The Palace of the Sun was the largest palace in the empire, being a mere demonstration of the power of the Emperor who resides there. It was a large and well-kept place that could shine like the sun, which lived up to its great name. Its gardens would not be different, well cared for with colorful flowers and green leaves that gave life to the palace.

It was a very beautiful place to walk, many nobles who visited the palace — whether to work or to enjoy the parties — gave a few minutes of their time to appreciate the beautiful landscape.

In the center of the garden, there was a huge tree whose leaves hung in the air creating a curtain that swayed with the icy wind. Standing watching that huge tree, the two guys were silent.

In order to be transparent with the Grand Duke, Lucian gave up some information he knew about his favorite villain. The only detail that was a mere supposition was the fact that Magnus accepted the marriage to take advantage of his status as prince. But that was a pretty obvious assumption when you’re talking about ambitious people like Magnus Grimwood.

Staring with the corner of his eyes, he saw Magnus with that expressionless countenance seeming immersed in his own thoughts. They were still in their arms, which was a relief.

“If you have any condition that you want me to fulfill, feel free to tell me, Magnus.”

The Grand Duke raised an eyebrow and looked at him sideways.

“Condition?”

“Well, we’re uniting through a political marriage, aren’t we? It’s okay if you have some condition like we don’t sleep in the same bed, avoid physical contact...”

“How much bullshit” sighed Magnus. “I just said that I will fulfill my duties as your husband, do not intend to treat you coldly. I just don’t have feelings for you.”

“Well, that’s even more painful.”

“I just find you very annoying, Lucian.”

“All right”, Lucian replied smiling. “I can turn this irritation into affection.”

It was progress to hear Magnus call him by name, and that made the eighth prince blush. Raising his head to look at that huge tree, Lucian felt safe for a moment.

It’s okay that he was changing the pace of the story. Considering how loyal Magnus was to his honor, he wouldn’t run after Maverick now that they were engaged. However, it would not be that which would take the rope out of your neck.

Those two were still in danger of dying at the hands of the real villain.

“Did you have any condition?” Asked Magnus suddenly. “Since you asked me that, I wonder if you had something to ask me too.”

“Me? No. I wish nothing but to be under your protection.”

Magnus did not seem to believe his words, considering how coldly he looked at him. The Grand Duke was serious and cold depending on who he talked to. Lucian could compare his interaction with being in a blizzard, despite having a bright sun over his head. Not even the heat of the desert would be enough to warm those cold eyes.

Within that story, the omegas had colored eyes. Magnus Grimwood had scarlet red eyes that shone like blood against the light. Receiving his gaze was like feeling a different pressure from being in Emperor’s presence, but still caused a certain nervous.

“Do you want anything? Did you submit to drink a drug and lose your honor for nothing?”

“For your protection, it is different. Although this does not change the fact that they can still approach me to use me. But beyond that, there is nothing I desire in particular.”

“You asked me hoping that I really assign limits in this relationship, so I ask you to be honest and tell me what you expect from me... for real.”

Lucian leaned his head slightly and then smiled. It seems that his future fiancé was willing to listen to him without judgment, which was comforting. Only he was not used to be heard, much less to talk or think about his true desires. Maybe there really was nothing? Well... there was something he needed to take care of. It would be okay if he act a little more ambitious? Until that moment, Lucian was doing his searches alone and walking blindly without knowing if what he was doing was right or not.

Changing an already written story brings unimaginable consequences. If he could find any clue as to what brought him into the story and why...

“In this case, I would like to have access to your library.”

“My library?” Magnus frowned. “For what?”

“I’m looking for a... specific subject. Unfortunately my library does not hold what I need, so I hope to find something in yours.”

“And why don’t you look in the imperial library? Surely there must be something there.”

Lucian made a slight grimace in response. He only stepped into the Palace of the Sun when called by the Emperor, which was referred only twice. He even spent the whole morning in a small room waiting for the Emperor’s assistant to call him into his office. Lucian thought he would finally die of boredom.

“Honestly I would like to keep away from anything that refers to the imperial palace. Considering how the nobles are getting impatient because my brothers are single and the Emperor has not appointed the heir, let’s say that staying here is... unbearable.”

“Unbearable to the point that you don’t want to go to your father’s library?”

“... Yes, I’m strange, I know. But understand that I am just a cowardly mouse who refuses to go back into the trap.”

“Do you want to stop with this rat story?” Growled Magnus, squeezing Lucian’s arm.

“Sorry! What I mean is just that I want to avoid anyone and places related to the imperial family. So, I’m looking forward to getting married.”

Magnus assessed him silently, raising an eyebrow and closing his face in a frown. His words were not liars, staying in the palace was the same as keeping on the radar of his brothers and that accelerated his death at the hands of the villain.

It would be all if he seemed desperate to get out of there, but it was true.

“I understand. Considering you will be my husband, understand that you will have access to everything in the Grimwood mansion. It is not necessary to ask for my permission.”

“Really? I didn’t think much about it.”

“It would be good to think, since you will be my consort, it will be your duty to take care of the mansion. I hope you know the minimum of administration, otherwise I will have to hire a teacher to teach you.”

“It seems that I am being hired to do a job instead of just getting married.”

“Being the alpha of the Grand Duke of Grimwood is not just a status, but a responsibility” Magnus opened up a smirk containing great malice. Lucian noticed the mocking tone in his voice as well as the derision in his look. “Will he face or run away?”

His favorite character was very abused and arrogant, that was a fact. Lucian opened an innocent smile and lightly squeezed the hand of his future groom on his arm.

“I don’t intend to run away, Magnus.”