TTQI 8

“Why do you keep coming here so often? Instead of going to ‘that place’.”

“What?”

At Ade’s sudden words, Zizlon put down the book he was reading. Ade, lying on the bed, was munching on an apple while looking at Zizlon.

“Why do you keep coming here so often, instead of going to the queen?”

“Oh…”

They were currently in Ade’s quarters. It had been a few days since the hunting tournament, and Zizlon had been diligently visiting Ade, who was restless from being unable to move. In truth, it was more like he was coming to hang out; his concern was brief, and at some point, he started sitting by Ade’s side, reading books or handling work to pass the time.

But until he got injured, Zizlon used to chase after the queen whenever he had a moment, so Ade found it odd that Zizlon had been visiting him so frequently lately. When the topic of the queen came up, Zizlon immediately felt uneasy but replied calmly, hiding his discomfort.

“Because you’re injured. You’re my priority.”

“You’re not even worried anymore, so what’s that supposed to mean? Didn’t you tell me to stop whining and get back to training?”

Ade let out a hollow laugh. Zizlon, feeling uneasy, awkwardly averted his gaze.

Unbeknownst to Ade, Zizlon hadn’t visited the queen even once in the past few days. In fact, he had been deflecting all attempts at contact. For the time being, Zizlon had no intention of seeing the queen.

To others, this sudden change in attitude might seem strange. But that was because they didn’t know about the incident between them. After receiving an unexpected confession that day, Zizlon had been quietly wrestling with complicated feelings. It was embarrassing, disappointing, and uncomfortable, yet he had nowhere to confide. He had to process it alone. He was trying to forget, but being reminded like this was exasperating. If Ade knew the complexity of his situation, he wouldn’t have prodded so carelessly.

Suppressing his frustration, Zizlon searched for a flimsy excuse. He flipped through the book he wasn’t even reading and answered casually.

“…Anyway, I’m planning to visit less for a while. Upon reflection, since he’s the queen, I think I’ve been too informal with him.”

“Oh, really?”

Ade replied indifferently and tossed the core of the apple he’d finished eating onto a dish. The core bounced out and fell to the floor. The prince, who had been looking at his book, picked up the core and placed it back in the dish.

Zizlon clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“The dish is right there, and you’re too lazy to put it in properly?”

“I’d still have to move. I’m a patient, you know.”

“You can walk a little without issue.”

“Hmph, the stuff on my ankle would fall off.”

At Ade’s words, Zizlon’s gaze shifted to Ade’s ankle. Compared to the first day when it was swollen, the swelling had noticeably gone down. But there was a cloth wrapped around it, smeared with some unknown substance. Zizlon raised an eyebrow and asked.

“What’s that wrapped around your ankle?”

Ade grinned.

“Oh, this? Actually, the queen sent me some ointment.”

“The queen?”

Just when he thought he’d avoided the uncomfortable topic, it came up again. Zizlon pressed his lips together, feeling uneasy. Oblivious to his mood, Ade looked at the cloth on his ankle almost fondly.

“Yeah. He made it himself, I heard. He was worried about my injury. It’s made according to a recipe from Komnena, and it’s really effective. Apply it, and the pain just vanishes, and the swelling goes down quickly. I’m tempted to ask the queen for the recipe to use on injured soldiers.”

“Oh, really?”

Zizlon just wanted to end this topic quickly. Responding halfheartedly, he forced his gaze back to his book, but Ade, unaware of his feelings, kept talking.

“Zizlon, to be honest, I didn’t think too highly of the queen. I thought he was getting cocky because you treated him well, acting like he owned you. But who would’ve thought he’d care about me like this? He’s such a kind person; I must’ve misunderstood him.”

“…Yeah, he’s kinder than he seems.”

Finally, Zizlon gave up reading and set the book on his lap. Thanks to Ade, his already complicated feelings grew even more turbulent. A sudden pang of guilt surfaced. Despite the unfortunate incident, he still thought of the queen as a gentle and good person. That thought made the burden on his heart feel even heavier.

