Chapter 4: Morning Games

Sunlight filtered through the high windows, casting golden streaks across the stone floor. Kael stirred slowly, groggy, his body warm and unusually comfortable.

And then he realized —

He was in the bed.

Kael’s eyes snapped open.

Beside him, Ren was already awake, propped up on one elbow, golden hair mussed, green eyes glinting with quiet amusement.

“Good morning, Kael,” Ren purred softly. “Sleep well?”

Kael bolted upright, the blanket slipping down his bare chest. “How—” His sharp gaze darted around the room. “I fell asleep in the chair.”

Ren’s lips curved into a slow, infuriating smile. “Yes, you did.”

Kael’s heart pounded. Did he…? He clenched his fists under the blanket, feeling heat rise to his cheeks — from anger, he told himself. Not embarrassment. Definitely not… anything else.

Ren swung his legs gracefully off the bed and stood, stretching his arms overhead, the white robe slipping slightly off his shoulder. “Relax, Your Highness. I was only being kind. You looked terribly uncomfortable all crumpled up over there.”

Kael scowled. “Don’t do it again.”

Ren gave a mock bow, eyes dancing with mischief. “As you command, husband.”

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Afternoon: A Walk in the Gardens

The midday sun was cool but bright as Kael stalked through the palace gardens, his long cloak trailing behind him. Ren walked a few steps beside him, hands clasped behind his back, a light smile playing on his lips.

“Why are you following me?” Kael snapped, not slowing his pace.

Ren chuckled softly. “I’m not following. I’m accompanying. There’s a difference.”

Kael shot him a sharp look. “Don’t you have southern diplomats to charm?”

“Oh, they’re exhausting,” Ren said breezily. “Besides, I thought I’d spend time with my husband today.”

Kael stopped abruptly, turning to face him. “Stop calling me that.”

Ren tilted his head, pretending to think. “But we are married, Kael. Unless you’ve already forgotten last night.”

Kael’s cheeks flushed faintly with frustration. “Nothing happened last night.”

Ren’s smile widened. “Oh, I know. You know. But does everyone else know?”

Kael’s mouth opened — and then closed sharply. He exhaled through his nose, forcing himself to keep walking.

Ren fell into step beside him again, humming softly. “You’re very cute when you’re flustered, you know.”

Kael muttered something under his breath, pretending not to hear, but his clenched fists gave him away.

---

Later That Day: Council Tension

By afternoon, they stood side by side in the war council chamber, nobles watching closely for any sign of discord. Kael answered questions with cool, measured words; Ren offered sly, strategic suggestions, keeping the room charmed and just slightly off-balance.

But beneath it all, Kael felt the undercurrent: Ren’s subtle power moves, his quiet jabs, his easy charm that disarmed others — while Kael stood rigid and controlled, feeling the ground subtly shift beneath his feet.

---

Evening: A Private Confrontation

That night, when the halls were dim and the servants had withdrawn, Kael found Ren leaning casually against a stone pillar near the royal balcony.

Without a word, Kael strode over, grabbed Ren’s wrist, and pulled him sharply aside.

“You think you’re clever,” Kael murmured low against his ear, voice cold and sharp, “but I see what you’re doing.”

Ren didn’t flinch. His mouth curved into a slow, knowing smile. “Good. I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

Kael’s grip tightened slightly. “You’re trying to make me look weak in front of my own court.”

Ren tilted his head, green eyes gleaming. “No, Kael. I’m showing them you’re human.”

Kael’s breath hitched for half a second — just long enough for Ren to slip free, smooth and sure.

He leaned in close, voice brushing Kael’s ear. “You’ve prepared for armies and enemies all your life. But you’ve never prepared for someone like me.”

Kael’s pulse thudded hard in his throat.

With a soft, satisfied smile, Ren whispered, “Good night, husband,” and walked away, leaving Kael frozen, jaw tight, fists clenched — a battle-hardened prince suddenly unsure if he was the predator or the prey.

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