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 Goddess has placed a Sun Mark upon your chosen mate. A sign not seen since the First Dynasty. Because of this divine recognition, the Holy Empire has proclaimed you High King.”
Jay’s mind blanked.
Wait.
High King?That wasn’t a small title. That wasn’t even a big one. That was the biggest. The kind of title every kingdom either worshiped or feared. The kind of title that sparked wars simply for existing.
Jay’s breath hitched, legs stiffening. Luther, subtle as ever, placed a hand against the small of his back to keep him grounded. That single touch anchored Jay to the earth like magic.
The King continued, pride lining every syllable.
“A title never granted in a thousand years.”
Jay stared at the marble floor because looking up felt like drowning in expectation. His heart hammered hard enough to crack ribs.
His mother’s voice came softer, comforting.
“The Goddess prepares you for greatness, my son. A pavilion of your own will be constructed here in Astrelia. A sacred residence only a High King may hold.” She smiled slightly, eyes warm. “And… you will be granted a country to govern. One of your own choosing, anywhere in the world.”
Jay’s head snapped up. “A… country? For me?”
“Yes,” the King confirmed with a confident nod. “A sovereign territory under your command. Your coronation is planned for the Spring Month next year. When the first blooms open, the world will witness your rise.”
Jay swallowed. His palms were damp. His throat tightened.
He was the youngest sibling. The least prepared. The one who preferred hiding behind books and sarcasm rather than wearing a crown.
What if he failed?
What if the world looked and saw a boy pretending to be royal?
Luther must have sensed the wave of dread. His fingertips brushed Jay’s elbow. A tiny, grounding reminder: you’re not alone.
The King wasn’t done. Fate apparently wanted to drop a mountain on Jay all at once.
“And remember, my son… whoever becomes your mates will rule by your side.”
The sentence slammed into Jay’s chest.
Mate.
Beside him. Ruler of a country. By his side.His heart skipped violently like it tripped on its own feelings.
He knew exactly whose face he saw on that throne.
Silver hair. Soft eyes. Steady loyalty. Bite marks still hidden beneath clothes.Jay dared a glance at Luther. Beautiful, nervous Luther.
Their eyes met. Electricity. A spark that felt like a vow.
Luther quickly looked away, cheeks turning a shade that could melt glaciers.
Jay’s mother stepped down from the dais, her gown whispering against the floor as she approached. She took Jay’s hands, and her smile was serene but knowing.
“To be chosen by the Goddess is a burden and a blessing. You carry both.”
Jay nodded stiffly. “I only wanted to protect the people I care about. Not… rule everything.”
“That,” she whispered, thumb brushing his knuckles, “is what makes you worthy.”
The King gestured to Luther.
“And you, Prince Luther Ravenshade, first son of the Ravenshade dukedom, have proven devotion and resolve. The Sun Mark recognized you. That means you are now under royal protection. You are family.”
Luther bowed deeply. “I am honored to serve Prince Jay, and… I will always stand by him.”
Jay nearly melted like butter in sunlight.
His father raised an eyebrow at the two of them. “Stand by him is one thing. Sleep with him is another.”
Jay almost choked on air. Luther looked ready to evaporate on the spot.
The Queen shot the King a sharp look. “Dear. Grace.”
“What? They clearly lack it,” he muttered.
Jay red as a divine festival lantern, cleared his throat. “With respect, Father… my instincts chose him. And I trust them.”
“And we trust you,” the King replied, firm but softening. “Just do not rush into battles you don’t understand.”
Jay nodded once. Determined.
Because if the future threw fire, he’d make sure Luther and his child never burned.
The Queen stepped back gracefully. “You will begin training for your coronation. Royal diplomacy, war strategy, divine scripture, and world governance.”
Jay’s soul groaned internally. Great. Politics. His favorite nightmare.
The King then extended a scroll. “This contains a list of potential countries that await a High King’s leadership. Study them well. Choose wisely.”
Jay took it with steady hands despite the trembling in his heart. “Yes, Father.”
As they turned to leave, the Queen called out once more.
“And Jay?”
He paused.
“You will not face any of this alone.”
Jay looked back at Luther.
And in Luther’s eyes he heard the same promise, louder than the throne hall’s echo:
Not alone.
Never alone.
Jay managed a breath, then a small smile. “I know.”
He bowed once more, then guided Luther out of the hall.
The massive doors closed behind them with a resonant, fate-sealing thud.
As soon as they were alone, Jay slumped dramatically against a pillar. “High King,” he groaned. “I haven’t even figured out how to dance without falling.”
Luther stepped closer, voice soft with devotion. “You’ll be incredible.”
“You’re biased,” Jay accused.
“Yes,” Luther agreed without hesitation. “Completely.”
Jay’s chest warmed. Terrifying responsibility still loomed like a storm, but Luther’s presence was a shelter he trusted.
He pushed away from the pillar and extended his hand.
“Stay with me through all of it?”
Luther took his hand like it was the most obvious decision in the universe.
“For every sunrise you face… I’ll be there.”
Jay stole one more lingering glance at the throne hall doors.
High King.
A country. A future he never asked for.But Luther beside him?
That was something he’d fight heaven and earth to keep.
“Then,” Jay murmured, steady now, “I can handle anything.”
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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
