The physician treated Aurelian's injury and bandaged it "I'm done your highness, I'll advise he gets some rest and does not put too much pressure on the injured leg" the physician says. Draven nods once and carried Aurelian in bridal style towards their shared chambers, "I can walk you know?" Aurelian protests but wrap his arms around Draven's neck nevertheless "you heard the physician, you can't put pressure on your legs for now, so I have to take care of you" Draven replies. As they pass by corridors and halls, guards and servants alike, lowered their gazes and bowed. Draven carried Aurelian to the chambers and laid him on the bed "get some rest pretty prince" he says "I'm not pretty, stop calling me that" Aurelian pouts, Draven chuckles, deep and guttural making Aurelian's cheeks burn red, he was visibly the colour of a tomato "go away" he says burying his face in a pillow. Draven pulls the silk blanket over him "rest now" he straightens and walk towards the door "thank you" Aurelian whispered, cheeks still flushed red, Draven didn't say anything -didn't need to, he opened the door and stepped outside, "don't thank me yet pretty prince, I'll make sure Drusilla pays for what she did to you" he whispers to himself.
He went to the throne room where his parents and Aurelian's parents were. He gave a small bow before speaking "I demand Drusilla is punished for her actions" he states, his voice thick and clear "what? They only played a game and Aurelian had agreed to it" king Malric counters "she hurt Aurelian" Draven said visibly irritated "he is injured father" king Alaric rises "how is he?" "I've had the physician tend to him, he's resting now in our chambers" "ah, thank goodness" Queen Amara let's out a breath of relief, "I can only do so much as reprimand lady Drusilla" king Malric states apologetically "the people will only see it as he got hurt while fighting so it's unfair to lady Drusilla" he adds "I do not care what the people think, I will make sure Drusilla regrets hurting Aurelian" Draven declares boldly not breaking eye contact with his father, he bows and exit the throne room with one motive in mind.
Draven finds Drusilla at the garden, "your highness, what are you doing here?" She asks sweetly immediately she spotted him, a smile spreading across her lips, "you hurt Aurelian" Draven got straight to the point "you will apologize to him" "what?" Drusilla's smile falters and she tries to argue "you heard me" Draven cuts her off "but that's unfair, he got hurt while sparring with me" Drusilla's smile vanished, "apologize to him by dinner time or else Drusilla, we both know what I can do" Draven threatens "you can't do this to me, I am the grand duke's daughter and he is an outsider" Drusilla says still putting on a tough front "watch me,he is my soon to be husband and I'll make sure he feels safe" he turns to leave "and Drusilla, if I ever catch even a strand of your hair near Aurelian again, I'll make sure you're no longer welcome within this palace walls, take this as a reprimand because I can do more" he adds and walks away. Drusilla's gaze burn Into his skull as she watches him leave "this is your fault Aurelian, this is all your fault" she yells when Draven was out of sight.
Draven went back to his chambers and saw Aurelian already asleep, he walks over and sat on the bed beside him, he watches the sleeping boy for a while. "you're doing things to me Aurelian, things I don't understand" he brushed a stray stand of hair off Aurelian's face and tuck him in properly, then he stood up and goes to the bath house where he takes a cold shower to cool off.
Draven finished showering and stepped out of the bath house dressed in fine new silk robe, he glanced at sleeping Aurelian "you look.. peaceful, I wonder if your heart beats as fast as mine does" he whispers under his breath. He sighed and turned away, walking out of the room.
By the time Aurelian woke up, the afternoon had settled in with a gentle warmth, the sun hanging lower in the sky and casting long, lazy shadows across the ground. The air felt softer now, no longer sharp with midday heat. The world seemed to slow, as if catching its breath before evening arrived, wrapped in a golden, peaceful glow. He sits up, rubbing his temples "ugh. Headache." He looks around the room -no sign of Draven, "that bastard! He said he'd take care of me" he stands up from bed, walking out of the chambers, the guards bow "your highness, the crown prince said not to leave your chambers, he'll be back soon" Aurelian groans,"great he's holding me hostage too" he walks back inside and settled on the bed "Draven, Draven, what's with you? Why is my heart always racing whenever you're near" he says to himself.
Evening arrived like a soft sigh, the sun dipping slowly beneath the horizon. The sky glowed with shades of orange, pink, and deepening purple, casting a warm light over everything. The air cooled, and the sounds of the day began to fade into a gentle quiet. Draven had come to check on Aurelian earlier and had the physician change his bandage. A soft knock cuts through the silence of the room "your highness, it's time for dinner" Aurelian stood up and followed the servant to the dinning room. "Brother, how's your leg?" Elowen asks immediately he enters, "relax everyone, I'm fine" he looked at Draven "he already had the physician treat the wound" he adds sitting down.
Dinner was served in a warm, comforting glow. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, rich and inviting. Plates were passed around, and soft conversations flowed easily, mixed with quiet laughter. The clinking of cutlery and the shared smiles made the moment feel calm and complete, like the perfect ending to a long day. Drusilla walks in quiet and calm for the first time ever. "G..good evening" she greets her voice low, her eyes were slightly red and swollen like she's been crying "prince Aurelian I..I came..to..to.. apologize for my earlier behaviour, I was wrong to hurt you, I'm sorry" she apologised. Aurelian looks around the table, everyone was equally stunned except Draven. Draven doesn't look at her "bow when you apologize" he commands and Drusilla reluctantly bow "I'm sorry", Aurelian whispers to Draven "you're behind this, aren't you?" Draven looks at him "it's only right she apologizes" Aurelian's gaze flicks back to Drusilla still bowing "I.. forgive you" Drusilla nods and straightens, her gaze flickers to Draven but she quickly looks away, "I shall take my leave now" she turns and walks out. Everyone's gaze locks onto Draven who just eats like nothing had happened.