Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“What do I have to do for you to love me?”

Athanasia looked up at the person in front of her with a tear-stained face. But her father, Emperor Claude, coldly looked at his daughter, who was crying at his feet.

“Should I become like Jennette? Then will you love me? Then will you warmly call my name? If I just work harder….”

Her beautiful step-sister. As if it wasn’t enough to take what little honor Athanasia possessed, she also stole Claude’s love.

Athanasia was at her limits. She didn’t know what else she needed to do.

“Will you hug me in your arms instead of pushing me away?”

“Over my dead body.”

“How come!?”

But Claude didn’t hesitate. He didn’t even blink at seeing his obedient daughter crying in despair.

“But I’m also your daughter! I was with you for longer than Jeannette was!”

Athanasia begged with all the courage she could muster. This was Athanasia’s first and last plea. She had never asked for anything else. But her king, her father, was cold like ice to the very end.

“Foolish being.”

Claude pushed away the frail hand that was holding onto his leg. He looked at her with contempt. A cruel voice crept into her ears.

“I’ve never considered you my daughter.”

Athanasia felt more desperate than she ever had in her entire life. A deep despair was visible in her glimmering blue eyes.

The figure that watched from afar could only shake his head at the sight. It was pathetic—a pathetic daughter created by a pathetic father like him.

Well, the plan would be completed without any setbacks.

Destroying the Obelia Empire would be similar to blowing up a mountain. So much fun with a lot of flair.

—

Cale had made a deal. A deal with the incarnation of death itself. He agreed to live through another life to save his world. 

He allowed his soul to be transferred and lived this life once. 

He died once as Cale Henituse and soon became Caelus de Alger Obelia, the first and only prince of the Obelia Empire.

Chapter Text

Caelus has spent the past two years doing nothing—the same as before.

He’s collected gold and jewels around the Emerald Palace. He’d created a particular area to hide everything, though it took some time with his tiny body.

He could say one thing.

His life as an Imperial prince was very different from that of a son of a Count. It was probably because he didn’t have to act daily, but it was slightly more comfortable than his home.

The servants treated him well, most likely because of who his mother was. The late Empress Jour Onasis de Alger Obelia.

It didn’t help that the woman shared the same name as Jour Thames, the deceased mother of Cale Henituse, but she looked like her in every aspect except for her eyes.

Caelus was given the fortune or even misfortune of seeing what the woman looked like in his first life thanks to an artifact gifted to him. He cried in his room that day. 

Why did this body have to be born with blond hair instead of red?

Jour had died shortly after giving birth to Caelus. She was a kind, loving, and elegant woman—a strong leader with an even stronger resolve. The woman did everything she could before she died to ensure Caelus lived a quiet life out of the Emperor's sight.

And he did.

His first life as Caelus de Alger Obelia was very quiet. He studied quietly. He learned magic quietly. He lived as if he never existed. However, all the servants within the Emerald Palace held him in high regard. 

Cale inwardly sighed as he listened to the story his butler read for him.

His younger sister had been born, and her mother…

‘Diana, mother’s concubine, had died giving birth to Athanasia.’

Caelus adjusted himself in his butler's arms. He let out a soft and adorable ‘coo,’ causing the butler to stop reading.

“Ah, are you tired, your Highness?”

“Gaaah..”

“Just bored? Well, I shall tell you a different story if you'd like.”

This butler was very special, in Caelus’ opinion. It was because of how close he was to him in both his lives as Caelus. The butler understood what the child wanted without him saying anything—at least coherent words.

‘He’s a better father than that mother fucker, Claude.’

Caelus moved again, leaning on the man’s arm to listen.

“Once upon a time—” Caelus whined, cutting the butler off. His jeweled eyes glared up at the butler, drawing a soft chuckle from the man. “I see, his highness isn’t very fond of fairytales. Very well, this Liam will tell it differently.”

“In the past, there was a man and a woman. The man was as cold as ice and as brutal as they come. His hair shone like the sun, and his eyes were like sapphire jewels.”

‘Claude.’

“The woman was warm and beautiful. She was an elegant and kindhearted person to all she came across. Her hair was like the most beautiful red roses, and her eyes like diamonds.”

‘My mother…’

“The man saw the woman one day in the garden and asked, ‘What flowers should I plant here?’. Unsure, she answered the cold man, ‘Whatever you find beautiful.’. The cold man looked at the warm woman and shook his head. ‘It would be impossible to plant you here. How about something you like?’.”

‘Who knew Claude was such a smooth talker? From what I’ve seen, he’s a socially inept guy who can’t speak without scaring someone. ’

“With a laugh, the woman answered back. ‘Planting you here wouldn’t be a good idea either.”

‘So they were just flirting with each other.’

“The woman laughed, and the man stood in awe. The cold man could not figure out what was so charming about the woman, so he took every chance to speak with her. He’d invited her on walks and to have tea. The two grew close and became happy.”

‘Claude isn't a bad guy, just a shit parent. Noted.’

“The cold man invited the warm woman to dinner and proposed. Ecstatic, she agreed to the cold man’s proposal. Though their marriage, like most, had its ups and downs, they loved each other the same as they did when they first fell in love.”

Caelus looked at his butler, Liam’s, eyes and hummed. The man looked sad as he told the story, but a sudden anger filled them.

“Years passed, and the two were forced to distance themselves. Their duties were taking over their lives and harming their relationship. When they could finally come together again, it never felt the same. The poor couple only ended up distancing from each other.”

‘Such is the life of responsibility. That’s why I wish to be a slacker. Slackers have no responsibility.’

Caelus huffed and cooed to comment.

“Haha, of course. I’m almost done. One day, when there was nothing to do, the couple went to a festival. It was a beautiful event meant to bring them back together. They walked and watched and ate and laughed until one event.”

‘Oh, here we go.’

“A dancer. A beautiful woman who looked like a fairy. The warm woman stood in shock at the fairy woman. It was beautiful. Both the dance and the person performing it. Before she knew it, the warm woman stared with a heart filled with joy and love. ‘How could such a person exist?’ she wondered. The warm woman knew she had a big heart but never thought there was room for two.”

‘Mother’s concubine, Diana.’

“The fairy woman looked in the warm woman’s direction. Her eyes were like a smile. The warm woman had wished the smile was directed towards her, but she knew they weren’t. She turned to look at her husband, amazed by the fairy woman’s beauty.”

‘I get it. Diana is super hot. Can we get to the good part?’

“After the festival, the warm woman could not understand her feelings. She locked herself in her room for days to understand how she felt. One day, she confessed to her husband how she felt. Expecting nothing but anger, she clenched her dress and held her breath. That was until she felt the warm embrace of her husband. He also felt conflicted about his wife and the fairy woman.”

‘So how’d Diana end up just mother’s concubine ?’

“They two searched all over for the fairy woman and brought her to her home one day. She first admitted to her feelings about the cold man and warm woman, expecting to die at their hands. She was embraced with a kiss and hug from the couple. The three were happy, happier than ever. The warm woman did not want that happiness to end, so she hid a secret from them.”

‘Mother is the same regardless of the world.’

“She had a great power inside her body. When she got pregnant, she knew what would happen to her. She had to force herself away from her lovers for the power not to destroy the empire. After many laboring months, she gave birth to an adorable baby boy. That little boy was her pride and joy.”

“One day, she grew frail. Her body had gradually stopped functioning properly as she’d finally been rid of the great power. Mustering up all of her strength, the warm woman created a powerful artifact made especially for her newborn son so that one day, he’d understand who she was and who he could grow up to be.”

‘A slacker.’

“But her son of a bitch husband couldn’t seem to find it in his awesome power to raise the adorable child properly and threw the job on undeserving servants who can’t seem to afford to look after the child.”

Caelus let out an adorable laugh, slightly agreeing with his butler.

“Sigh. But, one servant promised the warm woman he would protect and sacrifice everything to ensure the child grew up healthy and happy. However, do you know who that adorable child is, your highness?”

“Gaamh gaah,” Cale answered as best he could, knowing Liam would understand regardless.

“That’s right, Your Highness! That adorable child is you, hehe. I promise to protect you until the very end.”

Liam stood up and spun Caelus in the air. The adorable child, though he did not make a noise like most children would, there was a slight smile on his face.

“Iam.”

“Wha, what was that, Your Majesty?”

Liam placed the child onto the play mat with all of his toys. He fumbled to take something out of his pocket and faced it towards the little prince.

“Love Iam.”

Caelus smiled at the man, whose dark brown hair was a sudden mess from the rummaging. He blinked at the small child in bewilderment.

“Ha, haha! I love you too, Your Highness!”

Chapter Text

It had been about five years since the birth of Athanasia, the daughter of Diana, a commoner, and Claude, the Emperor. 

Caelus had spent most of the time in his room. Liam was forcing him out to get some fresh air. After Liam finished whatever he planned, Caelus would leave to nap in a group of bushes.

“Are we almost there?”

“Just a bit further now, your Highness.”

Caelus nodded and reached for his butler’s hand, who gladly accepted it. The young prince was seven years old; his birthday was a few weeks ago.

“Here we are!”

Liam smiled and spread his arms out to gesture to the area. It was just a large field of flowers. Caelus looked at his butler with a raised brow. 

“Aha, this is your mother’s favorite spot. She loves to watch the wind blow the flowers in the field. Ah- That tree there,” He pointed to the lone tree. Caelus’ eyes followed. “She used to take naps there, any chance she could.”

The young prince nodded and smiled.

“So… you wanted to show me this place as a present?”

“No, not only this. I wanted to do this a while ago, but I was trying to be careful since he’s been increasingly more active…”

Cale understood what Liam meant by ‘he’. The Emperor must be moving around this area a lot more frequently.

“But there’s no need to worry. I did some digging and used a few of the servants to gather info. He shouldn’t be a problem for a while.” Liam smiled at himself. He took a deep breath and knelt in front of Cale. “So I must give you this.”

He pulled a long necklace from his coat pocket, a red jewel the size of a quail egg hanging from the golden chain. The jewel had an odd glow to it.

“Her majesty, your mother, the Empress, asked me to give this to you whenever I felt you needed it. I know you don’t ask questions about her anymore, but I wanted to give this to you just in case.” Liam looked at Cale with eyes shining brightly. “As you know, in the story of the warm woman, she had a child with great power.”

Liam lifted the necklace into Cale’s tiny hands and clasped his hands around the jewel.

“Well, I wanted to make sure you knew she loved you and that you’d get a chance to see your true self.”

Cale smiled and closed his eyes. The jewel in his hand began to crack and glow. 

Faaaaannng

A bright light erupted from the jewel, and the shards flew into the air, twirling like planets around the sun.

“Liam, Thank you.”

“Liam, Thank you.”

It was as if the thanks had doubled. A warm voice coming from both Caelus and his mother. The child replicated her warm voice perfectly.

Liam broke into tears and smiled. It was as if Jour was indeed there.

Soon enough, the power from the jewel dissipated and became a single object again. The odd glow disappeared, and it looked like an average ruby. 

Cale frowned at that, though it was still very pretty.

“Y, Your Highness!”

Cale looked at his shocked butler.

“Your highness, your hair…”

Cale knew this much. His hair, after receiving the effect from unlocking the stored power in the crystal, turned red. It was something Cale was relatively happy with. Even though he had resented his red hair in the past, he couldn’t find himself hating it any longer as it was something he got from his mother. In this life, he grew up with blond rather than red hair until many years later, before planning the empire's downfall.

He’d have to do something different this time.

“I’m sure it’s a gift from my mother!” The child smiled brightly and slipped the necklace over his head. 

“Yes, I’m sure it is.” Liam couldn’t help but smile at the child. As he stood up from the ground, realizing how unprofessional and messy he looked, Liam quickly fixed himself and extended a hand towards the child.

The child took it with pride, and they began their walk back to the Emerald palace.

“Cale.”

“Hn.” He stopped in his tracks and turned around. The breeze blew the trees and flowers, and the sun shone softly on the field.

In the center was a woman with red hair waving at him from a distance.

“Stay safe, my dear, Cale.” 

She continued to wave as another woman appeared from behind her. She waved to him, kissing the red-haired woman, and ran off.

“Thank you, Mother,” Cale whispered, continuing his walk with Liam.

—

“Huff. Huff.”

Athanasia was able to move faster because she had gotten used to it. However, it couldn’t be helped that it felt like she was running while lugging heavy tires behind her.

Athy felt skeptical of herself while she did this. Truthfully, life in the Ruby Palace was so lovely that she wanted to live there forever. But there was a bomb that could go off at any second called Claude. No matter how pleasant life was, no one would put their life at stake, right?

‘So these babies….they were my insurance. Yeah, so I could leave the palace whenever I needed to. ’

She looked at the bags of treasures with a confident smile.

She followed the flower field for the 5th time. And soon, I walked into the quiet palace that was no different than any other day.

Except.

There was someone there. 

A young person, not much older than her, was asleep there.

‘Tha, that person!’

The person sleeping there was beautiful. Far more attractive than Claude; no, Claude looks like a squid compared to them!

Athy stared in utter shock at the sleeping person: beautiful red hair and long eyelashes. An interesting addition was the blond ends of the child’s hair. Pretty pale skin that somehow complimented everything about them.

He was a noble child; he was dressed very casually. A white dress shirt, black shorts, and an elegant red shawl draped around their arms.

“How, how could such a person exist?”

Athy felt like she lived in a box for the first five years of her life. Claude was known to be the most perfect and handsome man in the empire. If Athy compared herself to him, he was easily prettier, but this person… 

‘If Claude is a squid, what does that make me?’

The sleeping child could feel the staring and open his eyes.

Jeweled eyes met jeweled eyes.

“...”

“...”

Fucking hell.

He’d been tired and needed a nap. Cale only wanted to nap, not meet this dumb child who couldn’t seem to give up on Claude, no matter how much he tried to convince her to leave this place.

That bastard was no use as a father and nothing but a problem.

Caelus looked at Athanasia and frowned. She flinched and backed away cautiously. He didn’t seem to worry about her and began to walk away.

“Wa, wait a sec!”

She followed behind him like a duckling.

“Please wait!”

Cale ignored her and continued walking. He only stopped when he reached a room full of statues. Were they statues? Athy couldn’t tell because of how far she had been when she had passed the area the last time.

She wasn’t sure what it was because she saw it from far away, but they were angel statues.

They were in various sizes and shapes. Some were even taller than her. And they were all made of gold. Everything in the Ruby palace was marble, but this gold?

‘ There were so many statues that no one would notice if one went missing. Once I got older, I could swipe one of these. But this is real gold, right? ’ Athy smiled as she looked around the room eagerly.

Athy examined a statue that was close to her in all its nooks and crannies and bit into the butt of it since her teeth were pretty strong now.

“Quit following me.”

Cale crossed his arms as he spoke to the girl.

“AH! Uh, um…”

Cale was about to leave, stopping as the girl talked to him.

“My name’s Athy, what’s yours?”

“You–”

Cale flinched and ran behind a golden pillar. It’s as if his presence completely disappeared. Athy couldn’t feel him around her anymore.

She paid no mind to it and kept examining the golden statues. She bit the statue's butt again, this time freezing from the sudden cold presence.

“When did insects like these start living in my castle?”

A cold voice entered her frozen ears.

Athanasia’s whole body shivered when she heard this voice. 

Athy turned around instinctively and stepped back, bumping into a statue.

Cale was still hidden silently behind the golden pillar, with no chance to escape.

'When had he gotten this close?’ Two people had soundlessly approached. And one of them was so far away that she couldn’t see his face, but he seemed to be a knight based on his outfit. And the person in front of her was…

Crash

Once she confirmed his face, Athy’s body lost all its strength.

As the pouches in her hands fell to the floor, its contents spilled. The funds she steadily gathered for three years sparkled on the floor.

The man standing in the back looked down at them strangely.

But the man in front of her didn’t look elsewhere and kept his eyes on Athy.

“That face.”

His low voice and coldly glimmering eyes pierced through them. Mysterious eyes that had a strange color.

It was like looking at a mirror, but his eyes didn’t have any expression, so they looked like real jewels.

“I feel like I’ve seen it before.”

She had never seen his face before but knew at a glance.

Gold hair scattered by the wind. The eyes that only the royal family had. The expressionless face looked at her and a beastly aura.

