Ambrose laid Nix gently on the bed, trailing soft kisses along his neck. His urgency simmered beneath the surface, but there was an equal need to savor every moment, to make it last. His hands, usually so controlled, now moved with reverence, as though the sorcerer had enchanted him the first moment they met. He hadn’t seen Nix since the morning, and the absence had felt like a void, growing with every passing moment. Now, as he held Nix close, that need to be near him overwhelmed everything else. Now, every touch felt like a promise he never wanted to break.

Nix whimpered softly, his body yielding to the pleasure, falling deeper under Ambrose's spell. He had never felt anything like this, and the intensity of it both thrilled and scared him. But before he could fully lose himself, there was a sharp knock at the door, a sound that shattered the moment like glass.

Ambrose groaned, wanting to yell for whoever it was to go away, but the sound pulled Nix back to reality. Flushed and a little embarrassed at how lost he had been, Nix sat up quickly, pushing his dark hair back from his face. “That’s probably the dinner cart,” he said hurriedly, trying to mask his discomfort.

Ambrose, still wanting more, moved closer, his lips hovering near Nix’s again. “I’m not hungry,” he murmured.

But as if on cue, Nix’s stomach growled loudly, betraying him. They both laughed, the tension melting away in an instant. “Maybe you’re not,” Nix teased, “but clearly I am.” Ambrose chuckled and stood, retrieving the cart from the hallway.

They settled around the hearth, the warm glow of the fire casting long shadows as they shared a delicious meal. The aroma of roasted lamb filled the room, and Nix’s eyes widened at the unfamiliar dish. “I’ve never had lamb before,” he admitted, looking at it curiously. “We mostly ate fish and fruits back home.”

Ambrose, grinning at Nix’s curiosity, speared a piece of lamb and offered it to him on his fork. “Try it,” he coaxed, his voice warm and playful. Nix hesitated, then shyly leaned forward, eating the bite directly from Ambrose’s fork. He blushed, unused to such intimate gestures but finding himself enjoying Ambrose’s attention.

As they ate, the wine flowed easily, and the conversation turned light. Nix cleared his throat, feeling more relaxed. “So, what did you do today?” he asked.

Ambrose groaned dramatically, leaning back in his chair. “Meetings. Endless, pointless meetings. It’s my uncle’s way of punishing me for running off with the Navy,” he said, rolling his eyes.

Nix laughed softly, amused at how grumpy Ambrose could get. “I can’t imagine you sitting still for that long,” he teased.

“I barely survived,” Ambrose muttered, taking another sip of wine. “What about you? How was your day?”

Nix’s eyes lit up as he responded. “I went to see Hamford!”

Ambrose leaned in, curious. “Oh? How’s he holding up?”

“He’s doing as well as he can,” Nix replied, his tone softening. “I brought him some food, but it’s freezing down there. He needs better bedding than that pile of straw.”

Ambrose’s expression hardened. “I’ll make sure he gets a proper cot,” he said, standing up as if he were ready to make the order immediately.

“Wait, will the king even allow that?” Nix asked nervously.

Ambrose paused for a moment, but his eyes darkened as another thought struck him. “How did you even get into the cells?”

“A soldier escorted me. His name was Callen,” Nix replied casually.

Ambrose repeated the name slowly, trying to place it. “Callen... Oh, that idiot from the island! He was the one who tried to arrest Hamford in the first place!”

Nix saw the irritation rising in Ambrose and quickly tried to calm him. “He’s not that bad! He was just following orders, and he actually helped me see Hamford. He’s been decent.”

But defending Callen only seemed to irritate Ambrose further. His face flushed with annoyance as he downed the rest of his wine and grabbed Nix’s hand. “Come on. I’ll get Hamford that cot myself!” he declared, determined.

Nix’s heart raced as he realized Ambrose was tipsy and serious. He barely managed to hold the prince back as Ambrose made a beeline for the door. “Wait! Maybe we should do it later, when fewer people are around. We don’t want to cause any trouble,” Nix pleaded, trying to keep him grounded.

Before Ambrose could argue, there was another knock at the door. Nix groaned internally, wondering who it could be this time. Ambrose, still flustered, shouted for the person to enter. Yan and Fern walked in, pushing a dessert tray and carrying fresh clothes for Nix. They paused, taking in the scene—Ambrose, a little too flushed from the wine, and Nix struggling to hold him back.

“I think he’s drunk,” Nix whispered urgently to Yan. “Can you help me?”

Yan’s expression softened from concern to amusement. “Your Majesty,” she said sweetly, “we brought your favorite desserts. How about you have a bite first? Fern can fetch that cot for you.”

Ambrose’s resolve wavered as he mumbled, “Yes, Fern, get the best cot. It’s for my friend.” He stumbled a little, and both Nix and Yan caught him, guiding him back to the armchair by the fire.

Fern stifled a laugh as she bowed. “I’ll be right back,” she said, exiting with a smile.

Yan poured Ambrose a glass of water, gently encouraging him to sip it while she cleared the dinner tray. Nix, relieved that the situation was under control, joined her. “How strong is Eoten wine?” he asked in a low voice, keeping an eye on Ambrose.

Yan chuckled softly. “It’s not strong at all. His Majesty just isn’t used to drinking. He rarely drinks more than a glass.”

Nix couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve had Fire Wine since I was a teen—maybe that’s why I handle it better.”

Yan nudged him playfully. “You’re full of surprises, Nix. You seem to be handling everything pretty well for someone new to palace life.”

They shared a quiet laugh, but Ambrose, still in his chair, caught wind of their conversation. “You better not be talking about Callen again!” he grumbled, glaring over at them.

Yan raised an eyebrow, confused, and Nix quickly explained. “We were comparing wine, not soldiers,” he assured Ambrose, before adding a quick explanation about Callen to Yan. She suppressed a giggle, hiding her amusement behind a cough.

Just then, Fern returned with a cot and placed it neatly in the corner. She glanced around, surprised to see the trays cleared and everything tidied up. “Thank you, Nix. You’re the sweetest,” Yan said with a smile as she loaded the cart.

Soft snores came from Ambrose, who had finally drifted off by the hearth. Nix and the girls stifled their giggles as they carefully moved him to the bed, their quiet laughter filling the room as they worked together.

Once Ambrose was settled, Nix shared more about Hamford, and the girls listened attentively. “Don’t worry,” Fern said. “Dwarves are tough. Hamford will be fine until you can help him. Besides, Yan can have Callen check on him for you.”

Yan shot her a teasing look, and Nix couldn’t help but notice Yan’s slight interest in the stoic soldier. “Actually, could you deliver a message to Callen for me? Ambrose might not be too thrilled if I talk to him.”

Yan sighed in mock defeat, but her eyes sparkled. “Fine, I’ll help. You owe me, though.”

Nix smiled gratefully. “Thank you. I’d like to visit Hamford again tomorrow, and I’ll need a staff. Nothing too fancy, just something to practice with.”

Yan nodded, promising to deliver the message before she and Fern left, wishing him a good night.

As the door closed behind them, Nix wandered to the veranda, staring into the starry night sky. His fingers traced the necklace around his neck as thoughts of the Water King, his heritage, and the uncertain future filled his mind. Determined to uncover the truth, he breathed in the cool night air, his resolve strengthening.