Sofia sat on the terrace, her brown eyes gleaming in the sun as her gaze drifted over the palace gardens. Her long brown hair hung in a braid over her left shoulder and reached her waist. She sipped her tea, keeping her eyes and ears peeled for any signs of her brother.

When the sound of hurried footsteps reached her, she didn't even turn around. "Ah, I see you've graced me with your presence today."

"I'm sorry, Sofia. I practically ran here," Charles said, leaning against the railing, breathless and hoping for a bit of sisterly sympathy.

"Where have you been disappearing to?" Sofia said, her voice initially sharp with annoyance. But as she finally looked at him, her expression softened, and her eyes filled with genuine worry. "Is something wrong, Charles? Should I be concerned?"

"No," Charles insisted, straightening his shirt. "I've just had… matters to attend to."

"Really? Pertaining to what, exactly?"

"Something personal. I'm fine, truly. There is nothing for you to worry about."

Sofia set her teacup down with a delicate clink. "Is it your rut? Were you able to procure the suppressants from the Zhous?"

"Actually… about that… I found a new doctor. And he's treating me now," Charles admitted. "He advised me that the previous medication was doing more harm than good. We're exploring herbal alternatives."

"Herbal medicine?" Sofia's brow furrowed. "Are you sure that's wise? I've heard some of the palace staff use such things, but... Did you consult Dr. Lee and Dr. Land?"

"They approved," Charles said.

"Where did you find this doctor? Perhaps I should see him as well, if Dr. Lee and Dr. Land approve."

"I... I think he'd prefer it if you didn't," Charles said quickly.

"And why is that?"

"He's a very private person."

Sofia's eyes narrowed, then slowly lit up with a mischievous spark. A grin tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Is that where you've been? Spending your days in a quiet clinic? Do you… have a soft spot for this doctor, brother?"

Charles looked away, the heat rising to his face. "Well…"

"That was a rhetorical question," Sofia chuckled, leaning back.

"I saw your letters, too," Charles countered, deciding to play his own card. He gave her a pointed smile. "The ones in the trash bin."

Sofia's smile widened. "Mmhm..." 

The two had always had each other's back. When Sofia's heart had been shattered at her debut ball, after a noble boy had promised her to escort her only to leave her for another, it was Charles who had quietly "handled" the incident and wiped Sofia's tears.

"When do I get to meet him?" Sofia asked, her tone turning serious again.

"In time... I suppose... And when do I get to meet your secret admirer?" Charles teased back.

"Soon enough," she replied with a cheeky wink. Her expression then turned somber. "Listen, Mother and Father are upset that you keep disappearing. You're going to raise their suspicions soon."

"You'll help out your big brother, won't you?" Charles pleaded, giving her the look that usually worked.

Sofia had always loved the world outside the palace walls: festivals, markets, and gatherings. Even though Sofia had always been a strong and healthy, the King and Queen disapproved of her leaving without guards and were over protective of her ever since she had presented as an omega. Charles had been her accomplice for years, making excuses so she could slip away with an attendant or two.

She nodded slowly. "I'll cover for you, as I always have. But Charles… The Mid-Autumn Ball is approaching, and you know how our parents get during that season."

"I know," he whispered.

"And you know, Princess Shirin will be here," Sofia added, her voice dropping as she looked away. She knew it wasn't what he wanted to hear.

"Just last night, Mother and Father were speaking of an imperial engagement. As you know, Emperor Farrokh hasn't decided on a successor to his throne because his children, Prince Zaid and Princess Shirin, are twins.

"There are rumors that Shirin is favored, even though she is the younger twin, because she's an alpha and Zaid is an omega. But, other rumors say that whoever bears an heir first has a better chance of being named the successor," Sofia continued, sipping her tea. "This is a chance for all the kingdoms to try their hand at strengthening their imperial ties."

Sofia gazed at Charles. "You know what this means, Charles." 

Charles nodded slowly with a rehearsed smile. "When have they ever had to be worried about sending me to represent our people? There is a reason they call me silver-tongued behind my back."

"I know, Charles. I'm not worried about that. It's just that matters of the heart... aren't as simple as mere diplomatic affairs," Sofia said, her face showing genuine concern.

** ** ** ** ** ** 

The conversation with Sofia had left a bitter aftertaste. Charles knew that going to the market with Benjamin would lift his spirits. But then, the thought of Wren joining them dampened his enthusiasm again. 

Still, he tried to think of the advantages. If the new doctor was going to stick like a thorn in Benjamin's side, it was better to have him where he could see him.