Claude de Alger Obelia.

“Yes. The dancer from Siodona. You look like her.”

At the unexpected meeting, no words came out of Athy’s mouth. Her head became blank.

‘I–Is this what people call a mental stupor? This guy, he’s that one. The one that kills Athanasia when she’s 18. No, but why was he in front of me right now? I’m five right now. And this isn’t even the garden of the Emperor’s palace.’

Claude, who seemed in his mid-20s, quietly looked down at her.

“Well. It doesn’t matter.”

Cale covered his mouth to ensure he made no noise. And he silently slipped past the building without being noticed.

“Your Majesty.”

And the knight standing behind him called out in a calm voice.

“Now I remember.”

A faint smile appeared on Claude’s face.

“The name that woman gave you. It was Athanasia.”

To Athy, it sounded like a death sentence. Her heart, which had stopped beating from shock, was now palpitating like it had just realized the situation.

“You were a blood-covered thing that couldn’t even protect its life.”

Claude had met Athanasia 5 years ago.

‘That thing ‘s name is Athanasia?’

The novel says Claude first met her when she was 9, but their first meeting was right after birth.

She’s probably going to die if this continues. If I can draw his attention elsewhere, he’ll forget about this and return to whatever he was doing. Cale was thinking of a plan. He can’t let her die this early on, but he didn’t want to get involved. Though, it didn’t matter if he died since he’d just start over. 

“Athy!”

He shouted, drawing the attention of the group.

“Athanasia, I could hear you here. Have you gone the other way now?”

‘What’s he– Ah, he’s trying to protect me!’

“A, Athy’s here!” 

She shouted slightly too loud, which caused Claude to frown.

Step 

Step

Step

“There you are.” Cale popped his head from around the corner like an innocent little kid. He continued to speak as he stepped around the corner. “Your big brother Cale was wondering where you were. I know it’s easy to get lost in a place like this. I’ll take you back to your palace, and you can show me your favorite treasures there.”

He walked over to Athy, skillfully avoiding Claude and his knight's gaze.

‘He’s smooth too. He told me his name without it sounding suspicious.’

Athy inwardly praised Cale and his fantastic ability to change the trajectory of conversation so quickly.

“You.”

Claude stepped forward, lifting Cale from under his arms. The utterly dumbfounded expression on Cale’s face wasn’t unwarranted. He was currently being suspended in the air by an asshole like some kind of kitten.

He wanted to hiss and squirm, but he couldn’t risk dying at the moment.

What in the ever-loving-fuck?

“You’re light.”

“...” Cale stared silently at the man holding him. Of course, he was light; he never gained weight because of the stress of planning for the future. This stupid guy was so annoying. 

Cale wiggled his feet, trying to gesture like a little kid, saying he was uncomfortable and wanted to be put down without seeming like an overreaction.

“What are you doing in my palace?”

Athanasia’s face crumbled when she heard what he said. His palace? Well, all the palaces in the Imperial Palace were his. Based on his loungewear, this was probably the palace that he used. Though Cale did not react to the question, he sighed inwardly. He took a deep breath, hoping that the girl could keep her mouth shut while he figured out a way out of this mess. 

This place was even emptier than the Ruby Palace; how was Athy supposed to know this was her neglectful and murderous father’s residence?

This was crazy.

Claude looked past Cale. His eyes landed on Athanasia for a moment.

His knight turned his expression to the butt of the angel statue that had the markings of a bite on it.

“It seems like she thought it was a toy, sir.”

Was this knight trying to get her killed? This moron, a reject redhead if Cale had any say. Well, he did. He swung his feet a bit more, gaining Claude’s attention.

“She got lost while we were playing and ended up here. I came to look for her.” Cale explained the situation before Athy could come up with an excuse. She figured she should follow along with his lie and nodded her head, looking at the ground with a guilty expression.

Two innocent children playing together. 

Not a threat at all.

Put me down!

Cale wanted to curse at the man. He was still suspended in the air as if it was nothing. 

“Felix.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Hold it.”

His gaze was pointed at Athanasia. It? Really? Come on, have a shred of common decency, and use her proper pronouns. Was it so hard to refer to your daughter as an actual person and not an object?

Still, the knight listened to Claude. He walked over to her, picked her up gently in his arms, and soon Caelus and Athanasia were being kidnapped by their father and his knight. 

What the fuck??

Chapter Text

What the fuck is happening?

What kind of situation is this?

The two children were now stuck in a closed-off room with Claude and his knight. Cale wanted nothing more than to curse and scream, but he held back for the sake of not dying so early.

What did that man say earlier?

‘I shall have tea with my guests.’

That’s right. They were having tea with a murderer.

Excellent, I shall cross this off my bucket list.

The whole situation was awkward. Athanasia was seated on a sofa in front of them, while Cale was unfortunate enough to be seated directly beside Claude. And if his luck couldn’t have been worse, the man had sat down next to Cale with practically no room between them.

If I move, I might die.

Cale saw how Athy’s gaze suddenly stared down at the floor. She must have made eye contact with the Emperor. Now that he thought about it, wasn’t Athanasia’s actions much stranger than before?

She was four currently, but the second time Claude met her, she was nine, the first time being after she was born.

When she was four, she wasn’t running around with bags of gold and priceless jewels. She wasn’t so scared of Claude as if she knew that he was going to be the reason she’d die.

So, there were two possible conclusions.

Athanasia has regressed in time, or an entirely new person is in her body.

It seemed more logical to say that it was a different person. This Athanasia clearly didn’t know who he was. Of course, she could have faked it, but the eyes are the window to the soul. She really had no clue who he was.

That being said, his eyes didn’t detect a different soul within her body.

Hm. So, that meant there was only one proper conclusion.

This was still Athanasia, and she had regressed in time, but her soul had become another person, which is why she had no memory of him.

However, I have no reason to ask such an outrageous question.

Well, aside from that. Claude was the odd one here. He’s the only one who thinks this is even a bit normal. The red-haired knight was even shifting on his feet, glancing around as if he didn’t know where to look.

Same .

Claude stared at Athanasia, his head resting on his right hand, the other draped over the back of the couch, trapping Cale. The young boy groaned internally, staring into blank space as his chaotic mind ran rampant. He needed to get out of this situation.

“You talked a few moments ago.” Claude lifted a cup to his lips, staring at Athy. The two children had remained silent.

Hic. Athanasia let out a hiccup because of his tone.

Who would want to talk to you?

“It’s not fun because you’re too quiet.” Claude continued staring at Athy. He used his left hand to poke Cale’s face like he wanted a reaction. Why is he being so pushy? Leave my face alone.

‘Does that mean he’ll kill us if we’re not entertaining?’ Athanasia looked at Cale, who was staring at nothing. He wanted to become invisible. Just disappear into thin air and go back to sleep. This was not how things were supposed to go.

Claude stared at Athanasia for a good long while before opening his mouth again.

“Are you suddenly mute?”

His cold expression seemed to do the trick. Anastasia then quickly spoke up to him.

“Athy can talk.”

She forced a smile onto her face, glancing at Cale who was paying neither her nor Claude any attention. Well, it was clear enough that she’d be alone in this. Cale wasn’t going to be any help.

Not true, he just… did not want to be here.

“I can finally hear your voice again. Why did you only speak now?”

When neither Cale nor Athy spoke up about their reasoning for not speaking, the red-haired knight spoke for them.

“Children are generally shy around strangers.”

“Strangers?”

That’s right. He was an idiot and hadn’t been in his children’s life since they were born. They have no idea who he is…

He has been asking a five-year-old questions as if she could answer them, while the other one wasn't paying any attention at all.

Claude stared at the tea and cakes in the center of the table for a moment. He then leaned back. What was on this crazy guy’s mind?

“Felix.”

“Yes, your majesty?”

“Leave.”

“…..”

Fuck. Cale inwardly cursed. He was hoping the knight would be able to stay here the whole time. It was clear enough that Claude listened to him…somewhat. so they probably wouldn’t die with him around.

Felix, the redheaded knight bowed respectfully before leaving the room. He left them alone. With Claude. Double fuck.

“Athy must be a nickname.”

“Mm! Athanasia, that’s my name. But I like Athy.” She quickly answered, mumbling slightly as she finished. She gave Cale a quick glance, though he had his legs crossed and was staring at a nearby plant.

It looked as if he was trying to physically disappear into the air.

What a beautiful plant. Can I go home yet?

“Do you know what your name means?”

She stared down at the floor shaking her head. Athanasia did indeed know what her name meant, however, her name was special. It was the name of a ruler which was unlike Claude’s own name.

In fact, Claude is the only ruler who does not have the name that should be befitting of an Emperor.

‘Please don’t kill me, I didn’t ask to be born with this name!’

While Athy was busy quietly begging for her life, Claude turned to Cale, noticing how uninterested he seemed.

“Then, what about you? Do you know the meaning of your name?”

The young redhead slowly turned to Claude, looking him in the eyes. Soon blue jeweled eyes were staring at blue and silver jeweled eyes.

“…While her name, Athanasia, means resurrection, my name, Caelus, means the personification of ‘The Heavens’…”

Claude hummed thoughtfully, his eyes not breaking contact with Cale’s.

“You’re a bright child, aren’t you?”

Cale then turned away.

“I’ve been told I am a very bright child though I’m not sure how accurate those compliments are.”

Ha. Claude stared at Cale for a good while before turning his attention to the several sweet treats on the table. He had prepared these for his so-called guests but his little guests wanted nothing more than to leave.

“Why are you both just sitting there? Go ahead and eat.” Claude finally questioned, snapping both Cale and Athy’s attention to him. “I intentionally asked them to bring food that children like. If you don’t eat, I have no choice but to punish those you brought these.”

“Thank you, I’ll eat it well.”

He just threatened us.

‘He just threatened us.’

Athanasia cautiously picked up her fork and brought a piece of cake to her lips. She took a bite and her eyes widened with surprise. This tasted even better than the sweets in her palace.

“Tastes good.”

She figured Claude wasn’t planning to kill her just yet, it was probably because of the kid next to him, right? 

There was no child called ‘Caelus’ in the original story of [The Lovely Princess] but Claude seemed to like the kid a lot. He was poking the kid's face and keeping him as close as possible.

Rather than continuing to poke Cale’s face, Claude picked up a cake with a very red and sweet-looking strawberry, attempting to feed the young redhead with faded blonde ends. It was crazy. It was clear that even Cale thought the man was insane.

With a barely audible sigh, Cale opened his mouth to be fed, the hands that sat elegantly in his lap slowly squeezing as he ate.

‘Cale looks completely disinterested, but Claude is pretty much trapping him and keeping him as close as possible…’

Athanasia couldn’t help but observe the situation. Cale wasn’t trying to get away from Claude, most likely because he knew Calude was a psycho killer, but he was definitely uncomfortable. 

‘Don’t tell me… is Claude interested in little boys? Wait, of course not! That kid as jeweled eyes…but then doesn’t that mean—’

Her brain did a factory reset, and a horrifying thought clouded her mind; the only thing snapping her out of it was the sound of Claude’s voice as he resumed speaking.

"Who taught you manners?"

Athanasia paused and slowly looked up at Claude. The man stopped feeding Cale for a moment to turn to her. He had a brow raised, clearly expecting an answer.

"...Lili taught me." She answered cautiously.

"You must be talking about Lilian York."

'He knows her name? I never took him for the guy who would remember the names of random servants...'

Athy was surprised that he would remember the name of a maid. It was clearly surprising to her as she did not hide her facial expression.

"It seems the woman who blocked me from you is still by your side." She didn't like the smirk that had formed on his face. Athy shivered, wondering if she would die now. Lily was such a sweet person, to think she had the gall to block Claude of all people. 

"I heard your name through that maid."

'Lily is the best character in this whole damn book.'

Athanasia quietly thanked Lily for protecting her. Not a day shall go by without her thanking Lily for her sacrifice. 

“She and your mother are probably the only people to block me and not have been killed by me.”

That is what caught Cale's attention. It was true. And it was the same for Liam, well, rather than Liam fighting for his life, his butler resigned from his position to take care of the redhead to keep his mother's promise.

Both Lilian York and Liam Carlyle were extremely important people in this story.

Claude quietly looked at her as she went back to eating her cake.

“As the two of you sit here, do you know who I am?”

Athy froze and at that moment she dropped her fork on her plate. Her eyes widened with both fear and surprise. If she wasn't sitting she may have fallen from the sheer absurdity. 

Athanasia’s shaking eyes met Claude's and Cale sat quietly in the background of this exorbitant conversation. Why was he asking this?

Of course, by his tone, both Cale and Athanasia could tell what this was.

This was a test.

This wasn’t going well.

Though Cale wanted to be sarcastic, the energy was terrible. He froze, staring at the floor before glancing at Claude and the look in the man's eyes made him suck in a breath. 

Soon enough bright blue jeweled eyes were staring at each other. Both Cale and Athy held their gazes on the murderous Emperor.

Don’t…

‘…Take your eyes off him.’

The two had only one thought on their minds.

Survive. 

It suddenly made sense as to why he brought them here. Two blue jeweled-eyed children, running around carefree, accidentally managed to catch his attention.

This was a test to decide whether they’d live longer… or die by his hand right here. What a fucking nightmare.

After a beat and then another, the boredom in Claude’s eyes was replaced with a kind of terrifying curiosity. The panic that then set in Athy's eyes made Cale close his eyes. They were steering into dangerous territory.

Claude had tapped his wrist as if signaling that they were taking quite a bit of time to answer. 

"A-abamama?"

Cale immediately shot a look at Athy who was crying on the inside at her own words. Of all things to say, why would she say abamama? Has she gone equally as crazy?

Calling this psycho emperor A-abamama may be a death sentence. Then again…

Claude didn't try to kill her. He stayed seated and watched silently.

He also liked Jeanette because she was always bright and cheerful. ‘If I’m cute…maybe I can live? Besides that, who is Cale and what will happen to him if he doesn't answer?’

There was no time to think about other people. Her own life was at stake here.

‘If this doesn't work, let it be known I’ve dung my own grave and now I’ll have no choice but to lie in it.’

“Papa?”

There was a long silence as she spoke. Athanasia glanced at Caelus as he slowly shook his head and began to stare at the potted plant by the door yet again.

‘Did you just check yourself out mentally? Don't leave me in this alone!’

Her soul cried as she looked back at Claude and spoke one more time. Smiling as sweetly as she could in this situation.

“Papa!”

She was like the sun, her sweetheart personality took over the entire room's atmosphere. Cale could tell well enough that she was smart, acting like that girl, Jeanette, to get in his good graces.

***

Well, we survived.

In short, the heart attack approach worked. Both Cale and Athy were able to make it out of that weird tea party alive.

Wonderful.

The Ruby Palace had been thrown into chaos since Athanasia was not in bed like she should have been. It was not only surprising but unfortunately Felix received a rather nasty glare as he was the one who returned Athanasia.

They looked at the poor man as if he were a kidnapper. Athy didn't try to defend him either; he left her and Cale alone with Claude of all people.

Before leaving, Felix left a few words for Athy and her maids within the palace.

‘His Majesty said he would come to visit Princess Athanasia in the near future.’

Shocking really. 

No one could decide whether they should be excited or scared. This was the emperor after all but… Claude was not a benevolent or kind individual.

Still, it was good to have the emperor’s attention—in the eyes of everyone but Athanasia.

Unfortunately, while Felix left to return Athanasia, Cale was left with Claude. The motherfucker. Literally.

Cale was left behind, stuck in his seat beside the emperor. As they were alone, Claude decided to ask again.

“While she answered the question, you did not. Tell me, who am I?”

Does he need a fucking ego boost? You’re a murderer. That's who you are.

Cale remained quiet. He held his mouth shut for a second before finally giving an answer.

“…You are His Majesty the Emperor, Claude De Alger Obelia.”

Claude clicks his tongue lightly before speaking again.

“I shall reiterate my question then. Do you know who I am to you?”

Silence and then a soft but regretful answer.

“…You are my father.”

Chapter Text

A smirk graced Claude’s lips and he reached for Cale. The action made the young, mostly redhead boy tense and shove himself as far back as possible, all the way to the opposite side of the couch.