He had told the queen to pretend it never happened, but having heard those words, he couldn’t treat him the same as before. The reason he kept visiting Ade was, in part, to avoid chance encounters with the queen. Facing him felt daunting. He didn’t know what expression to wear. He knew he should firmly cut off those feelings, but he lacked the resolve to be cold if he faced him.

Zizlon sighed inwardly. He genuinely cared for the queen as family, so how had things come to this? When he was kissed by surprise, he felt betrayed. But as time passed, softer emotions emerged. Couldn’t they have stayed good friends? The time spent with the queen had undeniably been enjoyable. The queen, blushing at small kindnesses. The shocked expression when Zizlon pushed him away. Since that day, the queen’s image haunted him day and night, leaving him no peace.

‘Honestly, I want things to go back to how they were… but is that even possible?’

A deeper shadow fell over his troubled face. Even if Zizlon treated the queen as before, it was uncertain if the queen would accept it. As proof, after a couple of attempts to reach out, the queen had completely stopped contacting him. If that was an attempt to give up, it might be for the best…

“Zizlon? Zizlon!”

Ade’s voice calling him snapped him out of his thoughts. Startled, Zizlon looked up to see Ade, propped up on his elbow on the bed, staring at him with a strange expression. Had he noticed something suspicious? Flustered, Zizlon answered quickly.

“Yeah?”

“You’ve been really weird lately. Always lost in thought, not even hearing people talk…”

“Oh, sorry. I got distracted for a moment…”

“Hmm.”

As Ade stared suspiciously, Zizlon gave an awkward smile. After looking at him for a while, Ade sighed in resignation.

“I bet even if I ask what’s wrong, you won’t tell me.”

“Haha.”

He was right. How could Zizlon tell anyone the queen confessed to him? It was a secret to take to the grave. Embarrassed, Zizlon just laughed. Thankfully, his close friend didn’t pry further.

“Fine. More importantly, did you hear me? I have a favor to ask.”

“Sorry, I didn’t catch that.”

“Ugh.”

Ade let out an exaggerated sigh, and Zizlon, feeling sheepish, clasped his hands and chuckled. Fortunately, Ade patiently repeated himself.

“So, I need you to meet someone for me. I made a promise a while back, but I can’t go like this.”

“A promise?”

“Yeah. Tonight at 8, at the Hunters’ Song Tavern outside the castle.”

“Who are you meeting?”

“Uh… well.”

At Zizlon’s question, Ade subtly looked away. Not saying who it was raised suspicions. His long-time friend’s instincts told him this was a romantic matter. Zizlon’s eyes narrowed.

“A woman, huh?”

“…Ahem.”

Zizlon’s sharp rebuke followed.

“You j**k, what are you trying to pull by sending me to a place like that? I’m not getting involved in your mess.”

“Hey! Don’t misunderstand. I just need you to tell them I can’t come because I’m injured. They might keep waiting otherwise. Well, but…”

“But don’t let anyone else find out?”

“…Exactly.”

Looking embarrassed, Ade grinned. Zizlon, already knowing what this was about, sighed deeply.

“Do yourself a favor and have a normal relationship, Ade. What’s so great about sneaking around at night with someone you can only meet in secret?”

“It’s got a certain thrill, you know? You have no idea how close it makes you feel.”

“I’d pass on that kind of closeness even if it was free. I don’t even want to hear what kind of mess this is.”

“Hehe. Just do me this one favor, like you’re saving a life. It’s pitiful if they keep waiting without knowing I can’t come. Just pass on the message and leave.”

“…”

Initially, Zizlon firmly refused, but then he glanced at Ade. Ade’s smug grin, as if he knew Zizlon would agree, was infuriating. Zizlon wanted to refuse outright, but friendship was a cruel thing. Besides, it was true that the person waiting for Ade would be pitiful. Reluctantly, Zizlon nodded. Ade cheered excitedly.

“Yahoo, thanks! I knew you’d come through.

