The guest chambers were steeped in cozy semi-darkness. Yujin sat in a deep armchair, his gaze fixed on the recently extinguished fireplace. On the low table before him stood untouched delicacies: juicy venison in cherry sauce, roasted pheasant, trout stuffed with lemon, plates of stewed vegetables and fresh bread. Nearby, a porcelain teapot steamed with fragrant herbal tea, and on a silver tray sat desserts—almond cookies and cream-filled pastries. But Yujin merely twisted a fork in his fingers, repeatedly stabbing the food without ever bringing it to his lips.

"Why did everything turn out this way?" he murmured, staring at his reflection in the polished silver of the tray. "I was supposed to become a worthy prince, a pillar for my family and country... and instead..."

His sister Philimona's biting words, the contemptuous glances of the generals, the disappointed whispers of the advisors all surfaced. Even his own parents seemed to see him as merely a bargaining chip in a political game.

Yujin sighed, rising from the chair. He looked at the moon—cold, lonely, as distant as his own dreams. And Errol... Did he truly want him? Or was Yujin just a pawn in his plans? These thoughts weighed on him, yet he could do nothing about his desire to see him. Memories of warm hands holding him firmly on the cliff, the low voice whispering "my sprite," that tender, fleeting kiss... Would Yujin even get a moment's glimpse of the first prince tonight?

And as if in answer to his thoughts— tap-tap. Yujin startled. His heart began to hammer wildly.

Errol stood on the narrow ledge, his palm pressed to the glass. His travel cloak fluttered in the wind, revealing a form-fitting suit beneath, and in his eyes, bright even in the darkness, sparks danced.

"Open up, sprite, or I'll fall!" came the muffled voice through the glass.

Yujin rushed to the window and flung the panes open. Cold air flooded the room, but he barely felt it—all his attention was riveted on the young man on the windowsill.

"You... how did you..." he stammered, unable to believe his luck.

Errol deftly stepped over the frame and into the room. Droplets of night dew sparkled on his shoulders, and the scent of pine forest and cold wind enveloped Yujin like a promise of adventure.

"What are you doing here?.." Yujin finally managed, feeling his cheeks betray him with a blush.

"Coming with a proposal," Errol stated matter-of-factly, suddenly handing Yujin a bundle of clothes. "Those office moles practically suffocated us today. So, we're going for a walk!"

Yujin felt a pang of offense for the moles, but then he pictured tiny, blind, bespectacled creatures in neckties sitting in the throne hall and had to stifle a laugh. And what kind of adventure was the first prince proposing? He stared curiously at the clothes now in his hands.

"What's this?" 

"Trousers, a vest, and a shirt. Do you know how to put them on? Or..." Errol bit his lip, scorching Yujin with a fervent gaze, "...shall I help?" 

"Ah, n-no!" Yujin flushed to the tips of his ears and disappeared into the bathroom. "I-I'll be right out!.."

While Yujin changed, Errol noticed the untouched dishes. His brows drew together slightly.

"Didn't you like it?" he asked when Yujin emerged, adjusting the vest. 

The first prince froze for a moment, dazzled by the sight. Even in simple clothes, Yujin looked stunning—the embroidered shirt accentuated his slender waist, and the dark trousers hugged his perfect legs beautifully. 

Yujin reddened under that gaze.

"No, everything was wonderful! It's just... I don't usually eat that much." He smiled. "I didn't think it was customary to eat so much before bed here!"

Errol extended his hand, and Yujin, as if by now a familiar gesture, took it.

"We don't usually eat that much before bed either," Errol said, scooping him up into his arms. Yujin gasped, squirmed briefly, but realized he couldn't descend from the third floor on his own, so he surrendered to Errol's hold.

"I simply ordered them to bring you all the best dishes. I don't know what you like yet," Errol continued casually, as if carrying a feather, not a fully-grown young man. Yujin chewed his lip thoughtfully.

"You don't need to bring so much. And I... don't eat meat."

Errol was surprised. He carefully seated Yujin on Ember and gently slipped soft leather shoes onto his elegant feet.

"Why not?"

Yujin shrugged and, after thanking him for the shoes, simply said,

"I love animals. I told you."

Errol gasped, and a quiet laugh touched his lips.

"You did. You're right. Forgive me, my dear, for forgetting."

Yujin waved his hands frantically.

"No-no, it's nothing like that! I have no prejudices! I just decided that for myself! Otherwise, I love vegetables and fish! And for dessert..."

"Apples?" Errol suggested cheerfully, leaping onto Ember, who was already stamping his black hoof impatiently.

"What? Why?" Yujin was surprised, ignoring the flutter in his lower belly from the touch of the strong hand that wrapped around his waist, pulling him close. The first prince is just doing this so I don't fall off, that's all!

"Because today during the negotiations, you spent half the time gazing mesmerized at the apple tree outside the window!"

"What! No!.." Yujin was embarrassed, as if caught doing something silly, "...though I do love apple pie!.."

Errol laughed heartily, holding him even tighter. They sped down the forest path, leaving stone walls and conventions behind.

The square greeted them with noise and lights. The folk festival was in full swing: torches burned everywhere, the air smelled of roasted chestnuts and spiced wine, and musicians in the center of the crowd played merry tunes.

Yujin stood frozen, awestruck. He had never seen anything like it—palace celebrations were always stiff, steeped in ceremony. But here... Here, people laughed, hugged, and whirled in dance without any rules.

"Do you like it?" Errol took his hand. Yujin could only nod, his eyes shining.

They dove into the crowd. Errol bought them mugs of hot cider, they sampled sweets from the stalls, laughed at the jokes of street performers.

And then a new melody began—fast, rhythmic. People joined hands, forming a huge circle.

 "Will you dance with me?" Errol extended his hand.

Yujin hesitated for only a second.

"Yes!"

Their fingers intertwined, and they threw themselves into the whirlwind of the dance. Yujin, who had never learned folk dances, stumbled over the steps at first, but Errol patiently led him, spinning between other couples.

"Look!" Yujin laughed when they were spun so fast the world turned into a colorful kaleidoscope.

Errol didn't answer—he just watched him, watched his shining eyes, his disheveled golden locks, and thought he had never seen anything more beautiful.

Later, when the bonfire in the center of the square began to die down and the music shifted to something slower, Errol drew Yujin close again.

"One last dance," he whispered.

And they twirled under the stars, no longer noticing anyone else. Yujin rested his head on Errol's shoulder, feeling the beat of his heart.

"Thank you," he whispered. "For this evening."

Errol only held him tighter, wishing never to let him go.