The sound of soft, methodical footsteps echoed in the expansive hallways of the Imperial Palace. Akira walked silently, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his katana, his sharp gray eyes scanning every shadow. Even within the safety of these ancient walls, he knew danger lurked where one least expected it. His duty as the captain of the Imperial Guard, and as Prince Haruto's personal protector, demanded nothing less than absolute vigilance.

As he turned a corner, Akira saw Haruto seated by the open veranda overlooking the palace gardens. The prince was dressed in an elegant robe of crimson and gold, his dark hair tied back in a simple topknot that contrasted with the richness of his attire. He looked serene, yet the subtle tension in his posture betrayed the weight on his mind.

"Akira,"

Haruto called softly, without turning his head.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Akira stepped forward, bowing slightly.

"Come,"

Haruto said, gesturing for him to sit.

"The garden is beautiful tonight."

Akira hesitated. It was rare for Haruto to summon him for anything other than official matters, and rarer still for him to invite Akira into his personal space so informally. Yet, he could never refuse the prince. Setting aside protocol, he sat a respectful distance away, keeping his back straight and his gaze fixed on the horizon.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The distant hum of cicadas filled the silence, mingling with the faint rustle of leaves in the evening breeze.

"I received word today from my father,"

Haruto finally said, his voice quiet.

"He has chosen a bride for me."

Akira's hand tightened around the hilt of his katana, though his face remained impassive.

"A bride?"

he asked, his voice betraying none of the storm within.

"Yes,"

Haruto said, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Lady Yasumi, of the Arakawa clan. A perfect match, politically speaking. Her family controls the northern trade routes, and their alliance would strengthen the throne's hold over the region."

Akira said nothing. He couldn't. What could he possibly say? That the thought of Haruto marrying another filled him with a pain he had no right to feel? That he wished, foolishly, selfishly, that the prince would defy tradition, even if it meant risking everything?

"Do you think it's the right decision?"

Haruto asked, turning to meet Akira's gaze.

Akira swallowed hard.

"It is not my place to question the Emperor's will, Your Highness."

Haruto chuckled softly, though there was no humor in it.

"You're always so proper, Akira. Always saying what's expected of you."

He leaned back, resting his hands on the wooden floor.

"But I'm not asking as a prince. I'm asking as someone who trusts you."

The sincerity in Haruto's voice cut through Akira's defenses. He looked at the prince, his expression softening ever so slightly.

"I think..."

he began, then paused, choosing his words carefully.

"I think you should do what you believe is best for the kingdom. But don't lose sight of what matters to you."

Haruto studied him for a long moment, his dark eyes searching Akira's face as if seeking an answer he couldn't voice himself. Finally, he nodded.

"Thank you, Akira. That means more to me than you know."

Before Akira could respond, the faint sound of hurried footsteps interrupted the moment. Kaito, Akira's second-in-command, appeared at the edge of the veranda, his usually composed demeanor tinged with urgency.

"Captain,"

Kaito said, bowing quickly.

"There's been an incident in the eastern wing. A councilman was found dead, poisoned."

Haruto rose to his feet immediately, his calm exterior replaced with steely determination. "Who was it?"

"Councilman Ito, Your Highness,"

Kaito replied.

"It appears to have been an assassination."

Akira stood as well, his hand instinctively moving to his katana.

"Your Highness, we must return you to your chambers. It may not be safe here."

Haruto shook his head.

"No. If someone is bold enough to strike within the palace, I must know who and why. Take me to the eastern wing."

"Haruto-"

Akira began, but the prince silenced him with a look.

"I trust you to protect me, Akira,"

Haruto said firmly.

"But I cannot hide while my people are in danger."

Reluctantly, Akira nodded.

"As you wish, Your Highness."

Together, they followed Kaito toward the eastern wing, the serene beauty of the garden forgotten in the face of the danger ahead. For Akira, the path was clear: no matter the cost, he would protect Haruto with his life.