Errol paced the marble corridors, the nervous rhythm of his heels echoing. Time dragged unbearably slowly. He wanted to meet him already! The man who occupied all his thoughts! Along with anticipation, he also felt fear: what if it was all his imagination? His mind had painted a beautiful image, but reality was different—more cruel?

He was just walking thoughtfully down an empty corridor when a golden head of hair collided with his chest from around a corner. He recognized him instantly. That voice, those green eyes, that magnificent, slender figure. And yes, his fears had been in vain—his 'forest sprite' was even more beautiful than he remembered! So stunning in his pristine white ceremonial suit with silver embroidery! The green eyes, however, looked at Errol with bewilderment. Errol was briefly afraid he didn't recognize him, that he would run away again, but his flushed cheeks and shy gaze clearly said otherwise.

The touch of his elegant hand took Errol's breath away. How adorable! He gently squeezed the hand resting on his elbow. From now on, they would not part. They would share both sorrows and joys together.

And, seeing how his sweet boy was nervous, Errol whispered soothing words. Yujin only nodded silently, but his confused gaze said he still didn't understand what was happening.

And then—the doors swung open.

"His Royal Highness, First Crown Prince Errol of Raumliveria and His Royal Highness, Prince Yujin of Fitasentia!" the herald announced loudly.

Yujin flinched, sharply turning his head towards Errol. His eyes widened in surprise. Errol, ignoring the whispers and astonished glances of the court, declared loudly:

"We will sit together."

The hall gasped. Yujin stood as if struck by lightning. The King of Raumliveria, seated on the throne, sighed heavily:

"Delegations are to be on opposite sides of the hall. Prince Yujin, please join your people."

Errol clicked his tongue in displeasure and, after a moment's hesitation, carefully released his hand.

Yujin, pale and on unsteady legs, barely made it to his side. He slumped into a chair, still processing what had happened. From behind, among the servants, Philimona drilled into him with a cold stare.

The negotiations began.

Yujin sat, gripping the armrests, and tried unsuccessfully to focus on the advisors' words. The talks had already lasted several hours—discussing borders, trade routes, marriage contract terms. Voices blended into a monotonous drone, and vague maps and documents swam before his eyes.

He stole a glance across the hall. Errol sat opposite, lounging casually in his chair, but his violet eyes were sharp as blades. He caught every word, occasionally inserting precise remarks that made the ministers fall silent and nod. How could he be so confident?

Yujin, meanwhile, felt like an outsider at this political feast. He nodded when everyone else nodded, signed what was placed before him, and the entire time thought of only one thing: this handsome man was his potential groom.

The very one who had once saved him in the river and now watched him across the hall, as if trying to read his thoughts.

The meeting dragged on until evening. When they finally announced an adjournment for the day, Yujin could barely suppress the trembling in his legs.

Yujin's chambers were cozy: a ceiling with carved beams, walls lined with silken fabrics, a massive oak table, and shelves of books. In the corner, a fireplace flickered, casting dancing shadows on a rug with intricate patterns. And beyond the tall stained-glass window, battered by moonlight, lay the dark trees of the night garden.

Yujin sat in a deep armchair, clutching a book he hadn't been able to read for the last three hours. The letters blurred before his eyes, his thoughts tangled. How did this happen? Why did the first prince of Raumliveria need him? It couldn't be that the Crown Prince of Raumliveria, known for his extraordinary intellect, incredible strength, and beauty, could simply fall in love with some boy he'd met by a forest river for just half an hour! Yujin ran a hand over his face. Was he dreaming? Or was this some elaborate joke?

He set the book aside and went to the window, leaning against the cool glass. Moonlight silvered his golden hair, making it almost translucent.

Suddenly — tap-tap. Yujin flinched. Outside the window, balancing on a narrow ledge, stood Errol. His violet eyes shimmered even in the half-light. A faint smile played on his lips.

"Open up, sprite, or I'll fall!" came a muffled voice.

Yujin, not believing his eyes, flung the window open.

"You... have you lost your mind?!"

Errol deftly stepped over the windowsill and into the room. However, he didn't go further than the window.

"No, no," he chuckled softly, "I'm perfectly sane! Due to diplomatic red tape, we won't be able to be alone during the day, and I... really want that."

Yujin felt blood rush to his face. His heart pounded excitedly in his chest, but he couldn't stop looking at this unpredictable first prince, couldn't tear his gaze away. He was even more beautiful in the moonlight: his slightly curly, light blond hair tousled by the night wind, and sparks of quiet merriment in his eyes. And it finally dawned on Yujin: Errol had come to tell him something! Something outsiders shouldn't hear! Yujin focused, ready to listen, even unconsciously smoothing the folds of his light robe, which was wrapped up to his neck. He nodded seriously.

