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BOOK I | Chronicles of Soluna | Chapter III

A/N: Chapter three is finally there. I know that I'm not the quickest with releasing new chapters, but I hope you don't mind me.

Summary: The night has passed, the memories still lingering in their minds. A new day begins in the castle and Isaac and Philipp exert their daily duties.

Isaac

Morning arrived quietly in the palace, as soft light filtered through the tall windows of Isaac’s chambers, pale gold seeping between the thick velvet curtains and stretching slowly across the stone floor. Dust motes drifted lazily in the air, catching the sunlight as it crept higher, illuminating the ornate oil paintings along the walls and the high, vaulted ceiling above.

The room itself was far too large for a single person, the king-sized bed big enough to comfortably fit three grown men without issue. Yet right now, only one body occupied it.

Isaac laid sprawled diagonally across the mattress in a position that would have made the court etiquette masters faint. One of his legs was tangled in the blanket, the other completely free, sticking out into the air. His arms were wrapped tightly around a pillow, cheek pressed into it. His blonde hair was a complete mess, strands sticking up in every direction, and his breathing was slow and even, soft little huffs escaping him, as he slept with an expression peaceful in a way that very few people ever got to see, utterly unaware of the day waiting just beyond his dreams.

Knock, knock A silent knock could be heard, followed by a familiar voice, as the door to his chambers opened with a quiet click. Philipp stepped inside, closing it gently behind him. He paused just past the threshold, hands clasped behind his back out of sheer habit, his posture straight despite the early hour.

His gaze lifted instinctively to the bed- and immediately softened, letting out a fond sigh. There it is again, he thought. No matter how many times he saw it, the sight always struck him the same way.

Isaac - who could hold himself with effortless grace before the court, who wore crowns and titles and expectations like none other - looked nothing like a prince when he slept. If one hadn't seen it oneself, one wouldn't believe it. Philipp walked closer, paying attention to not make any loud sounds.

He stopped beside the bed and looked down at him, his green eyes traced the unguarded lines of Isaac’s face, the way his brows weren’t drawn tight with responsibility, the way his mouth curved faintly, as if he were dreaming something pleasant. A small smile tugged at Philipp’s lips. “Your Highness,” he murmured quietly, “you really must stop sleeping like this.”

No reaction - not even a twitch. Philipp tilted his head, amused. “One day,” he continued softly, “you might be king and I will still know that you cling to pillows like a child.” Still nothing. The brunette sighed fondly and reached out, placing a careful hand on Isaac’s shoulder, giving it a gentle shake.

“Isaac. It’s morning,” he said more gently, dropping the formal tone. Isaac didn't care much for being addressed by his title, especially when the two of them were alone, and yet Philipp tented to do exactly that at first.

You never knew who was listening - even in the castle - and even though Isaac would’ve scolded him for it if he had heard it, he was still of low birth and had to at least pretend to maintain a certain "distance". Well, however, the blonde often ensured that this distance was quickly overruled and neither of them mind.

Isaac shifted slightly, pressing his face deeper into the pillow, a barely audible hum leaving his throat. “Mhm…” His grip tightened, as though the pillow might try to escape him. Philipp stared at him for a moment, then slowly shifted his gaze downward, to the bare foot peeking out from beneath the blanket.

“…Right,” he muttered, lips twitching. Guess he had no choice, but to do it after all. He hesitated for a brief moment - just long enough to consider whether he should keep trying to wake him properly - before he reached out, his fingers hovering for just a second, as if reconsidering it one last time, before lightly brushing them against the sole of Isaac’s foot.

The response followed immediately. Isaac let out a soft, startled giggle, the sound muffled by the pillow. His foot twitched away instinctively, toes curling, as his leg jerked beneath the blanket. Philipp froze, then smiled wider. “Well,” he whispered. He tried again, this time tracing a little more deliberately along the arch of Isaac’s foot.

