Thorns Of The Crown

The Night of Two Moons

The Kingdom of Aurelis was known for its golden towers, its grand libraries, and its three princes who were raised like jewels polished under strict sunlight.

Prince Kim Jihoon, the third son, stood on the balcony of the East Pavilion, staring at the moon glowing like a polished pearl. He didn’t enjoy parties, especially not the lavish gatherings his father adored.

Behind him, the palace musicians tuned their instruments. The ballroom glowed with warm candlelight. The scent of cherry wine and jasmine petals filled the air.

Jihoon pulled at the silver embroidery on his silk sleeves. His mother used to adjust his clothes before every ceremony. But she had died six winters ago, and Jihoon had learned how to fix his own collar.

A servant whispered behind him,

“Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence.”

Requests.

King Alistair Kim never requested anything. Only commanded.

Jihoon nodded silently and walked inside.

The Ballroom of Aurelis

The chandelier glittered with a thousand crystals. Nobles swirled around in gowns of pastel colors. His elder brothers Crown Prince Daehyun and Prince Minseok stood in the center, greeting foreign royals.

King Alistair stood with a glass of ruby wine, smiling the smile he wore only during diplomacy the one that never reached his eyes.

“Jihoon,” he said without turning, “try not to embarrass this family tonight.”

“I’ll do my best, Father.”

“Your best is rarely enough.”

The words slid into Jihoon like cold needles, but he bowed slightly and kept his face calm.

Daehyun gave him a quiet, reassuring pat on the shoulder.

Minseok winked to lighten the moment.

But Jihoon’s chest still felt tight.

The Arrival of the Northern Delegation

The drums sounded one heavy strike, then another.

A hush fell over the hall.

A servant announced loudly:

“Presenting the royal family of the Kingdom of Winterthorn!”

Jihoon lifted his head.

Winterthorn.

A kingdom covered in frost and legends, ruled by King Rowan Choi a man known for strict discipline and unmatched loyalty to his people.

In entered King Rowan, tall, sharp-eyed, wearing a dark silver cloak trimmed with white fur. Beside him walked a woman with soft brown hair Queen Seraphina. And behind them…

Jihoon’s breath caught.

A boy about his age, dressed in midnight blue, with raven-black hair that fell slightly over his eyes.

Prince Jaehyun Choi.

Jaehyun walked with confidence, but not arrogance his steps calm, eyes curious. When he looked around, he seemed to examine everything with gentle calculation.

And for a moment just one his gaze met Jihoon's across the ballroom.

Jihoon felt heat rush to his cheeks.

Jaehyun slightly raised a brow, almost amused.

Jihoon immediately looked away.

Their First Meeting

Later, when the orchestra softened and guests mingled, Jihoon found a quiet corner near the royal garden doors. He inhaled the scent of moon lilies to steady himself.

A low, smooth voice spoke behind him.

“So the rumors are wrong.”

Jihoon turned.

Prince Jaehyun stood there, hands behind his back, a faint smirk on his lips.

“What rumors?” Jihoon asked softly.

“That the third prince of Aurelis is dull.”

Jihoon blinked. “People say that?”

“Oh, quite a lot.” Jaehyun leaned slightly closer. “But now that I see you, I know they’re wrong. You’re not dull.”

Jihoon swallowed. “Then what am I?”

“Beautiful,” Jaehyun said simply.

Jihoon's heart jumped. He stepped back, ears burning.

“Your Highness, please don’t joke...”

“I don’t joke when I see something worth admiring.”

Jihoon’s voice nearly died in his throat.

“Why… are you speaking like this to me?”

“Because,” Jaehyun said, “this room is full of people pretending to enjoy themselves. You’re the first person here who looks real.”

Jihoon lowered his gaze.

“…Thank you.”

For the first time that night, someone’s words didn’t hurt him.

The Moonlit Garden

Jaehyun nodded toward the open garden doors.

“Walk with me?”

Jihoon hesitated his father would scold him, Daehyun would worry, Minseok would tease him.

But something in Jaehyun’s eyes felt warm. Safe. Curious.

“I… yes,” Jihoon whispered.

They stepped into the garden, where glowing lanterns floated above the lily ponds like drifting stars. Crickets sang, and the night air felt gentler here.

Jaehyun asked,

“Do you dislike parties?”

“I do. Too many eyes.”

“Afraid of being judged?” Jaehyun said.

“Isn’t everyone?” Jihoon murmured.

Jaehyun looked at him sideways. “I’m not judging you.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t know you yet.” Jaehyun smiled. “And I’d like to.”

Jihoon felt something warm unfurl inside him.

They walked slowly, shoulders almost touching, their steps falling into the same rhythm.

A Secret Seen

From the balcony above, King Alistair Kim watched with narrowed eyes.