The leather of the seat felt cold against Morgan's skin, a stark contrast to the warm rush of the A/C blowing harshly into the car. The interior was a sleek black, accented with bold red detailing—nothing less than what he expected from the prince. Alex had a penchant for red, a color that seemed to wrap around him like a second skin, as if it were a reflection of his fiery spirit and undeniable charisma.
Morgan had never particularly cared about color preferences before, but for some reason, he found himself storing this trivial detail away in the recesses of his mind—like a secret meant for a future conversation he couldn't yet fathom. It was maddening how a mere color could evoke thoughts of that insufferable prince at every turn. A shame, really—he used to love red.
As the luxury car glided smoothly through the paved streets of Aetheris, the heart of Stormhold, Morgan couldn't help but marvel at the city's beauty. The name itself meant "of the sky" in Old Elvish, a language now fading into obscurity. Looking out the window, he understood the significance. The city was a masterpiece of elegance, regal and alive, filled with celestial architecture that seemed to touch the heavens. The royal palace, the grand library, and the council spires stood proudly, each structure a testament to the artistry and ambition of its creators.
The castle gates closed behind them with a resounding thud, a finality that sent a shiver down Morgan's spine. He kept his gaze fixed outside, partly to avoid the prince's smug smirk and partly to watch the world outside blur past him. As the imposing grand library loomed tall in his peripheral vision, its towers scraping the sky, he felt a pang of nostalgia. The dark bricks and glimmering glass made it a breathtaking sight—one he'd longed to explore but had never had the chance.
It had been far too long since he'd left the Crown's Ring—the bustling center of the city. Since the day he'd arrived in Stormhold, eager to prove himself as a knight, he hadn't stepped beyond those castle walls. His placement evaluation had secured him in the royal legion, stationed exactly where he was now. Everything he needed was contained within those confines; he ate, slept, and trained inside the castle walls. It was there he had met Prince Alex—the beginning of a torment he could hardly comprehend and an awakening he hadn't anticipated.
He remembered that day vividly—the day he'd been thrust into the royal legion, alongside a throng of other recruits stepping onto castle grounds for the first time.
That morning, after the whirlwind tour, he had slipped away, seeking refuge in his new room in the barracks, overwhelmed by the sheer number of faces and names he'd had to memorize. Seeking solace, he wandered off to the training grounds, his boots crunching against the earth as the grass yielded to his weight, rustling softly in the gentle breeze.
The sun blazed in the sky, draping him in warmth that felt foreign yet invigorating. He was not only new to this city but to the entire country. Growing up in the cool, chilled airs of his homeland, this vibrant sunlight washed over him like a living thing—refreshing and oddly comforting. After all the forced interactions, he was grateful for a moment alone, a respite from the whirlwind of introductions.
The wind tousled his hair as he leaned back against the cold stone wall, releasing a long sigh of relief. Eyes fluttering shut, he let the world fade away.
Then—
"That tired already?" a soft, silky voice broke through his solitude, pulling him back to reality.
Morgan's eyes snapped open, drawn to the sound. Rounding the corner was a tall, slender figure with striking blonde hair—a boy?
Wait. A boy?
In that moment, Morgan realized he was staring at one of the most beautiful beings he had ever seen. His heart raced, and a pit of anxiety formed in his stomach. He blinked rapidly, words dancing on the tip of his tongue, but nothing came out. This boy looked unreal—glowing, almost ethereal. Absolutely stunning.
What was this feeling? What was happening to him? Suddenly, his palms were sweaty.
The boy stepped closer, a smirk playing at his lips—fangs flashing in a way that was both startling and undeniably alluring.
Wait—were those… attractive?
Morgan questioned himself, the thought barely forming in his mind.
"Uhhh… yeah. Q-quite tiring," he finally managed to stammer.
A soft laugh escaped the boy, a sound so enchanting that it sent a thrill through Morgan's core.
That laugh—gods, if he'd ever doubted being bisexual, those doubts evaporated in an instant. The most beautiful person he'd ever encountered was standing right in front of him—engaging him in conversation.
But wait. He'd been so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't caught a single word the boy had said. Now, the guy was looking at him—waiting.
Shit.
"…Well? Are you going to tell me your name? Or…?" the much taller stranger prompted, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"Oh! Right!" Morgan straightened up, shaking his head as if to clear the fog. "I'm Morgan Nyx—" He hesitated. Should he offer his full name? Perhaps a fake one? Giving his real name might invite more trouble than it was worth.
Before he could decide, the stranger's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Morgan Nyxarios," the blonde said, a knowing smile curving his lips as if he'd uncovered a delightful secret. He spoke the name with an ease that suggested familiarity.
"Yeah. That's me," Morgan muttered, feeling his confidence waver slightly. "You seem familiar with the name."
He looked up at the taller boy, curiosity piqued. "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention earlier—can I get your name?" he asked, stepping back so he wouldn't have to crane his neck.
"My name's Alex," the boy replied, a charming smile spreading across his face. "You really don't know who I am?"
Oh. So he was one of *those* types.
Suddenly, Morgan felt his attraction wane. "No. I don't," he said, disappointment creeping into his voice.
Alex chuckled, an easy laugh that made Morgan's heart flutter against his will. "Sorry. I'm just used to people already knowing me, you know? My reputation tends to precede me."
"So you assume everyone knows you," Morgan said dryly, raising an eyebrow as he leaned against the wall, crossing his arms.
"Hey, look—I know what you're thinking. I'm not a total douchebag. It's just legitimately surprising, that's all," Alex replied, raising his hands in mock surrender, his playful demeanor disarming.
"And everyone knows you because…?" Morgan asked, genuine curiosity seeping through his skepticism.
"I'm the son of that lovely couple who live in the big ol' scary building over there." Alex scrunched his nose as he pointed behind him.
Morgan followed his gaze—and froze. The castle.
Was this idiot claiming to be the prince?
Wow. He'd seen guys lie for attention before, but that was an outrageous claim. He couldn't wait to hear how this one spun it.
Just as he opened his mouth to ask for proof, a man in a royal guard uniform came running up—and bowed.
Morgan's head snapped back to Alex, eyes wide with disbelief. Oh no. This wasn't a joke.
He'd just called the prince an asshole in his head.
Alex's expression said it all: smug satisfaction.
"Yes? Is there something you need to tell me?" Alex asked the guard, his earlier mischief neatly tucked behind a princely mask.
"Your Highness," the guard said, bowing lower. "Your mother requests your presence. She says it's urgent."
Alex nodded, turning back to Morgan with a grin that radiated both mischief and authority. "Well, duty calls. See you around, yeah?"
He didn't wait for a response—just strolled off, leaving Morgan staring after him, a mix of admiration and exasperation swirling within him.
Wow. He really was as cocky as he was royal.
And Morgan? He was utterly doomed.
He hated royal pricks with a passion, and this one was bound to make his life miserable. Still, at least he was only serving under the king in the lower ranks. It's not like he'd ever have to deal with the prince again.
Oh, poor, naïve Morgan.
If only he'd known then what he knew now—trapped in an overly lavish car beside that same blonde menace.
"Almost there," Alex said, glancing up from his phone, a hint of excitement lighting his eyes.
Morgan unfolded his arms, straightened his collar, and nodded, trying to shake off the whirlwind of emotions coursing through him.
"I'll have them drop us off a bit away so we can blend in," Alex added, his voice casual, but Morgan could sense the underlying tension.
"Sounds good," Morgan replied, though uncertainty gnawed at him.
If only he hadn't taken that walk that day.
This was the last thing he wanted.