Later that evening, Adrian's chambers were unusually quiet. A warm fire crackled inside the stone fireplace, chasing away the cool night air drifting in through the open terrace windows.
For the first time in what felt like forever... Adrian was completely at peace.
He had kicked off his shoes, stretched his aching, swollen feet onto the edge of the bed, and settled comfortably against a plush pile of embroidered silk cushions. In his pale hands rested an old parchment book filled with Madurai tribal folklore.
The stories were simple—ancient beasts, brave warriors who crossed endless grasslands, and clever children who outsmarted giants. And it was surprisingly relaxing. Lately, Adrian had buried himself in reading whenever he had free time. Politics no longer chased after him every waking hour; there were no demanding ministers, no nobles plotting behind his back, and no tedious succession meetings.
For the first time in his life, he actually felt like a prince—spoiled, pampered, and fussed over by the servants without a single responsibility weighting his shoulders.
"Mhm..." Adrian hummed to himself softly, turning a crisp page of parchment.
"A great warrior indeed."
Nearby, a young servant carefully peeled slices of fresh pear onto a silver plate. She looked up at him with a gentle smile.
"My Lord seems to be in a wonderful mood tonight."
Adrian glanced over the top of his book with a smirk.
"Oh? Is it that obvious?"
"You've smiled at least five times while reading, My Lord," she answered warmly. "You even laughed a little."
"I suppose..." Adrian chuckled softly, adjusting his posture.
"It has been a peaceful day."
'Mostly because I didn't have to deal with that infuriating barbarian for once...'
Before he could enjoy another moment of quiet bliss—
*BANG!*
The heavy chamber doors suddenly burst wide open. Adrian gasped, nearly jumping right out of his seat as his heart hammered against his ribs. The servant gasped in shock, hurriedly dropping her peeling knife. Standing broad and confident in the doorway was Thoris.
Adrian immediately groaned in absolute defeat.
"...You've got to be kidding me."
The servant quickly bowed her head, trembling as she gathered her tray. "Forgive me, My Lord. I shall take my leave." She hurried toward the exit. Adrian stretched out a hand, desperate to hold onto his peaceful evening.
"No!. Wait! Don't go! You're not done peeling my fruit!"
The poor servant paused, looking back and forth between the two princes with wide, terrified eyes. She gave Adrian a deeply apologetic bow.
"My deepest apologies, My Lord... but I'm afraid I cannot stay any longer. It would be disrespectful both to you and to the Great Warrior."
Before Adrian could order her to stay, she vanished through the door and pulled it shut behind her.
Silence filled the room. Adrian slowly turned his head to glare at Thoris, then looked down at the untouched fruit. He clicked his tongue in deep annoyance, setting his book down on the bedside table with a dull thud.
"Thoris, what brings you here?"
"What else?" Thoris answered smoothly, walking in as if he owned the entire room.
"To sleep, of course."
Adrian blinked, leaning back against his cushions.
"You are supposed to be with Elyria. That's what you promised."
Thoris casually unfastened his heavy leather belt, letting it drop to a chair.
"I have already spent time with your sister for the day, so there is no need to complain."
"That fast?"
"Yes, that fast."
"No," Adrian said firmly, pointing toward the hallway. "You need to go back. In fact, you have to go back!"
"I don't want to."
"Thoris, go back or else you will hurt my sister's feelings!" Adrian's eyes flashed with frustration.
"And I won't forgive you if you do that."
Thoris simply rolled his eyes at the threat, completely unbothered. He walked right past Adrian, climbed onto the massive bed, and adjusted a soft pillow before lightly patting the empty space beside him.
"Come to bed."
"No...you need to go."
"Adrian, just come to bed," Thoris sighed, resting his arm over his head.
"I won't do anything to you, I promise."
"No!"
Adrian snapped, frantically shaking his head. The smirk on Thoris' face was not convincing at all.
"I'd rather jump off the balcony than lie there next to you!"
A vein visibly twitched on Thoris' forehead, his golden eyes flashing with sudden heat. For a split second, his jaw tightened in sheer frustration. But then, he forced a long, slow breath out of his nose, calming himself down. He swung his legs off the bed, stood up, and began striding directly toward Adrian.
Adrian stiffened instantly in his seat, his eyes widening.
"What–....What are you doing?"
Thoris stopped right before him, looming over his chair like a shadow.
