The head butler oversaw the arrangement with practiced precision.
A small round table was placed near the fireplace in the adjoining chamber, where morning light pooled warmly against polished wood.
Silverware gleamed. Porcelain steamed softly with fragrant broth and fresh bread.
Alexis stepped back as the servants finished.
"Leave us," he instructed calmly. "We are not to be disturbed unless called."
The butler bowed. "Yes, my lord."
Within moments, the room belonged to the two of them once again.
Alexis turned to Hiral, who had just finished adjusting his clothes the servants provided.
"Would you prefer breakfast in bed," he asked lightly, "or will you join me by the fire?"
Hiral gave him a look that was almost scandalized. "I would never have a meal while in bed even if I'm sick."
Alexis blinked. "Never?"
"Never."
A small pause.
"…I see," Alexis murmured thoughtfully. "I've learned something new about you."
Hiral heard him. Of course he did.
He chose not to acknowledge it.
Instead, he took his seat gracefully across from Alexis and asked, "Which part of the meal are you looking forward to most?"
Alexis didn't hesitate. "You."
Hiral stared at him.
"…Right."
"It's the truth," Alexis replied, entirely unbothered. "I've been looking forward to sharing a meal with you for months."
The sincerity in his tone softened the edges of the teasing.
Hiral went quiet for a moment.
Then, composed as ever, he countered, "You certainly know how to sweet talk."
Alexis grinned. "If you found it sweet, then it must be so."
Hiral shook his head faintly, a whisper of amusement curving his lips.
He lifted his spoon and took a measured bite, posture straight, movements elegant and controlled—even something as simple as eating executed with deliberate grace.
Alexis watched him openly.
Watched the way Hiral's fingers held the utensil. The calm rhythm of his chewing. The way he dabbed lightly at his lip with a cloth before taking another bite.
Hiral paused mid-motion and looked up.
"…Why haven't you touched your food?"
Alexis leaned back slightly, thoroughly pleased. "I'm taking my fill of you first."
Hiral stared at him for a long, unimpressed second.
Then he resumed eating.
"The meal will get cold," he said mildly, "you'll waste your servants' earnest work to make sure you have a good meal."
"Hmm." Alexis's smile only widened.
And still, Alexis continued to watch Hiral and left his meal untouched.
A few bites later, Hiral spoke again, tone more practical. "What are your duties for today?"
Alexis opened his mouth to answer—
And a spoonful of food was promptly shoved between his lips.
He blinked.
Hiral withdrew the spoon with perfect composure. "Chew," he instructed. "And do not laugh."
Alexis froze.
For a heroic second, he maintained complete discipline. He chewed.
He swallowed.
His shoulders trembled anyway.
The smile in his eyes betrayed him entirely.
Hiral narrowed his gaze. "Eat properly."
"Yes, General," Alexis replied obediently, reaching for his own utensils at last.
Hiral returned his attention to his meal, determinedly composed.
But Alexis noticed.
The faint pink tint at the tips of Hiral's ears.
And that—far more than the food—left him thoroughly satisfied.
The meal ended without hurry.
Silverware rested against porcelain.
The fire crackled softly.
Morning light spilled across the floor in pale gold ribbons, warming the edges of the room.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
It was a comfortable silence.
Hiral's gaze drifted toward the tall windows.
Beyond them, the estate gardens stretched in quiet elegance—dew still clinging to the trimmed hedges, white blossoms stirring under the faintest breeze.
Above, clear blue sky .
He closed his eyes.
The cool air slipping through the parted window brushed against his face, gentle and refreshing.
Alexis watched him.
Watched the way sunlight traced along Hiral's cheekbone. The way his expression softened.
Alexis's face now was devoid of ruthlessness, the well known aspect attached to the great general of Ro.
Nor the rigid stoic countenance associated with the king-to-be.
Only open, unguarded adoration.
If any court noble had seen him in this moment, they would have questioned whether this was truly the same general who carved through battlefields without hesitation.
Hiral opened his eyes but did not look away from the view.
