Brycen leads Kaylin to the parlor, where they settle on one of the couches.

"How long are you staying?" he asks, trying to keep a respectable distance no matter how much he wants to cuddle up with them.

"Just a few days. I have someone watching my cottage, and I don’t want to inconvenience him for too long. There's a caravan heading back to Greystone in three days."

Brycen nods sadly, wishing they could have more time. "Then we have to make the most of this trip! Is there anything you’ve wanted to see in Aerenthal? I’d love to show you around."

Kaylin shifts slightly. "I’m not great with big crowds."

Brycen takes their hand, smiling when Kaylin immediately intertwines their fingers. "I get it. Aerenthal can be overwhelming. Even for me. I’ve patrolled this city for six years, and I still don’t know all the streets."

There’s hesitation in Kaylin's eyes. The bustling capital is far from the quiet of the Elaren Woods, and Brycen can sense their unease.

"But," he continues, squeezing their hand, "there are quieter places. Hidden corners of the city. I can take you to the garden district. There’s a spot I go when I need to get away. It’s peaceful... you'll like it."

Kaylin’s eyes flicker with curiosity, the tension in their shoulders easing.

"Or," Brycen adds with a playful glint, "we can stay in, and I can attempt cooking for you. It won’t match your cooking, but I’ve picked up a thing or two over the years."

Kaylin chuckles softly. "You cooking for me? I need to see this."

Brycen leans in. "I’m not completely useless in the kitchen. Just... mostly."

Kaylin laughs again. "I’ll keep my expectations low."

They sit in comfortable silence, fingers still entwined. Brycen studies Kaylin’s face, the mask framing their delicate features. The way they hide so much makes his heart ache.

"I’m really glad you’re here, Kay," Brycen says softly.

Kaylin meets his gaze and gives his hand a gentle squeeze. "I am too."

There's a vulnerability in their voice that tugs at Brycen’s heart. Kaylin had come all this way, stepping out of their comfort zone, for him. He doesn’t want to waste a second of it.

"Okay, no crowds," Brycen says, smiling. "Just you, me, and quiet places. We’ll visit the garden tomorrow. It’s tucked away from the busy streets, always blooming. I think you’ll love it."

Kaylin’s eyes soften. "That sounds nice."

Brycen leans forward, his heart swelling. "And after, we’ll come back, and I’ll try not to burn down the kitchen."

Kaylin shakes their head with a laugh. "I don’t know if I should let you near the kitchen. I’d like to survive this visit."

"Harsh, but fair," Brycen teases, grinning.

They share a quiet laugh, the tension easing. Brycen feels like he can stay in this moment forever—just the two of them, hands intertwined, the world fading away.

"I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable here," Brycen says, turning serious. "I know it’s different from the forest. But whatever makes you feel at ease, that’s what we’ll do. I don’t want you feeling out of place."

Kaylin looks down at their hands. "I don’t. Not with you."

The quiet words hit Brycen like a wave. He leans closer, his thumb brushing gently over Kaylin’s hand.

"Good," Brycen whispers. "Because you’re not out of place. Not here. Not with me."

For a moment, the world stills. Nothing else matters but them in that shared moment. Brycen’s heart swells with something deep, something he can’t name yet, but he knew one thing for sure:

He never wants this to end.

Slowly, Brycen leans in and kisses Kaylin's mask where their lips should be. The cool fabric presses against his skin, but it’s the intimacy of the gesture that makes his heart race. His lips linger for a moment longer, the kiss symbolic, a promise of more.

Kaylin’s breath hitches. Though Brycen can’t see their face, he feels the warmth of their gaze, their body softening in his arms. He pulls back slightly, just enough to see Kaylin’s wide violet eyes, filled with something deep and unspoken.

"One day," Brycen whispers. "When you're ready."

Kaylin’s eyes flutter closed before reopening. Their fingers tighten around his hand, silently acknowledging the affection behind Brycen’s words.

"Thank you," Kaylin whispers, their voice trembling. "For waiting."

"I’ll wait as long as it takes," Brycen replies, his voice steady with conviction. "You’re worth it."

