INTRODUCTION

The grand halls of the palace were silent, save for the soft echo of hurried footsteps.

Deep within the shadows of the royal chambers, a boy stood alone, his small frame trembling. His cheek burned where his father’s hand had struck him, the sting still fresh. But it wasn’t the pain that made his chest feel so tight—it was the shame. The disappointment in the king’s eyes.

"You are weak, Sebastian."

The words rang in his ears.

Sebastian clenched his fists, biting his lip to stop the tears. But he was only a child—no matter how much he tried to act otherwise. And so, the tears fell, hot and silent.

He didn’t want to be here. Not in this suffocating palace. Not in the presence of a father who saw him as nothing more than a failure.

So he ran.

Down the corridors, through the servant’s quarters, past the towering marble columns—he ran until his legs gave out, collapsing onto the cold stone floor of the empty kitchen.

He buried his face in his arms, sniffling. He would only cry for a little while. Just a little. No one would see. No one would know.

"…Are you alright?"

Sebastian’s breath hitched.

His head snapped up, and for the first time—

He saw him.

A boy, slightly older than him, dressed in a simple servant’s uniform. His silver hair fell neatly over his forehead, his sharp blue eyes filled with quiet concern.

Sebastian blinked, hurriedly wiping his tears. "Who are you?"

The boy hesitated, then bowed. "My name is Alex, Your Highness. I’ve just started working here."

Sebastian frowned. A new servant? He studied Alex carefully—his posture was stiff, but his expression was calm, unaffected.

Not like the nobles.

Not like his father.

"You saw me crying, didn’t you?" Sebastian mumbled.

Alex tilted his head. "I won’t tell anyone."

Sebastian blinked.

No mockery. No pity.

Just a simple statement, as if Alex didn’t think any less of him for it.

For the first time that day, Sebastian felt like he could breathe.

A strange warmth settled in his chest.

"You’re my servant now," he declared. "Only mine."

Alex blinked, startled. "I… don’t think that’s how it works, Your Highness."

"It is if I say so," Sebastian said stubbornly.

Alex sighed. "…As you wish."

And from that moment on—

Sebastian never let him go.