Author's POV....
The fireworks faded slowly, their echoes dissolving into the night like dying heartbeats.
Smoke lingered in the sky, pale and drifting, curling lazily above the village rooftops as if reluctant to leave. The scent of gunpowder mixed with incense and roasted food hung thick in the air. Villagers clapped and cheered, some wiping tears from their eyes while others laughed freely, relief etched into their faces. Children jumped around wildly, mimicking the explosions with stretched arms and exaggerated sound effects, their laughter ringing louder than the last echo of fireworks.
Maelis exhaled softly, shoulders relaxing as though the tension he had carried since arriving in the village finally loosened its grip.
The lantern light reflected softly on his face, illuminating his pale features and the gentle curve of his lashes.
"It is beautiful," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
Theron nodded, though his eyes never left Maelis face. "It is."
Riven noticed.
He noticed everything.
The way Theron did not immediately look away when Maelis turned toward him. The way his sharp expression softened without effort, as if something in him melted the moment Maelis smiled. The way his body angled slightly closer, instinctive and unconscious, like a predator stepping nearer to something precious without realizing he had done so.
Riven's jaw tightened.
He stepped forward, positioning himself just a fraction closer to Maelis, enough that his sleeve brushed against Maelis arm.
Subtle. Protective. Possessive.
Maelis, oblivious as ever, smiled lightly as he glanced around at the glowing village. "We should walk more. The village prepared so much."
Theron gestured ahead casually, his arm moving a little too close for Riven's liking. "There is a sweets stall near the riverbank. The children said it is their favorite."
Riven's jaw tightened further, a muscle ticking beneath his skin.
"Then we should go," Maelis said, already turning, his excitement genuine and unguarded.
The three of them walked together again, lantern light brushing over their figures as villagers bowed respectfully or waved cheerfully while passing. Some whispered quietly, eyes darting between the Crown Prince and his companions, curiosity mixed with admiration.
The sweets stall was crowded.
Sticky fingers reached eagerly across the counter. Sugar-coated laughter filled the space. Trays overflowed with colorful confections shaped like animals, flowers, stars, and mythical creatures, their glassy surfaces catching the lantern light.
Maelis stopped instantly, eyes lighting up with curiosity like a child discovering something new.
"These are handmade?" he asked the vendor, leaning slightly forward.
"Yes, Crown Prince," the woman replied proudly, wiping her hands on her apron. "Each one is shaped with care. No molds."
Maelis leaned closer, studying them carefully, his expression earnest. "They are impressive."
Riven watched him quietly.
He remembered how Maelis once complained that royal banquets felt tasteless despite their luxury. How food prepared by trembling hands under scrutiny never tasted right. How Maelis preferred simple meals eaten in peace rather than elaborate feasts served beneath judgmental eyes.
Theron picked up one shaped like a small fox, turning it thoughtfully between his fingers. "This one suits you."
Maelis blinked, surprised. "Me?"
"Yes," Theron replied smoothly. "Clever. Quietly observant."
Riven's grip tightened around the jade pendant hidden in his palm, the smooth stone pressing sharply against his skin.
Maelis chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "That is... an interesting description."
Riven spoke before he could stop himself, his voice calm but firm. "He is more like a bird."
Both of them turned to him.
"A bird?" Maelis echoed, tilting his head slightly.
Riven hesitated only a moment before continuing, eyes never leaving Maelis. "He watches everything from above. Notices things others miss."
Theron studied Riven with narrowed eyes, the air between them tightening.
"So you see him that way," Theron said slowly.
Riven met his gaze without flinching. "I do."
The tension hung between them like a pulled string, invisible but vibrating.
Maelis sensed something strange but did not understand it. He cleared his throat softly. "I want to try one," he said, pointing at a delicate sugar-glass flower.
Theron paid without hesitation, placing the sweet carefully into Maelis hand as if it were something fragile.
Maelis accepted it with a smile. "Thank you."
Riven felt something sharp twist in his chest.
They continued walking, Maelis occasionally stopping to admire trinkets or speak with villagers. He listened to their stories patiently, nodding, smiling, responding with warmth that felt genuine rather than rehearsed. He laughed softly when teased, thanked them sincerely when praised.
At one point, an elderly man approached, pressing a small woven charm into Maelis hand with trembling fingers.
"For protection," the man said earnestly. "You have a kind soul."
Maelis bowed slightly, closing his fingers around the charm. "I will treasure it."
Theron watched with a smile and, without thinking, placed an arm around Maelis shoulder.
Riven froze.
Something dark stirred beneath his ribs as his jaw clenched painfully. His hand moved to his chest, fingers curling tightly into the fabric as he watched Theron walking beside Maelis so casually, so comfortably, as if he belonged there.
As they reached a quieter part of the village, the music softened. The lanterns glowed dimmer here, reflected in the calm surface of the river. The world felt distant, muted.
Maelis stopped at the edge, leaning slightly on the wooden railing.
The reflection of lantern light danced across his pale hair and gentle features. His smile was soft, almost dreamlike, and in that moment he looked unreal. Like something that did not belong to war, crowns, or bloodshed.
For a moment, neither Theron nor Riven spoke.
Their gazes were fixed on Maelis.
Mesmerised.
The night air was cool, carrying the scent of water and distant smoke.
Theron broke the silence, his voice gentle. "You have changed."
Maelis turned, confused. "Changed?"
Theron nodded, smiling faintly. "You were never like this before."
"And how was I before?" Maelis asked, finally looking directly at him.
"Rude, arrogant, self-centered," Theron replied with a chuckle.
The words struck Maelis like arrows to the chest.
He laughed awkwardly, scratching his neck. "People change."
Theron stepped closer, his voice lowering. "Not everyone becomes kinder, and -"
"And?" Maelis asked, confused.
"Nevermind," Theron said calmly, patting Maelis head.
Riven moved instantly.
His hand shot out, grabbing Theron wrist mid-air and pushing it back firmly.
Theron noticed.
"So protective, huh," Theron said calmly.
Riven did not deny it. "Yes."
Theron tilted his head. "Interesting."
Maelis frowned. "Protective? What are you guys talking about exactly?"
Neither answered.
They exchanged cold stares, sparks invisible but dangerous.
A group of children ran past them again, laughing loudly, nearly colliding into Maelis.
Riven reacted immediately, catching the child gently by the shoulder before he could stumble.
"Careful," Riven said softly.
The child giggled and ran off.
Maelis watched Riven, eyes warm. "You are good with children."
Riven shrugged slightly, embarrassed. "They do not fear me."
Theron watched the exchange with growing unease.
The realization settled slowly.
Riven was not just loyal.
He was attached.
Deeply.
Possessively.
The village drums began again, louder this time. Dancers gathered near the square, pulling people into the rhythm.
Caleb, already half drunk, was dragged into the circle by laughing villagers.
Lucien followed reluctantly, Kael pulling Elric with him.
"Should we join?" Maelis asked, amused.
Theron extended his hand without thinking. "If you want."
"He is tired," Riven said immediately.
Maelis blinked. "I am?"
"You were injured," Riven said firmly. "You should rest."
Theron slowly withdrew his hand.
Maelis sighed softly. "Perhaps... yes."
Riven relaxed instantly.
Theron forced a small smile. "Then rest."
As they walked back toward their lodging, Maelis walked between them, unaware of the storm forming on either side.
Unaware of the silent war.
Behind them, fireworks burst again.
Ahead of them, the future shifted.
Unseen. Inevitable.
And somewhere between gratitude, kindness, jealousy, and admiration, the story continued to fracture into something entirely new.