For a moment, the room fills with nothing but the crackling fire and their quiet breaths. The rest of the world fades as they hold onto each other, their bond growing stronger with each heartbeat.

Kaylin leans into Brycen’s touch, resting their forehead gently against his chest, finally allowing themselves to relax fully in his arms, the weight of the mask and the world outside easing. As Brycen holds them close, he hears a soft noise from the doorway- a small, barely contained "aww."

He doesn’t need to look to know one of his servants is peeking in, clearly moved by the scene. Brycen shakes his head in amusement, a smile tugging at his lips despite himself.

"You’d think they’ve never seen two people care about each other," he mutters, his voice low enough for only Kaylin to hear.

Kaylin chuckles softly, their breath warm against Brycen's chest. "I think they’re just surprised," they whisper back, a playful lilt to their tone. "You’re supposed to be the stoic Paladin, after all."

"Stoic?" Brycen echoes with mock offense, though he can’t help but grin. "I’ll have you know, I’m very expressive when it counts."

Kaylin laughs again, the sound light and genuine, and Brycen feels his heart swell hearing it.

"Well," Kaylin says, pulling back just enough to meet Brycen’s eyes, a sparkle of mischief in their gaze, "I think your secret’s out."

Brycen shrugs, still smiling as he gently squeezes Kaylin’s hand. "Let them think what they want. As long as I have you, I don’t care."

Kaylin's eyes soften, and for a moment, the world outside fades, leaving only the two of them wrapped in the warmth of the firelight.

"I worry about what they'd say if they knew the truth. That their lord is courting another man," Kaylin says so quietly even Brycen barely hears them.

Brycen’s heart tightens. He can feel the tension in their body, the weight of their unspoken fears.

Without hesitation, Brycen reaches for Kaylin’s hand, squeezing it tightly but gently, his thumb brushing over their skin in soothing strokes. He leans in until his forehead rests against theirs, the soft fabric of the mask between them.

“They don’t matter,” Brycen says quietly. “What they think or say—it's irrelevant. I’m the lord of this estate. No one here would dare question my choice, and if they do, they won’t stay employed for long.”

Kaylin’s eyes flicker with uncertainty, but Brycen sees the worry etched in their gaze. It’s about being accepted, about being seen and safe.

“And more than that,” Brycen continues, his tone softening, “I don’t care what anyone else thinks. Not the soldiers, not my family. Not even the King. I care about you. You, Kaylin. We’re allowed to love who we love.”

Kaylin’s fingers tremble in his grasp, but they don’t pull away. Instead, they let out a slow breath, their forehead still pressed gently against his.

“It’s not just what they’ll say,” Kaylin murmurs, barely audible. “I’ve spent so long hiding. It feels... safer.”

Brycen feels the ache in their words, the years of pain woven into each syllable. He doesn’t push, but he won’t let them sit alone in fear, either.

“Then we’ll go at your pace,” Brycen promises. “No one has to know until you’re ready.”

Kaylin looks up, their eyes glistening with emotion. “You really mean that?”

Brycen smiles softly. “Of course I do.”

For a moment, neither speaks. The crackling fire fills the room, and Brycen watches as Kaylin’s tension slowly eases.

“I don’t want to hide from you,” Kaylin whispers, voice a little stronger now. “It’s just... the rest of the world. They’re not as kind as you are. Not to Omegas. Not to men who love other men.”

Brycen nods, understanding. The world wasn’t always safe for people like Kaylin, but he’s ready to stand by their side.

“I’ll protect you,” Brycen says softly. “From anything that tries to tear us apart. You’re mine, and I’m yours. That’s all that matters.”

Kaylin squeezes Brycen’s hand, anchoring themselves in the warmth of his touch.

“And as for the rest of the world,” Brycen adds with a playful smirk, “they’ll just have to get used to the fact that I’m madly in love with the most amazing person I’ve ever met.”

Kaylin chuckles softly, a blush coloring their cheeks beneath the mask. “You’re incorrigible.”

Brycen grins. “Only for you.”

For the first time since they began this conversation, Kaylin’s laughter fills the room, light and free, washing away the last traces of fear.

