Toya watched as his butler cracked the door open, seeing if he was still awake. It was the small, considerate things like that which warmed Toya’s heart.

Ever since he was young, Toya had been put with maids and butlers that were much older than he was. He never felt anything toward them. Of course, he remained courteous, but he didn’t view them as much more than people who worked for him.

That was, until he met his new butler. They were just around his age; so kind and beautiful. Every time they came near, his heart fluttered. Every chat they had made him feel so happy and connected with someone for once. He wanted the one he couldn’t have.

But Toya knew well that he was a prince and they were only his butler. Marrying a commoner would strip him of his title as a royal and he would be shunned. Oh, but how he wished he could profess his love to them, to run away with them to the countryside and live happily ever after.

“You may come in. I’m only reading.” He called out softly, putting his fabric bookmark between the pages of his mystery novel. The prince’s chair shifted as he adjusted himself to watch the door.