“Ugh, if I couldn’t even talk… You keep asking because I always give in, don’t you?”

“Come on, it’s because you’re my most trusted friend.”

“Whatever. So, I just go to the tavern at 8 and tell them you can’t come? How do I find this person?”

“Hmm… They’ll probably recognize you first.”

“How?”

“Well, you’re my famous friend. They’ll likely ask if I’m around when they see you.”

Zizlon tilted his head skeptically.

“Will they? Just to be safe, describe what they look like. I won’t tell anyone.”

“No, just trust me and go.”

Ade’s insistence made Zizlon incredulous.

“What kind of dangerous person is this that you’re hiding them so much? I’ll find out when I meet them tonight anyway.”

“Heh, it’s just a thing.”

“…If I can’t find them and come back, don’t blame me.”

“Alright, alright.”

Ade’s sly grin felt oddly suspicious, but since he wouldn’t say more, Zizlon had no choice. Staring at his annoying friend, he sighed in resignation.

That evening, before the appointed time, Zizlon rode toward the tavern.

Leaving the castle gates, Zizlon kept tilting his head, deep in thought. What troubled him was a conversation he’d had with the king just moments ago. While handling afternoon duties, he was summoned, and the king bluntly said he doubted Zizlon could handle responsibilities properly, so he wouldn’t accept marriage proposals for now.

His heart grew heavy. He wasn’t particularly eager to marry, so he didn’t oppose the king’s decision, but the sudden harsh judgment was unsettling. He couldn’t recall doing anything to disappoint his father lately. He’d always strived to be a proud son, fulfilling his duties without fail. Why the king made such a decision was a mystery. For Zizlon, who always tried to meet his father’s expectations, this treatment felt harsh.

With no clear reason, he decided to cut back on sleep and dedicate more time to study. Brushing off his disappointment, the prince headed to the tavern. It was evening, and the tavern was lit with candles at each table. The peak hours had passed, so the place was quiet, save for a few drunken patrons. The prince looked around for someone who might recognize him.

‘With so few people, they shouldn’t miss me, but where are they?’

Just then, a young woman approached politely, and as Zizlon prepared to deliver his message, she smiled brightly and said something odd.

“You’ve arrived? Your companion is waiting inside, so please go in.”

“Excuse me?”

“Come, Prince Zizlon. Hurry.”

“Wait a moment. What’s this…”

Thinking she’d mistaken him for someone else, he tried to clarify, but she clearly knew who he was. Before he could ask more, Zizlon was led along by her. Following her, he arrived at an inn room, as the tavern also served as an inn where guests could rent rooms.

Being told to enter a private room without explanation made Zizlon want to refuse. But the moment the woman flung open the door, he froze upon recognizing the person inside.

Zizlon muttered, almost groaning.

“Queen…”

“Your Highness Zizlon, please come in and talk.”

“…”

Zizlon’s expression hardened. The queen, avoiding his gaze, calmly waited for him to enter. Only then did Zizlon realize Ade’s scheme.

‘That guy, I knew something was off. He was in cahoots with the queen.’

He hesitated briefly. Leaving now would cause no issue. Not knowing the queen’s intentions, entering a private room could lead to trouble. Considering the risks, leaving was the best option.

‘But…’

What held him back was his sense of attachment. Zizlon wasn’t naturally cold-hearted. A faint hope that the queen might have reconsidered, combined with his desire to return to their old, comfortable relationship, swayed him.

‘Right, what could the queen do to me? I’m a big, trained man. I’ll hear him out, and if it’s not right, I can leave then.’

That attachment led to a rash decision. Zizlon quietly entered the room, and the attendant who guided him closed the door as she left. Now, only the queen and the prince remained.

Still on guard, Zizlon asked.

“Why did you call me?”

“Please, sit down. Let’s talk openly.”

Unlike their last tense encounter, the queen was calm, almost like his usual self. He casually offered the opposite seat, and that relaxed demeanor further disarmed Zizlon. The prince sat across from him obediently. When Zizlon signaled for him to speak, the queen began with a serious expression.

