The study was bathed in the soft light of paper lanterns. The faint smoke of incense drifted through the carved wooden lattice of the windows. Aselet sprawled on silk cushions, his feet propped on a low table. The aroma of freshly brewed tea mingled with the scent of parchment—he held yet another letter from Yujin.

"And this fool blames himself again…" he muttered with displeasure, scanning the lines.

Yujin described how, during a diplomatic mission, he had accidentally encountered a *Vipera magnum*—a giant pit viper—by the river! Its scales shimmered so beautifully in the sunlight... And a stranger—a tall, stately man with violet eyes. And Yujin couldn't figure out who he was.

Aselet snorted.

"Violet eyes, my bun? The current King of Raumliveria has those! But if the fellow is young, then…"

Aselet had long noticed that Yujin looked at men a little longer than at women. But he himself never brought it up—and it wasn't Aselet's place to dig into another's soul without permission. Besides, Aselet didn't quite understand all that heart-fluttering fuss himself. He was more interested in duels, intrigues, the feeling of wind in his face at a full gallop. And satisfying the body's needs for affection could be done quite calmly and without love.

"Though… A hot prince—that's not bad at all," he chuckled aloud, finishing his tea.

But then his face darkened. He remembered the rumors drifting from Fitasentia. He remembered the elder sister Philimona—the very one who looked at Yujin as an obstacle.

"She wouldn't dare, right?" he asked lazily of the wooden tea tray standing nearby. "She's too proud for that… or not?"

The next news surprised him even more.

"A proposal from the First Prince of Raumliveria? After one chance meeting?" His voice was sharp, but it held wariness, not jealousy.

He tossed the report onto the lacquered table. Leaned back in the bamboo chair, making it creak slightly. His long black hair, gathered with a ruby pin, slipped over the silk cushion embroidered with golden dragons.

Yujin was so trusting and naive—what if the First Prince of Raumliveria wanted to use him in some dirty game? And they do say this First Prince is such a beauty that all the ladies fall at his feet—and if Philimona… Aselet stood up, abruptly pushing the chair back. He had to see for himself. Besides, sitting in the central palace, gathering dust, wasn't in his nature. He'd take a little stroll, and let Sunil work a bit longer!

***

Aselet liked the Palace of Raumliveria—so many bushes! He slipped between the palace buildings like a shadow, pressing against carved columns and hiding behind low trees. He had almost reached Yujin, but the prince was perpetually surrounded by people—impossible to get through! And then a chance arose—they met!

How pleasant it was to see his dear friend! He looked tired, but was in good health, which was a relief. First, it seemed the Prince of Raumliveria genuinely had tender feelings for Yujin. Second, the palace was indeed full of intrigue. No wonder earlier today he had seen, in a secluded courtyard, one person, face hidden by a hood, passing dark glass vials to another. Their ribs shimmered with an ominous gleam in the sun. So, as soon as Aselet saw Yujin, he made him drink a special potion, just in case. Well, now it was time to go home! Otherwise, his elder brother would kill him.

The sunset painted the garden in gold and purple as Aselet, deftly leaping over low fences, made his way toward the exit. He had almost relaxed, anticipating stretching out his legs at the inn after a bath and heading home tomorrow, when the world turned upside down.

Someone's strong hand yanked him by the cloak, and in the next instant, Aselet was lying on his back, pinned to the ground. The grass rustled coldly beneath him, and looming over him was a stately stranger: disheveled burgundy hair, gray eyes gleaming with curiosity, and in his ears—golden earrings with rubies. A nobleman.

Gods, what a nuisance! Not just caught—this guy had gotten a good look at his face. And killing a nobleman would bring the wrath of an entire country upon him. Aselet froze, thinking frantically: Stun him? Break free? But before he could decide on a course of action, the stranger leaned down closer, right to his neck, and at that moment…

"What are you doing here…" came the voice of a guard who had apparently spotted his burgundy crown from behind the bushes. The stranger quickly raised his head and suddenly exclaimed with irritation:

"Ugh, damn it! Get lost!"

The guard, clearly not expecting such a response, even jumped on the spot and hastily retreated. Aselet couldn't help it—he snorted, then burst out laughing.

"Why didn't you give me away?" he exhaled through his laughter, looking up at the mysterious nobleman from below. The stranger frowned and sighed.

"The last thing we need is problems with the Iltal Empire."

Aselet raised an eyebrow.

"What makes you think I'm from there?"

"Tea," he answered simply, shrugging slightly. "You smell of their tea."

Aselet laughed again—this time from surprise. Seriously?! He was identified just because of that? He really smelled? That's why he leaned in so close!

"I would be immensely grateful if you released me, my dear tea connoisseur!" Aselet said with feigned deference. The nobleman smirked.

"And why should I?"

"I'll give you a ten percent discount on supplies!"

The gray eyes narrowed, mischievous sparks dancing in them.

"Twenty."

"Fifteen."

"Twenty."

"You're bold!" Aselet laughed heartily again, but then added mysteriously, "Caught a cat, but should've caught a rat."

A sharp roll, a strike—and he was free, taking advantage of his opponent's momentary confusion. In an instant, Aselet deftly vaulted over the wrought-iron fence, leaving the royal garden behind.