The young prince wandered through the palace halls, searching for something to occupy his restless thoughts.

Being an omega in a kingdom like this meant living under constant expectations, careful rules, watchful eyes, and a future that never quite felt like his own. For Chuuya, it was suffocating.

Lost in thought, he failed to notice the slight fold in the runner beneath his boots.

He stumbled.

With a sharp intake of breath, Chuuya dropped to his knees against the polished floor. The impact sent a dull ache through his legs, and he muttered irritably under his breath.

“Are you alright?”

The voice came from directly in front of him, gentle, though touched with uncertainty.

Chuuya looked up, meeting a pair of dark brown eyes gazing down at him. A hand was extended in quiet offer, waiting for him to take it.