2025-12-08 15:16:03The Astrelia estate was buzzing like never before. The grand halls echoed with the footsteps of servants rushing to meet the sudden flood of visitors, while the siblings usually inseparable from Jay were muttering furiously under their breath, juggling meetings, training, and diplomacy.
“Fifthy new petitions from foreign houses, and that’s just the morning!” Yven exclaimed, flopping into a chair with an exaggerated groan. “This is insane!”
Seraphine pinched the bridge of her nose. “I can’t even finish my morning magic exercises without being dragged to greet someone who wants to marry our brother. He’s barely eighteen!”
Lucien slammed a hand against the table, voice low but irritable. “And all of these visitors are asking for private audiences. Private! Can you imagine how long that takes?”
Theo, ever the calm one, sighed, resting his forehead in his hands. “Honestly, I think our family has gone from busy to nonexistent free time in a matter of weeks.”
Aldrin leaned back in his chair, expression unamused. “And who is the cause of this chaos again?”
Yven pointed at the staircase dramatically. “Right there! The prince himself, sipping tea as if nothing’s happening!”
Jay, perched comfortably on a cushioned chair, raised his teacup lazily. “Well, so am I,” he said, the smallest hint of a smirk curling on his lips. “I mean, it’s obvious why the world suddenly thinks I’m worth a hundred squadrons of nobles, wizards, and magical beasts rushing to my doorstep.”
Seraphine shot him a glare. “Obviously? Do you have any idea what this does to us? We have to manage the household, entertain dignitaries, and supervise magic drills simultaneously!”
Jay shrugged, taking a slow sip of the golden tea that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. “Maybe that’s why I’m so calm. Someone’s got to sip tea in peace while chaos reigns, right?”
His siblings groaned collectively, but Aldrin narrowed his eyes, amused despite himself. “You really are impossible. The world is trying to bend over backward for you, and you’re drinking tea like it’s just another morning.”
A soft chime of magic announced the first surprise of the day. A fox-like magical beast appeared, glimmering with iridescent fur that shimmered in colors no human eye could normally perceive. Its tail split into five delicate strands that floated with elegance, each tipped with a sparkling tuft of light.
Jay blinked at it, setting down his teacup. “And… who are you?”
The fox tilted its head, eyes like liquid amber, and a delicate voice echoed in his mind. I am Firael. Guardian of those who step into the path of destiny. I am here to guide you… and to watch the foolish mortals who dare claim your attention.
Jay smirked. “Foolish mortals? Sounds like my siblings, only… more organized.”
Before his joke could settle, the main gates flung open, announcing the first wave of candidates from across the realms. Nobles, warriors, mages, and even a handful of enigmatic magical beasts arrived, each radiating intent, power, and charm.
Jay leaned back, observing quietly. While his siblings scattered to meet and greet each visitor, he remained in the sitting hall, teacup in hand, noting everything with a detached curiosity.
Then a shimmer appeared in front of one candidate, a young man in flowing robes of deep violet, his hair silver like starlight and eyes gleaming with quiet intelligence. Jay blinked. A small icon hovered in the air next to the man, sparkling like a miniature constellation.
System 004: Host! Alert! A candidate with a system has arrived! Observation mode: Activated!
Jay raised an eyebrow. “Great… another system. Why does it feel like everyone but me gets to hide their weirdness?”
Jay sighed. “Wonderful.”
The system hovered closer to the silver-haired man. You! Yes, you! Your task: win the heart of Jay Astrelia! The reward is yours: 100 gold bars. Do you understand the rules of engagement?
The candidate froze, then blinked. “I… I understand.”
System 004’s voice shimmered faintly for Jay only. Gold bars are not just ornamental. In this realm, each bar is imbued with magical currency properties. One bar can pay for a week of a royal guard’s wages, enchant a single magical artifact, or secure temporary protection from rogue mages. 100 gold bars is… substantial. Almost enough to fund a small kingdom’s war chest.