“Your Highness… I know it’s shameless to say now, but I arranged this meeting to apologize for my actions that day.”

Zizlon was startled but replied indifferently.

“An apology?”

“Yes… I said such disrespectful things that day… I’ve been regretting it ever since. Please understand, I couldn’t face you for days because I lacked the courage to apologize. But I finally mustered it to arrange this. I’m sorry for deceiving you to come here. But you wouldn’t meet me after that day, and I couldn’t find another place outside the castle. I couldn’t speak of this inside, for fear someone might overhear…”

“So, you’re saying the words you spoke to me that day weren’t sincere?”

The queen winced, looking pained.

“Yes, I wasn’t in my right mind that day, Your Highness Zizlon. Please forget what I said. It wasn’t sincere.”

At those words, Zizlon’s heart raced. Ironically, that single statement melted his heart like snow in spring. The burden that had tormented him for days vanished instantly. The queen’s firm apology gave Zizlon confidence and trust. Yes, the queen hadn’t meant it. It was just a momentary lapse, a mistake.

As his heart softened, his tense expression relaxed. Turning from his forced avoidance, Zizlon finally faced the queen directly. Eager to discuss further, he asked earnestly.

“Why did you do it?”

“Well…”

“I know you’re not someone who makes such rash mistakes. I’m no longer upset with you, Queen. Please, speak freely as if nothing happened.”

“I… I…”

Suddenly, tears welled in the queen’s eyes. Startled, Zizlon pulled out a handkerchief.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.”

The tears were the final blow, completely breaking down Zizlon’s defenses. The beautiful queen’s tears amplified his pity. His heart sank. All traces of caution vanished, leaving only affection for the queen. Half-standing, Zizlon hurriedly comforted him.

“Queen, don’t cry. Please tell me what’s wrong. If I can help, I will.”

The queen, wiping tears with Zizlon’s handkerchief, gave a slight bow.

“Thank you, Prince. Even after what I did, you’re so kind to me…”

“As I said, I’ve completely forgotten it. I’m on your side, Queen. Please, tell me.”

“I… It’s so shameful I can’t speak soberly. If it’s alright, may I have some wine?”

“Of course. Speak when you feel ready.”

When Zizlon nodded, the queen raised his voice to call the attendant. The same attendant who guided Zizlon opened the door and bowed. The queen calmly ordered a bottle of wine. The attendant, nodding, quickly left and returned with a bottle. Another servant entered, swiftly setting out glasses and pouring the wine. The attendants left as quickly as they came, closing the door. Everything was prepared with precision.

The queen began silently sipping his wine. Zizlon patiently joined him, helping him feel at ease.

Fortunately, the wine the attendant brought was surprisingly good for a tavern. It suited even Zizlon’s refined palate, accustomed to fine dining, indicating it was high-quality.

The taste was so good that while waiting for the queen to open up, Zizlon kept reaching for his glass. The queen kept refilling it whenever it emptied. When the bottle ran dry, an attendant somehow knew to bring a new one. Zizlon wondered how a modest tavern could stock so much expensive wine.

But despite its sweet taste, the wine was deceptively strong. Though not weak to alcohol, Zizlon quickly felt tipsy. His mind grew hazy in an instant. Getting drunk in front of the queen was a misstep. Panicking inwardly, he tried to stay composed for the sake of propriety.

Finally, the queen spoke heavily.

“The truth is… Prince Zizlon, my relationship with His Majesty the King is not as harmonious as it seems.”

Struggling to keep his eyes open, Zizlon asked.

“What do you mean? His Majesty cherishes you so much.”

“It may seem that way, but we’ve grown distant for quite some time. At first, he visited me often and doted on me, but at some point, he stopped coming. I think… his affection for me has faded.”

Zizlon let out a short groan, resting his forehead on his hand. The queen was discussing something serious, but focusing was incredibly difficult. His head spun, and his body felt hot. Unbeknownst to the queen, Zizlon struggled to concentrate on his words.

