Little Pink Starfish

──────・・・・・・

Theodore walked quietly down the dark hallway, careful not to make a sound. Holding fresh sheets in one hand, he hurried toward Asher’s room.

No matter how many times he embraced him, it was never enough. The heat in his body refused to settle, coursing through him like wildfire.

Like a beast in heat, his instincts screamed for Asher’s body.

Each time he buried himself inside, each time Asher trembled and cried out, his love for him overflowed.

──── I love him.

When he whispered in his ear, Asher would blush and cling to him.

Though inexperienced, Asher still moved desperately, seeking him.

Should I just take him away?

The thought was foolish, and Theodore let out a quiet chuckle at himself.

He knew that during this time of night, no soldiers patrolled this corridor. He had been careful to avoid prying eyes, but suddenly, he sensed a gaze on his back.

Slowing his steps, he turned around.

“…Brown, what do you want?”
“Well, what a coincidence, running into you at this hour.”

Subtly shifting the sheets behind him, Theodore narrowed his eyes at Ward, who was smiling carelessly.

“I asked what you wanted.”
“…Rather, what exactly are you up to?”

Ward’s smile vanished, his gaze sharpening as his expression turned serious.

“…What’s that in your hand? Fresh sheets? You really think the maids haven’t noticed?”
“…”
“You’re acting like an animal in heat… I warned you, didn’t I, Lewis? You heard it at the royal dining table—sooner or later, Prince Asher will be married off to another nation’s royal family. Or, thanks to Prince Samuel, he’ll be sent to the temple. Either way, you’ll be separated.”

Ward’s irritated voice bore into him, and Theodore furrowed his brows.

“…”
“Do you understand that?”
“…This has nothing to do with you.”

At those words, Ward suddenly lost his temper, grabbing Theodore by the collar.

“The one who’s going to suffer in the end isn’t you—it’s Prince Asher. …He’s royalty.”
“Why are you getting so angry?”
“…I’m not angry.”
“Then let go of me.”
“…”

Ward abruptly released his grip, straightening Theodore’s rumpled collar before looking away with a sullen expression.

“…I won’t let anyone else have His Highness.”
“What?”
“I’ll ask His Majesty for permission to marry him.”
“Ba—! Are you an idiot?! There’s no way that’ll ever be approved!”
“If it won’t be approved… then I’ll take His Highness and leave the country.”
“…What?”
“It’s the only way to make him mine.”
“…Are you serious?”

Ward stared at Theodore as if he were looking at something unbelievable.

Theodore, however, met his gaze head-on.

“…Right. You’re not the type to joke.”

Letting out a heavy sigh, Ward ran a hand through his hair.

“First of all, drop that ridiculous idea of petitioning the king. You’ll just get yourself executed.”
“You’re worried about my neck?”
“…I told you—I like you.”

Theodore watched as Ward’s shoulders slumped in defeat.

“…Besides, the way you acted today caught Prince Samuel’s attention.”
“Why has Prince Samuel suddenly become so fixated on His Highness?”
“Who knows… Even I didn’t realize he was like that until recently. But after seeing that room, it’s clear he’s been unhinged for a long time.”

Ward let out a bitter laugh, raising an eyebrow.

“…Has he always… felt that way about His Highness?”
“It’s not impossible. He’s been in contact with the temple for a while now.”
“…Why is he so desperate to send him there?”
“If I had to guess… probably because he doesn’t want him to marry anyone.”

Theodore’s eyes widened at Ward’s words.

“It’s just my speculation, but Prince Samuel doesn’t seem to want Prince Asher to be wed. Even though marriage is a duty for royalty. In fact, politically speaking, Prince Asher forming a bond with another nation through marriage should be beneficial to the crown prince, who will one day be king.”
“…Then why?”
“Hahhh… You, of all people, should understand.”
“What do you mean?”
“You feel the same way.”

The same way as Theodore—meaning…

──── He doesn’t want anyone else to touch Asher.

“…But they’re blood-related brothers.”
“You saw that room. And… maybe because they’re brothers.”

If Asher were sent to the temple, he would never have to marry anyone.

Furthermore, only those of high status could enter the Fana’ara Temple, as access was strictly controlled.

Placing Asher there would isolate him from the world—no one else would ever be able to touch him.

Did Samuel think that was the only way to keep him from anyone else’s hands?

“…The truth is unclear, but if Prince Samuel learns about you and Prince Asher… you won’t survive. So stop being reckless. Control yourself.”
“…I don’t need to hear that from you.”
“What?! I’m trying to help—”

Both men froze.

The sound of approaching footsteps signaled the presence of patrolling soldiers.

“…Go, Lewis.”
“…What about you?”
“I’ll have a little chat with the guards.”

Waving his hand lazily, Ward walked off in the direction of the approaching soldiers.

Theodore watched his retreating figure for a moment before turning and heading the other way.

──── “I like you,” huh.

Did he mean me? Or…

Theodore recalled Ward’s expression from earlier.

“The one who’s going to suffer in the end isn’t you—it’s Prince Asher.”

The rage on Ward’s face when he grabbed him by the collar was unlike anything Theodore had ever seen before.

His steps faltered for just a moment.

But only for a moment—before he continued toward the person waiting for him.

──────・・・・・・

A week had passed since the royal family’s meal, and despite lingering unease, Asher spent his days peacefully.

No further mention of marriage had been made at the dining table, and Samuel hadn’t brought up anything strange either.

However, Asher still continued to receive marriage proposals from neighboring countries—some even sending personal letters directly.

“…”

Even after sending gentle refusals, responses always came back immediately.

Letting out an unconscious sigh, Asher was met with Theodore’s concerned voice.

“Your Highness… Shall you rest?”
“I’m a little tired… but I’m fine.”

Smiling softly, Asher set aside the letter and picked up an official document instead.

Just as he focused on his work again, another marriage proposal arrived.

Maybe I’ve been straining my eyes too much…

But before he could continue, Theodore took hold of his wrist.

“Let’s take a break and have some tea.”
“But—”

Theodore gently stroked his hand before firmly setting the document aside.

“Your Highness.”
“…Okay.”

Blushing slightly, Asher smiled at him.

The more they touched, the more he loved him.

And yet…

Their peaceful days were about to be disrupted.

Without prior notice, High Priest Reachalf of the Fana’ara Temple arrived at the castle and requested an audience with the king.