Chapter 8

Maximilian stepped out of the royal carriage, his boots landing softly on the polished stone path. The grandeur of Vireli's palace stretched before him, its marble walls gleaming under the soft afternoon light. Max's pale complexion caught the sunlight, accentuating his sharp features and broad shoulders, his posture commanding yet calm. The gentle rustle of silk and whispers of courtly attendants surrounded him, but Max's gaze was fixed straight ahead.

Standing at the base of the grand staircase were King Alistair, Queen Liora, and Alexandros. The royal family's presence was both welcoming and imposing, their expressions warm yet dignified.

Alex was the first to step forward, his smile easy and inviting. "Welcome to Vireli, Prince Maximilian," he said, his voice carrying a tone of familiarity that set Max at ease.

Max dipped his head slightly. "Thank you, Prince Alexandros. It's an honor to be here."

King Alistair offered a nod of approval. "Prince Maximilian, we are pleased to have you with us. I trust the journey was comfortable?"

"It was, Your Majesty," Max replied, his tone polite but measured.

Queen Liora's soft gaze met Max's. "You must be exhausted after such a long trip. We hope Vireli will feel like home to you during your stay."

Max offered a faint smile. "Your Majesty, I already feel most welcome."

Alex stepped closer. "Come, Max. Let me show you to your chambers. You must want to rest before dinner."

Max hesitated for a moment before nodding, his sharp features softening just slightly at Alex's familiarity. "Lead the way."

The walk through the palace was filled with quiet grandeur. The polished marble floors reflected the soft glow of chandeliers, and the halls were lined with tapestries and paintings, each more intricate than the last. As Alex walked beside him, Max found himself stealing glances at the prince, his golden hair catching the light as he spoke briefly with passing attendants.

They finally stopped before a set of grand double doors. Alex pushed them open with a graceful gesture. "Here we are," he said, stepping aside to let Max enter first.

Max stepped in and immediately froze. For a moment, he wasn't in Vireli anymore. The room was so familiar it took his breath away. From the placement of the bed to the delicate carvings on the furniture, every detail mirrored his chambers in Ashbourne.

His gaze landed on the small wooden sculptures of elephants near the window, their craftsmanship so identical to the ones in his own room that it was almost eerie. The soft fabric of the bed coverings, the faint scent of sandalwood in the air-everything felt like home.

Max turned slowly, his pale blue eyes wide with disbelief. "How is this possible?"

Alex leaned casually against the doorframe, his smile both proud and nervous. "I had it made," he said simply.

"You... made this?" Max asked, his voice quiet with awe.

Alex stepped further into the room. "I had my artisans recreate it. I described your room to them in as much detail as I could. The sculptures were crafted by our royal blacksmith, based on what I remembered. I wanted it to feel familiar to you."

Max's mouth opened, but no words came out. His gaze darted around the room, taking in every detail again. It was perfect-too perfect.

"I thought," Alex continued, stepping closer, "that it might make you feel more at home here."

Max swallowed hard, his throat suddenly tight. "You... didn't have to do this."

Alex tilted his head slightly, his golden eyes warm and steady. "I wanted to."

The sincerity in Alex's voice made Max's chest tighten. He turned back toward the sculptures, running his fingers over the smooth wood, and for a moment, the only sound was the faint rustle of the curtains in the breeze.

"Do you like it?" Alex asked softly, almost hesitantly.

Max turned to him, his voice steady but quiet. "I don't just like it. I love it."

Alex's smile widened, relief and pride lighting up his face. "I'm glad," he said, his voice softer now, more personal.

Max felt a blush rise to his cheeks, and he quickly looked away, his fingers fiddling with the edge of one of the sculptures. "Thank you. It's... incredible."

Alex moved closer, his presence warm and reassuring. "Vireli is your home now, too, Max," he said gently. "I want you to feel that."

Max glanced up, their eyes meeting. For a moment, the air between them felt charged, intimate in a way Max hadn't expected. He quickly looked down, his blush deepening, but Alex only chuckled softly, stepping back to give him space.