"I assume you have a guest room somewhere?" Kaylin asks. "I'm beat from the trip."

"Of course. I'll have Vincent prepare my Omega Suite for you."

Kaylin’s eyes widen in alarm. "I'm not ready to come out as Omega," they hiss, eyes darting around.

"It’s just what it’s called," Brycen says. "It’s the bedroom connected to mine. You don’t have to be an Omega to stay in it."

Kaylin’s expression softens, but there’s still unease. They lower their gaze, clearly processing. Brycen immediately squeezes their hand again, offering a reassuring smile.

"It’s just a name," Brycen says gently. "No one’s going to make assumptions. It’s private, close to mine—if you need anything, I’m right there. But you don’t have to stay there if you don’t want to."

Kaylin hesitates, then nods slowly. "I... I trust you," they whisper.

Brycen’s heart warms at the words, though he can still sense the tension. "You don’t have to worry. Here, you’re safe. No one will push you into anything."

Kaylin meets his gaze. "I’ve spent so long hiding that it’s hard to just... let go. Even if I know I’m safe here."

Brycen nods. "I get it. You don’t have to let go of anything until you’re ready. We’ll go at your pace. Always."

Kaylin takes a slow breath, then offers a small, grateful smile. "Thank you."

Brycen squeezes their hand one last time before letting go. "I’ll have Vincent prepare the room. But if you ever want something different, just say the word."

Kaylin nods, their mood clearly lifting as they walk toward the grand staircase, fingers still intertwined, the earlier tension gradually fading.

Brycen’s estate carries a sense of quiet elegance. Kaylin’s eyes are drawn to the polished stone floors, deep gray marble veined with silver. The ceiling arches above them, decorated with carvings of ancient battles and legendary creatures.

Large windows allow natural light to flood in during the day, offering a stunning view of the gardens. The gardens are lush, even in winter, with towering hedges, rose bushes, and fountains.

The walls are lined with portraits of long-deceased Vardells, their gazes stern but proud. There are tapestries of old wars, and smaller pieces showing quiet village scenes, some reminding Kaylin of their cottage.

As they move through the estate, Brycen points out a large library, a small indoor garden, and a music room with a grand piano.

When they reach the upper floors, Kaylin sees the Omega Suite. Despite its name, it’s modest compared to the rest of the estate. The room has large windows that open to a balcony overlooking the garden, and the bed, shaped like a nest, is draped in simple but fine linens.

"This is where you’ll stay," Brycen says quietly. "Unless you prefer somewhere else."

Kaylin steps inside, taking in the glow of the fire already lit in the hearth. It’s a quiet, comfortable room—private, without the imposing grandeur of the estate. It feels like a place they can just... be.

“I think this will do nicely,” Kaylin says quietly.

Brycen nods, relief shining in his eyes. "Good. I want you to feel at home here."

Brycen sees the smile in Kaylin's eyes. "I think I'd feel at home wherever I am, as long as you're with me."

Kaylin stands in the center of the room, eyes lingering on the soft glow of the fire, the quiet hum of warmth filling the space. There’s a stillness here that reminds them of home, yet it’s different- more than just the comforting furnishings or the gentle flicker of candlelight. It’s Brycen’s presence, solid and unwavering, that makes the room feel like a sanctuary.

They turn, catching Brycen’s gaze, and for a moment, neither of them speaks. There’s something unspoken in the air, something deeper than words could convey. In this place, away from the outside world and all its judgments, Kaylin realizes they don’t have to hide. Not here. Not with him.

Brycen steps closer, his hand finding theirs once again, fingers intertwining with a tenderness that speaks of promises yet to be fulfilled. "This is your home too, Kaylin," he says softly, voice filled with quiet conviction. "For as long as you want it to be."

Kaylin’s chest tightens, warmth spreading through them at the simple truth in his words. It’s not just the room or the estate that feels like home- it’s him. With Brycen, they’ve found something more than safety. They’ve found belonging.

As the fire crackles gently in the hearth, Kaylin squeezes his hand, letting the comfort of that shared silence settle between them. And for the first time in years, they let themselves believe that maybe, just maybe, this is where they’re meant to be.