Next Day : Morning
Seraphina stood by the large oak desk in Kael's office, carefully arranging a stack of neatly written documents for the next court meeting. The room was quiet except for the soft rustle of parchment as she sorted through each paper, ensuring everything was perfectly in place.
Just as she reached for the last scroll, the study door swung open—without a knock.
A young boy, around fourteen, with striking violet hair and eyes to match, marched into the room confidently.
"Kael!" he called out, his voice filled with mischief.
Seraphina turned, startled by the sudden interruption. "His Highness is currently at the training grounds," she replied politely.
The boy blinked at her, then tilted his head. "Who are you?"
"I'm his aide," she said simply, straightening up.
Before the boy could say anything else, the office doors burst open again.
Kael strode in—shirtless, his chest still glistening with sweat, clearly fresh from the training grounds. His eyes immediately scanned the room, locking onto her.
"You stink, big brother," the boy said, wrinkling his nose dramatically.
Seraphina blinked in surprise.
(Inner thoughts)
(Big brother? She had never heard Kael mention a sibling. Then realization hit—He must be the son of Kael's aunt… The Crown Prince's cousin.)
Ignoring the boy's remark, Kael stepped toward her with concern etched on his face. "Are you alright?" he asked, voice low but serious.
She furrowed her brows. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Kael turned his gaze to the boy, his tone suddenly cold. "She's mine. Don't even think about harming her."
The young boy's eyes widened, a flush of frustration on his cheeks. "You're so mean!" he shouted, and with a stomp, turned and ran out of the room.
Seraphina turned back to Kael, confused—and more than a little flustered. "You shouldn't have said that," she mumbled. "And you should… at least put a shirt on," she added, turning her face away, cheeks warm.
Kael blinked, glancing down at himself. Then smirked.
"What? You don't like the view?" he teased, clearly enjoying her embarrassment.
She shot him a quick glare, still looking away. "Not the point."
Chuckling, he finally turned and walked out of the room.
Seraphina was left staring at the papers again, but now her thoughts were miles away. Why did he say that to a kid? she wondered, remembering the protectiveness in his voice… 'She's mine.'
Her heart fluttered, the warmth in her cheeks spreading deeper.
No matter how much she tried to reason with herself, there was no denying it—those words lingered far longer than they should have.