Jay snorted softly, taking another sip. “Of course, money is involved. Why wouldn’t it be?”
Firael, the fox guardian, floated slightly beside him, tails swishing. Careful, little prince. Many seek your favor for reasons beyond affection. Some are drawn by ambition, some by gold… and some by forces they themselves do not understand.
Jay leaned back, feeling the weight of the world’s attention brush against his shoulders like a silken cloak. “Tell me about it,” he muttered.
One by one, the other candidates arrived, each with their own aura, their own systems hidden just beyond Jay’s perception. One was a flame-born warrior with scales glittering like embers; another a mage with eyes like molten sapphire. Every system that appeared before him glimmered faintly in patterns unique to the owner.
Meanwhile, in the estate halls, his siblings were flaring at the sudden influx of people.
“Who let them in?!” Yven shouted, dramatically tossing his hair. “Do you know how much work this is for us? They’re only supposed to meet him after etiquette training!”
Seraphine glared at a visiting elf who bowed too deeply. “And you! No, no, stop twirling your robes like that! He’s not a prize at a festival!”
Lucien growled under his breath. “They all think they can just waltz in here. They don’t even know what it takes to fight for him.”
Aldrin merely observed, arms crossed, calculating each candidate’s potential and flaws with the precision of a strategist. “Focus, siblings. We ensure no one harms him, distracts him unnecessarily, or causes scandal. That is our task first. Everything else comes later.”
Jay sipped his tea again, calm amidst the storm. It was almost meditative, the way his family flared while others competed in elegance, magic, and ambition. Firael’s gaze flicked between him and the newcomers.
*You must remember, prince,* the fox whispered in his mind. *Not all who appear charming are worthy. Watch the intentions, not the facade. And trust the ones who serve from their hearts, not their pockets.*
A silver-haired candidate, the first with a system, bowed slightly, then straightened. “I am Elion Veydre, heir of the Starfall Mage Clan. I am honored to meet Prince Jay Astrelia.”Elion is here! First challenge begins! His system just notified me that he intends to win your favor.
Firael’s tails twitched in delight. The world has answered your presence, little prince. Watch carefully. Those who would bind themselves to you will compete, conspire, and, yes, charm. But your path is your own. Remember that.
Jay took another sip of tea, enjoying the warmth and calm in the eye of this storm. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he muttered. “But… do they all really think they can just win me over with gold, flashy spells, and courtly etiquette?”
Some do, some don’t. Some think they know your heart better than you. That’s where we’ll have fun.
Outside, the sun climbed higher, glinting off the crystal chandeliers and golden banners that lined the halls. The first wave of candidates had officially arrived, and Jay realized, as he set his cup down, that this day and the ones to follow would be filled with more intrigue, power, and competition than he had ever imagined.
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A King Does Not Walk Alone
The throne hall doors shut behind them, and instantly Jay felt the weight of every crown in the world settle squarely on his shoulders. The air still tasted like the proclamation. High King. A title carved into the bones of history. The kind of title that could rewrite the world.Which was very inconvenient for someone who preferred books over political warmongering.Jay exhaled shakily. Luther remained exactly one step behind him… habit, respect, survival instinct… who knew. Jay turned and raised an eyebrow.“You walk beside me now,” he said, quiet but firm. “Not behind.”Luther froze. “Jay, I’m still of lower rank. It’s disrespectful to-”“Luther.” Jay stepped forward and took his wrist, gently pulling him to his side. “You were marked by me. You carry my future. You are one of my mate. And my mates should not walk behind anyone.”Luther swallowe
Day 7 With Luther: An Empire Kneels To One Heart
