Chapter: Velvet Footsteps, Whispers of Home
Dian lay on the soft grass, his chest rising and falling with every steady breath. Above him, the sky shimmered—a canvas of pale gold and fading sapphire, scattered with the last whispers of morning clouds. His muscles ached from effort, sweat clung to his skin, but his heart felt light.
Then he opened his eyes.
Two faces smiled down at him, warm and encouraging. Suzine and Gianna.
He blinked, then chuckled softly. "How long have you two been watching?"
Gianna knelt, handing him a towel. "Long enough," she said playfully.
Suzine added with a smirk, "Long enough to know you should've kept your guard higher."
He wiped his brow, grinning, but curiosity lingered.
---
Earlier that morning...
When Suzine and Gianna had opened their eyes, something felt... off. The space between them was warm, but it lacked him.
Suzine rubbed her eyes, glancing toward the empty space where Dian should have been. "He's gone," she murmured.
Gianna sat up, a soft pout forming. "He left without saying goodbye?"
They rose, dressed in elegant pastel gowns—Suzine's a flowing sapphire blue, Gianna's a soft rose-gold—and freshened up in the warm light filtering through the windows. As they stepped into the hall, the world greeted them with soft sunbeams and quiet air.
Golden rays spilled through stained glass windows, painting the corridors in dancing colors. Velvet runners muffled their steps, and the scent of lilac drifted gently from open panes. The castle was quiet, not with stillness, but purpose.
A maid passed by, bowing. "My ladies. The Young Lord is currently training in the eastern grounds—with Butler Jones."
Both women blinked.
"Training? With Jones?" Suzine echoed.
"That's new," Gianna whispered with a soft smile.
Without wasting a breath, the two descended the eastern stairs, skirts flowing behind them like twin rivers.
---
The moment they stepped onto the field, they were struck by what they saw.
Dian, shirt clinging to him from sweat, was in the center of the combat ring—engaged in fierce hand-to-hand training with Jones. Fists flew, bodies pivoted, and the force behind every move cracked through the air like thunder.
Suzine's eyes widened. "He's really..."
Gianna placed a hand over her chest, watching him dodge, block, and strike.
Without a word, Suzine waved her hand. Two guards emerged from the shadows and quickly set up a small shaded table, laying down a parasol, silk cushions, and two chairs.
They sat, silent at first.
Then the giggling began.
Comments, teasing whispers, playful bets on who would land the next hit. Their eyes sparkled with pride.
Breakfast was brought—fruit, breads, and warm honey-tea. But still, Dian didn't stop. They ate quietly, never once taking their eyes off him.
By the time noon approached, their plates were empty and laughter echoed beneath the parasol. And then...
Dian collapsed, breathless but smiling.
---
Back to now.
Gianna dabbed his cheek with the towel. Suzine leaned down and brushed back his damp hair.
"You looked strong," Gianna murmured.
"And beautiful," Suzine added.
Dian sat up, chuckling. "I'm drenched in sweat."
"You smell... nice," Suzine whispered.
Gianna's cheeks flushed. "Like storm and fire. I... like it."
The look they shared with him then—half awe, half hunger—ignited something primal beneath their calm smiles.
Dian raised a brow. "You two—"
"Let us walk back with you," Suzine interrupted, looping her arm through his.
"Before you melt into the grass," Gianna teased, taking his other side.
Despite his protests, they clung close, uncaring of sweat or mess. Their hearts sought warmth, not perfection.
Back inside, Dian bathed quickly, changed into his signature black robe and pants, and made his way straight to the dining hall.
---
Skyster Dining Hall.
The moment he entered, breaths hitched.
Maids bowed, backs stiff, cheeks red. Even Suzine and Gianna, already seated, looked up in shared admiration. His hair still damp, his skin glowing slightly from the bath, his eyes calm but intense—it was a look that silenced chatter.
Dian walked in like he owned the world.
He leaned down, placed a kiss on each of his wives' cheeks, then took his seat.
The food was exceptional—flavorful cuts of beast meat, spiced rice, mana-fruits, and fresh-baked bread. Today's meal was larger than usual. Dian smirked.
He turned his head slightly and smiled at the maid standing beside the table. Not anyone but the new Head Maid. Sara.
Sara blushed as she saw his smile, her heart skipping a beat or two, barely composing herself, she bowed slightly.
Gianna giggled, seeing their interaction. A glimpse of memory surfacing in her mind. When she was the head maid.
After the meal, Dian moved to his study, sorting through estate reports and correspondence. He paused when he saw a note from Jones.
Leon had left.
Jones reported he departed early, just before dawn, informing no one but the butler. He said he had urgent matters in the capital, Jones didn't say anything and handed him a letter from the Skyster Family. A reply, you can say or maybe something more...
It was odd.
But Dian didn't chase ghosts and mainly because he knew why he left.
---
Two Days Later.
Time passed in a rhythm—training, meals, estate work, and tender nights.
Then, at last, the day came. For them to depart...
Dian stood outside the castle gates, dressed sharply in layered black and crimson robes. His thick, wavy hair with a slightly tousled style, silver pin gleaming. A noble among nobles.
Beside him, Gianna wore an elegant emerald gown, laced in gold embroidery, her light green hair cascading over her back, her ears adorned with Elven crystal leaves. Her eyes sparkled.
She was going home.
Suzine stood regal in icy sapphire, her dress sleek yet modest, matching her grace. Her icy silver hair down her shoulders. She held Dian's hand tightly.
Behind them, Jones waited by the second carriage, dressed in his travel uniform. Guards with steel-gray armor and enchanted horses waited nearby.
Dian turned to look back at the castle. Rows of maids stood in silence, eyes glassy with emotion.
"Take care of the castle," he said gently, "and of yourselves first." His voice soft, warm.
Every maid standing felt their knees weakning, their faces turned red, they bowed deeply. "S-safe travels, Young Lord!"
He waved, then stepped into the grand carriage. Suzine and Gianna followed.
Inside, cushions wrapped him in comfort. Gianna rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes glistening.
The wheels turned.
The journey began.
---
Far Away... Kingdom of Elves
In a land of rivers that sang and forests that whispered, stood a castle carved from living crystal and white stone—Elora, the Elven capital.
Inside its grand throne hall sat a young man—sharp features, short golden hair, light green eyes, and a perfect smile.
A strange smile on his face, a grin.
Lios. The Elven Crown Prince. Now, acting King. As the queen got into a accident.
Two days ago, a letter had arrived.
And not just from anyone but from the Skyster's, till he only heard rumours about their hero. Dian Skyster. Recovering from a life threatning diseases miraculouslly.
But he didn't expect a letter from them. He'd opened it with mild interest—until he read the content.
The third princess had been found. Who got ambushed when she went out to explore about half a year ago.
Her sister, Gianna was alive. And returning.
And not alone.
Dian Skyster would accompany her.
At that, Lios's smile had faltered. His eyes glinted—not just with curiosity.
Possession. Calculation.
---
Present now.
Lios turned to his advisor. "The preparations?"
A middle-aged elf with pale robes and thin brows bowed.
Valris, royal advisor and chief steward. Appointed after Lios started acting as a king.
"Everything will be ready within two days. The ceremonial hall, guest pavilions, and... the royal betrothal garden."
Lios smiled slowly.
"Good. Let us welcome our future Queen back home... with the honor she deserves." He paused, a grin widening on his face. " Now, let's see how my brides or sisters are doing."
He stood, making his way towards his sister's room. But deep in his chest, something darker stirred.
.
.