It was like trying to pick up a stray cat or approaching a wild fox. 

After a short stare-down, Claude finally reached out once more, lifting Cale into his arms and he could have sworn the boy hissed at him.

Claude did not bother to speak to Cale. He lifted the boy into his arms and he stood up, carrying Cale out of the room and down the halls of the palace.

Why is he carrying me?

This was beyond Cale.

“…I can go back on my own, your majesty…” Cale, who had previously remained silent in his place within the Emperor’s arms, spoke as politely as possible.

“Father.”

“Pardon?”

“Call me father.”

No? What the fuck? Why?

Cale looked up at the man carrying him. There was a dumbfounded look on his face as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Call him father? Why should he do that?

The young man shifted, making himself comfortable despite not liking the situation one bit, and watched the scenery change as Claude walked.

Finally, Cale spoke up yet again. “I can walk on my own.”

“You’ve kept so silent, I was wondering when I could hear your voice again.”

Cale nearly huffed. At this point, Claude was purposefully ignoring his wishes.

“…Please put me down, your majesty...”

“Father.”

“…Fa…ther…”

With a slow pause, Claude lowered Cale to the ground, taking the child’s hand before he got a chance to run off. Cale tried tugging his hand away, looking up at Claude who only stared at him with a blank expression.

“Let’s go.”

Claude began to walk and Cale followed him on instinct. He held a frown on his face as they walked. It was awkward holding the man's hand and being paraded through the palace grounds like some kind of toy.

“Why are you still so silent?” The blonde man asked.

Claude could not understand why Cale did not want to talk to him. When Claude asked such a question, the young boy looked up at him as if he were the dumbest fish in the pond.

“There is nothing to talk about?” Cale answered back as if it only made sense not to speak. It was clear enough to Cale but clearly not so much to Claude. “Do you have something to talk about? Is that why you keep asking me why I’m silent?”

Claude remained silent.

Hypocritical bastard.

“No.”

“…Okay.”

It was clear enough that Claude had something he wished to talk about but Cale did not care enough to try and get it out of him nor were they close enough for Cale to survive any conversation that weighed on the Emperor's mind like this.

The walk was long and awkward. When they finally arrived at the Emerald Palace every servant within was bowing to welcome the return of their master.

“We greet His Imperial Majesty, and his Highness the Prince!”

“We’re here.” Claude looked down at Cale, who was staring back up at him and then at their interlocked hands.

“…Yes, then…please let go.”

“Ah.”

Claude slowly let go of Cale’s hand and watched as the child left without uttering another word. He ran away and into the arms of the butler who had been waiting patiently in front of all the other servants.

“Did you enjoy your alone time, your highness?” Liam gave the boy a benign smile, hugging the child back.

“…I promise not to take walks or naps on the palace grounds without informing you first, Liam.”

“Thank you, your highness. We were all worried about you.”

“Yes, I know…I apologize for that.”

“It's alright, Your Highness. In other news, I’ve disposed of that man as requested.”

Cale hummed a response, waking beside his butler and nanny. He looked over his shoulder with nothing more than curiosity and saw Claude staring from a distance only to leave as they made eye contact.

Creep…

***

‘I was too naive.’

Athanasia returned to her room in the Ruby Palace, hid under a blanket, and took out her ‘life-saving plan’. Of course, it was currently in need of revision, after all, there was an entirely new factor that she’d need to work around.

‘That child…’

Caelus.

That child who was favored by the Emperor was a variable she’d been unaware of. Favored, at least in her eyes.

‘Plan A failed.’

[Plan A: Live in the Ruby Palace forever without getting noticed.]

It hadn't really been a plan. Instead, it was an idea, a prayer that she would remain a shadow within the Ruby Palace until she kicked it.

She’d been so confident that Claude would only meet Athanasia when she turned 9, not taking into account her constant movement around the palace grounds and her will to stay alive.

‘Had I thought about that I wouldn’t have run around so freely like an idiot!’

Cursing softly she scribbled out plan A from the sheet of paper, the words which had been written in Korean, a language only she could understand and read.

Athanasia stared down at the paper, looking at the next plan.

[Plan B: Leave the Palace before I turn 18 and collect funds before then.]

‘This was still in the realm of possibility.’

There were still plenty of things around the Ruby Palace that she could collect over time. She had a good amount of time before then and Claude wasn't trying to kill her just yet. Maybe because they met 4 hearts earlier than they were supposed to, it made an offset in the world’s events.

‘Oh, right…’

She tried ignoring it, at least to get her head together but there was one fact that was bothering her.

‘Cale…he’s my brother.’

She had a half-sibling on the Palace grounds. This was entirely unlike Jeanette, who wouldn’t appear in her life for a while.

Cale was a different story altogether.

A child that wasn’t mentioned in the novel. A child who was favored by the murder-happy Emperor. 

He was older than her.

He was completely unreadable.

He clearly knows things that she doesn't.

And worst of all, he was a guy! Guys were always first in line for the throne. If she manages to make it past 18 and live quietly in the Ruby Palace, he just might decide to kick her out.

‘What if he ends up liking Jeanette and kills me to clear up space?’

The more she thought about him the more her head hurt. He didn't even care about Claude. A servant close to him would tell him to get into the Emperor’s good graces for his future and control the throne. 

‘Ugh! He seems like the kind of guy who would rather be lounging around than ruling an Empire. Then again…he is just a kid…’

Athanasia quickly shook her head and shifted her focus back onto the page in front of her. Her final plan.

[Plan C: Get Claude’s heart by acting cute.]

‘This was stressful.’

A plan like that could end up going two different ways. It was so cringy Athanasia slapped her hands over her face in embarrassment.

‘Shameful. Totally and utterly shameful.’

With a dramatic sigh, Athanasia circled plans B and C and then crumbled up the paper. Acting on more than one plan just might do her some good.

‘…It’s not like it's impossible…’

Again she smacked her hands against her face, this time kicking her feet while under the blanket before stopping and lying flat on her face.

‘As shameful as it is…it’s definitely worth a shot.’

“Princess, it's time to sleep.”

“Lili, come sing for me!”

‘Okay, let’s do our best not to die.’

***

“Achoo!”

Cale sneezed. He looked at the chessboard in front of him with a frown. He looked at Liam who immediately stood up and brought over a blanket for him.

“Perhaps you stayed out too long, Your Highness…”

“I’m not cold…” Cale said, taking the blanket despite his own words. “I feel someone is talking about me.”

“It could be the Princess.”

Cale looked surprised, taking a moment to think, and then nodded his head.

“…Could be. It was the first time we met and I doubt anyone within the Ruby Palace had ever told her she had a sibling…”

The young man sighed, leaning back in his seat. He moves his black knight, stealing one of Liam’s pieces.

“Ah…” Liam looked at the gameboard with a scrutinizing stare. “How are you so good at this, Your Highness…”

The question was rhetorical. Playing games with Cale usually made the man wonder where the young prince learned these skills.

He moved a chess piece, immediately regretting it as Cale took another piece from him.

“The princess…ah, Athanasia, she’s an…odd child,” Cale spoke, watching as the game progressed between him and his butler—nanny.

“Speaking of others is rude, your highness…”

“Odd in a good sense. She’s very perceptive…at times.” Cale corrected, stealing yet another piece from Liam. “Besides, you bad mouth the Emperor all the time.”

“Kuek— Your Highness…! Please don't mention my darker moments…”

Cale smirked nearly evilly. He was curled up in a soft red blanket which made it hard for Liam to not look at him with a soft smile… and a slight shiver.

“Checkmate.”

“What? Really?” Liam flinched in surprise; his head snapped back to the chessboard, eyes wide in both shock and marvel. “…You never cease to amaze me, Your Highness…”

Liam sighed softly and prepared to clean up the game, putting the pieces back onto the board and moving up on a nearby shelf.

“Are you tired yet, Prince?”

“…I’m always tired, Liam.”

“Yes but earlier you said you weren’t ready to sleep just yet.”

“Well, I’m not. I’m wondering what I should do about the princess.”

Liam’s eyes widened for a moment before he spoke to Cale.

“…You are the Emporer’s only son, the princess is not a threat to your position—”

“I’m not worried about that nor do I care for the throne,” Cale spoke sharply, frowning as he looked at the butler who was now carrying him to the bed. “I was wondering what to get her.”

“What to get her? You wish to get the Princess something, Your Highness?”

“Well, duh.” I wanna know if my theory is right. “She’s my younger sister. Now that we’ve officially met, I think it’d be good to have a relationship.”

“…That’s surprising coming from you, your highness…”

“That's rude.”

“Time for bed, Your Highness.”

“Liam…!”

“Heh.”

Cale let out a dramatic and offended gasp, standing up and waddling over to the bed. He unwrapped himself and crawled onto the bed. Liam pulled the covers over Cale, tucking him in with a loving smile.

“Rest well, your Highness.”

“Mm, you too, Liam.”

***

After ten days the prince and princess were called, along with their caretakers, to meet with the Emperor.

What is this bullshit?

“Liam Carlye, Lilian York, long time no see.”

‘I’m scared and Cale looks indifferent…just like last time.’

Athanasia stared quietly at the floor, not wanting to move or breathe wrong in front of him. While Cale had been preparing a present and continuing his studies as normal, Athy felt like the day crept up on her. 

It had been ten days but it felt like a few hours since their last meeting with the terrifying beast she called ‘papa’.

Every time the thought crossed her mind she wanted to curl up and scream.

‘How did I even think that was okay?!’

“Blessings and glory upon the sun of Obelia.”

Both Lilian and Liam bowed respectfully in the presence of the Emperor. Athanasia found comfort in the fact Lily was with her this time. At least there were more people and not just two defenseless children in the face of the tyrant.

‘Now that I think about it…’

Athy looked up with a thoughtful gaze. There weren't a lot of people around the Emperor, Claude.

There was his knight, Felix but no other servant that followed him around. Well, there were Lily and Liam but they were more of her and Cale’s servants…

‘All servants are under the Emperor but they aren't close to him like Felix is.’

Ugh. I want to go back to my room. Cale grumbled inwardly. He was supposed to be practicing the violin but this bastard Claude interrupted his schedule. Say what you want so I can leave.

Claude spoke up again.

“I have been unable to pay attention to my one and only son and daughter due to my duties at the court.”

Cale could see that benign smile on Liam’s face. The one he used to mask his feelings despite anger or sadness.

Busy… for seven years? Even I have better time management skills.

Cale would have scoffed had he not seen that sickly look on Athanasia’s face. She looks like she’ll pass out from stress, poor thing. She might not be cut out for this either…

He glanced at Athy with a blank expression. If she really is a different Athanasia like I assumed…I’ll have to do some teaching. The other Athanasia was unwilling to change her way of thinking.

This could be good. She must be aware that her life is on the line.

“But still, both Athanasia and Caelus were able to grow into such healthy children, the credits belong to the two of you.”

Don’t make me laugh.

‘You can’t be serious, dude.’

“Thank you, your majesty.”

“Thank you….Your Majesty.”

“Now, I myself, shall take responsibility for the Prince and Princess.”

To that, everyone's eyes flashed towards Claude. He was smiling and now Liam wasn’t. Oh dear. That smile was definitely malicious, what did he want them to do? They couldn't go against the Emperor’s orders.

While Lilian’s eyes shook, Liam’s eyes hardened and so had his expression. The children reached for their respective guardians' hands. Why did this bastard only think of himself?

“From today on, they shall exercise their rights as royals.”

Oh, fuck you.

Chapter Text

“You’ve gotten chubbier since the last time I saw you,” Claude spoke to Athanasia and then looked at Caelus who was beside Liam. “…And you look thinner. Like a stick.”

Claude just didn't know how to speak to children. He spoke and acted in a way that was offensive to even the smallest person.

Wow…offensive bastard

‘You rude bastard!’

It had only been five days. Both children were eating proper healthy meal portions. He was just an asshole. But they knew that already.

“Hehe, Papa is pretty too.”

Sweetie no…he’s insulting us.

Cale looked at Athy, his gaze softening as he shook his head. He was certain that this person in Athanasia’s body was in a similar situation as him but hearing her call Claude pretty made him feel bad for her.

Say she’s pretty too you asshole.

Claude said no such thing. After meeting him, when he brazenly stated he’d start treating them like a proper prince and princess, they all met two more times. Athanasia found her aggressive kindness to actually keep her alive.

What that meant was, that no matter how insolent she behaved he wouldn't kill her. The girl had no idea why and was even more confused when Caelus acted completely indifferent.

While Athy was kind and childish and Cale was completely uninterested Claude would only stare at her with a bored expression.

Cale didn't even have to look up to see the expressions on the other three adults' faces had shifted dramatically. Each looked utterly shocked and he was sure Felix might pass out from how insane the situation even was.

Claude looked towards Cale who had remained planted in the ground beside Liam. 

“Both of you, follow me. I was just about to go boating, so get ready.”

He narrowed his eyes before turning around. Lilian and Felix let out the silent breaths they’d been holding. 

“…Do I have to?” Cale whispered. He held onto the sleeve of his butler-nanny, looking up at him with pleading puppy dog eyes. It was a clear strike to the heart, even Felix and Lilian reacted to the silent plea.

“Yes. I’m sorry Your Highness…”

Cale frowned, clicking his tongue and letting go of Liam’s sleeve. He then walked up beside Athy, his frown looking more like a pout in the eyes of everyone but his butler.

Lilian then spoke up, and the two children looked back just as Claude did. “Your Majesty, I apologize but the princess and water…”

“She will be with me. What is the problem?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…”

There was a collective silence from everyone. The group stared silently at Claude wondering if he was being serious.. Lily glanced anxiously at Athanasia, giving a second glance towards Liam who held a benign smile on his face.

Both Athy and Cale looked at the Emperor with blank expressions.

‘ The problem here is you.’ The children thought in unison.

Neither child wanted to go with him. Athy worried about not being entertaining enough and getting thrown overboard. She couldn't really tell what Cale was thinking.

Claude stopped in place and then asked, “Do you not want to come by with me?”

Guilty.

Cale wanted to go back to his palace and act like none of this ever occurred in the first place. 

“Nononono! Athy wants to go with Papa and Big Brother!”

The little redhead nearly let out a scandalized gasp. His head turned slowly in the direction of Athanasia who gave a beaming smile to the crazy emperor.

 How dare.

I felt bad for you! Why are you bringing me into this mess?

Cale frowned at the girl and huffed under his breath. To go on the water on purpose with this crazy guy was a death sentence. Now I know something bad is going to happen.

Claude picked Athy up and gently placed her into the boat they would be on. Once she was settled he looked toward Cale whose arms were crossed and he was looking away uninterested.

“It's your turn,” Claude said, reaching down to pick Cale up.

“I can do it myself,” Cale stated. He took a step back and looked at the Emperor with a frown.

“Can you?”

“Of course I can.”

He watched as Claude stood back up straight, turning slightly in the direction of the boat so Cale could do it himself. He’s learned enough about the redhead to know the kid was pretty independent. 

It didn't take much observation to realize that. Or how Cale hid whatever he was thinking, feeling—sometimes he just hid.

Cale walked over to the boat, grabbed the edge of the boat, and flipped himself over onto his feet. He then sat next to Athanasia who was staring at him with wide eyes.

‘Woah!’

“That's so cool, big brother! Can—”

“No.”

Silence. Cale crossed his arms and looked at Liam. The edge of the man’s lips curled upward, offering a lopsided smile of worry to the young prince.

A sigh escaped the young man’s lips and he pinched the bridge of his nose. As Claude took a seat across from them Cale secretly whispered to Athanasia. “Don’t do anything stupid, he won’t save you.” But I will, I have to.

He watched as the forced innocent smile that was present on her face slowly disappeared. She swallowed shallowly and returned to the beaming smile she previously had.

I’m so fucking right.

Swoosh

The boat slowly began to move. It rocked from side to side before settling into a steady state. They could barely feel the movement as they slowly but surely got further from dry land.

Athanasia eyed the water and the boat that moved seemingly on its own. This was a fantasy world but not as advanced as her own world so she silently wondered how they were even moving. None of them were rowing.

‘It couldn't be a motor…could people be rowing under us? Surely not…’

While Cale didn’t have many thoughts on their current situation, in fact, he found it rather relaxing. However, did look curiously at his younger sister with an inquisitive gaze. 

