Crown of Silken Chains
Episode 1 – The Man Who Dared to Touch the Prince
The silver moon hung low above the marble towers, its light spilling into the long corridor leading to the prince’s private chambers.
Guards stood rigid at every corner, their polished armor glinting under torchlight.
Inside, Crown Prince Alaric sat alone by the window.
His white ceremonial uniform gleamed in the moonlight, every button perfectly aligned, every movement precise.
His expression was unreadable—calm, yet distant.
Crown Prince Alaric
"Another assassination attempt today…"
He thought, fingers tightening around the crystal wine glass in his hand.
Crown Prince Alaric
"It seems my crown attracts more daggers than loyalty."
A knock interrupted his thoughts. Three sharp taps.
Crown Prince Alaric
“Enter,”
Alaric said, his voice cold as winter steel.
The heavy door swung open, and in stepped a man unlike any Alaric had seen in his court before.
Commander Kael—tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in black military attire with golden embroidery.
His dark eyes were sharp, yet there was a glint of something reckless in them… something that didn’t bow to titles.
He walked forward without kneeling.
Commander Kael
“Your Highness,” Kael said, voice deep.
Commander Kael
“From tonight onward, I will be your personal guard.”
Alaric studied him, his gaze lingering on the faint scar running along Kael’s jaw.
Crown Prince Alaric
“You’re not from this kingdom,” Alaric stated flatly.
Commander Kael
“I’m not,” Kael replied, meeting his eyes without flinching.
Crown Prince Alaric
“That explains your lack of manners,” Alaric said, setting down his glass.
A faint smirk tugged at Kael’s lips.
Commander Kael
“If it’s manners you want, I can pretend. But if it’s protection you need… I don’t pretend about that.”
Alaric’s eyes narrowed. Few dared to speak so boldly in front of him.
Kael stepped closer, stopping just a breath away.
Commander Kael
“Your enemies are closer than you think, Your Highness. And whether you like me or not… I will be the last line between you and death.”
A tense silence filled the room.
Alaric turned away, looking out the window again.
Crown Prince Alaric
“Then do your job. Guard me.”
Kael’s voice was low, almost teasing.
Commander Kael
“Gladly. But guarding your life… might mean I also guard your heart.”
Alaric’s hand froze on the window frame. He didn’t turn around.
But for the first time in years, the Crown Prince felt his heart skip a beat.
THAT'S WHAT I CALLED BUTTERFLIES ON YA STOMACH HAHA
Episode 2 – A Blade in the Crowd
[The Royal Courtyard – Morning]
Sunlight spilled over the palace gardens, glinting off the polished tiles of the grand courtyard.
Courtiers in silks and nobles in embroidered coats filled the air with chatter, their laughter as fake as the jewels they wore.
Prince Alaric stood on the marble balcony, his white uniform immaculate, every detail perfect for the royal address.
But his gaze wasn’t on the crowd—it was on the black-clad figure standing below among the guards.
Kael.
The man who dared to stand too close.
The man who dared to speak of guarding not only his life… but his heart.
Alaric pushed the thought away as the court herald’s voice boomed:
Court Herald
“Presenting His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Alaric of the House of Veylor!”
The crowd erupted in polite applause.
Alaric began his speech, words flowing with practiced elegance, when suddenly—
A flicker of movement in the crowd.
Too fast. Too deliberate.
Kael’s eyes sharpened instantly.
A man dressed as a servant was pushing forward, his hand hidden inside his sleeve.
Before the guards even reacted, Kael was already moving. He crossed the courtyard in three powerful strides, shoving aside startled guests.
The “servant” lunged forward, a dagger flashing in the sunlight—aimed directly at the prince.
Kael’s sword was at the attacker’s throat before the blade could even touch Alaric.
The man froze, trembling under Kael’s cold, lethal stare.
Commander Kael
“Wrong target,” Kael growled.
Gasps echoed through the courtyard. Guards rushed in to seize the would-be assassin, dragging him away.
The crowd buzzed with whispers.
Alaric kept his expression calm, but his hand—hidden inside his sleeve—was clenched tight.
Later, when the court was dismissed, Alaric found Kael leaning casually against a column in the hallway.
Crown Prince Alaric
“You moved faster than my guards,” Alaric said, his tone almost accusing.
Commander Kael
“They protect your title. I protect you.”
Alaric studied him for a long moment.
Commander Kael
“You’re reckless,” he said.
Kael stepped closer, his voice dropping to a murmur.
Commander Kael
“And you’re worth the risk.”
For the second time since meeting him, Alaric’s heart betrayed him with a single, dangerous thud.
Episode 3 – Tea and Secrets
[The Prince’s Private Study – Late Afternoon]
The study smelled faintly of cedarwood and tea leaves. Sunlight filtered in through the tall windows, painting warm streaks across the polished desk.
Alaric sat in a high-backed chair, a porcelain teacup resting in his hands. Across from him, Kael stood by the wall, as still and watchful as a shadow.
Crown Prince Alaric
“You didn’t come here to stand like a statue,” Alaric said without looking up.
Commander Kael
“You summoned me, Your Highness. I assumed you had something important to discuss.”
Crown Prince Alaric
“I do,” Alaric replied, finally meeting his gaze.
He gestured to the chair across from him.
Crown Prince Alaric
“Sit.”
Kael hesitated—then obeyed, lowering himself into the seat with an ease that made him seem out of place in the quiet elegance of the study.
Alaric poured a second cup of tea, sliding it across the table.
Crown Prince Alaric
“You didn’t have to intercept that attack so directly,”
Kael took the cup but didn’t drink.
Commander Kael
“If I hadn’t, you’d be dead. I thought that was my job.”
Alaric’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Crown Prince Alaric
“And yet, you move like someone who’s done this more times than you admit.”
For a moment, Kael said nothing. His gaze dropped to the swirling surface of the tea.
Commander Kael
“I’ve spent half my life protecting people who didn’t deserve it. You’re… different.”
Alaric leaned back in his chair, studying him.
Crown Prince Alaric
“Different how?”
Kael’s lips curved faintly.
Commander Kael
“You pretend to be untouchable, but I’ve seen the way you hide your hand when it trembles. I’ve seen how you keep everyone at arm’s length… and yet you let me stand close.”
The air in the room seemed to grow heavier.
Alaric felt something in his chest tighten—but before he could reply, Kael set the teacup down, the faint clink echoing in the silence.
Commander Kael
“One day,” Kael murmured, “I’ll tell you why I’m really here. But not yet.”
Alaric’s gaze didn’t waver.
Crown Prince Alaric
“Then until that day… I’ll be watching you just as closely as you watch me.”
A ghost of a smile touched Kael’s lips.
Commander Kael
“Fair enough, Your Highness.”
Outside, the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the room—shadows that hid truths neither of them was ready to speak aloud.
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