"You are so stubborn."
"I learned from the best," Adrian retorted defensively. But before Adrian could react, Thoris reached down and slid his large hands beneath his back and knees, and effortlessly picked him up into his arms.
"Hey!"
Adrian gasped, his breath catching in his throat as he immediately began wriggling against his broad chest.
"Put me down! I can walk!"
Thoris' hold turned rock-solid, pulling Adrian tight against his warm torso.
"Hey! Be still, or you will harm my child!"
Adrian froze mid-struggle, his face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and disbelief. "...You are really using that against me right now?"
"Yes," Thoris replied without a shred of remorse, carrying him over to the bed.
Just then, he gently set Adrian down against the mountain of soft pillows before sliding under the covers right beside him. Instead of trying anything untoward, Thoris simply reached over, wrapped one thick, heavy arm securely around Adrian's waist, and pulled the smaller prince flush against his chest. It was a possessive, heavy embrace, meant purely for cuddling, and it made Adrian cringe instantly.
"We'll just sleep like this, so stop complaining,"
Thoris murmured into the nape of his neck.
Adrian squirmed slightly, pushing his hand against Thoris' solid chest.
"You need to spend this time with Elyria."
"I know," Thoris grunted softly, his breath fanning warmly against Adrian's skin.
"I will, starting tomorrow. Vikra only ruined my day today, and knowing how fragile your sister is, she'd break down just from the sight of seeing me angry. At least you are used to it, aren't you?"
Adrian clicked his tongue, a quiet snarl escaping his lips as he glared up at the barbarian.
"So to you, I am the easier target?"
Thoris let out a low, rumbling chuckle.
"You said it, not me."
"And besides..." Adrian narrowed his eyes, examining the calm, handsome face resting close to his own.
"...you don't look angry to me."
"I am... believe me," Thoris replied, his golden eyes dimming slightly into something dark and heavy. His hand tightened possessively over the subtle curve of Adrian's waist.
"And if you don't stop complaining, I might not be able to hold myself back."
Adrian's breath hitched, and he immediately shut his mouth tight, his lips forming a thin, defiant line.
A teasing, deep chuckle vibrated directly from Thoris' chest, sending a strange, warm shiver straight down Adrian's spine.
"There you go,"
Thoris whispered softly, the dark edge melting back into lazy fondness.
"I knew you could be quiet when you wanted to be."
Adrian glared up at him in silence, his chest rising and falling softly against Thoris' chest.
'One day... I am going to poison your evening ale.'
As if reading the silent hostility in his mind, Thoris grinned, closing his eyes as he pulled Adrian just a fraction closer, letting his warmth consume them both into the quiet night.
"Just sleep."
*****
A few hours later.
The heavy silence of the night settled deep into the room, broken only by the crackle of the fireplace and the steady rhythm of their breathing.
Adrian lay still in the tight circle of Thoris's arms, his face pressed against the warm expanse of the barbarian prince's chest. He tried to maintain a rigid, distant posture—a silent protest against being held like this—but his body, exhausted from weeks of physical strain and the early toll of pregnancy, betrayed him. Slow, heavy warmth seeped through the thin silk of his nightclothes, coaxing his tense muscles to loosen one by one.
Thoris's large, calloused hand rested over Adrian's lower abdomen, his thumb making tiny, almost imperceptible circles against the fabric. It was a gesture far too gentle for a man whose hands were built for war.
Adrian shifted slightly, turning his head away to stare at the dying embers.
"...Your hand is too hot," he muttered, his voice barely a breath.
"You're cold," Thoris replied smoothly, his voice a low, rumbling vibration beneath Adrian's cheek. He didn't move his hand. If anything, he pulled Adrian even more closer, tucking the smaller prince securely under his chin.
"Stop trying to find things to complain about and sleep."
"I am not trying to find things," Adrian whispered, a faint, bitter edge returning to his tone.
"You invade my space, ignore every rule, and expect me to simply fall asleep like everything is normal."
Thoris opened one eye, looking down at the dark crown of Adrian's hair.
"Nothing about us is normal, my little prince. The sooner you stop expecting a traditional court romance, the easier your life will be."
Adrian let out a soft, dry chuckle.
"A romance? Is that what you think this is?"
Thoris leaned down slightly, his lips brushing the shell of Adrian's ear.