Though that innocent curiosity didn't last long.

“What are your thoughts?”

Claude stared at the two children before finally saying something. They would have preferred he just stayed silent the entire time.

‘What is this? A PR meeting?’ Athy looked up at him quickly and answered in the most childish way she could come up with on the spot.

“Papa’s hair is sparkly! So pretty!” She smiled a bit wider, continuing, “I like sparkly things!”

The edges of Cale’s lips twisted upwards and he closed his eyes before speaking to the young girl. The smirk on his face clearly meant trouble.

“Like your bags of treasures. You have a lot of sparkly things you collect, don’t you?”

Was he picking on her right now? No way! Don’t side with Claude!

“I have lots of sparkly things too, I promise I’ll gift you some later.”

‘Cale, you’re a saint’ While Cale was teasing her and offering his support, Athy couldn't help but praise her big brother’s kindness. She promised she would support his ascension to the throne and would be his number-one supporter.

“That reminds me,” Claude cut in, laughing like that meant something. Well, it certainly did: why was he laughing? He has no reason to laugh.

“I’m taking good care of your little treasure pouch; the one you dropped that day. Come take it yourself next time.”

The children shivered at the idea. Had they not been such good actors they might have passed out or jumped off the boat to get away from this whole ordeal.

Athanasia was devastated to have left them but for her precious treasures to be in Claude’s hands, of all people, she wasn't certain it was worth the risk to get them back. Truth be told she didn't want to but she needed that treasure.

Maybe Cale’s gift could make up for it.

Her silence made Claude look bored again. He leaned back, his head leaning on his arm. Both children needed equal attention and Cale was very distant.

“What are you thinking?” This time his questioning was directed at Cale. The young prince had his legs crossed, leaning back against the seat while silently hating this entire excursion.

“You look like a sunbathing Puma.” Cale’s tone was extremely blunt. 

“…A sunbathing Puma? What gave you such an idea?”

“A book I read. I read quite a bit so I find this a bit funny. You look like the villainous Puma that was in the story.”

Cale has always found Claude to be similar to that story's villain. The Puma fell for a small red fox and a golden bird. The entire prospect of the story seemed to be a peek inside the mind of the crazy Emperor.

And his failed love life.

“This book is a children’s book?”

Cale shrugged. “I read lots of things. It could be or not, I’m not sure.”

“You’re rather smart for your age.”

“I know.”

Claude went silent but his expression did not look offended. In fact, he looked pleased with their conversation, laughing almost silently under his breath. Cale was truly an enigma in the grand scheme of things.

The forced conversation ended and Claude turned his eyes away to stare at the far end of the lake.

Athanasia remained silent for the sake of not dying but Cale was extremely cool in her eyes. This seven-year-old had a very good vocabulary, despite sounding innocent he was exceptionally good at getting his point across. He had a talent for being understood when he wanted to be and misunderstood if he didn't care that much.

Cale has been kind enough to correct most misunderstandings that Athy had when they met the last two times.

Athanasia was also very wrong. Cale was very bad at using words unless it was a subject he was serious about. At least that is what he believed.

Afraid of staring for too long, Athanasia turned away from Claude and also began to look far away. She liked how his eyes looked. Both Claude and Cale had cold and emotionless eyes that made the deep blue truly look like a Sapphire jewel. There was hardly any emotion to be found in the gorgeous blue eyes of either of them.

It should have been unsettling but light reflects so wonderfully in their eyes that she wondered if it was like that for her as well.

Athanasia wanted to distract herself.

On the other hand, Cale was content.

Nothing has happened. This little adventure turned out to be extremely relaxing. If he wasn't in the middle of a lake with this tyrant, Cale would almost be compelled to fall asleep right now. Things were surprisingly calm—

Splash

Of fucking course.

Cale wanted to smack himself in the head. How could he get comfortable like this and not pay attention to the child who was near death at every turn?

He slowly opened his eyes and glanced at the now-empty space beside himself.

She fell out of the boat? Are you actually shitting me?

Athanasia was entranced by a beautiful blue lotus. Actually, the lotus was translucent but reflected the color of the water. 

Said lotus was a monster with the ability to lure and capture its prey. It used a kind of magic that entranced its victims, forcing them to want to pick it, and ultimately the plant dragged its target into the water, drowning them.

It was a very cool plant.

“Cough cough! H-help…!”

Cale couldn't help but feel annoyed. He had warned her to be careful but maybe he should have been more direct. 

Monstrous lotus flowers reside in this lake and will drown you so be still. Surely if he said that she wouldn’t be thrashing about in the water like this.

He wanted to roll his eyes but what he found more annoying was Claude. The bastard had watched the entire thing happen. He didn't warn her, tell her to sit back down, or attempt to save her.

“Hopeless.” Cale sneered, standing up and walking to the edge of the boat. He looked down at the panicked girl with a cold gaze.

However, the one he was calling hopeless wasn't her but Claude.

“You are absolutely hopeless.” He grumbled yet again. Cale then looked at Claude, making clear eye contact as Athanasia gradually sank underwater.

They stared at each other for a good couple of seconds before Cale smiled brightly. The first smile Claude had seen from him.

“I read somewhere that when you drown it feels like your head will explode,” The smile quickly dropped and Cale looked back over the edge to see bubbles where Athanasia was. “Well, I might as well test that piece of knowledge for myself.

He then jumped into the water soundlessly. Like an assassin.

Cale swam to save the struggling child, feeling annoyed as he did. He already knew what drowning felt like, which is why he hated water if he wasn't drinking it or taking a bath. 

He hated it.

Drowning was a terrifying experience. One second he was running away and trying to not die, the next second he wasn't able to escape.

Cale thought he would die. 

He struggled in his mindless panic, wasting needed energy and feeling like he would actually die. His head was spinning the further he sank. The world around him had become black and there was nothing to hold on to.

He could feel his heart rate increase as precious seconds flew by. His body was desperately trying to get oxygen but he was fighting back the urge to inhale.

The entire experience was extremely painful.

He was lucky. Luckier than most because he fought hard to get to the surface. The pain and fear he felt would always haunt him.

Despite this, Cale jumped into the water and swam hard to get to Athanasia and even harder to get them both back to the surface.

Athanasia was heavy. Not because she was chubby like Claude continued to suggest but because of the damn dress she was wearing. It was unfortunate she had to wear this layered and frilly dress today of all days.

He managed to make it to the surface before being pulled very harshly out of the water.

***

“Cough cough”

The two children were pulled out of the water and dropped onto dry land like unwanted cargo. 

“Your Highness!”

“Your Highness!”

Cale could hear the worried shouts from both Lilian and Liam. He never opened his mouth and never inhaled any water but his head still felt like it would split open. It must have been the adrenaline and the fact that he was holding his breath for so long.

Athanasia had regained consciousness and was coughing up water she had inhaled. She’d need a checkup from the Imperial physician to ensure water hadn’t entered her lungs. Otherwise, they may fill with water and she’ll drown on dry land.

“Cough cough cough!”

Athy let out another series of gag-like coughs, spitting up all the water she ended up taking in as a result of the whole boat fiasco.

Cale barely glanced at her. He was sitting on his knees in the grass, a few feet away from her. He had rolled when he made contact with the ground. After all, he had been dropped as soon as they returned to dry land.

Personally, Cale could feel his heart still racing and bad images appearing each time he closed his eyes. And here he thought he would be able to get over his trauma soon, clearly, Claude had a habit of doing the worst possible thing.

Cale was scared.

He could feel it in his entire body. His body was shaking and stiff. He felt dizzy and nauseous and wanted to cry.

He could have died.

He’d experienced death before but for some reason, this scared him. He felt like a child again, defenseless and alone.

No one would come save him so he had no choice but to save himself.

He really hated water.

Claude had pulled them both out of the water and to safety, of course, only after watching Athy get dragged down into the depths of the lake.

“Felix.”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Teach Athanasia how to swim starting tomorrow.”

Cale gripped the strong arms of his butler and pulled himself up into the man’s lap, forcing his own shivering body closer to the butler’s warm body. He sniffled but refused to cry.

He hugged Liam, pressing his face against the butler’s chest to ensure no tears could escape. He was so scared and angry he really wanted to punch Claude.

Even Deruth wouldn't be this stupid.

Claude shook his hand to get rid of the water that was still dripping down his arm from pulling the two out.

“Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if the emperor’s only daughter died from drowning?”

Cale looked at him for only a moment. He looked up to see the back of that bastard as the fucker walked away.

“I hate him…” Cale mumbled into his butler’s chest.

Cale then promptly passed out.

Chapter Text

Cale’s head hurt.

He had caught a cold because of the lake incident and has been hesitant to drink anything since waking up. Just the thought made his head hurt even more. 

Thankfully Liam is a very understanding individual and was careful when coming to take care of the sick prince. An herbal tea meant for colds was what Cale was given to drink. It was tragic that it was bitter. Tragic for Cale, he hated bitter things like this. 

He initially refused the damned drink to the point he ran away and hid in a storage room for six hours. He was acting childish while in reality, he just needed some time to cry and get his anger out.

Cale did come out eventually and drank the deplorable beverage before passing back out in a corner on the floor. Liam couldn't help but wonder where the prince got such a bad habit.

Athy also ended up catching a cold.

Hers ended up lasting longer than Cale’s as she inhaled copious amounts of water. She cried when Claude left. Unlike Cale, she seemed to have a hard time holding back tears. It hurt far more to hold them in than letting them out.

Of course, during her resting period, she was very sure that Plan C would be a death sentence. Claude was such an uncaring prick she didn't know what to do with herself. Seriously, how can someone so heartless exist?

Well, if gaining Claude’s affection wouldn't work, wouldn't gaining the affection of the next in line for the throne work in the long run?

It wasn't hard to come to the decision.

Claude was a son of a bitch who would watch a five-year-old drown without batting an eye. At least Cale came to save her. That meant he liked her at least a little bit.

He was almost as indifferent as Claude in most cases, so it was a welcomed surprise.

‘He also warned me…’

Athanasia groaned and flipped onto her side. She couldn't believe she was so reckless. In fact, she didn't even realize what happened until she had fallen into the water.

Sure, the lotus flowers were pretty but she wasn't dumb enough to reach out of a boat in the middle of a lake to try and grab it.

Has she become stupid?

Well, she couldn't rack her brain to find the answer as a knock came from her door.

“Princess, his Highness, Prince Caelus has come to visit you.”

‘Cale…?’

She sat up and looked towards the door. The moment it opened she had to squint her eyes at the sight. The seven-year-old prince was really too beautiful. So much prettier than Claude.

“Hello, princess, how are you feeling?”

Cale’s voice was really sweet. It was unlike his usual indifferent and nonchalant tone. She only ever met with Cale when they had to meet Claude, so she really never knew what he was like when Claude wasn't around.

Cale clearly didn't like the Emperor.

“A-athy feels a bit better…”

“Oh, is that so? That’s good. I brought you a gift in hope you make a quick recovery.”

Cale smiled warmly, presenting a pink box topped with a golden bow. It made Athy smile as well; he spoke so softly and was sure to make her feel comfortable.

He was treating her like a little kid.

‘He didn't act like this before…’

She wondered if the incident made him kinder toward her. After all, she did nearly drown to death because of their neglectful father. Could it be…he related to her and wanted to be closer?

Cale had always had a clear disdain towards Claude. The prince was also extremely sharp at a young age. Growing up knowing you have a tyrant for a father must have made him want to be different and work hard to make a change. Cale was a hard worker; he was always so tired.

It was so admirable.

She felt bad for such a little kid. 

Athanasia wiped an imaginary tear from her eye and smiled at Caelus.

“Thank you so much, big brother!”

Cale smiled back warmly, and Lilian quietly left the room with Liam. The mostly redhead prince climbed up onto the bed with the pink present in hand. He happily placed the present on the bed, gesturing for her to open it like an excited little kid.

‘Wow, he must have been lonely all these years.’

She smiled wider.

‘Guess he really does like me!’

Cale grinned widely, and Athy looked down at the elegant bow. She slowly pulled, undoing the ribbon, and lifted the pink lid, eagerness shining in her eyes.

‘…holy shit!’

It was a teddy bear. This bear had blue jeweled eyes and pink diamonds embedded in the frilly and very expensive dress it was wearing. 

‘A teddy bear princess!’

This little bear was worth an entire private estate! Look at the jewels on this thing!

The neglectful Emperor hasn't given his children funds to go out and buy things. They receive no allowance, even as the imperial prince and princess. How could he have afforded this?

Athanasia picked up the teddy bear, holding it high up in the air, letting out a surprised gasp.

“Hold on, there’s still more in the box.” 

He grinned a bit more as he saw her face light up even more. She looked down into the box, a kind of excitement in her eyes like no other, only for it to drop the moment she saw what was left inside.

MORON

The word was written in black ink at the bottom of the pretty pink box like a kind of horror game jumpscare, or hidden easter egg. Depending on your reaction, it could be considered either.

For Athanasia, it was a jumpscare. In fact, her body seemed to physically recoil as she read the word.

“…M-moron…?” She asked, looking up to see the bright smile was no longer present on his face.

In fact, he was frowning and rather deeply in her opinion. He looked annoyed that she couldn't even understand this much.

“Yes, and?”

Cale saw no need to explain himself.

“You are a moron.”

He said it himself this time, sliding off the bed and walking around the room like some kind of story villain. It was actually kind of menacing coming from a seven-year-old child of a tyrant.

“I don’t particularly enjoy having to spell things out for people, but for you, I’d make an exception.”

M-O-R-O-N

He used the empire’s sign language as if saying it once wasn’t bad enough. She didn't personally know sign language, but given the context, it only made sense.

“Athy doesn't understand…how—”

“Cut the bullshit. You’re not Athanasia.”

‘Oh shit.’

How did he even find out? They barely saw each other. Also, what’s with that potty mouth?

“No five-year-old girl, who's stuck in a palace all day surrounded by stupid doting staff members, would feel the need to run around gathering treasure and creating a plan to get a tyrant to like them.”

Cale knocked over a doll and sat on top of the small table as he spoke. He had finally gotten all of his facts together, and with the help of his lovely butler, things ran much smoother.

“You know, I didn't think you’d know another language. That made discovering who you are much easier for me. Ah, and a little suggestion…” Cale was enjoying how shocked and horrified she got as each second passed. The look on her face was truly priceless. “Typically, regardless of what you think others know, you burn the paper you write plans on.”

Cale shook his head like it was common knowledge. Well, it was for obsessive and extreme analysts who take even the unlikely into account. Like, to unnecessary levels.

“You can call it extreme, but hey, we wouldn't be having this conversation if you had done it that way, would we?”

He smiled, which seemed to place Athanasia in distress. More than she already was. Seriously, how could a seven-year-old be so creepy?

What was even worse was that she wasn't sure if he was a prodigy or in the same boat as her. That seemed plausible, but she just didn't have the guts or information to call him about it. Besides, what would she do if she was wrong?

Even if she tried to cry and scream, he’d probably rush to her side and come up with a perfect excuse. Even from the beginning, he always seemed to know what to say. From when he helped her when they first met to the boating incident. All of it seemed too perfect to be normal. At the same time, no one questioned it, meaning this was what was naturally expected of him.

She was the unneeded princess; his word easily trumped her own.

Why did all odds fall against her?

He knew she wasn't the five-year-old princess. He knew of her plans to escape and that she wanted to get on his good side.

“H-how did you figure it out…?”

It was all she could ask. She was in the presence of the future Emperor. Nothing could go well for her at this rate.

“You didn't make it hard.”

“That’s not a good answer! Tell me the truth!”

Cale frowned at that and stood to his feet. Slowly he walked over to her with a glare that nearly made her crumble.

“Because I was jealous.”

Jealous?

“I was angry to see you run around so freely. I’m the firstborn and only son of the Emperor. I thought it was unfair and really hated you for it.”

‘What?’

Was she really so dense? Cale stared at the girl with a cold, calculating expression. He looked scary. His usual blank expression, though unreadable, was generally expected and considered normal. Even when he frowned, Athy felt no animosity from him.

Right now, Cale—no, the Crown Prince of the Obelian Empire looked like he might kill her.

