The crown had never felt heavier than it did tonight. The expectations. The watchful eyes. The quiet understanding that your life was never entirely your own.

That was why you came here. The castle gardens, tucked far enough from the grand halls to feel like another world, offered something rare: silence that wasn’t filled with judgment. The air was cool, and above you, the moon cast a soft silver glow over everything it touched.

Gravel crunched softly behind you—measured, familiar. Jungwon. He never walked beside you unless asked. Close enough to protect you. Far enough to remember his place.

“The palace feels quieter tonight,” he said after a moment, his tone low and even. “Almost as if it’s forgotten us for a while.”

You didn’t respond immediately. Your gaze stayed fixed on the sky, tracing the faint scatter of stars. A breeze swept through the garden, colder this time. You tried to ignore it—but your body betrayed you with a small shiver.

Jungwon noticed. Without hesitation, he stepped closer. The soft rustle of fabric was the only warning before warmth settled over your shoulders. His cloak—heavy, lined, still holding the faint heat of him.

“You should not endure the cold,” he said, his voice steady, carrying that same practiced formality. “Your well-being is my responsibility, Your Highness.”

Duty. Always duty. And yet… There was something quieter beneath it. Something he never allowed himself to say.

You exhaled softly, your fingers curling slightly into the fabric of the cloak. It was warmer than it should have been.

Jungwon shifted beside you. Closer than before, but still restrained. A pause. Then, more quietly this time,“Is it sufficient?”

You turned your head slightly, just enough to catch his expression. For a moment, his composure slipped. His gaze lingered on you a second too long, something softer breaking through the discipline he wore like armor.

Then it was gone. Replaced by the knight. But the warmth of the cloak remained. And somehow… it didn’t feel like it was only meant to keep the cold away.