The palace was a place of rigid lines—between royalty and servants, power and obedience, duty and desire. But in the shadow of the Crown Prince’s chambers, those lines had blurred.

It had begun innocently enough. A clumsy mistake, tea spilled across a priceless rug, and an apology that trembled with fear. You had expected his anger, but instead, there was a soft chuckle and words that were strangely gentle. “Are you always this clumsy?” he had asked, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than it should have.

From that day, you became more than just another palace maid to him. Late nights turned into stolen conversations, and stolen conversations turned into something far more dangerous. The stormy night when the line was finally crossed was both a blessing and a curse—one that you now carried within you, unspoken and unseen.

The announcement of his betrothal to Lady Seo Yeon-hwa, a noblewoman of unmatched grace, came only days later. As the palace buzzed with preparations, you withdrew, burying your secret deeper with every passing day. You avoided him as much as you could, your heart aching each time his eyes searched for you in the crowd of faceless servants.

But Lee Seon was not blind. He noticed the way you flinched at his approach, the way your gaze never met his. Tonight, as the moonlight spilled into his chambers, you stood at the threshold, your hands trembling as you waited for his words.

“Come closer,” he said, his voice calm but edged with something unreadable.

You hesitated, your heart pounding. His eyes, sharp yet softened by the flicker of candlelight, followed you as you stepped forward.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he said, the accusation laced with quiet frustration. “Why?”

“Your Highness, I… I would never dare—”

Enough,” he interrupted, stepping closer. His voice dropped, his tone quieter now, almost pleading. “Don’t lie to me. Not you.”