On the day of the market, Charles insisted on escorting the group in his own private carriage, with Calix and Felix trailing discreetly behind separately.

Charles ushered Benjamin into the cabin first, then followed immediately, sliding into the seat right next to him so their shoulders brushed. Wren boarded last, taking the opposite bench. He seemed entirely unbothered by the Prince's blatant display of territoriality, simply watching the city pass by with a calm, observant gaze.

Once they reached the market square, Charles shadowed Benjamin's every move, his movements calculated to ensure he was always the one walking at Benjamin's side. 

Whenever Wren tried to point out a rare herb, a piece of glasswork, or medical equipment, Charles would step in between them, feigning interest in the objects.

Eventually, Wren offered a thin, knowing smile. "I believe I'll head off on my own for a while," he said. "I have a friend here I've been meaning to consult. I'll leave you two to your browsing."

After another hour of wandering through the labyrinth of stalls, Benjamin wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. "I need to look for some specific tonics for the clinic," he told Charles. "It's a specialized apothecary stall, it might take me a while to find it. We can meet up again by the large signboard in the market square."

Charles opened his mouth to protest, but Benjamin gave him a firm, tired look. "I'll be fine, Charles."

Left alone at the edge of the square, Charles stood with his shoulders slumped. Calix and Felix, who had been maintaining a respectful distance, finally approached him.

Felix, noting the expression on the Prince's face, gave a sympathetic nod. "I'll keep an eye on him from a distance," he said, before slipping into the crowd in the direction Benjamin had gone.

Charles turned his focus to Calix. "What do you make of Dr. Baek? Did the background check reveal anything useful?"

"His record is suspiciously pristine," Calix reported, his voice low. "He comes from a prestigious background. His parents owned one of the largest private businesses that catered to the Zephyrian military. But, they both passed away in a tragedy ten years ago while he was still a student. He has an aunt and uncle who he remains in touch with. He earned his medical license at twenty-two and has been practicing for a decade. He held credentials in Zephyr, Arcadia, and Xenos. The man has separate medical licenses for three different kingdoms.

When his Zephyrian license expired, he moved to Xenos and acquired a license there. Interestingly, he recently surrendered his Xenon license specifically to apply for an Isadoran one. He still has his Arcadian license."

"So he's planning on putting down roots?" Charles asked, his annoyance flaring. Then his eyes narrowed. "That's highly irregular. Why hasn't he applied for an AA License?"

"Yes, that is odd. He is eligible for one based on his years of experience."

"Oh, another odd detail," Calix said. "The other day, he paid a visit to the Civil Affairs Division. He was inquiring specifically about marital laws and residency requirements of Isadora."

"What an idiot," Charles muttered, though he felt a wave of anxiety wash over his body. "Is he seeing anyone?"

"Not that we know of. He splits his time between a few small clinics, has lunch with his colleagues, and... he regularly meets with Benjamin."

Charles's frown deepened. "Keep Lyra on him for the rest of the week," he ordered. "If he so much as breathes suspiciously, I want to know about it."

A few minutes later, Felix returned through the crowd. "The Doctor just finished at a medicine stall and is waiting for you at the central signboard."

Charles didn't wait. He hurried across the square, the midday sun beating down in the humid heat. He found Benjamin standing near the towering wooden board, clutching a small bag of supplies. The heat was clearly taking a toll. Benjamin's pale skin was flushed a deep pink, and sweat glistened on his forehead and the back of his neck.

"Ben! Are you okay? Have you been waiting long?" Charles asked. "You're completely flushed. Why didn't you wait in the shade of one of the tents?"

"I haven't been here long," Benjamin said, his voice a bit raspy. "I was just worried you wouldn't be able to find me in this crowd. I'm alright... the heat is just a bit much today."

"Let's get you out of here," Charles said, placing a steadying hand on Benjamin's back as they moved toward the carriage.

Inside the shaded cabin, the air was slightly cooler, but Benjamin looked visibly drained. Beads of sweat traced paths down his neck, soaking the collar of his white shirt. His eyes looked heavy, and the vibrant pink of his face hadn't faded.

"Are you sure you don't need water? You look like you're about to collapse," Charles said, leaning forward.

"I'm fine," Benjamin said quietly, though he leaned his head against the side of the carriage and let his eyes drift shut. "Just... very tired."

Charles watched him, a mix of guilt and protectiveness. "Don't worry," he said softly. "We'll be home soon. Just hang in there."

Benjamin offered a weak nod, his body swaying slightly with the motion of the carriage as he drifted into an exhausted, heat-induced daze.