“I’m being cheated out of my childhood while you get to have milk and cookies and run around as you please to your heart's content. I’m being forced to grow up because I’m the future of this empire. The only breaks I get are if I wander off to take a nap on the ground. I’m jealous.”

“T-that’s—”

“But when we met, I thought you were really strange. Why run from your loving servants with bags of jewels? Why look so appalled when you saw Claude? He has a nice face, so people look past his actions until he does something in front of them, but you…” He laughed harshly. “You knew immediately that he was a piece of shit. So, if you want to know how I found out, it’s because I’m jealous of you.”

 Cale’s expression seemed to grow colder by the second. It was hard to breathe knowing how he felt about her now.

Jealousy was a strange reason.

But different villains have different motives and Cale was the current villain in her story. Not even Claude was this scary. Maybe because it was easier getting murdered than tortured.

“I-I…I don’t want to die…”

“Oh, poor dear. Most people don't want to. I say most but…in this economy? Everyone wants to die. It’s just unfortunate you were born in the body of my little sister.”

“Look! I know there’s nothing I can do to change your childhood but you have to understand that I—I didn't do any of this on purpose…or really know what options I have!”

“Killing yourself could have been a good first option. Maybe you’ll get another body.”

‘This is bad…what do I do?’

“I don't like useless toys. You have nothing to offer, nothing worth saving. If I’m to be Emperor then I think I should go ahead and get rid of useless trash.”

No! No, no way! What is with him all of a sudden? Athy couldn't wrap her head around it. Just what was the point he was trying to make? He couldn't be serious, could he?

“I…I know the future! The ending to this story!”

Oh? Things were finally heating up on Athanasia’s side. 

“The future?”

“Yes! I know the future and—”

“If you change one thing then so does everything else. It's called the butterfly effect, Moron.”

“But—”

“You’re useless trash.”

Useless. What did he have against people trying to survive! He was just like Claude, wasn't he? These cruel remarks dug deeper into her psyche. It was like he was breaking her down on purpose; it hurt more than drowning.

“Since we’re done here, enjoy your present. If you keep it clean and in that pristine condition I’m sure you’ll be able to sell it.”

“Excuse me…?”

Athy placed the doll on the bed and watched as Cale walked closer to the door.

“Gods why are you so dumb!” He looked at her with an utterly dumbfounded expression. He looked at the girl like she was even dumber than Claude and shook his head.

“Fucking idiot—” He rubbed his temples in annoyance and put a hand on his hips. “Keep it clean so you can sell it! You’re trying to escape remember? You need money, moron!”

Oh. Oh! He’s…

With all the insults, maybe she couldn’t read the situation properly but..

“You’re helping me?”

“Girl, Obviously. Why are you asking such a question?”

“You were so rude earlier!”

Caelus clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes in annoyance.

“Yeah, 'cause you’re a moron ! The language you wrote in exists in this world, dumbass! It’s of a fallen nation that was said to be cursed by dark magic. If someone other than I saw what you had written, you would be executed.”

Something like that being possible never occurred to her even once. Why would Korean be an ancient language in the world of some novel? Seriously, was everything in this world against her?

“And to be frank, I’m getting rid of you, not helping.”

“It sounds like helping.”

“I could just kill you.” He said bluntly.

Athanasia froze and smiled rigidly. “Ehahaha! Yup! T-thanks so much for getting rid of me Your Highness!”

Though there was a nagging fear, Athy felt much better now. She had someone on her side that could help her. Wasn’t that what she needed? It felt crazy to rely on a seven-year-old, but Cale wasn’t like most kids his age. He nearly drowned a few days ago and was acting perfectly fine.

Now that she was thinking about it… wasn’t this too strange? Was Cale being treated well in his palace? Wasn’t he working way too hard? 

‘When did he even begin his studies?’

“Are you really seven years old…?”

Cale frowned and looked at her with clear annoyance. His expression looked like he wanted to say, ‘Why are you still talking to me?’

“No, I’m the smartest person in this godforsaken Empire and just so happen to be seven years old.”

Cale, despite his harsh demeanor, revealed his underlying jealousy and frustration over his burdensome life as the Crown Prince. His calculated confrontation with Athanasia show his intellect and resentment towards the expectations placed on him, while also revealing a twisted sense of empathy.

It scared her. And no seven-year-old should be so scary.

Athanasia was caught between relief and fear, seeing Cale as both a threat and an unexpected ally in her bid for survival.

Despite his ambiguous motives, Cale remained willing to help her escape, giving the impression that this hatred he harbored was not as straightforward as it seemed. 

Athanasia wasn’t going to question the young prince’s motives. All she really needed to do was survive. 

Chapter Text

There was a knock at the door that ended the conversation before Athy could come up with something else to ask. She saw how quickly Cale was able to switch his emotion; that previously annoyed expression had become calm and the epitome of care. 

It was truly the scariest thing she would ever experience in her life.

Athanasia’s fingers twitched, and she gripped the sheets of her bed tightly. Her brain swam with terrible thoughts she tried to drown—that was a terrible analogy. She wanted to forget what had happened here, but Cale was going to help her escape this place. That’s all that mattered.

“Princess!” Lilian’s voice could be heard through the door, and soon enough, Liam’s voice followed.

“Your Highness, we must get going now.”

Cale raised an eyebrow at that revelation and quickly opened the door to the room with a sweet expression on his face.

To his surprise, Lilian looked flustered, and Liam looked like he wanted to punch someone. His expression seemed innocent, but Cale had known this man long enough. He spent two lifetimes dealing with this man, so of course he knew.

Liam was extremely angry and had no way to express that anger at the moment.

Cale nodded his head, walking over to Liam. Lilian quickly shuffled inside and picked Athanasia up from her bed.

“I apologize, princess, but we need you to come outside.”

Lily’s presence came as a momentary surprise as Cale and Liam watched her carry the princess out of the room. Liam and Cale exchanged glances, and they stood in silence until Lily was completely down the hall with Athanasia in tow.

“What did that Imperial fuck up do now?” Cale asked with a huff and eye-roll.

His vulgarity gained an incredulous gasp from Liam, and he promptly began to scold the young prince.

“You Highness, please! Where in the world did you learn such vulgar language?” Liam’s exasperation showed, and he held his head in his hands with a harsh sigh.

“What has the Emperor done this time, Liam?” Cale then asked again, his sharp eyes now clearly pointed in the direction of his butler-nanny.

Cale could see the way Liam’s shoulders tensed and the way his fists shook with rage. 

“I believe it would be best if you see for yourself, your highness.” Liam then stood to his feet, holding his hand out in case Cale wanted to take it, which Cale did. His small hand sat tightly in the butler-nanny’s hand, and they walked.

They walked, and walked, and walked…and Cale forgot how much he hated having to walk around to get to places with his short legs.

Damn, I wish I was taller. 

Cale couldn't help but wonder what kind of situation was so urgent that the princess needed to be whisked away in such a manner. He wasn’t truly that curious, but if it was capable of rattling Liam’s pristine persona then maybe it mattered. Maybe.

Then again, Liam was constantly getting angry in place of Cale, so this matter could be pertaining to something about succession or something dumb the Emperor did. And that man does a LOT of dumb stuff.

Well, soon enough, Cale knew the reason.

“It’s an honor to serve Princess Athanasia.”

Athanasia was frozen in Lilian’s arms, staring at the hundreds of maids now bowing down to her. Lily needed to put the princess down, but that didn’t stop Athanasia from looking star-struck.

What caught Cale’s attention was the vibrant red-haired man walking up to the princess. He kneeled before her, and Cale could feel the stars hitting him in the head— his eyes wanted to roll.

“Felix Robane, at your service.”

Cale felt like he was watching an extremely dramatized play of what people believed royal life was. 

A story like this would make a fun book to read.

The redheaded prince watched from afar, silently moving away with Liam, a man whose body was vibrating with emotion while his face remained tolerant of the situation.

Cale liked how Liam chose to express his displeasure despite never needing to. Liam was not someone who showed emotions such as sadness or anger without reason. In fact, if this were his usual job, he wouldn't show any emotion at all.

The mischievous little prince wouldn’t stop worrying the man regardless.

Cale slipped his hand out of Liam’s and casually walked over to Athy, still planted like a statue on the ground. The shock on her face was almost priceless. Considering she possessed the body of Athanasia, one would assume she’s better at controlling her emotions so she wouldn’t die.

She needs a lot of teaching…

“It seems like your servant count has finally reached Imperial standards.” Cale laughed, hands held behind his back as he briskly walked forward.

In an instant, Athy was broken out of her trance and looked at Cale. Her eyes followed him as he approached the new maids. She could see the way they all tensed with fear.

‘He commands respect without being domineering…’ Athanasia thought to herself. She watched as Cale approached one maid, looked at her face, and shooed her away.

“You can go, you as well, and you. Both of you leave. And you.” He began picking through the maids as if separating rotten apples from the fresh ones.

His expression wasn’t demeaning, but he was very focused on his actions.

By the time Cale finished, nearly fifty maids were set to return to the palace. Athanasia wasn’t sure if this was him trying to help her or a threat, showing how much authority he held.

Cale was such a confusing child.

“I sent those maids back due to their subpar performance while serving me a year ago. I will send you fifty of my finest servants to make up for the loss, princess.”

Cale’s words took a moment to settle in. All who were left in attendance let out soft sighs in thanks. Soon, Athanasia’s eyes lit up, and she ran over to Cale.

She was a sweet, innocent child. The only person who knew she had possessed the body of the princess was Cale.

“Waaah! Big Brother Cale is so cool!”

The servants looked at the scene with amazement. For a long time, Cale, the silent son of the Emperor, remained in his palace all day and never seemed interested in meeting his sister. Now, he looked at her with the most tender love imaginable. 

This was the first time the prince had expressed a desire for family.

As Cale helped Athanasia maintain her adorable image and ensure half of the servants in her palace were loyal to him, the idea that he was excited to finally have a family was the misunderstanding servants created in their minds.

He smiled at his younger sister and spoke. “A princess only deserves the best.” 

Athy didn’t like it.

That mischievous smirk that Cale gave her made her blood run cold. Whether it was the prince or the Emperor, she felt trapped. She really had no idea if Cale was actually going to help.

“Don’t worry. The maids I sent away have utter devotion to Claude…they’re idiots, so I think it would be best for you to have people willing to support your growth.” He whispered to her, patting her shoulder and turning away without another word.

Athy watched as Cale walked away with Liam. The young prince looked pleased with himself and seemed to waddle away with the usual pep in his step that you’d see from an actual child. 

The difference is jarring.

***

When they returned to the Emerald Palace, Liam was immediately bombarded by three maids.

“Sir. Liam!”

“Sir! Sir!”

“Aigoo, Sir. Liam!”

The three maids, triplets actually, ran up to him in shock and excitement. They were bouncing on their toes and ran to him, trying to push and pull him inside the palace in a hurry. The oldest of the three, Amy, lifted Cale into her arms with a giant grin on her face.

“We have amazing news for you, Your Highness.” She smiled at the redheaded prince, who tilted his head in curiosity, watching as Belle and Ciena continued to shove him inside the Palace.

Cale didn't mind the sudden excitement. He had gone through the trouble of making everyone fear and respect him to a certain degree when he was younger. It felt unnecessary to just be a jerk for no reason.

“It involves Liam in some way, I presume,” Cale says, watching as Liam tries to pull away and get the girls to stop.

“Girls— girls please! I must tend to my duties as His Highness’s caretaker—Woah!” Liam struggled, preventing himself from laughing at their antics.

“C’mon, Sir! Hurry up, hurry up!” Ciena shoved him from the back even as she was pushed away.

“Sir, you’re being too difficult!” Belle pulled his arms, aggressively trying to lead him to a parlor room.

“Liam. Just walk, or we’ll be here all day.” Cale finally sighed, pouting at Liam.

“A-ahem…Yes, of course, your highness…” He clears his throat, standing up straight and smoothing his coat, feeling a bit embarrassed at his actions. Liam opens his arms to take the little Prince from Amy’s arms, to which Cale immediately huffs and holds onto the maid tighter.

“Take us to the drawing room, please,” Cale muttered, crossing his arms as Amy walked past the three that were still bickering and down the hall. He stuck his tongue out at Liam, who simply sighed and followed them until they reached the drawing room.

For one reason or another, Cale made Liam push the door open, but the ever-loyal servant pushed the doors open and froze in the middle of the doorway. Sitting near the large ornate window with arms crossed and sunlight glinting off the polished metal of her shoulder guard, was a woman—no, a knight, though it took a second glance to tell. Her stance was confident, posture relaxed but alert, and her androgynous features were framed by a short, tousled cut of dark hair. She wore a finely tailored uniform rather than a gown, the kind of clothing that looked like second skin on her—functional, fierce..

A woman who was clearly more suited in her riding outfit or heavy armor than frilly dresses and sparkling jewels enough to blind a man.

The knight turned, arms solidly behind her back as she looked toward the group, her already soft expression softening further as Liam took a heavy step forward. 

For a second, the usually composed butler looked like a boy again—eyes wide, mouth slightly parted, as if the wind had been knocked from his lungs. And then, as if the realization struck all at once, his cheeks flushed red, and he looked like he wanted to bolt forward but couldn’t bring himself to move.

Liam’s wife. The woman he spoke of only in passing—always fondly, always with a faint ache beneath the words. She had been away for nearly five years, stationed in another country on a diplomatic escort mission that dragged on far too long.

Now here she stood, radiant and real, every bit the spirited, boisterous force Cale had heard about. There was a sharpness to her grin and a warmth in her gaze, a presence that made the room feel fuller just by being in it.

His hands twitched at his sides, his breath hitching painfully. Liam’s body stiffened, and he steeled himself in place. The butler-nanny turned around and looked at the young child—the prince he served- with eyes begging that just for a moment, he should be released from his duties and let him be with his wife.

She was strong. Not just in body, but in spirit.

Cale glanced up at Liam, who looked at him with barely concealed hope—silent, pleading.

Cale arched a brow, then gave an emphatic nod.

Go.

That was all Liam needed.

He didn’t walk—he ran.

The knight opened her arms with a booming laugh and caught him mid-stride, pulling him into a bone-crushing embrace. Liam stumbled slightly, startled by her sheer strength, but his arms wrapped around her without hesitation, face buried in her shoulder.

Cale tilted his head and watched, quiet for a moment.

It wasn’t often he saw Liam so unguarded.

“I missed you, idiot,” she said, ruffling his hair with the ease of someone who knew every part of him. “Took you long enough to come in.”

Liam mumbled something into her shoulder, clearly flustered, but didn’t pull away.

He watched for a long moment, his eyes tracing the way the two squeezed each other close. Cale smiled faintly and looked away, pretending not to see the tears pricking at Liam’s eyes.

Freya Carlyle, an individual who rallied against the Emperor’s tyranny alongside Cale in his previous life. A general who was executed for treason even as the Empire was being burnt to the ground.

She wouldn’t be allowed to waste her life the same way.

Cale tapped Amy’s shoulder, gesturing with his head for them to leave. They only managed to get ten feet down the hall with the three girls following behind before a mischievous thought crossed his mind.

Cale slipped away quietly while Liam was still wrapped in his wife’s arms, the triplets trailing behind him like excitable shadows.

“Come on, come on,” Cale whispered, motioning for them to move faster as they tiptoed through the corridor.

Amy snickered, Belle barely stifled her laugh, and Ciena was already leading the way like a woman on a mission.

“Your Highness,” Belle said teasingly, “you really are a bad influence.”

“I prefer to think of myself as… strategically charming,” Cale quipped, smug as ever.

“Strategically charming my foot,” Amy muttered under her breath, but she still hoisted him easily into her arms as they made their way toward the kitchen.

The kitchen staff practically jumped out of their skin as the double wooden doors flew open, followed by the prince and his entourage. This was a common occurrence in the Emerald Palace, one that each servant was sure to hide from Liam, dreading the reprimand they’d receive for simply following the young prince’s whims. 

The prince was a terror sometimes, sure—but when accompanied by those three? It was easier to just surrender.

Besides, who were they to refuse the future Emporer?