“No way, His Majesty… that can’t be. He’s surely just being considerate so you don’t feel burdened.”

“No… In truth, it’s been a long time since we’ve shared a bed.”

“…”

The queen turned his head aside. The sudden intimate topic left Zizlon speechless. To hide his shock, he had no choice but to drink. Fiddling with his glass, he took another sip. Unaware of his turmoil, the queen continued his somber tale.

“…And so, my confidence gradually faded. I began to think that His Majesty choosing me was actually a mistake. As my self-confidence waned… out of anxiety, I wanted to confirm that my charm was still intact…”

“So that’s why you did that to me?”

“Yes. It’s shameful, but true.”

“It’s alright. I understand.”

Zizlon shook his head absentmindedly, only to feel a dizzying wave of vertigo and take a deep breath. Seeing this, the queen gently grasped his arm.

“Prince? Are you alright?”

“Oh, just a bit tipsy… I’m fine.”

In truth, he was far from fine. To make matters worse, the queen’s voice began to echo as if it were buzzing in his ears.

Something was definitely off. Zizlon knew his alcohol tolerance well. Even when Ade occasionally brought strong liquor, calling it potent, Zizlon could pace himself and hold out for quite a while. Even in his reckless, youthful days, he had never been in such a strange state.

Cold sweat trickled down despite sitting still. His vision blurred, and sounds echoed in his head as if buzzing. His mind felt foggy, making rational thought difficult. His cheeks burned as if they might burst, and his entire body was so hot he wanted to tear off his clothes right then and there.

What embarrassed him most was the blood rushing to his lower body. To be aroused in the middle of a serious conversation was humiliating and repulsive. How hurt would the queen be if he knew? Zizlon stubbornly pretended to be fine, desperate to hide this fact.

“…”

At some point, the queen’s expression turned blank, staring at him intently. Zizlon, too focused on acting normal, didn’t notice. Unfortunately, despite his efforts to conceal his state, it was obvious to anyone else. His arm on the table barely propped up his body, his hair hung limp like a w** cloth, his face was drenched in sweat, and his cheeks were flushed. Worst of all, his usually sharp, lively eyes were glazed over.

The queen, quietly observing the prince, spoke.

“Prince, you seem very drunk. Let me help you lie down on the bed.”

“No… no, it’s fine, Queen. I’m listening.”

The prince stubbornly shook his head to shake off the drunkenness, but instead of improving, he grimaced as dizziness hit, burying his face in his hands. Aion stood silently, approached, and supported him.

“I know. But you don’t look well. You can keep listening to me while lying down, can’t you?”

“…I’m sorry, then…”

Despite hesitating, the queen’s persistent urging and his unbearable condition made Zizlon nod. If he were in his right mind, he never would have agreed. He would have noticed something was wrong. But in his current state, he didn’t even realize Aion didn’t seem sad.

Aion draped Zizlon’s arm over his shoulder and helped him up. Had the prince been sober, he would have been shocked. Despite Aion’s delicate appearance, he supported Zizlon effortlessly. But pitifully, Zizlon was too dazed to notice the oddity. His eyes were now flickering, on the verge of closing. Yet, his e**ction remained painfully evident, and he was unaware his shame was exposed.

The queen laid the prince on a bed prepared in the corner. Zizlon collapsed limply, thanking him weakly. Tormented by his feverish body, he tossed and turned, exhaling hot breaths. Meanwhile, an unnaturally tender expression appeared on Aion’s face. Aion placed a hand on the prince’s chest and leaned down, continuing the conversation as if oblivious to his struggle. Whispering pitifully in his ear, the queen said.

“Prince, what do you think of me? Am I really so lacking in charm?”

Despite his torment, Zizlon tried to listen. Through his blurry, tear-filled vision, he looked at the queen. The queen’s beautiful face appeared hazy, and in his fading consciousness, he could barely tell who it was. Yet, with superhuman willpower, he comforted the queen.

