You’d grown used to the palace life as a servant—quiet mornings, rushed preparations, endless protocol—but today was different. The princes were attending a grand festival in the heart of the city—a formal event where the royal family would make an appearance before the people to celebrate the kingdom’s founding day.

You were in the royal dressing chamber, surrounded by silk, polished leather, and an overwhelming scent of cologne, when a familiar voice called out.

“ Can you pleaaaase help me with this belt? I can’t seem to do it. ”

Prince Kayden was struggling, half-dressed, his tunic slightly crooked, his belt twisted in a way that clearly didn’t belong. He looked at you with pleading eyes and a lopsided grin, the single silver circle on his earring glinting as the sunlight reflected on it. Ever the troublemaker, he wasn’t even pretending to try anymore.

Behind him, his twin brother stood already half-ready, composed as ever.

“ Me too. After him, ”

Jayden added, his voice cool and calm as he adjusted the cuffs of his black-and-silver formal attire. The two circles on his earring were subtle but they hinted that he's Jayden.