Technically, Cherion wasn't even surprised.
This was the Royal Palace, after all. Yerel lived here. Expecting not to bump into the Crown Prince in his own back garden was like standing in a swamp and being shocked when you got bit by a mosquito. It was statistically bound to happen eventually.
Still... did it have to happen right now?
Cherion's boots ground to a subtle halt on the polished marble as he spotted the pristine, golden-haired figure standing near a bed of rare orchids, gracefully holding a porcelain teacup.
Ah, Cherion thought, his chest letting out a long, silent, weary sigh. Wonderful. My morning is complete.
Beside him, Elios instantly wiped the lazy smirk off his face, his posture snapping into a sharp, lethal guard stance, while Flio went completely rigid...
"My apologies, Your Highness," Cherion said, his voice smooth and measured. "We didn't mean to disturb your quiet morning. We had no idea you were using the garden."