“Haa… no… haa, how could that be…”

His voice came out half-sigh, half-m**n, sounding pathetic. Aion, unfazed, asked in a seductive tone.

“Then, do you find me attractive?”

“That’s…”

“Prince, do you think I’m beautiful when you look at me?”

The queen’s face filled his watery vision. On the verge of losing consciousness, Zizlon’s mind went blank. Beautiful? Was the queen beautiful? It was an obvious question. He answered dully.

“…Yes.”

“Really?”

“Of… course…”

“If you truly find me attractive, could you hold me?”

“…”

Zizlon briefly lost consciousness but barely came to. Barely able to think, Aion kept pressing him urgently.

“Prince? Please say yes. Otherwise, I… I couldn’t go on…”

The queen’s eyes glistened with tears again. In his hazy state, Zizlon didn’t even register what was said, only feeling sorry that the queen was crying. He nodded, lifting a heavy arm to dazedly wipe the queen’s tears.

“…Yes.”

“Really? Truly?”

“Yes…”

At that moment, it seemed the queen smiled faintly beyond his blurry vision. Though his answer was thoughtless, Zizlon was simply glad the queen stopped crying and smiled. He dazedly wished that beautiful face would keep smiling.

Then, the queen whispered in a voice tinged with amusement.

“Then let the prince prove it himself.”

After that, the queen’s voice became indistinct. All he heard was a muffled hum, and the queen’s smiling face flickered before his eyes.

At some point, the queen vanished from his sight, only to reappear above him. The queen was saying something with a smile, and there was a rustle as fabric brushed by. His stiflingly hot body suddenly felt cool. Then he saw the queen’s pale, n**ed form. The beautiful queen’s body was flawless and elegant. Out of his mind, Zizlon touched it as if enchanted. The queen’s laughter sent vibrations through his fingertips.

That was where his memory ended. At some unknown point, overwhelmed by intense pleasure from his e**ction, Zizlon gasped and passed out. The only vague remnants were the thrilling sensation, a heavy weight, and the queen’s m**ning voice in a tearful tone.

*

It’s over!

That was the only thought filling his mind.

The prince, his face ashen, hurried down the corridor. Anyone could tell something was wrong with him. Unlike his usual confident stride, he moved as if pursued. His posture was rigid, his eyes darted around, avoiding others, and he walked with his head bowed, as if afraid to meet anyone’s gaze. It was a stark contrast to the prince who normally strode through the castle with his chin held high.

“Your Highness!”

Someone called out. The prince froze, startled by the single word. When he turned to look, the servant who called him was shocked. The prince’s face was deathly pale, devoid of any smile, as if he were a different person. Stammering in surprise, the servant continued.

“Your Highness. It’s about someone looking for you…”

“Who is it?”

The prince interrupted in an anxious tone before the servant could finish.

“Pardon?”

“I asked who’s looking for me.”

His wide, fearful eyes and hollow gaze were chilling. The servant felt a vague dread, as if something terrible might happen depending on his answer, and cautiously replied.

“…It’s Lord Villeneuve…”

“Oh.”

The prince’s expression softened slightly. The servant, still stiff from his intense gaze, relaxed a bit. With an awkward smile, the prince asked more gently.

“Lord Villeneuve is looking for me? Why?”

“Well… he asked why you haven’t visited lately…”

“…”

A sad glint passed through the prince’s eyes. The servant nearly asked what was wrong but stopped himself. The moment passed, and the prince forced a smile.

“…Tell him I’ve been busy and couldn’t visit, but I’ll stop by when I have time.”

“Yes.”

The servant left, unable to shake off an uneasy feeling, glancing back several times. Zizlon watched him go in silence.

As soon as the servant was gone, Zizlon dropped his smile. With a pale, terrified face, he sank back into despair.

‘It’s over, it’s over! How could I make such a mistake… I can’t go on like this. I can’t live like this!’

