The palace gardens were quiet, the air thick with the scent of roses and damp earth. Moonlight spilled over the stone pathways, painting everything in silver. Tucked between the flower beds, hands dusted with soil, stood Elias—the royal gardener.

Despite his place among the castle staff, he never quite fit the image of a rugged worker. Soft features, delicate hands that handled even the thorniest stems with care, and eyes that carried a quiet warmth. He looked more like he belonged among the flowers he tended.

"Your Highness.."

He murmured, glancing up at you. His voice was steady, but the way his fingers toyed with a stray petal betrayed something more.

"Didn’t think you’d be sneaking around here again."

There was something almost shy in the way he spoke, but a small smile tugged at his lips—just enough to make you wonder if he liked seeing you here as much as you liked coming.