Isaac laughed again, breathier this time, shifting restlessly. “Mhm- Phil…” he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep, “five more minutes…” Philipp chuckled under his breath. “Absolutely not. You’ve already had more than five. We have a tight schedule today and are already lagging behind. Wake up sleepyhead~”

He tickled him again, his tail wagging slightly, as his fingers fluttered along the sensitive skin, circling just beneath the toes. Isaac squirmed, pulling his leg back, only to get tangled further in the blanket, his laughter growing softer but more frequent.

“St- StoHohop ihHIt! PhiHIihl I’m- pffFt I’m aWahaHake!” Isaac laughed openly, a warm, sleepy sound that filled the room, quickly turning onto his back with a quiet groan, one arm flopping over his face in dramatic defeat. “You’re doing this on purpose,” he muttered, his lips twitching as another giggle escaped him.

“Of course I am,” Philipp said calmly, withdrawing his hand at last, “you don’t respond to anything else.” The other peeked at him through his fingers, eyes half-lidded and unfocused but warm. “You’re the worst,” Isaac muttered, laughing despite himself. “Just you wait…” he said sleepily, “I’ll get my revenge.” Philipp raised an eyebrow. “I look forward to it. Now- up.”

Isaac sighed, but finally pushed himself upright, his blonde hair falling into his face as he blinked against the light. He stretched, joints popping faintly, and shot Philipp a look that was far more fond than annoyed. “You enjoy abusing your position far too much,” he said. Philipp only smiled.

...

By the time Isaac was fully dressed - layers of fine fabric settled neatly over his shoulders and hair hastily brushed into something presentable - another knock sounded at the door. Upon his approval, servants entered quietly, bringing in a lavish breakfast.

The smell hit first: Freshly baked bread and warm pastries, to this, butter, honey, a hand-picked selection of confitures, soft cheese, bacon, a cooked egg, fruits, and a steaming pot of tea. They moved efficiently, setting everything neatly in place with practiced ease, heads bowed and voices low.

Isaac sat at the table, posture perfect once more, every inch the crown prince, as he thanked them politely. Philipp remained at his side, silently observing them. Only when the door closed again did Isaac’s shoulders relax. He glanced at the table for a moment, then let out a small laugh. “This is absurd.” Philipp followed his gaze. “A balanced breakfast is important.”

“I need half of this,” Isaac replied. He looked up at him. “Sit.” Philipp hesitated. “Your Highness-” “Philipp,” Isaac interrupted gently, “please.” The blonde was staring at him intensively, not with the authority of a prince, but with the grin of a friend. "Also, how often do I need to tell you not to be so formal when it's us, sit now... or else..."

He made an unambiguous move with his hand, smiling at the other with that trademark grin he only ever showed around him. Philipp starred at his hand, then at him and let out a sigh. "Of course. Thanks for… the breakfast," he exhaled and pulled out a chair, sitting across from him, admitting defeat.

"What took you so long?~" Isaac teased with a smile, as he handed Philipp a bread roll, kicking the other playfully under the table. Philipp suppressed a chuckle, accepting it. "You know Isaac, you’re quite naughty today, didn't get too much sleep last night, eh?" he teased. Isaac laughed heartly at that.

The formality between them had eased instantly, replaced by something more comfortable. The prince thought for a moment, as the events of last night came back to his mind like a wild flood, circling around a certain ravenhead, his heart suddenly feeling strangely warm. “Speaking of that- Do you think we- mhmm!”

He didn't get any further, as Philipp had leaned forward, stuffing half a bread roll with butter and plum jam into his mouth. "We don't have time for that now. Let's go through today's schedule first, so..." he began, as he took a bite into his own piece of bread. Isaac nodded as he swallowed his own one behind, taking a sip on his tea as he listened to the other's words.

Strange, he thought, but decided to ask about it later, as the brunette was in his element right now. They shared bread, passed the honey between them and spoke softly about the day ahead. For a little while, it felt almost normal - it felt less like a prince and his guard and more like two young men stealing a peaceful morning.

