One Year Later
The quiet life in the Holy Kingdom suited Leon in ways he hadn't anticipated. The months since his departure from the Mondell estate had been tumultuous—pregnancy, childbirth, and adapting to life as a single parent in a foreign land. But amidst the challenges, he had found a fragile peace.
Tristan had become a steady presence in his life, stepping in to help care for the baby when Leon's exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him. The child, a boy with soft curls and bright eyes, was a constant source of joy, even as the ache of Atlas's absence lingered in Leon's heart.
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Scene 1: Atlas's Mission
The bustling streets of the kingdom of Bellarive were alive with the chatter of merchants and the laughter of children. Atlas moved through the crowd with his usual stoic air, his sharp gaze scanning the vibrant market.
He had spent the past year immersed in the war effort, securing alliances and defending borders. The strain had taken its toll, but the fragmented memories of his past were a far greater burden. He remembered his family, his duties, and his responsibilities. But there was something—or someone—missing.
"Your Highness," Captain Darian said, pulling Atlas from his thoughts. "The meeting with King Varron is scheduled for this afternoon. Should we head back to the palace?"
Atlas shook his head. "Not yet. I want to take a look around."
Darian hesitated but nodded, falling a step behind as Atlas wandered deeper into the market. The vibrant scene felt almost overwhelming—until his eyes landed on a small family standing by a stall of brightly colored toys.
The sight stopped him in his tracks.
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Scene 2: A Familiar Stranger
Leon stood by the stall, holding the hand of his young son, who was babbling excitedly at the array of wooden toys. His expression was soft, his smile faint but genuine as he pointed out a carved bird to the child. Beside him, Tristan crouched to the boy's level, helping him choose a toy.
Atlas's breath caught in his throat. He didn't know why, but the sight of the three of them sent a sharp pang through his chest. The woman running the stall handed the boy the toy, and Tristan reached out to pay, his hand briefly brushing Leon's. They exchanged a smile that seemed too intimate, too familiar.
Atlas's hands clenched into fists at his sides. "Who...?" The word slipped out before he could stop it.
"Your Highness?" Darian asked, stepping closer. "Is something wrong?"
Atlas didn't answer. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene in front of him. The man—the child—the Mondell heir. That much he recognized. But why did the sight of him feel so personal?
"They're... a family," Atlas muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with something unrecognizable even to himself. "A happy family."
The idea twisted in his mind, sharp and bitter. The man beside Leon—Tristan—must have been his partner. And the child... Atlas's jaw tightened. Their child.
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Scene 3: The Weight of Jealousy
The rational part of Atlas told him it was none of his business. He had never met this Mondell heir, had no reason to feel anything for him. But the irrational part—the part that tugged at the edges of his fragmented memories—burned with jealousy.
Darian's voice broke through his thoughts. "Your Highness, are you all right?"
Atlas straightened, forcing his expression into something neutral. "I'm fine."
But he wasn't. The image of Leon laughing with Tristan and the child was seared into his mind, stirring emotions he couldn't name. Anger. Sadness. Longing.
Without another word, Atlas turned and walked away, his strides long and purposeful. Darian hurried to catch up, concern etched on his face.
"Should I have someone investigate them?" Darian asked hesitantly.
"No," Atlas said sharply. Then, after a pause, he added, "Not yet."
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Scene 4: Leon's Perspective
Unaware of the storm brewing in Atlas's mind, Leon stood by the stall, adjusting the boy's blanket as he cradled the toy in his small hands. The child's bright giggles made Leon smile, even as a familiar ache tugged at his heart.
"Ready to go?" Tristan asked, his voice warm as he handed Leon the bag of supplies.
Leon nodded, glancing down at the child. "Come on, sweetheart," he said softly, taking his son's hand. "Let's get home."
As they turned to leave the stall, Leon glanced over his shoulder, a strange feeling prickling at the back of his neck. For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw a familiar figure watching from the crowd. But when he blinked, the figure was gone.
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Scene 5: Atlas's Turmoil
Back in the guest quarters of Bellarive's palace, Atlas paced the length of his room, his mind a whirlwind. The image of Leon, Tristan, and the child haunted him, refusing to let go.
"Why does this bother me so much?" he muttered to himself.
He stopped, staring out the window at the bustling city below. His reflection in the glass looked as conflicted as he felt. Memories hovered just out of reach, teasing him with their absence.
The child's eyes flashed in his mind—bright and familiar, though he couldn't place why. And Leon's smile... it stirred something deep within him, something he couldn't name.
Darian knocked on the door, interrupting his thoughts. "Your Highness, the meeting is in an hour."
Atlas turned, his expression hardening. "I'll be ready."
As Darian left, Atlas clenched his fists. He didn't understand his emotions, but one thing was clear: he couldn't ignore this Mondell heir and his so-called family. Not until he had answers.