Susan’s lips curved up into a shy, tentative smile, and she sank closer into my embrace. I gently lifted her onto my lap, letting her rest her head against my chest. The warmth of her small body pressed softly against me, and for a while, we simply sat there, letting the quiet comfort of the moment fill the room.

  Her breathing slowed, and I could feel the faint rise and fall of her chest as she gradually relaxed. I smiled down at her, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. There was something endearing about the way she clung to me, timid yet trusting, as if she knew this moment was a rare sanctuary from her worries.

  After a few minutes, Susan tilted her head up to meet my eyes. “Y-Young master… you… you won’t abandon me, right?” she asked softly, her voice laced with genuine uncertainty.

  I chuckled lightly and ruffled her hair with one hand. “Silly girl,” I said with a gentle smile, “do I look like someone who would ever do that to you?”

  Her brown eyes widened, and she bit her lip nervously. “B-But… my mother said that… nobles sometimes take advantage of girls… and then they leave…”

  I couldn’t help but laugh softly at her words, though my tone was kind, not teasing. “Susan, you really believe every rumor you hear, don’t you?” I said, holding her closer. “I would never leave you. How could I leave such a sweet, gentle girl sitting here in my arms?”

  Her face flushed a deep red, and her lips trembled in embarrassment. She buried her face against my chest again, trying to hide her emotions, and I pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head.

  “You… you bullied me,” she muttered, her voice muffled but playful.

  “I suppose I teased you a little,” I admitted with a laugh, “but only because I like seeing that shy little smile of yours. It suits you.”

  Susan relaxed a little more at my words. Her shoulders lowered, and the faint tension in her body melted as I held her. I could see the trust beginning to return to her eyes, a delicate spark of warmth and comfort replacing the fear that had flitted there moments ago.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  After a quiet pause, I spoke gently, lowering my voice so only she could hear. “Susan… there’s something important I need to tell you.”

  She lifted her head slightly, looking up at me with cautious curiosity. “Y-Young master?” she asked.

  I took a deep breath and let the words come carefully. “Actually… I’m a prince.”

  Her eyes widened in shock, and her body stiffened in my lap. She slowly pulled back, kneeling slightly to look at me more properly. “Y-Your Highness?” she whispered, her voice a mixture of awe and disbelief.

  I smiled softly and cupped her cheeks gently with my hands. “Please, Susan… you don’t need to kneel. I don’t want you to feel any fear around me.”

  Her hands trembled slightly as she let me guide her back onto my lap, resting her head against my shoulder once more. “I… I’m sorry,” she murmured. “It’s just… I didn’t expect…”

  “I understand,” I said warmly, wrapping an arm securely around her. “I know it might feel overwhelming. But you don’t need to worry. I’ll never hurt you. You’re safe with me.”

  Susan blinked, her eyes glistening with a mixture of surprise and relief. “Y-Your Highness… but I… I heard stories… about the second prince…”

  I chuckled lightly, shaking my head. “Those are just rumors, Susan. I may be a prince, but that doesn’t mean I would ever harm someone I care about. You’re far too precious for me to let anything bad happen to you.”

  Her lips curved into a small, hesitant smile. She leaned closer, letting me hug her tightly once again. The warmth of her body and the softness of her presence made my chest feel lighter, calmer. Somehow, holding her like this made all the troubles of the world fade for a moment.

  “Edric …” she whispered softly, testing the familiarity of my name.

  “Yes, Susan?” I asked, brushing her hair back and smiling down at her.

  “I… I feel safe with you,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Even though I was scared at first… I trust you.”

  I smiled gently, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. “That’s all I wanted to hear. And I promise, I’ll always do my best to make sure you feel that way.”

  Susan snuggled closer, letting herself relax completely against me. Her small hands rested lightly on my arms, and her shy smile lingered as we remained there, quietly sharing the comfort of closeness.

  For a long while, we didn’t need to speak. The warmth of our connection was enough—her trust, her timid affection, and the gentle reassurance that I would always be there. And in that quiet moment, I realized that these small acts of care and closeness were far more meaningful than any grand gesture or title could ever be.