A Whispered Of Hearts
Author: Perchibie
last update2025-12-08 18:41:21

The morning after the uproar of divine blessings and empire-wide gossip, Jay learned one thing quickly, fame was exhausting.

He woke before dawn, limbs sprawled across silk sheets that still felt far too luxurious. The lavender incense from last night clung to the air, soothing but heavy, as if everyone expected him to relax now that the Goddess had practically announced him as fate’s favorite. Through his half-open balcony doors, Astrelia’s capital shimmered with the first hints of daylight. It was too early for mortals to be awake, but the world refused to let him sleep.

He rolled onto his back, staring at the carved ceiling. Last week ceremony flashed through his mind. The Goddess. Her voice. Her strange warning. And the shock on everyone’s faces when she called him “a versa,” someone destined for multiple mates, for love so powerful the heavens themselves would interfere.

He rubbed his eyes. “I’m just a guy who accidentally reincarnated into royalty,” he whispered to the ceiling. “Can someone give me a manual already?”

As if summoned by his desperate plea, a knock sounded.

“Your Highness, it’s Luther. May I come in?”

Jay’s heart tripped over itself. Great. Exactly the person capable of making mornings more complicated.

“Yes. Come in.”

The door opened, revealing Luther in his usual crisp uniform. His silver hair was slightly messy, the only sign he ever slept. His eyes, pale and steady, softened the moment they landed on Jay.

“Your schedule has been cleared today,” Luther said, stepping forward with the grace of someone who could navigate chaos without wrinkling a sleeve. “Their Majesties insist you rest before the celebration of your eighteenth year.”

Jay narrowed his eyes, suspicious. “Rest? Me? Who are they trying to fool?”

Luther allowed a tiny smile. “I could guard you. Make sure you don’t over-rest.”

“Should I be flattered or insulted?” Jay muttered, sitting up.

“You should be grateful someone is willing to keep you from self-destructing on your day off,” Luther replied, placing a silver tray of tea on the bedside table.

Jay huffed but accepted the cup Luther handed him. Their fingers brushed for a moment. Warm. Gentle. Dangerous. Jay quickly looked away before his face betrayed him.

The truth was simple but terrifying: Luther had been his anchor since the day Jay arrived in this world. Devotion without questions. Loyalty without demand. And for reasons Jay refused to name out loud, that loyalty meant more than comfort.

He took a sip, letting the tea steady his heartbeat.

“So what’s the real reason I suddenly have no responsibilities?” Jay asked.

Luther hesitated. It was small, but Jay noticed everything about him. “The King and Queen will speak with you after breakfast. It concerns the matter of… mates.”

Jay nearly dropped his tea. “Not this again.”

Luther looked genuinely apologetic. “The world knows you were blessed. Nobles, royals, and magical races have already begun sending submissions. Some… are waiting outside the palace.”

Jay groaned loudly and fell backward into the pillows. “Can’t I have a day without someone kneeling, proposing, or trying to steal a lock of hair?”

“It appears not,” Luther answered.

Jay covered his face with his arm. “I hate this.”

Luther’s voice turned firmer than usual. “You are free to choose who deserves you. Not the world.”

That made Jay peek out from under his arm. Luther wasn’t looking at him, but his clenched fist said everything. The idea of Jay forming bonds with others clearly didn’t sit well with him.

Jay pretended not to notice for now. “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”

The royal dining hall was quiet, unusually so. His parents sat at the long table, both regal and alert. The King had dark circles under his eyes. The Queen looked like she was trying to will calm into existence.

“Good morning, Jay,” his mother began warmly, but the tension in her fingers betrayed her.

“Morning,” he replied, sitting where a servant pulled out his chair. Luther stood behind him like a protective shadow.

The King wasted no time. “You already know the Goddess’ proclamation has changed everything.”

Jay stabbed a strawberry with unnecessary force. “I can tell.”

“Your future mates,” the Queen said delicately, “must be chosen with great care. You are a versa. Your bonds will affect the stability of every nation.”

Jay frowned. “Can’t I just… take my time?”

His father sighed heavily. “That is the ideal. But the world does not care for ideals. Many factions believe their candidate should be first. If this drags on, chaos will follow. Protests, threats, even attempts to force their way closer.”

Luther stiffened at that.

The Queen continued, “We don’t want to rush you. But we also cannot allow the world to disrespect your decisions or treat your affection like a contest they can cheat in.”

Jay placed his fork down slowly. “So you want me to act like an adult ruler already.”

“You are turning eighteen, Jay,” his father said. “Adulthood brings duty before comfort.”

Jay exhaled, frustration creeping under his skin. “I didn’t ask to be blessed.”

“No one asks for destiny,” the King replied. “Yet here we stand.”

Jay stared at the tablecloth, brain spinning. Luther stepped closer, voice gentle but certain.

“He will not be pressured into accepting those who do not cherish him.”

The King’s brows raised slightly at Luther’s boldness but did not rebuke him.

Jay’s chest warmed. Even when the world demanded ownership of him, Luther fought for his choice.

“I’ll… try,” Jay said finally. “But I won’t pick someone just because they’re loud.”

His parents shared a relieved smile. “That’s all we ask,” his mother said.

As breakfast ended, his parents stood.

“We are preparing a private celebration tonight. Only family and… invited guests,” the Queen said carefully.

“Invited guests?” Jay repeated.

“Potential mates,” Luther translated dryly.

Jay groaned. “Someone save me.”

“I already volunteered,” Luther replied quietly.

Jay looked up at him, startled by the softness in those words. Heat fluttered under his ribs.

“Well…” Jay muttered, cheeks coloring. “At least someone’s on my side.”

Luther bowed his head slightly. “Always.”

Jay pretended his heart didn’t do a somersault.

As they left the hall, Jay whispered just loud enough for Luther to hear:

“If anyone tries to propose tonight, you have my permission to throw them into the fountain.”

Luther’s lips curled. “It will be my honor.”

Jay laughed under his breath. The world was spiraling out of control, expectations crashing down on him like waves. But with Luther beside him…

He felt like he could still breathe.

Even if the entire world wanted a piece of his heart.

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