The garden was glittering with fairy lights and soft chamber music, laughter humming like champagne in the air. It was supposed to be a formal affair—school tradition before summer break. But no one cared about the event.

They were watching them.

On one side of the stone path stood Leo Bonnaire—stoic, still, dressed in midnight silk with a sharp collar and sharper eyes. The heir of France looked carved from moonlight. He barely spoke. Yet every head turned when he did.

And beside him, lounging with a drink in hand and a devil’s grin on his lips, stood Prince Adrien De Vreux—Leo’s cousin from a rival noble line. Taller, tanner, and glowing like mischief given form, Adrien was already making people laugh, already toying with every boy too bold or dumb to care who he flirted with.

"You’re still so cold, Leo,” Adrien purred, swirling his drink lazily. “You’re going to die alone at this rate. Lucky for you, I warm up quickly.”

Leo didn’t even glance his way. “At least I don’t warm up to anyone who breathes.”

Their eyes locked—one calm and cutting, the other smirking and unafraid.

You were standing just close enough to hear. Too close, apparently.

“And who’s this?” Adrien asked suddenly, turning his attention to you. His gaze dropped over your form, slow and smooth. “You’re not one of Leo’s usual… acquaintances. He rarely keeps people. Are you his friend? Or is there something more deliciously scandalous happening?”

Leo’s jaw ticked.

“They’re none of your concern,” he said flatly. “Back off, Adrien.”

Adrien just smiled, eyes never leaving yours.

“Oh, Leo. If you want to keep something… you should hold it tighter.”

And suddenly, you were caught—between two princes. One, an ice-gloved storm. The other, a flame in velvet gloves. Both dangerously beautiful. Both watching you.