They got to work quickly, pulling out jars and whipping together a few small plates of deserts. His Highness, Caelus de Alger Obelia, had a sweet tooth. This was a well-known fact among servants, but Liam, being the ever-observant and caring Butler-nanny he was, limited the prince’s intake. Much to everyone’s dismay, the prince didn’t always listen—he didn’t always follow the rules created by his closest servant. Who could blame him? Despite never eating much, he wasn’t allowed to eat his favorites.

So once every few months, Cale would sneak off with his three favorite maids and eat as much candy and chocolate as he wanted, which only ever ended up being a few cookies or two slices of cake before he claimed he was satisfied and left the rest for everyone.

Many very quickly came to the subtle realization that the prince wanted to share sweets with them.

This time around, Cale sat at a small wooden table, and the triplets stood before him, serving tea and speaking freely. 

“This,” he said between bites, “is paradise.”

“You’re going to make Liam cry,” Ciena warned, handing him another honey-soaked biscuit anyway.

“He’s too busy with his wife to notice,” Cale replied, not even pretending to feel guilty.

The triplets sat across from him, sipping tea as they chatted amongst themselves.

“I still can’t believe Freya’s really back,” Amy said with a warm smile, propping her chin on her palm.

“She reached Commander rank before thirty,” Belle added. “That’s the fastest rise anyone’s seen in decades.”

“And now she’s retired just to become Your Highness’s personal guard,” Ciena chimed in. “That’s no small honor.”

“It’s not retirement,” Amy corrected, “It’s a royal appointment. Official, direct from His Majesty.”

All three nodded solemnly at that. Even their usual playful expressions turned respectful for a moment. No one dared speak casually of the Emperor.

Amy laughed sweetly, looking at the prince, who was nodding and eating silently. She had an inquisitive expression as she spoke, “Now, what do you think of this, your Highness? You met Dame Freya once when you were young, but I’m unsure if you remember her.”

Cale glanced at the maid, picking up a lemon sugar cookie and plopping it down in Belle’s hand. “I remember her. Though our meeting was brief, Liam looked sad, knowing she’d leave for another country and her return wasn’t exactly… promised.”

“It was hard seeing our little brother’s reaction to being separated from his wife for four years.” Amy nodded, clearing the plates and setting down another batch of cookies. “And the fact the Emperor sent her off without allowing any contact… ugh, it makes my blood boil.”

“He’s rather good at pissing people off.” Cale shrugged.

“The way they held each other— They’re so freaking cute!” Belle whispered in admiration.

Ciena stopped bouncing and groaned aloud. “Ugh, I know, they’re my favorite couple!”

Cale, of course, remained unfazed, he held a great disdain for the Emperor. 

“She’s exactly what you need by your side, Your Highness,” Amy said, watching Cale with quiet pride. “She’s sharp, fast, terrifying when she wants to be—and utterly devoted.”

Cale smirked around a mouthful of cake. She’s the best .

Chapter Text

The very next day, life continued as usual. The young prince completed his daily studies without the looming presence of the damned Emperor. The only notable change was the newest addition to his personal entourage—Dame Freya.

She was an eccentric woman, exactly the kind of person Liam needed in his life. Despite being apart for nearly five years, she and Liam weren’t overly affectionate in front of Cale, much to his dismay.

Much like Ciena, they were one of his favorite couples. There were occasional forehead kisses and hand-holding, but to be frank, Cale had fully expected Freya to flirt with Liam at every opportunity.

“I like romance novels,” Cale muttered with a frown, watching the couple stand a full five feet apart while keeping an eye on him.

Freya, grinning ear to ear, asked, “Would you like some more, Your Highness?”

Despite her rough, battle-hardened exterior, Cale quickly discovered that this woman experienced extreme cuteness aggression—she wanted to strangle him in a hug at any given chance.

Liam sighed, reorganizing the puzzles Cale had completed over the last hour. “He wants to see us kiss, dear.”

Freya’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?” She turned to Cale, who simply nodded.

He did.

“Well, if it’s a request from the prince…” Her grin widened as she turned toward her husband. Liam’s face flushed bright red, realization dawning almost immediately.

He would have agreed—but just as the distance between them closed, a knock sounded at the door.

Cale’s frown deepened, but he sighed and raised his voice slightly too loud in frustration. “Enter.”

The three turned as Belle, the middle of Liam’s older sisters, stepped inside with a hesitant smile.

“His Highness the Emperor requests your presence, Your Highness…”

And just like that, Cale’s mood plummeted.

Cale and Dame Freya made their way to the Emperor’s palace, unsure why the man would summon him at such a random time of day.

He walked ahead of Freya in silence, thoughts drifting aimlessly. Nothing settled until they arrived in front of the Emperor’s chamber doors—only for a familiar voice to break through his reverie.

“Ah! Big brother Cale! And…?”

Cale blinked, glancing up blankly as his younger sister arrived, accompanied by her ever-present redheaded escort. His gaze flickered between Athanasia and the knight holding her before finally answering, “She is my personal escort knight, Dame Freya Carlyle.”

Freya bowed, greeting Athanasia before turning to the prince. “It seems His Highness is occupied.” She glanced at Felix, who carefully avoided her gaze. She had a reputation among the knights—particularly for bullying slackers.

Cale exhaled. “Then shall we return to the Emerald Palace?” He hadn’t directed the question at anyone in particular, but that was a terrible mistake.

He should have known what kind of person the Emperor’s former personal knight was.

Felix smiled, ever composed. “His Majesty would be delighted if the prince and princess woke him themselves.”

C L I C K.

The doors opened before either child could react.

Athanasia stood frozen, too shocked to move even as Felix gently pushed them inside.

Cale could hardly believe the audacity.

“We’ll be waiting here,” Freya sighed.

C L I C K.

The doors shut behind them.

Cale scowled, already planning his revenge. “Laxatives in his food later,” he hissed, glaring at the door.

Athanasia barely registered his words. She stared blankly before suddenly whipping around and trying to shove the doors open.

Nothing. Not even a budge.

“Fel…!”

Cale clamped a hand over her mouth, silencing her. Her jewel-like eyes, wide and fearful, met his own. She gulped down her panic and nodded in understanding.

Screaming now would wake Claude.

And that would end both of them.

She took a slow breath and watched as Cale took the lead, stepping further into the vast room. Swallowing her nerves, she followed.

Everything— everything —was marble and gold. The ceiling, the walls, the floor. The sheer opulence almost made the children jealous. And yet, despite its grandeur, the room itself was… simple. It was too simple to belong to an Emperor as terrifying and mighty as Claude de Alger Obelia.

The bed was easy to spot. But rather than approaching, the two children kept to the far right wall, walking alongside the countless paintings that adorned it.

Cale watched Athanasia’s face as she gazed at each item—golden ornaments, intricate artifacts, all shining brilliantly beneath the sun’s soft light.

“It’s all gold…!” she whispered in awe.

Cale nodded slowly before stopping in front of one portrait in particular.

A woman.

Neutral chestnut-brown hair, grass-green eyes.

She wasn’t the most elegant or conventionally beautiful, but she carried a quiet confidence—an air of self-assurance. Her body was adorned with elaborate accessories, golden embellishments trailing from her head to where the painting cut off.

Cale’s gaze lingered.

A small, almost imperceptible frown tugged at his lips.

Cale tilted his head slightly, gazing at the woman in the portrait. He did not like her. Not in the slightest. But she was dead, and the dead were no longer a problem.

Her daughter , however, was another story entirely.

Slowly, he shifted his attention to Athanasia. Her expression had changed significantly—not just surprise, not just recognition, but something deeper.

So she really does know the future, Cale thought, watching the way her small hands clenched at the hem of her dress.

His gaze flickered back to the portrait. The frame was cracked, and the glass shattered into jagged pieces along the edges.

How careless , Cale mused, his lips curling into the ghost of a smirk.

It seemed that bastard Claude hated this woman just as much as Cale hated her daughter.

Cale barely spared the portrait another glance before a soft, strangled yelp made him pause. He turned sharply, gaze snapping to Athanasia, frozen in place, her entire body locked in what looked like sheer panic.

His brow furrowed, about to ask what was wrong, when he followed her wide-eyed stare—

Claude wasn’t in his bed.

No, the Emperor was lounging on a long divan, resting with an arm draped over the side, his golden hair tousled slightly from sleep. The sight was so unexpected that even Cale’s mind blanked for a moment.

Why the hell isn’t he in his bed?!

Athanasia stiffened beside him, her breath caught in her throat, and Cale quickly schooled his expression, carefully glancing back at the door. Felix, you damn traitor.

They were trapped.

Cale watched in silent disbelief as Athanasia raised her hands, poised as if to hit the Emperor awake.

Is she seriously going to wake him up like that?

Shock mixed with disappointment as he instinctively reached out to pull her back, but before his fingers could grasp her sleeve—

A small piece of chocolate tumbled out from her cuff.

Cale’s eyes widened. Oh, you idiot—

The tiny sweet bounced once, twice, before landing squarely on Claude’s face.

Silence.

Then, with all the inevitability of a death sentence, those cold, jewel-blue eyes snapped open.

The glare he leveled at them was nothing short of murderous.

Cale didn’t breathe. He barely had time to think—

And then, as if they shared a single brain cell, Athanasia took a slow, measured breath and began to sing.

“Sleep tight, the moon smiles down on you.

Goodbye to the day…”

Cale, already beyond the point of questioning his life choices, joined in. His voice was soft, steady, either from grief or the sheer repetition of having heard this lullaby so many times before.

“The baby smiles at the stars too…

Tomorrow will bring a brighter morrow…

So dream a sweet dream…”

Two children, standing over the most feared man on the continent, gently singing him back to sleep.

This was, without a doubt, the dumbest thing Cale had ever done.

Claude’s gaze, once sharp and lethal, softened slightly as realization dawned—these weren’t intruders. Just his troublesome daughter and son, who rarely spoke in his presence. 

His eyes flicked to Athanasia, who was still swaying slightly from the lullaby’s rhythm. 

“What was that song?” he asked, his voice quieter than expected.

Cale, naturally, didn’t answer.

Instead, he simply turned his head and waited.

Athy, catching on quickly, smiled brightly and chirped, “It’s a song to say ‘bye-bye’ to bad dreams!”

Cale resisted the urge to sigh. She’s really treating him like a child.

Claude raised a brow at her cheerfulness, then exhaled, pushing himself up from the divan. “It’s not morning,” he muttered.

Athy, ever unfazed, only tilted her head. “Then good evening, Papa!”

Claude paused. Then, glancing at the closed doors, he asked, “Did Felix send you in?”

He stood fully now, his presence swallowing the space as his gaze drifted toward Cale.

Cale, who had already taken several polite, measured steps back, was watching in silence.

Their eyes met.

A long, heavy pause settled between them.

Then, with practiced ease, Cale dipped into a bow. “Good evening, Your Majesty.”

Not father. Never father.

Just the Emperor.

Claude frowned as he looked at Cale—not with anger, but with something far quieter and more disquieting: disappointment. The kind that settled like dust in the bones.

“ Father ,” he corrected softly, as if trying to coax something precious out of a reluctant mouth.

But Cale only tilted his head, expression unreadable. “Your Majesty, it’s dinner time,” he replied, tone calm, smooth, and dripping with disinterest.

Claude sighed, rubbing a hand through his sleep-tousled golden hair, strands curling from where they had flattened against the divan’s cushion, and the clothes he was wearing were slightly open, revealing his well-built body. “Then I’ll tell them we’ll have our dinner here.”

Cale almost sighed aloud, barely catching himself as he closed his eyes for half a second, breathing through the growing ache of annoyance in his chest.

Dinner was served shortly after in one of the Emperor’s private dining rooms—a long, formal table too grand for three people. Claude took the head seat, Athanasia sat at the far end, her tiny frame almost swallowed by the towering chair. They didn’t speak. Neither of them looked at the other.

Cale stood there, unmoving, unsure where to sit.

He began walking toward Athy, his first instinct to sit beside her, where it was familiar, safe, and mostly quiet. But before he could pull out the chair, a large hand caught his shoulder and redirected him.

Claude said nothing, but steered him all the way to the opposite end and pushed him gently into the seat to his left.

Cale was flabbergasted. He stared up at the Emperor, eyes wide in disbelief, before shifting his gaze to Athy, who had turned her face away, suddenly very interested in the cutlery.

The first course was served, but Cale didn’t get a chance to even reach for the knife. Before his hands could brush against the utensils, Claude had already taken them.

The Emperor—His Majesty, this war-forged god of a man feared across the continent—was cutting up his steak.

Not just cutting. He was slicing the tender meat into neat, perfect bites and placing one on a fork, holding it out toward Cale’s mouth like a nursemaid feeding a child.

“Eat,” he said simply.

Cale stared at the fork. Then at Claude. Then back to the fork. He wanted to glare, wanted to scream ‘ Are you insane?’ but instead, after a painfully long hesitation, opened his mouth and took the piece.

He chewed slowly, like he expected it to be laced with poison.

“I can do it myself, Your Majesty,” Cale mumbled around the bite, reaching for the fork, desperate to reclaim some shred of dignity.

Claude’s frown deepened. “Don’t talk while eating.”

Cale’s mouth snapped shut. He nodded once, tight and controlled, jaw tense.

He was being treated like a child.

Right .

He was a child.

He just couldn’t remember a time he had ever truly acted like one.

At the other end of the table, Athanasia carefully began cutting her meal. Her movements were slower than usual, deliberate. She tried to focus on the food, but her blue jeweled eyes kept flickering upward.

She watched them with silent fascination.

Claude and Cale were elegant figures haloed in gold candlelight, blue jeweled eyes reflecting pieces of the same sky.

‘It's strange,’ she thought.

They looked too beautiful sitting beside each other like that. Too alike.

Like they belonged in the same painting.

Even if that painting was a little… warped.

Athanasia tried to continue the act of a sweet daughter who adored her father, but the situation was all too strange. Her gaze flickered downward whenever Cale glanced in her direction, flinched slightly when Claude reached for a knife to cut his steak, and nearly sighed helplessly when dinner finished.

By the end of dinner, Athy was floored. Claude’s attention was equally divided, and yet, somehow hearing his constant corrections of Cale made her head spin. It was a classic case of an unstoppable force versus an immovable object. Claude’s insistence on being called father and Cale’s utter refusal drained her energy from the opposite side of the table, making her unable to understand how a person could handle the pressure from a man like Claude.

If she hadn’t already cemented her fate in calling him “papa,” she doubts she’d survive refusing him once. Let alone refusing all throughout dinner.

‘Such is the benefits of being the firstborn—or maybe it's cause Cale’s a boy…’ She didn’t know the answer; in fact, the reason weighed on her mind like a sack of rice. 

She managed to get through dinner, scratching her plate a few times, making an annoyingly loud noise in the cutting silence of the dining room. 

She survived.

“I’ll send a teacher over to your palace tomorrow,” Claude announced to the young princess, who almost tripped over her own feet hearing him speak so suddenly. “You are more uneducated than I expected, probably because you had uneducated people teach you."

Both Cale and Athy wanted to roll their eyes. A silent phrase of recognition passed through their head simultaneously. ‘ And whose fault is that? ’ 

Athanasia simply smiled, subduing the rage she felt towards his insults to her dear maids. “Athy will do her best, Papa!”

His response was quiet, but Claude nodded, sending her off without a word. Feliz, the ever loyal knight, quietly took the princess home to the Ruby Palace, where she could go off and revise her plans. Currently, life was far too terrifying to remain stagnant. 

“And you, child,” Claude suddenly began speaking, turning to Cale, who, this time around, did not try to sneak off. He stood off to the side, eyebrow raised at the unconventional form of address. “Don’t you think it’s about time you call me by my title?”

Cale looked confused. “Your Majesty?” He said, his voice tired and uncomfortable with the confrontation. Whatever could he mean? Cale thought sarcastically.

“Father.” Claude corrected for the nth time today, to which Cale didn’t even hide his expression. 

“You are His Majesty, Claude de Alger Obelia, the Emperor of the Obelian Empire.” The young prince shook his head as if spouting the title in its entirety would get through to him.

“Your father.”

“I am not Athanasia,” he bit back. “I do not hold you to the same standard. She doesn’t understand who you are, just that you are her parent.” Cale shook his head again, sighing as if talking to a child. “To me, you are the Emperor, feared by all. A man of great power and influence. Claude de Alger Obelia, His Majesty to the Obelian Empire, that is who you are to me.”

