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Cyprian just smiled.

“Let’s go?” Mirel said, opening the door, flushing when he suddenly found himself face to face with Kylix.

The moody prince reached out and pulled Mirel against his chest.

“You felt restless. Let me take you to the Academy.”

“C’mon, let’s walk. The weather’s beautiful.”

Ryneth paused at the door. “You’re not coming?”

Archer flushed and shook his head. “No. I’ve got… another one coming for breakfast.”

Cyprian snorted behind him.

“Oh,” Ryneth said slowly.

Cyprian laughed outright.

Ryneth shook his head. “Yeah… I’m not asking.”

He stepped into the hallway after Cyprian. The apartment door closed behind him as Archer returned to the stove.

“What do you love most about Helion?” Cyprian asked.

They crossed Umbral Park with the morning crowd, gravel crunching under their shoes, the sun already warming the stone paths. Students clustered on the grass with cups balanced on their knees, voices low, bags open and books spilling out.

“The buildings. The sun reflecting on all the glass. It’s so pretty. The stories were true. Back home, everything’s gray. But here—” Ryneth breathed in the fresh air. “You?”

“The nature, definitely. I’m inspired all the time. The people. They’re unhurried and friendly. Not like those guys.”

Ryneth snorted when he saw the three princes standing by the fountain. With slides on and coffee cups in hand, they were already watching him and Cyprian approach.

Ryneth’s palm warmed. The tight flutter returned to his chest as soon as his eyes landed on Daven.

“Good morning. Did you have a good breakfast?” Helianth pressed two coffee cups into their hands.

“Yeah. Thanks.”

“Good. Then it’s my turn to feed someone.” Flashing him a wink, the blond prince headed across the park.

“Light, I need to warn Archer that Helianth’s on his way.” Cyprian started typing, but Moargan caught his wrist and pulled him into an embrace.

Ryneth glanced after Helianth and winced for Archer.

“Leave them to work their own thing out, lover,” Moargan said. “Come on.”

Cyprian giggled at whatever Moargan whispered in his ear and let himself be dragged away. Looking back over his shoulder, he called, “Had a great time, Ryneth. We should do it again soon.”

Then they disappeared into the crowd, leaving Ryneth and Daven alone.

“I got you a surprise.”

Ryneth turned back to his bonded and the familiar heat spread through his palm. Daven stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Ryneth’s shoulders, breathing him in as he pressed their hands together.

“Light, you smell so good. Did you miss me, aethera?”

“You wish,” Ryneth shot back, but he closed his eyes and brushed his lips against Daven’s warm throat.