The ride to the Southern vineyards took nearly two hours.
The carriage was ornate and comfortable, but the silence inside was anything but.
Aiden sat between Shinomi, who stared coldly out the window, and Cassian, whose every glance at Aiden was met with subtle interference. Celestia sat across from them, her hands folded in her lap, her smile never quite reaching her eyes.
Cassian cleared his throat, looking to his side. "Ren, I heard you've taken a liking to sketching. I never knew that before."
Aiden perked up slightly. "Ah, yes. I started again recently. It's relaxing."
Cassian leaned closer, voice warm. "Maybe you can show me sometime. I'd like to see how you see the world—"
"Ren," Shinomi interrupted suddenly, not even looking at Cassian. "You forgot to button your sleeve."
Aiden blinked and looked down. "Huh? Oh, you're right—"
Before he could lift a hand, Shinomi reached over, fingers brushing against Aiden's wrist as he gently fastened the cuff for him. His touch was careful, focused—as if the conversation with Cassian hadn't even happened.
Cassian's jaw tightened, the moment stolen.
Aiden just smiled awkwardly, trying not to overthink it.
---
When they arrived at the vineyard, the scenery was breathtaking—lush green vines stretched across golden hills, and the scent of blooming grapes drifted on the wind.
They were given a private tour by the vineyard's steward, who bowed low before leading them through the grape fields.
Cassian walked beside Aiden, matching his pace perfectly. "Do you remember this place? We came here when you were younger, during one of the Queen's summer tours."
Aiden looked around, eyes wide. "I do! I picked a grape and got scolded for it."
Cassian laughed, soft and genuine. "You cried. I remember that."
"I was ten!"
"You looked cute when you pouted."
Aiden flushed, eyes darting to the side.
But before the heat could even settle in his cheeks—
"Ren," Shinomi's voice cut in like a knife. "Come walk ahead. I want to talk about your weekly schedule."
"But—"
"Now."
Aiden blinked and nodded reluctantly, stepping away from Cassian to walk ahead with Shinomi, who barely said anything at all. It was just an excuse.
Celestia, watching the entire exchange, finally said something—her voice lined with sweetness. "You're very attached to your servant, Shinomi. Are all your knights this possessive?"
Shinomi didn't even turn his head. "He's mine. I trained him."
Cassian narrowed his eyes. "You make it sound like he's your pet."
Shinomi turned slightly, voice calm but sharp. "He's not. But he listens to me. I don't have to buy his affection."
Aiden turned around in shock. "What are you two talking about?"
Celestia just laughed lightly. "Nothing at all, Ren. Just men being men."
---
By the time the sun began to dip behind the vineyard hills, the tension had only grown.
Cassian tried two more times to strike up private conversations with Aiden—once while tasting wine, once during a garden stroll—but each time Shinomi cut in with perfect timing, redirecting Aiden's attention with excuses as thin as thread.
It wasn't subtle.
And Cassian noticed.
As the carriage ride home began, Aiden leaned against the side window, watching the moon rise with a soft smile. "It was a good day," he murmured.
Cassian said nothing. Shinomi sat beside Aiden like a silent wall, fingers resting a little too close to the boy's on the seat between them.
He wasn't letting go.
Not anytime soon.
---