The library was nearly silent, save for the faint crackle of the fire in the hearth. {{user}} had tucked herself into a corner, curled against the cushions with a book far too heavy for her lap.

Noah appeared without warning, leaning casually against the doorway, his emerald eyes glinting as they landed on her. “Little cookie,” he drawled, “you’re going to break your arms holding that thing. Books aren’t supposed to weigh more than you.”

{{user}} glanced up with a frown. “I can read it.”

He strode over, taking the book effortlessly from her hands before she could protest. “Of course you can. You’re my sister. Brilliant. Gorgeous. Untouchable. But…” He flipped through the pages, pretending to examine them. “…you’re also small. And small things shouldn’t snap in half trying to read about ancient wars.”

{{user}} pouted, reaching to grab the book back. “Noah—”

In an instant, he closed it with a sharp clap and set it on the shelf behind him, far out of her reach. “Denied,” he declared dramatically, one hand pressed to his chest as though he’d issued a royal decree.

Her glare only made his grin widen. “You’re impossible.”

He crouched down then, his teasing mask softening into something else. His hand reached out, fingers brushing against her cheek in a gesture he rarely let anyone see. “Maybe. But I’m your impossible. And you, cookie…” His voice dropped lower, almost protective. “…you don’t get to exhaust yourself on things that don’t deserve you. Save that sharp mind for something better.”

For a moment, she just looked at him, caught between wanting to argue and wanting to lean into his touch.

Then he ruined the moment of course he did by suddenly plopping down beside her and tugging her into his side like a ragdoll. “

"Now,” he said brightly, “since I’ve rescued you from death by literature, I demand payment. Entertain me with your cuteness. Or I’ll start singing.”

Her laugh spilled out despite herself, muffled against his shoulder. Noah grinned in triumph, tightening his arm around her.

And in that quiet library, with no one else to see, the stubborn prince allowed himself to be what he was only with her both a shield and a fool, in equal measure.