Could anyone understand the whirlwind of despair, regret, shame, and crushing self-loathing in his heart? Despite his calm exterior, his mind was a storm. Overwhelmed by despair, Zizlon wished this reality were a lie. Otherwise, he felt he might end his life, unable to go on.

That morning, waking up after drinking with the queen, Zizlon felt a terror he’d never known. Covered in the traces of the night, n**ed on the bed, he was greeted by an eerie dread.

He immediately recalled the night’s events and was horrified. His memory wasn’t complete, but the queen’s fevered m**ns, the lascivious stickiness, and the sultry heat were vividly etched in his mind. It was too clear, driving him to despair. Undeniably, he had been with the queen. His father’s spouse!

The queen was nowhere to be seen. His vision darkened. Realizing the truth, Zizlon fled in panic. What followed was h**l. He spent the day in constant dread, unable to relax. While working, meeting nobles, attending hearings, receiving reports, and facing his father, Zizlon was out of his mind. A single mistake had shattered his life.

He wasn’t the type to shamelessly live with guilt, so even without others’ condemnation, he relived his sin every moment. He became terrified of meeting people’s eyes, fearing they’d accuse him of his crime. Irrationally, he felt someone might read his thoughts. Zizlon trembled in fear constantly.

How had it come to this? He’d never done such a thing, so why that night? It was all regret. With nothing but regret, Zizlon endlessly blamed his past self.

Why had he drunk so recklessly? Why hadn’t he stopped when he knew he was drunk? Why had desire surged suddenly? Why had he touched so carelessly? And to the worst possible person. Zizlon had strived his whole life to be a son his father could be proud of. But overnight, he became a heinous criminal and a disgrace.

The thought of being found out was terrifying. Everyone would condemn and point fingers at him. Nobles might question his right to the throne. But above all, he feared his father’s disappointment.

After losing his mother at ten, he’d done everything to earn his father’s approval, sacrificing sleep to meet his expectations. But all his efforts were in vain. All Zizlon ever wanted was his father’s recognition, and now he’d lost it!

His conscience nagged him constantly. He shouldn’t hide this; he should confess and pay for his sin. Though the crime was irreversible, hiding it would be another sin.

But he was too scared. Facing his father’s disappointed face would kill him on the spot. Days passed in guilt and fear. Zizlon was exhausted. His once-healthy cheeks grew gaunt. The days spent hiding his sin were worse than death.

If he were honest, deep down, he desperately wanted to pretend it never happened. He was shocked to discover his own cowardice. Strictly speaking, it was just one mistake. A drunken accident. Except for the queen, no one knew, and if they both kept silent, it would stay buried forever. Everyone sins. If he and the queen repented and forgot, maybe it could be undone…

‘But what if the queen speaks of that night?’

That path led to another fear. Since he hadn’t coordinated with the queen, Zizlon was endlessly anxious. Fleeing the inn that day, he’d avoided the queen out of fear. He knew hiding wouldn’t solve it, but fear left him no choice.

The thought brought tears to his eyes. Even facing enemies with a sword wasn’t this terrifying. A coward now, Zizlon could only hide. Facing the queen was like confronting his sin’s n**ed truth. All he could do was hope the queen felt the same guilt, never sought him out, and kept the secret forever…

“…”

How had things come to this? His peaceful, exemplary life was ruined in one night, a cruel twist of fate. But no one around could understand his grievance. For the first time, the prince learned how unpredictable life could be.

Like a criminal, head bowed, he hurried to his destination. Being in the light felt like standing n**ed in shame. He vaguely thought he needed to vanish into the darkness where no one could see him.

*

The weather was clear.

In the garden behind the castle, a small plot was reserved solely for the queen. By the king’s order, the queen could plant and tend any plants he wished. If a plant was hard to obtain, he could request a servant to procure it, even if it wasn’t from Yonaras.

There, the queen was tending the garden with a small shovel, heedless of the dirt on his white clothes, planting seedlings in the soil with his hem tucked up.

Pausing to wipe sweat and catch his breath, Aion stood and saw his loyal servant, Pym, running toward him from the castle.