"It's whatever I decide it is. Right now, it's quiet...so sleep." He paused, his breath warm against Adrian's skin, before his hand pressed a little firmer against Adrian's stomach. Adrian felt a sudden, sharp flutter in his chest—not from fear, but from the overwhelming, suffocating reality of how completely Thoris had entangled himself in his life. He hated how easily Thoris commanded the room, hated how the barbarian's presence made him feel protected even while being held prisoner by the very same man.
Without thinking, Adrian reached up and placed his fingers over Thoris's hand, stopping the thumb from moving.
"Don't," Adrian murmured softly.
Thoris stilled, his golden eyes fixing on Adrian in the dim light.
"Don't what?"
"Don't pretend like this is simple as if it's a game," Adrian said, his gaze locking with Thoris's.
"You treat me like a trophy one moment, a bride the next, sometimes eveya prisoner and now..." He looked down at their joined hands over his stomach.
"...this."
Thoris stared at him for a long, heavy moment. The usual arrogant smirk was entirely absent from his face. Instead, his expression turned surprisingly dark and grounded.
"I don't pretend anything," Thoris said softly, his voice dropping into a rough register.
"You are carrying my blood. You belong to my house now. Whether you hate me or tolerate me, you are mine, Adrian. I don't care if it takes years for you to accept it."
"You are infuriatingly arrogant," Adrian whispered, though he didn't pull his hand away.
"And you are entirely too stubborn," Thoris replied softly as he leaned down and pressed a firm, lingering kiss against the side of Adrian's mouth—a gesture so unexpectedly tender that Adrian's breath caught in his throat.
"Now shut your eyes."
Adrian closed his eyes, letting out a long, shuddering breath. He hated that he didn't pull away. He hated that the terrifying strength of the man holding him felt, for the first time, like an immovable shield against the rest of the world.
Within minutes, the heavy rise and fall of Thoris's chest signaled he had fallen asleep. Adrian remained awake a little longer, listening to the quiet wind outside, before exhaustion finally pulled him under.
*****
The following morning.
Long before the sun rose over the Northern horizon, Thoris was already awake. The room was still dark and only the faint glow from the dying fireplace lit the bedchamber.
The celebrations outside had finally gone quiet, leaving the palace wrapped in a peaceful silence.
Thoris slowly opened his eyes.
For once...He didn't move right away.
Instead, he lay there quietly, listening to the soft sound of someone breathing beside him and he glanced to his side, Adrian was still fast asleep. He had somehow rolled deeper into the heavy fur blankets during the night until only part of his blond hair and the tip of his nose could be seen.
Thoris couldn't help but to sigh to himself.
"At least he is quiet now." he murmured under his breath. Carefully, he lifted Adrian's arm from where it had unconsciously rested across his chest preparing to get off.
"Hm..."
Adrian mumbled something completely unclear in his sleep. His brows knitted together for a brief second before relaxing again. Thoris froze.
"...Still asleep."
He let out a quiet breath of relief.
Then slowly and carefully, he slipped out of bed. He knew from experience that waking Adrian too early always led to a foul mood that lasted the entire morning and a series of complaints and whining.
Barefoot, he crossed the room and picked up his robe.
As he tied the sash around his waist, his eyes wandered back toward the bed. Adrian hadn't moved, he was still curled beneath the blankets. The morning light beginning to creep through the curtains painted his sleeping face in soft shades of gold.
Without his usual glare...
Without the sharp words...
Without the pride he carried every waking moment... For now his breathing was slow and steady, even the small crease that usually rested between his brows was gone.
For the first time since arriving in the Iron Steppes...He simply looked like someone who had finally managed to rest.
Thoris quietly walked back to the bedside.
He stood there for a long moment, saying nothing.
Just looking.
A cool breeze slipped through the slightly open window and the edge of the thick fur blanket shifted down Adrian's shoulder.
Almost immediately, Adrian instinctively curled in on himself.
Thoris shook his head with a small grunt.
"...You'll catch a fucking cold, who's child are you trying to put in danger?"
He reached down carefully, his large hand gently pulled the heavy blanket back over Adrian's shoulder, making sure no cold air could reach him.
Adrian gave a tiny sleepy hum.
"Mmm..."
He burrowed even deeper beneath the warm covers without waking and the sight made Thoris shake his head in disbelief.
