The unspoken

The morning sunlight filtered through the grand windows of the royal dining hall, but the cheerful rays did little to brighten Nani’s mood. He sat stiffly at the long table, a forced smile plastered across his face as his parents subtly — or not so subtly — pushed the idea of marriage yet again.

“Darling, you’re at the perfect age to settle down,” his mother said with a sweet yet pointed tone, sliding a folder of photographs toward him.

His father, always more direct, chimed in. “These are some of the finest princesses and noblewomen from allied kingdoms. Surely one of them will catch your eye.”

Nani sighed inwardly, his patience wearing thin. “Mother, Father,” he said, carefully keeping his tone respectful, “I appreciate your concern, but I’m not interested in marriage right now.”

“We’re not forcing you,” his mother said, though her words contradicted the action of pushing yet another photograph toward him. “Just take a look. You might find someone suitable.”

Nani glanced at the photo briefly, a polished smile of a princess staring back at him. He slid it back onto the pile without a second thought. “I said no. And I mean it.”

His father gave him a hard look but said nothing more, and the conversation shifted to other topics.

---

Later that afternoon, Sky found Nani lounging in the private garden, a book in his hand and a stormy expression on his face. The bodyguard approached, his ever-present grin tugging at his lips.

“Rough morning?” Sky teased, settling into the seat across from him.

“You could say that,” Nani muttered, closing his book.

Sky leaned back, his arms resting casually behind his head. “Let me guess—marriage talk?”

Nani gave him a sharp look. “How did you know?”

“It’s written all over your face,” Sky replied with a chuckle. “Why aren’t you interested, anyway? I mean, if they’d sent me photos of beautiful girls, I might’ve said yes. No time for courting when you’re busy saving a prince every other day.”

Nani rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched in amusement. “I’m not you, Sky.”

Sky leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “So, tell me, have you ever been in love, Your Highness?”

The question caught Nani off guard, and for a moment, he considered brushing it off. But Sky’s playful yet curious gaze was hard to ignore.

“No,” Nani admitted. “I’ve never felt love. I was a prince, remember? My adolescent years were spent fulfilling princely duties. There wasn’t exactly time for romance.”

Sky nodded in understanding. “Same here. I spent my younger years training to be a great captain. No time for love when you’re busy learning combat and...you know, building these.” He flexed his biceps dramatically, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Nani chuckled despite himself. “You’re ridiculous.”

“But impressive, right?” Sky said with mock seriousness, grinning when Nani shook his head.

The prince’s laughter faded, and he looked out at the garden. “I’m not against marriage. I just want to marry someone I truly love. Someone who makes me feel what I’ve only read about in books.”

Sky tilted his head, his grin softening into something more genuine. “Well, why not go on dates with the girls your parents suggested? One might surprise you.”

Nani shook his head with a chuckle and leaned over to flick Sky’s forehead. "You’re hopeless."

Sky feigned pain, wincing dramatically. "Ow! Abuse! Is this how you treat your loyal guard?"

Ignoring him, Nani continued, leaning back in his chair. “It wouldn’t feel real. Those girls come from situations like mine. We’d both be wearing masks, pretending to be something we’re not.”

Sky frowned slightly, listening intently as Nani continued.

“I want to be with someone who makes me happy,” Nani said softly, his voice carrying a tinge of longing. “Someone who makes me laugh, who makes me shy, who makes me fall in love and feel thrilled every day. Someone who lets me be myself, without any mask.”

Sky’s breath hitched slightly, his teasing demeanor slipping as he watched the vulnerable expression on Nani’s face. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away.

Neither of them spoke, the silence stretching between them like a fragile thread.

Then, as if realizing the intensity of the moment, they both coughed awkwardly and looked away.

“Well,” Sky said, breaking the silence as he patted Nani’s shoulder. “I hope you find someone like that. You deserve it.”

Nani gave him a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Sky.”

As Sky stood to leave, he couldn’t help but notice how his heart was racing in his chest, a steady thrum he couldn’t quite explain. He walked away quickly, needing the distance to collect himself.

Inside the garden, Nani touched his cheek, feeling the faint warmth that lingered there. He closed his book and leaned back against his chair, his thoughts swirling.

Neither of them dared to say it aloud, but something had shifted between them. Something neither of them could ignore.