Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Rosetta estate, painting the polished floors in gold. Alex stood beside Riven, hands loosely intertwined, feeling the warmth of the morning—and the weight of the moment.
Before them were their parents: Duke Henry Rosetta, his expression calm but proud, and Duke Valerian Havana with Princess Selene, Riven's mother, standing elegantly at his side. Cecilia Hans, Alex's nanny and closest mother figure, hovered nearby, her eyes bright with quiet affection.
Alex drew a steadying breath. "Father… Duke Valerian, Princess Selene… Cecilia… I have something important to tell you. Together."
Riven's dark gaze swept the room, steady and confident. "We've decided to court openly. Not behind closed doors. Not in whispers. We wanted you to hear it from us."
A hush fell. Alex's father's brows rose slightly, and Riven's parents exchanged amused glances, a faint smile tugging at Princess Selene's lips.
"You mean, this devotion you've been talking about for… years?" Princess Selene teased lightly, arching an eyebrow at Riven. "Your 'Cupcake' has been on your mind this long?"
Riven's dark eyes flicked to his mother, and for a brief moment, a faint pink touched his cheeks. "Of course. I have never hidden that from you."
Alex blinked, mouth slightly open. "Wait… you knew?" he asked, turning to Riven in disbelief.
Riven smirked faintly, though the blush lingered subtly. "What can I say? I've always been honest with my parents."
Alex shook his head, half in amusement, half in shock. "All this time…"
Duke Valerian let out a low chuckle. "Patience and devotion are qualities I respect, Riven. And it seems your feelings were well-placed."
Duke Henry's stern expression softened, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "Alex, I'm proud of you. I'm sure your mother would be proud too."
Cecilia Hans squeezed his shoulder gently. "You've chosen well, Alex."
Alex stepped closer to Riven, squeezing his hand. "We care for each other. We trust each other. And we wanted you to know—honestly and directly."
Riven added, his voice calm and warm: "This is who we are. Together. And it's important that our families understand that before anyone else does."
Alex exhaled, a mixture of relief and joy flooding him. He glanced at Riven, whose hand gave his a subtle squeeze. "See? Simple, honest… nothing dramatic needed."
Riven chuckled softly, the faint blush still lingering. "Good. Keeps the theatrics for later."
Alex let his shoulders relax, leaning lightly against Riven. "Together," he whispered.
"Together," Riven echoed, warm and steady.
Even in the quiet, formal space, the moment was filled with affection, laughter, and reassurance. The families understood, the bond between them was clear, and the gang's presence—including Cecilia Hans—made it all the more comforting. For Alex and Riven, this was more than a reveal. It was a declaration of trust, love, and the first step toward facing whatever came next—side by side.