Scene 1: The Burden of Secrets
The dining hall was unusually quiet. Leon sat at the head of the table, absentmindedly stirring his soup. The conversation between Edwin, Bjorn, and Cecily was distant noise in his ears. Despite their best efforts to support him, Leon couldn't shake the heaviness in his chest.
"Leon." Edwin's voice cut through his thoughts, firm but not unkind. "You need to eat."
Leon glanced at him, his grip tightening on the spoon. "I'm not hungry."
"You've said that every meal for the past week," Edwin said, his tone softening. "You can't keep doing this. You're not just hurting yourself anymore."
Leon's lips pressed into a thin line, guilt prickling at the edges of his heart. He knew Edwin was right, but the thought of food made his stomach churn. "I'll try," he murmured, forcing a spoonful of soup into his mouth.
Bjorn leaned forward, his sharp gaze scanning Leon's face. "You're not sleeping well either. Is it... the baby?"
Leon hesitated, his hand subconsciously drifting to his abdomen. "It's everything," he admitted quietly. "Atlas, the baby, the future... I don't know how to handle it all."
Cecily reached across the table, her hand brushing his. "You don't have to handle it alone, Leon. We're here."
"And we're not going anywhere," Bjorn added, his voice steady. "But you have to let us help."
Leon nodded, his throat tightening. He didn't know how to tell them that their help, while appreciated, couldn't fill the void Atlas had left behind.
---
Scene 2: A Quiet Escape
Later that afternoon, Leon slipped away to the garden, seeking solace among the blooming flowers. The weight of his family's concern was suffocating, and he needed a moment to breathe.
"Trying to disappear again?" Tristan's voice startled him, and Leon turned to see the knight leaning against the gate, his arms crossed.
"I just needed some air," Leon said softly.
Tristan stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "You've been avoiding everyone."
"I'm not avoiding anyone," Leon replied, though his voice lacked conviction.
"Then why do you always come out here alone?" Tristan asked, his tone gentle but insistent.
Leon sighed, sinking onto a stone bench. "Because it's easier," he admitted. "Out here, I don't have to pretend I'm okay."
Tristan sat beside him, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "You don't have to pretend with me, either."
Leon looked at him, his chest tightening. "Why are you always so kind to me?"
Tristan hesitated, his jaw tightening slightly. "Because you deserve kindness, Leon. And because..." He trailed off, his voice softening. "Because I care about you."
Leon's breath caught, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say. The sincerity in Tristan's words was almost overwhelming, and a part of him wanted to lean into that comfort. But another part of him—the part that still clung to Atlas—held him back.
"Thank you," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
---
Scene 3: Edwin's Unyielding Resolve
Meanwhile, in the estate's study, Edwin and Bjorn were locked in a heated discussion. Cecily stood nearby, her gaze darting between the two brothers.
"We need to do more than just protect the estate," Edwin said, his voice low but fierce. "Leon's safety isn't just about keeping him hidden. It's about preparing for the worst."
Bjorn frowned. "You think the Fleur Empire will target him?"
"They've already targeted Atlas," Edwin replied. "If they find out about Leon—or the baby—they won't hesitate."
Bjorn crossed his arms, his expression grim. "So what's the plan?"
"We double security," Edwin said. "No one gets in or out without our approval. And if the worst happens... we evacuate."
Cecily's eyes widened. "Evacuate? Where would we take him?"
"I have properties outside the kingdom," Edwin said. "Far enough from the Fleur Empire's influence. If it comes to that, we'll leave."
Bjorn nodded slowly. "I'll start making arrangements."
Cecily hesitated, then stepped closer to Edwin. "Do you think we should tell Leon about this?"
Edwin's expression hardened. "No. He has enough to worry about. We'll handle it."
---
Scene 4: A Flicker of Hope
That evening, as Leon sat in his room, his hand resting on his growing belly, he found himself thinking about the baby. For the first time, the thought didn't fill him with fear. Instead, it brought a strange, tentative hope.
"I don't know if I'm ready for this," he whispered. "But I'll try. For you."
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he called.
Cecily entered, her usual confidence tempered with gentleness. "I wanted to check on you," she said, sitting on the edge of his bed.
"I'm fine," Leon said, though his voice lacked conviction.
"You don't have to lie to me," Cecily said softly. "I know this hasn't been easy for you."
Leon looked away, his throat tightening. "It's just... everything feels so uncertain. I don't even know if I'll be a good parent."
Cecily reached out, taking his hand. "You will be," she said firmly. "You've always put others before yourself, Leon. That's what makes you strong."
Leon met her gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you, Cecily."
She squeezed his hand gently. "You're not alone in this. Remember that."