“Queen!”

Seeing Pym, Aion set down the shovel and leisurely walked out of the plot. While wiping his hands with a handkerchief from an attendant, Pym stopped before him. Catching his breath, Pym said.

“Huff, huff, here you are. I ran errands as you ordered, but I was worried when you weren’t in your room.”

“I was planting new herbs.”

“Oh…”

Pym peered over the queen’s shoulder at the plot. The small area, fenced for the queen’s use, was lined with various herbs from across the land. Each leaf was vibrant and healthy, reflecting the care taken. Curious, Pym asked.

“You finished the ointment for Lord Villeneuve, yet more herbs keep coming?”

“I planted other things too. Fragrant herbs, for instance.”

“Oh? Did His Majesty permit that?”

“Yes.”

“Didn’t he say to make only ointments?”

“When I made a fragrance alongside the ointment, he liked it, so I’ve been making them regularly.”

Pym silently marveled. The queen’s ability to turn restrictions into opportunities, making one task into two and shaping situations to his liking, was impressive.

The queen, unfazed, returned the handkerchief and ordered the attendants to prepare a bath before dismissing them. The attendants bowed respectfully and hurried off to their tasks, while the queen began walking toward the castle. Pym quickly followed. Then the queen asked.

“So?”

“Pardon?”

“You went on my errand. Tell me the result.”

“Oh, right.”

Pym glanced around nervously, ensuring no one was nearby before speaking cautiously.

“…The prince hasn’t been training, hunting, or visiting Lord Villeneuve lately. He seems to stay in his room except when working. I tried approaching to deliver your message, but he avoids me when he hears it’s from you.”

“Hmm.”

The queen nodded calmly. Pym, however, was anxious. He was one of the few who knew about that night and its details.

Though the queen had boldly declared he’d have the prince, Pym never imagined he’d d**g and seduce him. When summoned to the inn room at dawn and saw the prince n**ed on the bed, Pym was stunned. He couldn’t help but admire the queen’s audacity.

“Um… is this really alright? If the prince tells someone…”

“You’re worrying needlessly. He doesn’t know he was d**gged. He thinks he lost control while drunk. Would he dare confess his own sin?”

The queen strode confidently up the winding stairs to the tower room, with Pym panting to keep up.

“But… knowing his character…”

“Even if he speaks, it doesn’t matter. It might make things more interesting.”

The queen’s sinister tone sent chills down Pym’s spine. He couldn’t fathom the complex schemes in his master’s mind.

They reached the queen’s room. The attendants had been dismissed, leaving just the two of them. Pym locked the door to ensure their conversation wouldn’t leak.

“So, the prince is hiding in his room, refusing to show his face?” the queen asked, sitting down.

Pym nodded.

“Yes.”

“As expected… he’s resolute.”

The queen smirked, though he looked slightly bitter.

“I thought it’d be one of two things. He’d either come to me willingly or hide completely. The former would mean he had some affection for me, the latter…”

The queen trailed off. Pym glanced nervously, fearing anger, but the queen quickly returned to his usual blank expression.

“Good work. I’ll handle the rest. Act as usual until I give further orders.”

“You won’t meet the prince?”

“I will. I plan to attend the dinner tonight.”

“If the prince keeps silent and avoids you…”

“There’s always a way, so don’t worry.”

Dismissing further talk, the queen waved Pym away before the bath attendants arrived. Pym, suppressing his unease, reluctantly left. The queen never revealed all his thoughts.

Before exiting, Pym glanced back to see the queen sitting by the window, staring blankly at the sky. But Pym knew he wasn’t admiring the view—he was lost in thought. Surely, grand conspiracies were spinning in the queen’s mind, incomprehensible to anyone else.

*

That evening, Aion attended dinner for the first time in a while. Unexpectedly, the prince was absent. It turned out he hadn’t attended dinner since that night, likely too guilty to face his father. Only the king welcomed the queen’s presence at the table.