaze didn't go unnoticed.
Alaric's breath hitched. "...Or is it because of your wife?"
Rin's lashes lowered. "Yes," he said simply.
For a moment, silence fell between them. Alaric's expression darkened, his voice dropping low. "Even so, I still won't let you go." His grip tightened painfully, desperation seeping through his control.
"Let go," Rin said sharply, trying to pull away.
"No. Not until you listen—"
"I said let go!" Rin's voice rose for the first time, sharp enough to slice through the tension. He twisted his wrist, trying to break free, but Alaric's hold only grew firmer.
They didn't notice the small feet pounding against the dirt road until a cry pierced the air.
"Papa!"
Both turned just as two small figures came running down the path—the twins, faces flushed from the sun and worry. The older one, eyes trembling with anger, ran straight toward them and shoved Alaric's arm away.
"Let go of Papa! You're hurting him!"
The younger one clung to Rin's leg, sniffling. "You're a bad man… Papa said not to hurt people…"
Alaric froze.
His hand dropped to his side as he stared at the two boys—one glaring fiercely, the other trembling but brave. For a brief, aching second, he saw the reflection of her eyes—no, his eyes—in them.
And just like that, the world seemed to tilt beneath him.
Rin bent down, wrapping his arms protectively around the twins. His tone returned to calm, polite distance. "Your Highness, please leave. You've already caused enough disturbance."
Alaric stood there, unmoving—his chest tightening as realization began to dawn, painfully and slowly.
He had found him.
And yet, somehow, Rin had never been further away.