Ethan stepped out of the study feeling refreshed.
His father might not always have time, but when he did, he made it count. It was something people rarely understood. Being king never stopped him from being a father.
Prince Ethan Cole walked down the grand staircase toward the living room.
Everything screamed royalty.
Modern, elegant, and quietly intimidating.
The space opened wide beneath him. Polished white marble reflected soft golden lights. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the skyline, sheer curtains drifting gently like whispers. Cream sofas sat in perfect balance, gold-lined tables beside them. A grand chandelier hung above, glowing like frozen light.
It was beautiful.
Soft.
Inviting.
And still overwhelming.
Every detail reminded him this wasn't just a home.
It was power dressed in elegance.
As he reached the last step, Jason appeared.
"Your Highness, your friend is here to see you."
Jason bowed and signaled the guards and servants. One by one, they quietly left, giving the two friends privacy.
Ethan descended the final step.
"Hey, so…" Francis said, raising an eyebrow.
"What are you expecting? 'Oh, I missed you?' Ugh," Ethan replied, rolling his eyes.
Francis placed a hand on his chest dramatically. "Oh, my humble prince, accept my prideful apology."
He bowed exaggeratedly.
They both burst into laughter.
"This is ridiculous," Ethan said. "I have to be at Hasen soon. I can't afford to sit around."
"Then let's move around. I'll hitch a ride with you. I have a lot to tell you. More importantly… I'll finally introduce you to my girl. Aura."
Francis smiled, clearly excited.
Aura.
Francis had met her a few months ago during his trip to Victorian. The city wasn't too far from the capital, about seven to nine hours by car. According to Francis, it had been fate.
Ethan disagreed.
It sounded more like Francis seeing a girl, developing a crush, and then boldly introducing himself. She hadn't even known he existed until then.
Still… she chose him.
That alone made Ethan curious.
They had been in a long-distance relationship since Francis returned. Calls, messages, occasional visits. Nothing too intimate from what Ethan knew.
But Francis looked serious about her.
"Okay," Ethan said. "Let's go."
They walked toward the exit.
"He'd been promoted," Francis added. "They're moving to the capital this weekend. She'll be attending our school."
He looked genuinely happy.
Their school was elite. Royal families, high society heirs, powerful names. If she wasn't used to that environment, it might be difficult.
But Francis would make sure she was comfortable.
And Ethan… for his friend's sake… would help if needed.
They stepped outside and headed toward the parking area.
Ethan folded his hands behind him as they walked.
'Aura Sinclair…'
Royal Elite Academy.
He pictured her in his mind.
'If she's as demure and pure as Francis says…'
He wasn't sure what to expect.
But for some reason…
He felt this meeting might change more than just introductions.