Silence rang out in the thick and cold air of the dining hall. Cale was already seven years old, completing his studies on his own. He already understood far more than most children his age would, and yet, there was a nagging part in Claude’s consciousness that didn’t want to accept he could only be just the Emperor.

He tried to forget.

Tried to push away all thoughts of them, only having planned to let the two live their own lives in the quiet expanses of their respective Palaces, and yet—here he remained with his eldest child, who would not even look at him with the same hopeful eyes most children gave deserving parents.

And it hit Claude. 

He wasn’t a deserving father. He wasn’t someone who was owed love and affection, not from a child whom he had left to be cared for by other people. His actions now did not change the past seven years of this boy’s life.

So he nodded and finally asked: “Then what shall I do to have you call me father from now on?”

Chapter Text

Two years passed in the blink of an eye. Cale had slowly gotten used to Athanasia’s presence. The child who had remained in the Ruby Palace for most of her life was now freely roaming the palaces without much thought. She’d come visit whenever she pleased, disturbing Cale’s routine and gaining an annoyed glare despite Cale still pouring her tea (or milk).

She visited him often with attempts to befriend him, and Cale never felt much need to assure her of her position. After all, if he became Emperor, she’d be safe. But that wasn’t the plan.

Well, she doesn’t need to know that.

Cale sipped the flowering tea, skimming through textbooks and scrolls, Athy sitting across from him, chatting away. He offered a noncommittal hum whenever the conversation required, but showed no definite interest in the subject.

“Your hair has grown a lot longer in two years.” Athanasia tilted her head, lifting the teacup to her lips. Her gaze trailed down the long locks of hair that reached the same length as hers, falling a few inches past mid-back on the nine-year-old prince. “It looks like the hue has changed, too. Why's that?”

Cale’s hair, which had previously been a deep crimson to blond, had shifted and become a golden blond to crimson. It confused Athanasia to no end. From red to blond to blonde to red, she questioned her recollection of their first meeting. 

Cale hummed an answer. “Magic.” Said so simply, she was dumbfounded. Was he already learning magic? No, he had no teachers for that to even be possible.

Cale didn’t look up from the textbook he’d been reading. Eyes still moving across the page as he began. “My mother,” His tone was light, gentler than usual as he spoke of the woman who bore him. “She placed magic on an artifact I was given two years ago. It dyed my hair red for some time. Now that the magic has settled, it’s returned to its previous state.” He lifted a lock of his hair, fingers rubbing where the colors shifted.

“This is my natural hair color.” He said flatly.. His hair color was beautiful, a mix of the Emperor and the late Empress, yet he didn’t seem to care. “Ah, though it tends to change when I use magic.”

…What? 

Magic?

“You’re already learning magic?!” Athy choked, spitting out some of her tea in the process.

Cale’s nose crinkled. He pulled out a handkerchief, handing it over to his sister, who was in the middle of a coughing fit. “Mind your manners.”

“Wait–Wait—back up. For how long? I thought Claude had been ignoring both of us!” She coughed into the handkerchief, wiping her mouth. She slammed her hands against the table, eyes widening in surprise. Was this guy really using magic? 

 Cale frowned. “Since last year.” He crossed his arms, tilting his head with a defiant look. “I’m self-taught.”

‘What the hell, bro?!’ Athy could hardly believe it.

“You what?! Self… are you serious?” She gasped, now eyeing the textbooks he’d been reading. Were they magic books…? — Nope, just more ancient text she’d been struggling with. 

“You act like it’s difficult.” It was a strange fact—Cale had never had a problem with magic, neither in this life nor the previous one. 

‘This little—’ Athy bit her tongue, minding her manners as suggested. She would have complained, but she had nothing to say. ‘Why am I surprised? This kid is a freak genius.’ Cale has always been strange. Forced to grow up from a young age. A child of full noble blood, unlike Jennette and Athanasia combined. Between the two, who could be considered more legitimate? Jennette’s mother was just a noblewoman who slept with the Emperor. Athanasia’s was a concubine, and not even for the Emperor.

Between the three, Cale was born to married parents and a noblewoman.

She huffed, slouching in her seat to pout. “When will you begin actually studying?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged, too nonchalant for her liking. “Whenever I do.”

“Tsk, you and that attitude of yours.”

“Oh boo, I doubt it’s my reaction you dislike but the reality of it all.” He smirked, his grin spreading wider as he looked up at her frustrated expression.

Her brow rose. “And that reality is?”

“I’m simply cooler than you.”

Athy slumped further in her seat, staring at her tea with a petulant pout as if it’d personally offended her. She didn’t even attempt to argue back, only resigning to let out a long sigh.

He was probably right. Cale usually was. It was super weird, like he was a mind reader.

Cale arched an eyebrow, pleased with himself, and casually turned a page in his book. “In other news, I see you had a small dispute with your nanny and knight.”

Athy blinked at the sudden change in topic. “...Huh?”

“A few days ago, I noticed it but tried not to point it out. However, that lovesick redheaded knight— Felix , looked like a kicked puppy. You never did tell me what happened.”

Her expression shifted, though Cale continued idly reading, turning the pages and sipping tea. The air shifted, and she sat back up, hands curling around her cup.

“It was nothing, “ she said quickly, but Cale could already tell that was far from the truth. “Well… it wasn’t nothing but—it was just… I don’t know… weird?”

Cale looked up.

Athy glanced at him, then back at the tea in her hands. “I said something dumb by accident,” she muttered. “Something about wishing to see my mom…” Athy didn’t know why she opened up to this kid about such problems. He knows she’s not really Athanasia, and yet he continues to treat her like… a sister. She didn’t have family before, so she assumes this is what a sibling bond is like. She liked whatever this thing they had going on was.

Maybe it’s because Cale never judged and really listened to her. Perhaps it’s because he silently waited for her to finish and look to him for an answer, but she just kept talking.

“I don’t know why it even slipped out. I was drawing, just passing time, and I… I asked about her. I was trying to draw her, and for some dumb reason, I said I wanted to see her.” She paused, cheeks puffing as she tried not to frown. “I don’t even know anything about the woman, so maybe it was just a morbid curiosity… being curious about the woman that gave birth to this body and all.”

Cale nodded slowly. “Understandable.”

“And then Lily got that look she gets—you know, like she’s thinking a little too hard—and Felix panicked . He started muttering about memorial stones and using magic to transfer memories—” She groaned, thumping her head against the table. “They were planning to ask the Emperor if there was a way he could use magic to let me see her. Like—using a spell on the Emperor to dig through his memories…”

Cale’s eye narrowed, frowning immediately. “That’s incredibly reckless.”

“I know ,” Athy groaned again, face still squished against the table. “Do you know how terrifying that idea is? Imagine them walking up to the literal Emperor just to ask him, ‘Hey, can we use magic to pick your brain for memories so your daughter can cry over her dead mom for ten minutes?”

“For the love of

Cale leaned back in his chair, gently pushing his hair over his shoulder. “Hm? You were the one to stop them?”

“Of course I did!” Athy sat up again, brushing her bangs out of her face. “Do I look suicidal?”

“No,” He smirked, “Just occasionally sentimental.”

She wanted to laugh, but the room felt too heavy—a thoughtful quiet weighing on her body like a sack of rice.

She glanced at him then away just as quickly. “...Sorry,” she muttered, guilt creeping into her tone. “That was insensitive, I forgot your mother is also…”

“Dead.” Cale finished, simply, eyes moving back to his textbooks and scrolls. “Yes, that she is.”

Athy bit her lip. “I didn’t mean to bring it up like that.”

“I know.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I know.”

“I’m really sorry.”

“Athanasia,” Cale called, looking into her eyes in a way that seemed to stare directly into her soul. “I know and I’m alright.”

“Right…” Athy smiled, and he returned it with a mischievous grin.

“Still cooler than you, though,” he said.

“Ugh! Cale!”

The midday quiet of the Emerald Palace was broken by a gentle knock, followed by the soft creak of the doors opening.

Lily entered first, her footsteps light, followed closely by Felix, both bowing their heads in practiced unison.

“His Majesty is requesting Your Highnesses’ presence,” Lily said with a smile, her voice just slightly too formal to be natural.

Cale glanced up from his scrolls, already setting aside his teacup with a quiet sigh. Athanasia perked up, brushing invisible crumbs from her skirts.

“Is it tea time again already?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Seems so,” Cale muttered, standing from his cushion with a light stretch. Before he could move another step, Liam appeared from behind Lily, his expression calm but resolute.

“Wait just a moment, Your Highness,” Liam said. “You can’t go to His Majesty looking like that.”

Cale blinked. “Like what?”

“Like a ruffled page boy,” Freya answered as she swept in behind Liam, arms crossed. She gave the prince a once-over before kneeling to help remove a stray thread from his sleeve. “Honestly, how do you get away with looking this unbothered all the time?”

“I am unbothered,” Cale answered plainly.

“You’re impossible,” she muttered, ruffling his bangs affectionately before stepping aside to let Liam work.

Liam gently turned Cale by the shoulders and began smoothing out his soft, high-collared tunic, which was already pressed to perfection but required no less than flawless presentation. He reached for the prince’s long golden-blond hair, fingers combing through the smooth strands with quiet precision. His touch was deft and practiced, braiding the top layer back into a delicate half-up, half-down style, tied with a dark red ribbon that matched the sigil embroidered at the prince’s collar.

The effect was subtle but striking.

With the sunlight filtering in through the tall windows, the soft crimson and honey-gold of Cale’s hair shimmered like woven silk. Combined with his unreadable, almost aloof expression and impossibly pristine posture, he looked every bit the image of a young imperial heir—distant, composed, and effortlessly elegant. The kind of beauty that invited envy.

Athanasia watched him with quiet awe, her eyes narrowing just a bit.

‘Jealous. I’m jealous. He’s too cool.’

“Done,” Liam said, brushing a few last strands into place before stepping back.

“Of course he looks perfect,” Freya muttered. “Now don’t ruin it by scowling.”

“I’m not scowling,” Cale deadpanned.

Meanwhile, Lily knelt before Athanasia, gently tugging her hair into neat curls and tying the ribbons tighter. Her fingers worked through the delicate strands carefully, smoothing out the wrinkles in the girl’s baby blue dress.

“There,” Lily whispered with a proud smile. “What a beautiful princess.”

Athy beamed. “Thank you, Lily.”

The moment lingered, a bit stiff, neither of them quite knowing how to fill the quiet between them. Athy hadn’t spoken much to Lily or Felix these past few weeks, and it showed in the hesitant way they hovered around her now.

“Ready, Your Highness?” Felix asked, his hand pressed over his chest.

Athy nodded. Then, very seriously, “Piggyback”

“...Huh?”

“I want a piggyback ride.”

Felix blinked. “Ah… of course.”

He knelt, and Athy climbed onto his back with practiced ease, her tiny arms wrapping securely around his neck. She giggled quietly when he rose to full height.

“I can walk, you know,” she whispered.

“But it’s more fun like this,” Felix whispered back, smiling as he started toward the door.

Cale turned to Freya, who was already opening the path for him. He offered no words—just a soft glance of acknowledgement.

She grinned. “I suppose I’m not getting a piggyback request?”

Cale looked at her unamused. “Don’t be ridiculous,” Cale said coolly. “I have dignity.”

With that, the young prince walked alongside his knight, every step exuding calm poise as his long braid swayed behind him.

Behind them, Athy’s laughter echoed down the hall, her little voice rising over Felix’s exaggerated sighs.

— —

As the doors to the Emperor’s audience chamber remained firmly closed, Athanasia’s brows knitted together.

‘Why call us over if he’s going to be busy?’ she thought, arms crossed as she fidgeted from side to side on the plush bench. She was about to complain out loud when the heavy doors creaked open.

A tall man with stark white hair and gleaming golden eyes stepped out.

Athy blinked. ‘Wait. No way. That’s…’

Roger Alpheus.

Ijekiel’s father.

The male lead’s freaking father.

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Cale, who had been lazily leaning against a carved marble column, straightened. The air changed—not with tension, but something colder. Sharper. The prince’s eyes locked on the man exiting the chamber with a flat, unimpressed expression that was quietly devastating. It wasn’t hatred. It was indifference laced with disdain, like a king looking down at a dog trying to steal a seat at his table.

Roger Alpheus hesitated only slightly before recovering his composure. First, he bowed to Felix, clearly recognizing the knight who usually stood behind the Emperor. Then to Freya, who responded with her usual smirk and crossed arms.

And then finally, almost reluctantly, he turned to the royal children.

He bowed again, but this time with a self-serving smile.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince. Your Highness, the Princess,” Roger greeted. “It is a great honor to see you both today.”

It was a mistake.

There was a beat of silence, and Cale didn’t return the greeting.

He simply blinked slowly, calculatingly. A blank look of bored superiority settled onto his features, making everyone nearby shift on their feet. The weight of his gaze made Roger hesitate, and those watching could feel it: this wasn’t a child being cold. This was a predator entertaining a lesser being. Even Felix turned his head slightly, clearly uncomfortable.

Roger cleared his throat and continued, trying to play the doting noble.

“I had hoped to visit His Majesty to discuss a matter of concern. But I must say, it brings me peace to see the little Princess looking so healthy and bright.” He turned to Athy, voice syrupy. “Don’t you get lonely in the Ruby Palace, my dear? Perhaps you would enjoy a companion? Someone closer to your age?”

Athy stared blankly.

She’d met this ambitious mutt about two years ago before joining Cale and Claude for tea. He seems to be the same as before.

She waved a hand, interrupting in the most Athy way possible: “Hey. White dog.”

Roger blinked in horror, caught off guard.

Athy leaned forward on her elbows, grinning. “You forgot to bow lower when talking to royalty.”

Freya snorted. Felix cleared his throat.

Cale remained silent, still watching.

“P-Princess…” Roger stammered before forcing a chuckle. “Children do say the funniest things.” He leaned in slightly. “I merely wanted to offer some comfort. Perhaps… a playmate. My son is around His Highness, Prince Caelus’ age.”

Cale’s voice was cold as steel. “I have no interest in using your spawn as company. If I did we’d only play fetch.”

The temperature in the hallway dropped.

Roger, undeterred—or perhaps simply too arrogant—pressed on. “Well… I also know a girl. About the same age as the princess. Sweet-tempered, quiet, very gentle.”

Both royal children froze.

‘Jennette ,’ they thought simultaneously.

Athy smiled, wide and sharp. “I don’t need a friend who’s going to be dumber than me.”

Roger looked taken aback. “She’s quite bright, I assure you.”

“Oh?” Athy tilted her head. “Then she must have finished reading the second volume of Modern Social Theory by Lord Evens? It’s standard reading for anyone remotely educated in this palace.”

Roger blinked. “Ah, I don’t believe she’s—”

“Is that so?” Athy smiled innocently. “Then is she smarter than my brother?”

Cale’s grin curled like a blade unsheathed.

“If the girl isn’t smarter than me,” he said smoothly, “then she isn’t worth anyone’s time.”

Roger tried to object, but Cale’s voice cut sharper now.

“Can she decipher the sigil-rune dialects used by the Mages of Erath, or debate the philosophical paradoxes of the Fourfold Lineage?” Cale stepped forward, a glint in his eyes that looked far too dangerous for a seven-year-old.

“She can’t,” Athy whispered in feigned horror. “That’s just embarrassing.”

Roger opened his mouth, but the moment was lost.

“Can she read Arlanta?” he asked, tilting his head. “The official language of Pascual?”

Athy leaned closer to her brother, eyes twinkling, and in a melodic foreign tongue, she began to speak:

“The heavens know everything.”

Cale joined without missing a beat, voice low and chilling:

“The truth cannot be hidden.”

“May god punish deceivers with a thousand punishments,” Athy continued.

“And,” Cale said with a devilish smirk, stepping just into Roger’s space, “they shall burn and rot in the lakes of hell.”

Silence.

Roger had the good sense to go completely still, the air chilling further around them. The young prince grinned, more terrifying than any war general, looking positively amused. 

