After the night when Murad discovered the depth of his feelings toward John and enjoyed the freedom to express himself away from the royal constraints, he woke up the next morning overwhelmed by a new sense of inner confusion.
His heart still fluttered intensely at the mention of John's name, and every memory of the previous night only deepened his turmoil and curiosity. He tried to organize his thoughts and review his weekly schedule, but he found himself drowning in questions about his feelings and what he truly wanted.
In the midst of all that, an urgent message arrived from the Royal Palace of Florida: an invitation from King Nilofer for lunch that same week.
The message wasn't just a casual official invitation—it carried a subtle intention from King Nilofer, who wanted to use Murad as a delicate thread linking his kingdom with the Kingdom of the Great Dawn. On the other hand, Murad felt that the invitation offered him a rare chance to see John outside the academy atmosphere, flooding him with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and anxiety.
On the morning of the appointed day, Murad carefully wore his formal attire, paying attention to every detail of royal protocol: the badge, the colors of the uniform, the etiquette of formal greetings. His heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity, as he didn't know how things would unfold inside King Nilofer's palace—or whether this visit would reveal new dimensions about John.
Accompanying him was his assigned royal attendant, Lady Eliana, who ensured that all protocol was respected and that the prince avoided any socially awkward situations. Eliana wasn't merely an escort; she was a strict guide and a gentle companion who balanced protection with flexibility, preparing the prince for social events without overwhelming him.
Upon arrival, the royal guards received them with precise coordination—everything carefully arranged: the cars, the gates, even the seating in the dining hall. The weight of protocol wasn't just a duty for Murad—it added a certain awe to the moment, as he knew this was meant to be a friendly invitation, with no declared intention of diplomatic advancement.
While Murad focused on every movement and every word, he spotted John sitting on the opposite side of the table, dressed elegantly but naturally—revealing confidence without pretension. Murad's heart leapt unexpectedly, as though he had been given an opportunity to rediscover the connection forming between them at the academy.
John smiled softly when he saw him, exchanging a warm, curious glance. Meanwhile, Eliana remained by Murad's side, ensuring that everything went smoothly, carefully watching interactions without interfering—unless required by protocol.
Lunch began with polite, light-hearted conversation—weather, travel, changes at the academy—but with every sentence, Murad noticed John's genuine interest in him: a kind look here, an encouraging smile there. Slowly, a warmth grew between them, one Murad couldn't quite understand nor resist.
John leaned slightly toward him and said quietly:
"I didn't expect this visit… to be this pleasant."
Murad smiled, trying to control the pounding in his chest:
"Me neither… I didn't know royal palaces could feel… friendly sometimes."
John laughed softly, paused, then added:
"I guess it depends on the company."
Their eyes met again—this hidden connection deepening, despite the strict protocol and Eliana's constant watch. Every word, every movement was carefully measured, yet an unexpected sense of comfort settled between them.
Eliana noticed the closeness, but she didn't interfere—smiling subtly, aware that this moment revealed Murad's true self, away from daily constraints and academic pressures.
As time passed, the conversation shifted from general topics to simple memories from the academy days, making Murad laugh wholeheartedly for the first time in a while, and John joined with genuine enthusiasm—as though they were discovering each other anew.
At the end of lunch, when Murad stood to leave, he couldn't ignore the final moment: John's sincere look—a look that said more than any formal words. There was a hidden promise, a thread forming between them—rooted in curiosity, warmth, and the desire to learn more about each other.
The next morning, news of Murad's visit to King Nilofer's palace spread quickly among the students—like a spark lighting their curiosity. As the university buzzed with whispers about the formal lunch, Aiden felt an unexpected sting of jealousy.
Standing apart from his classmates, he scrolled through the news silently—his eyes lingering on the royal broadcast photo showing Murad smiling and speaking with John. A strange feeling washed over him—a mix of jealousy, curiosity, and unease.
When he met Murad in the hallway, he failed to hide his curiosity:
Aiden walked beside him, speaking in a tone heavy with interest:
"I saw you yesterday… you were at King Nilofer's palace. How was the visit?"
