The silence that followed Kingston's words wasn't empty.
It was heavy.
Filled with everything neither of them had dared to say before.
Roseline stared at his outstretched hand like it held the answer to a question she had been running from for far too long. Her heart pounded—not from fear this time, but from the weight of choice.
Trust him… or walk away.
Slowly, almost hesitantly, she placed her hand in his.
Kingston exhaled, a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. His fingers curled gently around hers, careful—like she might disappear if he held too tightly.
"Thank you," he murmured.
Roseline shook her head lightly. "Don't thank me yet… I'm still confused."
"I know," he replied. "That's why I'm here."
He guided her to sit on the edge of the bed while he remained standing for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts.
Then finally—
"I'm not getting married," he said.
Roseline's head snapped up.
"…What?"
"The rumors you heard… the talks in the palace… they're not what they seem." His jaw tightened. "It's political. A setup. My mother knows it, I know it… but they're pushing it forward anyway."
"Who is they?" she asked quietly.
"The council. The noble families. Anyone who thinks they can control the throne by controlling me."
Her brows furrowed. "So the engagement—"
"—is not real to me," he cut in firmly. "And it never will be."
Roseline searched his face, looking for even the slightest crack of hesitation.
She found none.
"But you didn't deny it," she said. "When it started spreading… you said nothing."
Kingston looked away, guilt flashing across his face.
"That's my mistake," he admitted. "I thought I could handle it quietly. I didn't think it would reach you like that… or hurt you this much."
Her voice softened, but there was still pain in it. "It's not just the rumor, Kingston. It's… you. You never say anything clearly. You leave things hanging, and I'm left to guess what you feel."
That hit him harder than anything else.
He stepped closer again, this time kneeling slightly so their eyes met at the same level.
"Then let me be clear now," he said, his voice steady and unwavering.
"I choose you, Roseline. Not out of duty. Not out of pressure. But because… it has always been you."
Her breath caught.
"You're the one who stands beside my mother like you were born for the palace… yet never once acted like you belonged above anyone. You're kind without being weak. Strong without trying to prove it." He smiled faintly. "And you drive me insane without even trying."
A small, unintended laugh escaped her.
But tears followed it.
"Kingston…" she whispered, shaking her head. "Do you even realize what you're saying? If this is true… then this isn't simple. This is dangerous."
"I know."
"They won't accept me," she continued, her voice trembling now. "I'm not even—"
"Don't," he interrupted gently.
She paused.
"You don't need to say it," he added. "Adopted or not… unknown blood or not… none of that changes who you are."
Roseline's eyes widened slightly.
Very few people knew.
"…How long?" she asked quietly.
Kingston gave a small shrug. "Long enough."
"And you never—"
"—because it never mattered to me."
The room fell quiet again.
But this time, it was different.
Lighter.
Warmer.
Roseline looked down at their joined hands, her grip tightening just slightly.
"I'm scared," she admitted.
"I know."
"What if this turns into something bigger than us?"
"It already is," Kingston said honestly. "But that doesn't mean we run."
She looked up at him again.
"And if I can't handle it?" she asked.
His expression softened in a way she had never seen before.
"Then I'll handle it with you."
That answer…
It broke something inside her.
Or maybe—
It healed it.
Roseline stood slowly, still holding his hand. She took a step closer until there was barely any space between them.
"Say it again," she whispered.
Kingston blinked. "Say what?"
Her eyes locked onto his.
"That you're not going anywhere."
A small smile tugged at his lips.
"I'm not going anywhere," he repeated softly. "You're stuck with me, remember?"
This time, her laugh was real.
"Stubborn prince."
"Only for you."
For a brief moment, the world outside that room didn't exist. No palace politics. No scheming nobles. No hidden truths.
Just them.
But peace, as always, was short-lived.
A sharp knock echoed through the room.
Both of them froze.
This time, it wasn't hesitant.
It was commanding.
"Your Highness," a voice called from outside. "The Queen Mother requests your presence immediately."
Kingston's expression darkened.
Roseline felt it instantly—the shift.
Reality had returned.
He squeezed her hand once before letting go reluctantly.
"I have to go," he said.
She nodded, though something in her chest tightened.
"Will you be okay?" he asked.
She hesitated… then gave a small, determined nod.
"I think… I will be."
He studied her for a moment longer, as if memorizing her face.
Then he turned and walked toward the door.
But just before leaving—
"Rose," he called softly.
She looked up.
"No more hiding," he said.
Her lips curved into a faint smile.
"No more hiding."
And with that—
He left.
The door closed.
And Roseline stood there, alone once again… but not the same as before.
Because now—
She had something to hold on to.
Something worth fighting for.
Meanwhile…
In the grand council chamber, tension thickened the air.
The Queen Mother sat at the head, her expression unreadable.
Around her, nobles whispered in low tones.
And standing at the center—
Was a young woman dressed in elegance and authority.
Her gaze was sharp.
Calculating.
And when Kingston entered, her lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Ah… Your Highness," she said smoothly.
"I've been waiting."
Kingston stopped in his tracks.
Something wasn't right.
And for the first time since leaving Roseline's room—
He felt it.
The storm was just beginning
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