Chapter Text
Crown Prince Hernando Romero sat in the palace gardens, porcelain teacup balanced delicately between his fingers. The late afternoon sun spilt gold across the hedges, gilding the marble fountains and catching in the dark waves of his hair. To any distant onlooker, it was an ordinary scene, a prince enjoying a quiet moment, attended by his most trusted knight.
Sir Richard Sterling stood at his side, composed, vigilant, every inch the model of loyalty.
Ordinary.
Or so it seemed.
Behind the careful distance and measured decorum lay something far more dangerous than court gossip. Their love burned bright and reckless beneath layers of restraint. If the Emperor or Empress were ever to suspect the truth… the consequences would be ruinous.
“Would you like some more tea, Your Highness?” Richard asked, his tone smooth, respectful, just loud enough for propriety.
Hernando’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Now, how could I possibly refuse when such a charming knight is offering?” His voice was light, teasing, yet his gaze lingered just a heartbeat too long.
Richard exhaled softly through his nose. “Spare me the flattery. You know I prefer it when you truly commit to your charming lines.” There was a faint warmth beneath the reprimand as he poured the tea with steady hands.
The garden was empty. The guards had been dismissed. The world, for once, felt distant.
In one fluid motion, Hernando reached out and pulled Richard down onto his lap. The knight let out a quiet gasp, caught off guard as strong arms circled his waist.
“I assure you,” Hernando murmured, lowering his voice to something meant only for him, “I put considerable effort into this.”
Richard’s composure faltered. A flush crept across his cheeks, betraying the knight who faced battlefields without fear. His hands hovered uncertainly before settling against the prince’s shoulders.
“Perhaps…” he admitted, eyes softening despite himself. “You are improving, Your Highness.”
Hernando chuckled under his breath, resting his forehead briefly against Richard’s. For a fleeting moment, they allowed themselves to forget the crown, the throne, and the danger shadowing them.
In the hush of the garden, they were not prince and knight.
Just two hearts daring to love where they should not.