"I'll leave you to settle in," Alex said after a moment. "If you need anything, just let me know."

Max nodded, his voice catching slightly as he replied, "I will. Thank you, Alex."

As the door clicked shut behind Alex, Max sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers brushing over the soft fabric of the coverlet. He let out a long breath, his mind racing with emotions he couldn't quite name. For the first time since his arrival, he felt not just welcome but truly at ease.

Max spent a few minutes in his new chambers, soaking in the familiarity and warmth that Alex's thoughtful gesture had brought. The blend of Vireli's grandeur and the intimate echoes of his own room created a sense of comfort he hadn't expected to find here.

A soft knock on the door broke his reverie. Before he could respond, a palace attendant peeked in, bowing slightly. "Your Highness, Prince Alexandros has requested your presence in the gardens. He thought you might enjoy a walk before dinner."

Max rose from the bed, smoothing out his coat. "Thank you. Please tell him I'll be there shortly."

The attendant nodded and disappeared. Max took a deep breath, glanced at the room one last time, and stepped out into the corridor.

The palace gardens were a vision of beauty. The air was rich with the scent of blooming flowers, and the golden hues of the setting sun bathed everything in a soft, magical glow. Fountains trickled softly, their melodies blending harmoniously with the chirping of birds.

Alex was waiting by a stone bench near a grove of lilac trees, dressed more casually now in a soft tunic and fitted breeches. He looked up as Max approached, his smile brightening.

"You found your way easily enough," Alex teased lightly, standing to greet him.

Max chuckled, shaking his head. "It's hard to miss when half the attendants guide you with every step."

Alex laughed, the sound warm and unrestrained. "Fair point. Shall we walk?"

They strolled along the garden paths, the soft crunch of gravel underfoot the only sound for a moment. Max was struck by how serene the place felt, how the vibrancy of Vireli's capital seemed to melt away within these lush walls.

"You must think this is all a bit much," Alex said suddenly, glancing at him.

Max raised an eyebrow. "The palace? The gardens? Or the fact that you turned my room into a replica of home?"

Alex grinned. "All of it."

Max paused, considering his words. "It's... thoughtful," he said finally. "I won't lie; I didn't expect it. But it's nice to feel... remembered."

Alex stopped walking, turning to face Max fully. His expression was softer now, his. eyes serious. "I know this arrangement isn't easy for either of us," he admitted. "But I want us to try. To make this feel like more than just an alliance."

Max met his gaze, searching for any hint of pretense, but there was none. He nodded slowly. "I appreciate that, Alex. And I agree. If we're going to do this, we should do it right."

Alex's smile returned, gentler now. "Good. That's all I wanted to hear."

They continued their walk, their conversation drifting to lighter topics. Alex pointed out his favorite parts of the garden, sharing small anecdotes from his childhood. Max found himself relaxing more, the initial awkwardness between them easing with each step.

As they rounded a corner, Alex suddenly stopped in front of a small pavilion draped with flowering vines. Inside, a table was set with delicate pastries and a pot of steaming tea.

"I thought we could have a quick bite before dinner," Alex explained, gesturing for Max to sit.

Max arched a brow. "Tea before dinner? Isn't that a bit indulgent?"

Alex shrugged, his grin mischievous. "When in Vireli, indulge."

Max couldn't help but chuckle as he sat down. The tea was rich and fragrant, the pastries light and sweet. They chatted easily, the tension from earlier dissolving completely.

By the time they returned to the palace, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and the first stars were beginning to appear in the sky. As they parted ways to prepare for the formal dinner, Max couldn't shake the warmth blooming in his chest.

For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was exactly where he needed to be.

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the cobblestone streets of Vireli's capital, and the city was already abuzz with activity. Market stalls brimmed with colorful wares, the scent of fresh bread wafted through the air, and the distant hum of a musician's flute added to the charm. For Maximilian, the vibrancy of the place was infectious, drawing him into its rhythm.