"So troublesome..."
Although his voice was barely above a whisper.
"You argue with me all day....yet you sleep like this."
As if hearing him...
Adrian frowned in his sleep.
"...Go away..." he mumbled softly and Thoris blinked.
"...You're telling me to leave even while you're asleep?"
Adrian made another sleepy sound.
"...Annoying..."
Thoris couldn't help staring at him quietly.
"You really don't take breaks, do you?"
There was no answer.
Only another sleepy murmur.
"...Barbarian..."
Thoris rubbed his forehead with a definite huff, defeated.
"I should've expected that."
He looked at Adrian for another moment before gently brushing a loose strand of blond hair away from his face.
"... Just sleep a little longer and I'll deal with you once you're awake."
Adrian remained asleep, completely unaware of the words spoken over him.
Then after making sure the blanket was tucked in properly, Thoris gave one last glance toward the bed. Then he quietly turned toward the door and just as his hand touched the handle...
A sleepy voice drifted through the room.
"...You're leaving already...?"
Thoris looked back. One blue eye was barely open beneath the blankets. Adrian looked half asleep, his voice thick with drowsiness.
"I thought..."
He yawned.
"...you said you'd keep bothering me."
Thoris sighed looking at him like: 'Seriously?'
"I'll continue later."
Thoris waved dismissing him to go back to sleep and Adrian gave a sleepy nod.
"...Good...Go bother someone else for once..."
Before Thoris could answer, Adrian was already asleep again.
Thoris stood there for a second before shaking his head.
"...Hopeless prince."
With that, he slipped silently out of the room, leaving Adrian to enjoy the first peaceful morning he had had in a very long time.
He closed the door slowly, making sure the old hinges didn't make a sound. Two royal guards immediately straightened the moment they saw him.
"Warlord."
Thoris gave a small nod.
"Don't wake him."
The guards answered at once.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Thoris thought for a moment before adding a few more instructions.
"And make sure to tell the servants to prepare breakfast before he wakes."
"The morning tea."
"The fruit he likes, he kept whining about it last night."
"And also tell the servants not to let him skip his meal."
One of the guards nodded before adding.
"It seems His Highness has been eating much better these days."
Thoris let out a displeased scoff.
"That is only because half the palace keeps reminding him."
The older guard cleared his throat knowingly.
"Lord Adrian still tries to avoid breakfast sometimes."
"I know." Thoris folded his arms.
"Therefore if he says he's not hungry.....don't believe him and shove the food in his mouth if you have to."
"If he claims he'll eat later....don't believe that either."
The guards exchanged amused glances.
"Understood."
Just then Thoris added.
"He'll probably complain, he always complains. He'll probably glare at you as well but regardless make sure he finishes everything served to him."
"He needs to eat properly."
The older guard bowed.
"As you command."
Thoris nodded in satisfaction.
"Oh..." He paused again as though remembering something important.
"If he asks where I am..."
The guards waited.
"Tell him I'm busy."
The younger guard blinked.
"...Should we also tell him you'll return later?" Thoris thought for a second before smirking.
"No."
"Let him enjoy the peace while it lasts."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
Thoris finally turned and walked down the long stone corridor. His footsteps echoed through the quiet palace before slowly fading into the distance the heavy chamber doors remained closed behind him.
Inside...
The room was still warm from the dying fire. Morning sunlight slowly slipped through the curtains and Adrian remained curled beneath the thick fur blankets, sleeping more peacefully than he had in many months.
He hugged one of the pillows closer without waking.
"...Mmh..."
A faint sleepy mumble escaped him before he buried his face deeper into the blankets. Completely unaware...That the man he claimed to dislike had delayed the start of his own day to make sure he was taken care of.
Outside the room, one of the younger guards quietly leaned toward the older one.
"...His Highness acts so differently around Lord Adrian lately."
The older guard smiled knowingly.
"He does."
"I've never seen the Great Warrior fuss over anyone this much. Is it because of the heir on the way?"
The younger guard scratched his cheek.
"Probably."
"Do you think Lord Adrian notices?"
The older guard looked toward the closed doors and chuckled.
"Our little prince? Of course he notices, he just refuses to admit it."
The younger guard laughed softly.
"...They're both unbelievably stubborn."
The older guard nodded.
"That..."
He folded his arms with a smile.
"...they certainly are."
*****