Murad suddenly felt the weight of the question. He tried to calm himself as he smiled lightly:
"It was… different. Formal, of course, but also enjoyable. I didn't expect it to be that friendly."
Aiden studied his face carefully:
"And… did you meet someone?"
He asked it hesitantly, as though afraid of the answer.
Murad smiled shyly, unwilling to reveal everything:
"There was someone you know…"
Then added lightly, trying to ease the tension:
"Let's just say the conversation was pleasant, and I learned something new about dealing with people."
Aiden felt the sting of jealousy intensify, but forced a fake smile:
"I see… well, you had a good time. That's what matters."
As they walked in opposite directions, Aiden's gaze followed Murad—trying to make sense of what happened… and of everything left unsaid.
Hours passed, but Murad's words remained stuck in Aiden's mind, echoing like a whisper that refused to fade. He walked slowly through the long corridor toward the university courtyard, as though trying to escape something chasing him internally.
In truth, he didn't understand why Murad was affecting him so much.
Jealousy wasn't a familiar feeling.
He wasn't prepared for it.
Meanwhile, Murad tried to regain his balance after the brief encounter. His conversation with Aiden made him feel he had hidden more than he intended—but he still wasn't ready to reveal what happened with John… or that final look they shared at the end of lunch.
During break time, Aiden sat alone under a large tree, staring blankly ahead as his thoughts swirled around one person: Murad.
"Someone you know…"
"The conversation was pleasant…"
He couldn't ignore the words or the shy smile behind them.
But then, something caught his eye—
From the university gate, John entered, accompanied by royal staff.
He walked with confidence, but today… his expression was different.
Focused. Searching.
For someone.
Aiden's fingers tightened around his phone.
His heartbeat quickened.
John was heading toward the area where Murad usually stood at this hour.
Murad, waiting outside the lecture hall, noticed unusual movement in the courtyard… then he saw John.
His breath caught.
He didn't expect to see him again so soon.
John slowed when he saw him and approached calmly, confidence radiating from every step. When he finally reached Murad, they exchanged that familiar look—filled with curiosity, warmth, and something else unnamed.
John said quietly, just for him:
"I was hoping to see you today."
Students around them turned in surprise.
Including Aiden—who froze in place.
Murad tried to remain steady, offering a small smile:
"I didn't expect you to come… this soon."
John smiled teasingly:
"I just wanted to… continue our conversation from yesterday. It wasn't complete."
The moment seemed to stop time.
Murad felt a jolt in his chest.
Aiden felt a sharp fear take hold.
When the bell rang, John whispered:
"I'll see you later… if you want."
Then he walked away.
Aiden couldn't move.
Something big was starting…
And he knew it.
After John left, Murad stood still for minutes—trying to breathe.
It felt like the beginning of something he wasn't prepared for… and couldn't escape.
John's voice.
His eyes.
His quiet invitation.
They weren't just words.
They were a thread pulling him somewhere unknown.
Aiden watched from behind a column, his chest tight.
He had never feared losing something the way he feared losing Murad.
John entered the administrative building with two attendants. As soon as the door closed, a small smile appeared on his face.
A guard whispered:
"Your Highness, was it necessary to come in person? A message would have been enough."
John answered calmly:
"Some conversations shouldn't be sent in writing."
Then added softly:
"And Murad… is different."
He said more than he intended.
And he knew it.
He wasn't easily affected.
But Murad… wasn't ordinary.
He also noticed Aiden's distant stare.
"Someone cares about Murad too… more than he realizes."
John whispered to himself.
After classes, Murad walked toward his car through the back hall when his phone vibrated.
A new message.
Not from the palace.
Not from family.
Not even from John.
A private number.
He opened it—
And froze.
"Prince of the Dawn Kingdom…
You should be careful.
Not everyone who smiles at you sees you as a friend."
Below the text…
A photo.
Taken secretly during the royal lunch.
Murad standing beside John on the palace balcony.
But what terrified him was:
The angle was professional.
Someone had been watching them.
Very closely.
Another message arrived instantly:
"This is just a warning.
Don't ask who I am.
I'm closer than you think."
Murad stared at the screen, panic tightening his chest—
when he suddenly heard footsteps rushing toward him—
Aiden.
And his face… was unusually pale.