“Oh my, looks like our time here is up.” Cale backed the grown man up against the wall, smiling at him. “We’re off to meet with the Emperor, Roger Alpheus. ”

Chapter Text

The chamber doors creaked open once more, and this time, they entered without delay.

The audience room, vast and regal, filled with an oppressive quiet. Air thick with the scent of rose oil and incense drifted lazily through the space, chased along by the breeze that flowed through narrow, arched windows. Sunlight, bright and speckled, streamed through patterned glass to lay warm strips of gold across the polished marble floor.

At the far end was the Emperor’s private lounge. A raised daybed structure draped in pale blue silk and hemmed by climbing rose bushes in golden planters. It was more indulgent than imposing, padded with cloudlike cushions and thick brocade, looking more suited to a spoiled pet than a ruler. 

But to Cale, it might as well have been his throne.

He strode forward with the practiced grace of someone who’d walked courtrooms in another life, not a hair out of place, his long coat shifting fluidly with each step. His expression remained unchanged: composed, cool, entirely unbothered by the weight of imperial air. Athanasia followed at his heels like a small duckling, visibly more hesitant but trying her best to look composed.

As they passed Freya and Felix, the two knights stood straighter, exchanging a muttered conversation just under their breath.

“Five gold says it’s taxation reform today,” Freya murmured.

Felix snorted. “I’m betting infrastructure. He’s been eyeing that canal map all week.”

“Gods help us all if he gets bored enough to bring up minting policies again.”

“I wonder if they’ll talk about trade again,” Freya muttered under her breath from her post near the back wall.

“Gods, I hope not,” Felix replied, hands behind his back. “Last week I thought I might fall into a coma when his Highness started discussing regional minting standards.”

“Didn’t he call the Eastern Treasury Director ‘incompetent in seven languages’?”

“Eight,” Felix corrected solemnly. “He finished with Arlanta.”

The knights straightened fully the moment the two royal children reached the lounging platform. Cale, without even sparing them a glance, stopped just before the edge, bent down with practiced ease, and slipped off his shoes. He set them precisely beside one another, then climbed onto the daybed as if it belonged to him.

Which, frankly, it kind of did.

He curled into the cushions like a house cat claiming territory, hugging a large embroidered pillow under one arm, head propped slightly as he sank into velvet. His hair caught the light like strands of red-dipped gold. Even lounging, there was something inherently regal about him. It was almost annoying.

Athy paused before the step, glancing back at Claude.

The Emperor had already risen from his lounge chair and scroll-stacked table, handing off a document to a nearby attendant without a word. His knights instinctively stepped back a respectful distance, knowing well enough by now that these visits were familial rather than formal.

Claude made his way toward his children in calm, unhurried strides.

Then, without warning, he reached forward, pinched the ribbon at the back of Athy’s dress, and lifted her up like a very pretty parcel of diplomatic mail.

“Ah—Papa!” she squeaked, arms flailing for a moment before he carefully placed her onto the lounging area beside Cale, upright and unharmed.

He didn’t even wrinkle the skirt.

Cale glanced sideways, unimpressed. “You’re treating her like luggage again.”

Claude ignored him, arching a brow as he lowered himself beside the children. “She’s not complaining.”

“I will if you do that to me,” Cale deadpanned, pulling the pillow closer.

Claude hummed in vague amusement. “Hmm.”

Once everyone had settled, Cale in his bundle of pillows, Athy perched with polite posture, and Claude reclining just enough to still look like he ruled the continent, he spoke.

“Well?” he asked, eyes flicking between them. “How are your studies progressing?”

Athy perked up. “Good! I finished the second volume on imperial history and I’ve started on the third. I also learned about trade between Arlanta and the southern provinces—oh, and I memorized all the important dates like the Ascension Treaty and the Sapphire Uprising!”

“I’ve also  finished arithmetic volume four, the second historical records of the Rubien Dynasty, and my calligraphy practice got a gold sticker from Sir Liam—”

Claude blinked once. “Gold… sticker?”

“It’s shiny!” she said proudly, puffing out her chest.

Cale, off to the side and still hugging his pillow, muttered, “Bribery with glitter. The downfall of all great empires.”

Claude ignored that—barely. “And?”

“Oh!” Athy continued, eyes glinting, “We met a white dog on the way here! He tried to sell us some kids or something. Said he had spares.”

Claude’s brows rose slowly. “Excuse me?”

“Roger Alpheus,” Cale supplied, as if that explained everything. “The man who smells like old coin purses and the crushed dreams of children.”

Once the tittering died down, Claude turned his gaze to the boy now reclining with such unbothered elegance it made most courtiers look like beggers. “Cale.”

“Hmm?”

“Your studies?”

Cale shifted upright just slightly, the way one might for a performance they weren’t thrilled about giving but knew they’d nail anyway.

“I reviewed the legal code from three dynasties ago and cross-referenced it with the current tax system. The rural districts are being overtaxed at a disproportionate rate compared to trade cities. I drafted a proposal to restructure the balance.”

Claude blinked once.

“And,” Cale continued, plucking a biscuit off the nearby tray and snapping it in half with aristocratic disdain, “I corrected the military expenditures that were off by 1.7% in the March reports. I believe the inflation projections were calculated incorrectly.”

Athy blinked.

Felix twitched.

Claude narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “And why were they off?”

“The auditor’s numbers were rounded before total cost analysis was applied,” Cale said, deadpan. “Common mistake.”

Claude huffed. “Anything else?”

“I started learning Arlanta cursive,” he added. “Much prettier than the standard script. Suits imperial edicts.”

Athy visibly deflated beside him.

Claude turned toward her. “Your progress is excellent as well,” he said, though the corner of his mouth quirked upward slightly.

Cale leaned back again, pillowing his cheek against the velvet cushion, utterly content in his quiet superiority.

“The internal structure of the Eastern trade networks is still flawed. I’ve been reading more into the Sultoran treaties, most of them are imbalanced, we’re overextending ourselves with little return.”

Claude raised a brow. “You’re referring to the revised trade act passed last winter?”

“Yes, Father. The clause on noble import taxes needs adjustment. As it stands, the middle-tier merchants are being crushed while the high-tier nobles circumvent tariffs with exemptions. It destabilizes class equilibrium.”

Athy blinked slowly. “…Huh?”

She tried to follow. She really did. The first few minutes were okay. Imports, taxes, nobles, all words she’d heard before. She nodded occasionally as though trying to absorb wisdom through osmosis.

Claude leaned forward, resting an elbow on one knee. “You think lowering exemptions will encourage investment?”

“No, but redistributing levies toward large-scale exports might. And reforming the transportation guilds’ licensing system. Right now, the Royal Office favors the Drossel Line.” Cale’s eyes flicked upward. “It’s inefficient. Biased.”

Athy nodded again, much slower this time. Her teacup was getting heavier.

Claude made a sound of interest. “The Drossels are long-time allies of the throne.”

“And they’ll stay allies if we introduce fair competition. Loyalty built on privilege isn’t loyalty at all.”

There was a beat of silence. Claude smiled faintly, folding his hands.

“You’ll be a dangerous man one day, Caelus.”

“I’d rather be effective.”

Athy’s eyes were crossing now. Were they still talking about trade? She couldn’t tell anymore. They had started using names and acronyms she had never seen in her textbooks. Something about economic decentralization, provincial autonomy, post-feudalistic recession—

She blinked and yawned.

“…You’re losing your audience,” she muttered.

Cale glanced down at her, her head tilted and resting against his arm, eyes already blinking slower than usual. With a quiet exhale, he shifted his position, guiding her gently until she lay more comfortably across his side, her cheek resting over his chest. His arms tucked around her small frame securely, and she murmured something incoherent before fully giving in to sleep.

Claude watched the movement with interest. His hand reached toward Athy—

But Cale, without even looking, lightly slapped it away.

Both knights froze.

Even Claude stilled.

“She’s sleeping,” Cale said, his tone lightly scolding, like an older brother catching someone about to poke a puppy. “Just leave her be.”

Claude raised a brow.

Then he smirked.

With a flick of his fingers, a soft pulse of magic glimmered through the air, lifting both children with weightless precision. Cale grumbled but didn’t resist as they were carefully repositioned, Cale now resting against Claude’s chest, with Athy snuggled securely in his lap, still cradled protectively in her brother’s arms.

The Emperor leaned back slightly, adjusting for the new weight and oddly comfortable arrangement. His hand brushed lightly over his son’s hair, noting the golden-crimson hues glinting like fire under the sun.

“Don’t get used to this,” Cale muttered.

Claude gave a low chuckle. “It’s already too late for that.”

They sat like that for some time. The conversation resumed, quieter now, but no less serious. The Emperor listened as his son proposed reforms with a sharpness far beyond his years.

But amid the swirling discussion of empire and politics and legacy, there lay a peaceful moment untouched by ambition:

A child holding his sleeping sister while planning the future of a world she had yet to understand.

And Claude, the Emperor feared by many, listened not just as a ruler, but, perhaps for once, as a father.

The conversation lingered far longer than any sane child should have tolerated.

But then, Cale wasn’t quite a normal child.

Claude leaned slightly against the cushions, arms still wrapped loosely around his children as the discussion wore on. Cale had begun with reform ideas surrounding taxation, then slipped seamlessly into matters of economic restructuring.

“The empire’s reliance on southern textile exports is going to lead to another shortfall come winter,” Cale muttered into Claude’s chest, voice dull and muffled by the thick robes. “Redistribute resources to smaller regional guilds in the north. And for the love of the Crown, disband the Estrel Coalition before they monopolize regional grain.”

Claude raised a brow. “You’ve been reading budget reports again.”

Cale made a sound that might’ve been a yes. Or a grunt. Possibly both.

Cale, propped up on Claude’s lap with Athy nestled into him like a warm, dozing cat, continued his briefing like it was a daily routine.

“There’s a problem in the border regions again, harvest taxes are spiking because of corrupt local officers. If you don’t remove them, the economy will collapse on the edges, which’ll ripple inwards. We need to establish a mobile audit division, possibly under the Treasury’s direct command, though I’d prefer it be autonomous.”

Claude made a low, thoughtful sound. “You want to cut the nobles out entirely?”

Cale nodded against the Emperor’s chest, his voice a bit slower now. “They’re inefficient, greedy, and too concerned with court drama. Cut them out and fund a new guild. I’ve already written a charter. If you stamp it—”

Claude frowned. “You drafted a charter?”

“Two, actually. One for the trade guilds, one for regional logistics. They’re in my study.”

There was a moment of silence. Did this child have too much free time?

“Have you considered you’re nine?”

“Have you considered I’m right?”

Claude chuckled, and even Freya, stoic as ever near the door, barely bit back a smile. Felix, too, allowed a brief look of admiration.

But slowly, even Cale’s words began to drift, his speech drawing longer between breaths. His eyes, once sharp and glowing with resolve, grew heavier with each passing moment.

And then, without warning, he shifted, turning slightly so his cheek rested more comfortably against Claude’s chest. His hands tugged gently at the Emperor’s long robe, crumpling it a bit as he sighed, a sound suspiciously close to a contented hum.

He leaned fully into Claude, head resting against his chest, and let out a long, breathy sigh. One hand remained lightly over Athy’s back, keeping her steady, even in sleep.

Claude blinked down at him, unsure if he should be offended or— strangely —pleased.

Silence stretched until Cale, voice now slurring ever so slightly from fatigue, said something that made Felix freeze in place by the window.

“She wants to see her mother.”

The room turned still.

Cale’s eyes were almost shut, but he continued as if discussing the weather. “Athy… she’s curious about Madam Diana. So, do me a favor and show her.”

Claude’s lips twitched.

“It’s a request,” Cale added, as if that made it softer, “but I’d be disappointed if it didn’t happen.”

Of course, even in near-sleep, Cale had the gall to give orders disguised as pleasantries.

“Mm,” Claude replied, eyes flicking down to the boy in his lap. “And what about you?”

Cale blinked lazily, confusion stirring in his sleepy gaze. “Me?”

“Yes,” Claude said flatly. “You. What do you want?”

Cale tilted his head. “Um… Pie. When I wake up.”

“…That’s not what I meant.”

“I like apple pie,” Cale muttered, clearly missing the deeper meaning. He yawned, chin tipping downward. “A little warm with the crust flaky but not crumbly. You know.”

Claude looked skyward for patience he wasn’t known to possess.

This child. This oblivious, aggravatingly selfless little brat.

Before he could correct him, before he could even press the subject, before he could do anything , Cale promptly passed out. His breathing softened, evened out, his brows smoothing as sleep overtook him fully.

And that was what bothered Claude. This boy, all sharp words and quicker thoughts, who held grudges like war banners and calculated economic policy better than half the ministers in court, had no idea what to do with himself . He gave everything. He expected nothing.

Before Claude could even formulate a reply, Cale’s breathing deepened. His eyelids lowered completely. The boy was asleep, limbs slack, a quiet pout beginning to settle into his face.

Claude stared down at him.

Then, with a deep breath, he lifted both hands and pressed his fingertips lightly to the children’s foreheads. The magic swelled between them—soft and glowing, the hum of old memories and locked-away feelings beginning to unfurl.

Claude stared at the boy in his arms, now peacefully unconscious, his silver hair tangled against Claude’s robes.

And then, with a quiet sigh, he lifted a hand.

Magic coiled around his fingers, shimmering faintly gold. The spell was soft—a memory-sharing incantation tied to his own mind and heart, threaded carefully so as not to overwhelm.

He began with Diana.

Warm, radiant images of a gentle woman with eyes like dusk and a voice like the wind after rain flowed into Athy’s slumbering thoughts. She smiled in her sleep—slow, wide, and delighted—and mumbled something aloud:

“Beautiful…”

Felix’s heart clenched. Lily turned away, one hand over her mouth.

But then Claude glanced down at Cale.

The difference was immediate.

Where Athy’s features glowed with comfort and awe, Cale trembled. It was barely perceptible, just a subtle twitch of his fingers, a slight curve in his spine—but Claude noticed. The boy’s small hands were clenched tightly into his robe, and though he made no sound, there was unmistakable wetness against Claude’s chest.

Tears.

Silent, contained, and clearly not meant to be seen.

Claude stared down at the boy who had not asked to see his mother. Who had arranged for his sister to get a wish granted but never voiced one for himself. Who had gifted a memory, and expected nothing.

And in that rare, quiet moment, something shifted behind the Emperor’s eyes.

His hand hovered over Cale’s crown, fingers threading through soft, pale gold locks.

“…You really are a little fool,” he murmured quietly.

His hand hovered above the boy’s face, uncertain for once. A flicker of memory passed through him, of another child, smaller and softer, weaker, with similar hair and stubborn pride.

Claude closed his eyes for a moment.

Then, without a word, he reached down, covering Cale’s eyes with one large hand. Fingers spread protectively.

A moment later, magic shimmered once again.

The dream shifted.

The heaviness of loss gave way to something lighter—sunlight, laughter, and the clatter of porcelain over a white-linen picnic. Cale and Athy sat under a tree, bickering over dessert. There were birds. Wind. Peace.

And Cale’s expression relaxed.

He didn’t stop frowning but the tears slowed, his grip eased, and soon he was simply sleeping again, lips slightly parted, brow creased in only mild displeasure.

Claude stared down at him, something unreadable flickering behind those piercing blue eyes.

“Stubborn brat,” he muttered under his breath.

When morning came, or whatever time it was by the time they awoke, Athy stretched first, yawning and blinking in confusion before nestling against Cale again. He was already awake.

Cale sat up slowly, arms still around her, face blank.

But his eyes were puffy.

Red-rimmed.

Claude said nothing. Neither did the knights.

Cale rubbed at his cheek like he had an itch, looked away quickly, and mumbled, “I had a weird dream.”

Felix wisely pretended not to hear.

Claude, meanwhile, leaned in closer. “What kind of dream?”

“…You were a pie.”

Claude blinked.

“A very annoying, magic-using pie,” Cale added flatly. “One that didn’t listen at all.”

Athy let out a sleepy giggle.

Claude huffed and leaned back, dragging a hand down his face. “Send for cooks to make the prince a pie.”

“I want an apple pie with flaky cinnamon crust and ice cream.”

Claude shot him a glance, and Cale avoided his gaze. He wants what he wants. “Quickly, go, go.”