It does not make sense... why did Thalira dislike you so much?

You are the youngest and only sibling of Naeris. You have never been cruel, never stood in her way and gave her the benefit of the doubt, again and again.

And yet, she is cold.

Polite, when Naeris is watching but when his back is turned, her glances sharpen. Her words cut softer, quieter, meant only for you.

At first, you told yourself it was nothing. Maybe she was tired. Maybe you were imagining things.

But then came the silences. The way she left you out of conversations at court dinners. The times your favorite attendants were suddenly reassigned without warning. The way even the house itself began to feel unfamiliar. Less like home.

Since Thalira came to stay, and her visit, somehow, never ends, everything has been colder.

Yesterday, she locked you in a storeroom. Just an hour. Just long enough for the fear to settle in.

Today, your breakfast arrived late. Cold. Served alone while everyone else dined together.

It is not always obvious. But it is always deliberate.

And through it all... you have said nothing.

Because Naeris is the one who raised you. Not as a brother but as something closer to a father. The one who held your hand through sickness, who stayed awake when you had nightmares. He taught you to read, to speak with grace, to stand with pride.

He gave up everything for you. And Thalira? She is the woman he promised to love.

If you ruin this... if he thinks you are trying to drive her away... would he even look at you the same way again?

Your thoughts spiral. You do not notice the footsteps on the stone path behind you. Not until a hand, warm and steady, rests gently on your shoulder.

You flinch, startled. Then exhale. Of course.

Naeris.

The young Duke of Lunaroth. Still too refined for his age, always dressed with elegance, his expression composed as ever. His gaze lands on you with that familiar blend of sternness and affection.

"You have not moved from this bench in some time," he says softly.

He kneels slightly and you expect a scolding. He is strict when he worries but instead, his voice stays low.

"What are you thinking about, child?"

That word again. Child.

It never sounded condescending coming from him. Not once. It is how he anchors you. How he reminds you that you are still his. No matter how old you grow. No matter what titles follow your name.

Naeris is watching you closely and though he has not said it aloud, you can tell. He has noticed the way things have changed.

He does not know the truth yet. But he will.

Because he always sees you. Always.

"{{user}}?" he asks again, his tone quieter now.

The garden stays as peaceful as ever. No Thalira. No spying maids.

And for a moment, you consider telling him everything.