"I'm listening."

Errol looked at him with interest.

"What?"

"You said yourself you came to say something," Yujin said, bewildered, studying him in return. Errol gasped, shook his head, and laughed.

"Yes, yes, there is something," he smiled tenderly again, "but I can't say it now. We need to go somewhere together."

Yujin was at a loss. At this hour? But he wasn't dressed! Errol immediately understood the cause of his hesitation. He extended his hand.

"It's fine, you can go like that! It's a warm night."

"But I need shoes at least..." Yujin mumbled, confused, slowly placing his palm in his. Errol's fingers were warm and rough from the sword, but his touch was gentle.

"Slippers will do!" Errol grinned broadly and suddenly scooped him up in his arms. Yujin gasped, his body heating up.

"P-put me down!" He squirmed in his embrace, trying to get free. Errol only held him tighter and leaped out the window. Yujin's head spun, and he clung to Errol's neck in fright. His room was on the third floor!

"W-we'll fall!"

"No," he heard a tender voice near his ear, "don't be afraid. Even if I fall myself, I'll definitely hold onto you."

A soft thud of boot soles on the ground, and Yujin opened his eyes, shifting his astonished gaze from Errol's face to the garden and back.

"Did I scare you badly? Sorry, I'll warn you next time."

Yujin was stunned: "Next time"?! So this wasn't a one-time action by the First Prince of Raumliveria?! And, shameful to admit, Yujin... liked it. The feeling of free fall, the feeling of being in big, strong hands that radiated care. Yujin shook his head. He needed to return to reality.

"Now will you put me down?"

Errol nodded and seated him on his black horse, which was hidden in the shadow of a sprawling tree. He leaped up behind him, wrapped his arms around Yujin's shoulders, and spurred the steed on.

The forest flashed by in dark silhouettes, stars scattered overhead, and Yujin gripped the horse's mane, feeling his back press against a hot chest. His heart pounded wildly—whether from fear or delight.

Soon the trees parted, revealing a small clearing on a rocky cliff. The view that opened before them made Yujin gasp.

The entire city lay below like a glittering necklace, with the palace rising as a snow-white pearl. But the main wonder was the sky—endless, studded with stars, as if someone had generously scattered diamond dust across it.

 "Do you like it?" Errol's quiet voice rustled near his ear. Yujin nodded, forgetting words, and tried to dismount, but a hand held him by the waist. Errol nimbly jumped down and said:

"Better stay seated. You can see everything well from Ember too. And you won't dirty your shoes."

Yujin gasped, looking at his bare feet, on which his deep cream-colored slippers somehow still clung. Oh right, he'd wanted to change his shoes! 

"It's fine, I can go barefoot!" he declared, bending his knee and touching his foot, thinking to take off his slippers, "that way I won't dirty the shoes!"

Errol worriedly took hold of his ankles, stopping him. 

"Alright, alright, I get it," he said, sighing, "wait a minute."

Errol slipped to the ground and, before Yujin could react, was already taking off his own boots. Yujin watched in amazement as he carefully slipped his leather boots onto Yujin's feet. A light shiver ran through Yujin's body at the tender touch of rough fingers on his skin.

His cheeks burned.

Errol helped him down from Ember—Yujin was so flustered he could only manage a shy "thank you."

The boots, though large, were soft and comfortable. Yujin walked contentedly on the grass and froze in admiration, gazing at the view.

"Tell me about yourself," he requested, looking at the lights below.

Errol, standing behind him, spoke playfully:

"I am the first prince of the Kingdom of Raumliveria, the country's finest warrior. I defeated the best blade master in a spar at age ten. I also graduated from the royal academy externally and am the inventor of several technologies, thanks to which our kingdom doesn't need food imports."

Yujin whistled.

"And you also do cross-stitch?"

"Silk embroidery," he replied with mock seriousness, and Yujin burst out laughing. Still chuckling slightly and turning his head a bit towards him, he asked:

"You say that on purpose to make me admire you?"

"Of course!" Errol beamed. "Is it working?"

Yujin snorted but couldn't suppress a smile. The wind picked up again, and he shivered from the cold. In the same instant, warm arms wrapped around him from behind, pressing him against a powerful chest.

"Warmer now?" Errol's voice sounded low, right at his ear.

"Should have brought a cloak..." Yujin murmured, but then felt Errol's lips lightly brush his temple.

"Why, when you have me? I'll warm you up... completely."