"So," he said calmly, almost lightly, "what is my sentence, Oh great hero of Ro?"
Alexis tensed.
The warmth shifted, ever so slightly.
He exhaled.
"You are," he began carefully, "a trophy war prisoner. A symbol of Ro's strength, majesty, and noble grace."
His jaw tightened faintly.
"And of course you will be a living diplomatic pawn against the Empire."
Hiral hummed softly, neither offended nor surprised.
Hiral waited for Alexis to continue.
Alexis continued with tension tinting his voice.
"Officially," Alexis went on, more reluctant now, "you will be confined to my estate. Not the palace. You will be treated as an honored guest under my personal protection."
His voice steadied as he moved into strategy.
"It is inevitable that some nobles will object. Loudly. They will demand harsher confinement. Or even call for an execution."
A faint edge entered his tone at that.
"I have plans underway to leverage against those who oppose. Debts to call in. Alliances to pressure. I will fight for your right to remain here—as long as possible."
The last words was like a sledgehammer slamming on Hiral's heart.
I will fight for your right to remain here—as long as possible…
Those words echoed in Hiral's mind shaking his resolve even though he already anticipated this action of Alexis, still…
Hiral finally turned to look at him.
He didn't need Alexis to say it outright.
It was there—in the slight tension of his shoulders, the faint pull at the corner of his mouth, the quiet yearning he tried to mask beneath political resolve.
Stay.
Hiral saw it clearly.
And he understood.
Hiral closed his eyes once again with a slight frown then opened them again.
He promised after all that he will do what Alexis deemed fit.
So he would comply.
For now.
"Is that so," Hiral said evenly.
Alexis pressed his lips together.
He heard what wasn't said.
With Hiral and his endless layered plans, nothing was ever guaranteed. Alexis knew he hadn't secured him—not truly.
But as the weight of that realization settled, something else took its place.
Determination.
I will make it so there is no path left for you to refuse.
He would plan. Strategize. Close every door that leads away.
Hiral watched the shift in his expression—the brief shadow of disappointment, followed by quiet determination.
Without warning, Hiral stepped closer and brushed a light kiss to Alexis's forehead.
Alexis blinked, startled.
Hiral looked at Alexis his eyes drawing Alexis deep as always.
Oh, how I missed looking into those enchanting eyes. Thank goodness he woke up…
Remembering the feathery soft kiss a moment ago, now I long to feel those lips once again…
Alexis combed his hair with his hands.
Then he grinned—slow and shameless.
"I believe," he declared, "I deserve compensation for my troubles."
Hiral arched a brow.
"A gentle kiss on the forehead is hardly sufficient."
Alexis pointed to his own lips and leaned in slightly, expectant and entirely without dignity.
Hiral stared at him.
Then laughed.
The sound rang clear and warm in the sunlit room.
It tugged at Alexis's heart so fiercely he forgot to maintain composure.
His smile softened, almost boyish.
Unguarded.
Hiral rose from his chair and moved toward the window.
Naturally, Alexis followed immediately, taking his place beside him.
The garden stretched quiet before them.
And then—
Hiral turned suddenly.
He closed the gap and kissed Alexis.
It was gentle at first—warm and deliberate.
Alexis stilled in surprise before responding, one hand instinctively settling at Hiral's waist.
The kiss deepened.
Slowly.
Unhurried.
Until breath thinned and the world narrowed to shared warmth and steady heartbeats.
When they parted, both slightly breathless, Hiral lifted his thumb and wiped lightly across Alexis's lower lip.
"Do remember," he said calmly, "I am not to engage in strenuous activity for several weeks, doctor's order."
Alexis stared at him.
Then burst into laughter—loud and bright and unrestrained.
Hiral grinned openly this time.
Outside the chamber doors, the servants who had paused upon hearing the laughter exchanged glances.
More than one discreetly wiped at their eyes.
It had been far too long since their master had laughed like that.
And in the quiet halls of the estate, relief spread gently—like sunlight after a long and merciless winter.