Alex walked beside him, dressed in a simpler attire than usual-soft cottons and light leather boots, his royal regalia replaced by something more approachable. Max, too, had traded his formal coat for something casual, though his stature and demeanor still made him stand out among the crowd.

"I don't think I've ever seen a capital city this lively," Max admitted, glancing around.

Alex grinned. "It's part of the charm. Vireli's heart beats in its people. Come on, I'll show you more."

They moved through the winding streets, stopping occasionally at stalls to examine trinkets or taste local delicacies. At one stall, a woman offered them candied fruit on sticks.

"You'll love this," Alex said, handing one to Max with a cheeky smile.

Max raised an eyebrow but took a bite. The sweetness exploded on his tongue, and he couldn't help the small sound of delight that escaped.

Alex laughed. "Told you."

"Fine," Max admitted, licking a bit of syrup off his thumb. "You win this round."

They continued their exploration, eventually arriving at a quieter part of the city. Here, the streets opened up to a village square, where children played and elders sat in the shade, weaving baskets or telling stories.

"Prince Alex!" a boy called out, running up to them.

Alex crouched down, ruffling the boy's hair. "Hello, Theo. Have you been behaving?"

The boy grinned mischievously. "Mostly."

Max watched the interaction with a soft smile, noting the ease with which Alex engaged with the villagers. It was clear they adored him, and the feeling seemed mutual.

"Is this your friend?" Theo asked, pointing at Max.

Alex straightened, his smile turning playful. "He's more than a friend."

Max shot him a warning look, but Alex just chuckled.

"He's Prince Maximilian from Ashbourne," Alex explained. "He's here to visit."

Theo looked up at Max, wide-eyed. "You're very tall."

Max crouched slightly to be on the boy's level. "And you're very observant."

The boy giggled before running off, and Alex watched him go with a fond expression.

"You're good with children," Alex said as they resumed walking.

Max shrugged. "They're honest. It's refreshing."

Their path took them through fields of wildflowers and along a bubbling brook, where they paused to rest. Alex plucked a flower and held it out to Max.

"A souvenir?" Max teased, but he took it, tucking it into his coat pocket.

"For the record," Alex said, leaning against a tree, "I don't normally spend this much time with visiting dignitaries."

Max smirked. "I should feel honored, then?"

"Maybe." Alex's tone was light, but his gaze was steady. "Or maybe it's because I wanted to know you better."

The sincerity in his voice made Max's chest tighten, and he found himself looking away, suddenly self-conscious.

"Thank you," Max said quietly, his voice rougher than he intended.

"For what?"

"For making this easier than I thought it would be."

Alex's smile softened. "You're welcome."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter, conversation, and shared moments. They visited a craftsman's shop where Max admired the intricate carvings, and Alex insisted on buying him a small wooden elephant, much to Max's embarrassment. They stopped by a bakery to sample spiced cakes and ended up staying longer than planned because the baker's daughter wanted to know all about life in Ashbourne.

By the time they returned to the palace, the sky had turned a deep shade of indigo, and the first stars were twinkling above. The royal family was gathered for an informal dinner, and Max found himself seated beside Alex.

The meal was lively, with the Queen asking Max about his impressions of Vireli and the King sharing stories from his youth. Alex chimed in with his own anecdotes, and Max felt himself relaxing into the warmth of their company.

At one point, Alex leaned over, his voice low so only Max could hear. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

Max glanced at him, a small smile playing on his lips. "Surprisingly, yes."

Alex's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Good. Because I'm not done showing you how wonderful Vireli is."

Max chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You're relentless."

"You'll thank me later."

By the time they retired for the night, Max felt a strange sense of contentment. As he lay in the familiar-yet-different room, he found himself replaying the day's events, the sound of Alex's laughter lingering in his mind.

For the first time, the idea of this union didn't feel like a duty. It felt like a possibility-a future he could look forward to.