The whispers of the festival incident had reached far beyond the Mondell estate, stretching into the court of the Fleur Empire. The Emperor's spies moved like shadows, gathering fragmented stories about Atlas's display of power. Back in the Mondell estate, tension simmered beneath the surface as Leon and Atlas navigated the consequences of their increasingly public bond.
Leon woke to the soft sunlight filtering through the grand windows, a rare moment of peace wrapping him in warmth. The events of the past days had been overwhelming: the festival, Atlas's partial reveal of his abilities, and the sense that something monumental was approaching. Despite this, Leon found solace in the quiet mornings they spent together. He shifted slightly, feeling Atlas's hand resting protectively over his. Atlas's sleep was never deep, his body tuned to the slightest noise or movement.
"Good morning," Leon whispered, his voice soft but carrying an unspoken question.
Atlas's eyes opened, turquoise irises swirling with the remnants of worry. "Did you sleep well?" he asked, brushing a stray lock of hair from Leon's forehead.
Leon nodded, though the questions in his mind were too many to ignore. "Atlas, we need to talk about what happened at the festival," he said, searching his lover's face for hesitation.
Atlas's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. He took a deep breath, the tension in his body easing only when Leon reached out to cup his cheek. "I promised you honesty, and I intend to keep it," Atlas said, a rare vulnerability slipping into his tone.
They moved to the private garden outside the estate, the air fragrant with late-blooming roses. Leon felt his heart pound as Atlas recounted his lineage, the heavy burden of being tied to the Fleur Empire's royal bloodline, and the curse of his power. As Atlas spoke, Leon listened, absorbing each revelation like pieces of a puzzle he didn't know he was solving.
"That's why you've always kept your distance from politics," Leon said, realization dawning. "You're not just protecting me; you're trying to avoid the Empire's grasp."
Atlas nodded. "They see me as a pawn to solidify their hold. My mother ran from that life, but now... they want me back."
Leon's hand found Atlas's, their fingers intertwining. "We'll face it together," Leon promised, his Guide abilities stirring as if to echo his determination. He felt a surge of reassurance that flowed between them, strengthening their bond.
The quiet moment was shattered by the sudden, hurried approach of Edwin, Leon's older brother. His eyes, usually calm, were wide with alarm. "We have a problem," Edwin said, glancing between the two. "A royal envoy from the Fleur Empire has arrived, and they're demanding an audience with the entire family."