The throne hall always felt too large, too grand, too carved out of legend for Jay to fit comfortably inside. Today, it felt worse. The crimson banners of Astrelia hung like watching eyes, and golden sunlight poured through the mosaic windows as if the sun itself wanted to judge him.Jay entered with the stiff posture of a prince who had not expected to become important overnight. Luther walked just behind him, the picture of composed elegance… and also wearing an outfit designed to make Jay’s brain short-circuit. A white off-shoulder crop top, sheer sleeves flowing like moonlight, and those white genie pants that fit his waist in a way that should honestly be illegal.Jay tried very hard not to look. He failed instantly.They stopped before the dais. Both bowed. The King and Queen stood tall, regality woven into their bones.The King spoke first, his voice carrying authority that shook the chandeliers.“Jay Varel Astrelia. The G
Day Six With Luther: People Should learn how To Knock
Morning had the audacity to show up.Not that Jay was properly asleep. He had spent the last hour staring at Luther and trying not to panic about the glowing Sun Mark declaring a royal baby was now officially baking inside him. A child. An heir. Political dynamite with tiny socks.Luther, meanwhile, was sleeping peacefully in Jay’s arms like he hadn’t just upended empires and destinies overnight.Jay brushed a hand through his assistant’s silver hair, still trying to digest reality.A baby.His baby.The universe must really enjoy pranking princes.Before he could sink into deeper spiraling, the door slammed open without warning.“JAY! BREAKFAST!” Seraphine yelled… then froze.Behind her came all his siblings like a stampede of nosy royals: Theo, Celeste, Yven, Lucien… and of course, Crown Prince Aldrin .Jay and Luther jerked upright.Sheets slid just enough to s
Day Five With Luther: Falling Asleep Together
The palace was unusually quiet that night. Jay lay awake, thoughts swirling like a storm, unable to forget Luther’s intensity from earlier. Every glance, every brush of his hand, lingered in Jay’s mind, making his chest ache in ways he didn’t quite understand.A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. “Jay? Are you awake?” Luther’s voice was low, almost hesitant.Jay sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Couldn’t sleep again?”Luther nodded, hesitating at the door. “Should I… stay?”Jay lifted a corner of the blanket, smirking slightly. “Only if you're not here to guard me. Obviously.”Luther’s lips twitched into a small smile as he stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him. He climbed onto the bed carefully, sitting at the edge before letting himself fall back, his shoulders relaxing only slightly. Jay’s heart thudded at the sight of him so close, the warmt
Day Four With Luther: The Ball and the Unspoken Steps
The grand ballroom glittered with candlelight and crystal chandeliers. A soft sea of gowns and uniforms shimmered across polished marble floors, and the faint scent of roses and lavender mingled with the warm, golden glow. Tonight, the palace celebrated not just Jay’s upcoming coronation but his coming of age-a ceremonial acknowledgment of his eighteen years and the divine blessing that had set the world abuzz.Jay adjusted the cuff of his uniform nervously, catching sight of his reflection in a gilded mirror. Everything was perfect-the embroidery, the sash, the polished boots-but nothing felt as perfect as the heat pooling in his chest whenever he thought of Luther.A gentle tap on the shoulder pulled him from his thoughts.“Your Highness,” Luther murmured, bowing slightly before straightening. His uniform was tailored impeccably, black with silver trim, and his hair was neatly arranged-but a few strands rebelliously curled over his forehead,
Day 3 With Luther: Nightfall, and the Unspoken Invitation
The evening sun spilled warm gold across the palace gardens. Jay and Luther had spent the day in a quiet rhythm training, reading, and teasing but as night crept in, an unspoken tension settled like a soft, heavy blanket between them.Jay stretched lazily on a chaise in his chambers, watching the shadows deepen. The library and training yard had been exhausting, but in the best way. His hair stuck to his forehead from exertion, and his heart still thudded from laughter, arguments, and those lingering touches from earlier.A soft knock came at the door.“Your Highness?” Luther’s voice drifted in, gentle, cautious. “May I… come in?”Jay smiled faintly. “I was hoping you would.”Luther entered, careful as ever, though his presence seemed to take up the entire room. He carried nothing but a small tray of tea and a soft, earnest expression. The silver in his eyes reflected the dim candlelight, and Jay fel
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