Yujin slowly came to his senses, his eyelids lifting heavily as if weighted with lead. The first thing he felt was the soft fabric against his cheek and the lingering warmth on his skin where Errol's hands had been moments before.

"Where am I…"

Memory washed over him in a wave—the heat of palms, the creak of the couch, stifled moans, lips merging in a kiss… And how Errol had gently wiped him clean with his own shirt, helped him dress, and laid him down to rest as if he were a precious jewel.

Yujin closed his eyes, feeling heat spread across his cheeks. He had been so tender… His eyes, the color of royal violet, had been clouded with passion… Yujin gasped, shaking his head to banish such wanton thoughts from his mind. He no longer felt like sleeping. He sat up and finally realized he was alone. Well, that was for the best—it would be far too suspicious if he and the First Prince were to emerge from a room together, disheveled and flushed. And seeing him now… was far too embarrassing. So, Yujin straightened his clothes and, making sure the hallway was empty, slipped out quietly.

The palace seemed deserted already. Only the filigree lamps on the walls flickered, casting long shadows. Yujin walked slowly, trying to figure out how to get back to his chambers. Had the banquet ended? And not a single servant crossed his path along the way.

Then suddenly — a moan. Quiet, fragmented. He froze. The door to one of the rooms was slightly ajar, a soft light spilling through the crack. Yujin's heart began to pound wildly—he recognized that voice. Philomena's.

A step. Another step. And then he saw. His sister was lying against Errol's chest, and he was holding her carefully. Yujin felt the ground give way beneath him. All the First Prince's words, all his caresses, all that tenderness—had it all been a lie? He jerked back from the door and fled, not caring which way he went. A ringing filled his ears, darkness swam before his eyes. He had deceived him! Did he always prefer women?! Then why him!.. Yujin began to sob.

"Your Highness?!" Several diplomats from their delegation spotted him. "What's wrong?!"

"I… I'm tired!" Yujin cried out. He had no strength left to endure it all. "Just… escort me… to my rooms…"

The delegates exchanged glances but asked no questions, quickly leading the prince, accompanied by guards, to his chambers.

Only when the door shut behind the officials did Yujin allow himself to collapse to his knees. His chest ached as if his heart had been torn out. *'I need only you.' 'I wouldn't look at another woman.' Lies. All of it, lies! 

"Deceiver!" Yujin cried out in pain. "Scoundrel!.."

He clenched his fists, feeling the treacherous tears continue to roll down his cheeks. On the table, as if mocking him, stood the supper left by servants before bed: a light soup, warm bread… and a goblet of deep red wine, sparkling in the candlelight.

Yujin grabbed the goblet. Alcohol would dull the pain. At least for a while! He threw the wine back in one gulp. The spicy liquid burned his throat, but he didn't even flinch. His head suddenly swam pleasantly. Belatedly, Yujin was surprised: he wasn't particularly fond of wine, of course, but to be so swiftly overcome by just one goblet? Suddenly, everything blurred before his eyes, and in horror, he realized he was falling. He clutched desperately at the table; the goblet and tray went flying with him, but Yujin no longer heard the clatter. He fell onto the burgundy carpet, unconscious.

***

Philomena felt like a goddess. Every step she took through the banquet hall was accompanied by admiring glances. Men held their breath as she passed, ladies whispered behind their fans, envious of her slender figure clad in a luxurious pearl gown.

But there was one who did not look at her. Errol. The First Prince of Raumliveria kept casting glances across the hall—to where her brother, Yujin, was modestly conversing with some nobleman. Him again, that milksop! Philomena clenched her fists, but her face maintained a flawless smile.

When Errol finally stood alone by the window, she approached him, gracefully inclining her head.

"Your Highness, you seem interested in the history of the ancient frescoes?" Her voice dripped like honey.

Errol nodded politely, but his gaze slid once more over her shoulder—searching for him. Philomena didn't falter.

Two hours later, he returned to the hall—with a flush on his cheeks, a sparkle in his eyes, his hair slightly disheveled. Where had he been?! And with whom?! Everything inside Philomena raged, but she merely offered a sweet smile, stepping closer:

"You must have noticed how similar Prince Yujin and I are? I am his distant cousin…" she lightly touched her golden locks. "His name day is soon… and I know what would truly delight him."

And finally, a spark of genuine interest lit in Errol's eyes. He perked up instantly:

"Tell me!"

"Not here…" she lowered her lashes mysteriously.

The secluded room she led him to was small but luxurious. Silk wallpaper with woven birds, a low couch heaped with brocade pillows.

"Yujin adores ancient celestial atlases," she lied, smiling blithely. And then she pretended to sway.

"Oh… I think I've had too much…"

She fell against his chest with a moan, feeling his body tense.

"I… feel unwell…"

Errol awkwardly supported her, but at that moment, footsteps sounded outside the door.

"You've had too much to drink. Sit on the couch," Errol tried to peel her off, but her fingers were tightly clenched in his suit.

"Yes, yes, forgive me," she babbled, pressing against him even harder. Errol gritted his teeth: what a strange girl! He quickly grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away with force, seating her on the couch.

"I heard footsteps. Probably a servant passing by. I'll send for a remedy now," he said and walked out the door, completely unaware of her predatory smile.

Philomena laughed silently, shaking her head. Why was this prince so blind? She was better than her younger brother! She was perfection! How exquisitely she had conversed, how flirtatiously she had smiled at him—anyone in his place would have melted already! But this Prince Errol only became animated when she spoke of her brother! Even now, she had deliberately led him here, tried to seduce him, and he hadn't even understood! Oh well. They say the higher the summit, the greater the pleasure in conquering it.

She walked to her chambers, humming a cheerful tune to herself, anticipating days full of joy. In the same excellent mood, she climbed into her plush canopy bed, settling into the silk sheets. She thought the morning would be joyful too, but she was awakened by a cry full of horror: Prince Yujin had fallen unconscious.