...

Lessons followed soon after. History and politics filled the late morning, the tutor droned on and on about trade routes and treaties, parchment spread across the desk. “…The Griffon Trade Company is the largest trade guild of its kind with branches in every major city on the continent, its influence extends not only…”

Isaac listened attentively, nodding along and occasionally asking thoughtful questions. Philipp, who sat beside him… did not. Isaac noticed it gradually - the way Philipp’s gaze unfocused, how his head dipped just slightly. That’s… strange, Isaac thought, glancing sideways. Philipp never falls asleep during lessons. Ever.

He side-eyed him again, watching as his eyelids fluttered. Unnatural. Without looking directly at him, Isaac reached out and nudged Philipp’s side with two fingers. Nothing. Suppressing a grin, he tried again, lightly squeezing the other’s side a bit more eagerly. Philipp startled violently, choking on a quiet laugh as he jerked upright. “AhaHH!”

Isaac quickly withdrew his hand, feigning innocence as the tutor shot them a sharp look. “Is something amusing?” “No sir,” Philipp said immediately, flushing. “My apologies,” he mumbled and sat down again, his ears seeming to shrink away as he looked abashed to the ground. “Pay attention please.” The tutor seemed satisfied and continued his monologue.

Isaac bit the inside of his cheek, shoulders trembling, as he fought the urge to laugh. He offered Philipp an apologetic smile - one that only made Philipp shake his head slightly in silent accusation. But even then, Isaac could see it. The twitch of Philipp’s ear. And he smiled to himself. When the lesson finally had ended, Philipp pouted at the other.

"That was so mean, I got scolded because of you." Isaac looked at him with a fond smile. "Not my fault when you weren't paying attention. I've never seen that from you before. Is it because of last night? We didn't have the chance to talk about it at breakfast but I really want to-" He was once again interrupted by the other's actions.

"That’s not it, I just- …didn’t sleep that good.” He had said the last part almost inaudibly, as if trying to play it down, before he suddenly looked up. “A-Anyways, I’ll go prepare everything at the training grounds and have a quick word with Sir Raymond- you know how strict he is when being late," Philipp said and pushed the other gently to the side.

"But I-" "No "buts" now, I'll see you there," the brunette replied before he sprinted away. Isaac looked after him, rubbing the back of his neck. Philipp was defiantly acting not like himself today and that worried him. It wasn’t like him to lose his cool. He needed to get to the bottom of it.

Philipp stopped running once he was around the corner and out of sight. He let out a sigh, cursing at himself. He knew that he was acting suspicious, knew that Isaac had realized that something was wrong. But he didn't want to talk about said night, knowing exactly which spark had ignited in the blonde.

Though, he also knew that he couldn’t avoid the topic any longer. Isaac was damn good at seeing through things like this. He had escaped him twice, but he wouldn't allow it a third time. He had to mentally prepare himself and think of a solution. The brunette ruffled his hair as he thought, before he had a flash of insight. Maybe that could work…

...

Philipp was already waiting when Isaac arrived, a wooden sword resting casually against his shoulder. “Late,” Philipp remarked lightly. Isaac snorted as he picked up his own practice blade. “Said the one who left me behind like a fool.” Philipp’s mouth twitched. “I needed to get everything ready, Milord,” he replied, doing a light bow.

“Surely not because you tried to get away from me… I also don’t see Raymond around?” Isaac said with a slight undertone. “Sir Raymond already left, said he'll join us another time,” Philipp explained, having made sure that the two of them would be undisturbed. They took their positions without further ceremony.

“Here I go,” Isaac exclaimed as he made the first move. The first clash of wood rang sharply through the garden. Isaac had moved fast forward, lighter on his feet than most expected, his blonde hair catching the sun as he pivoted and struck. Philipp met him head-on with a solid and grounded stance, deflecting each blow with practiced ease.

They circled each other, their blades snapping against each other in quick succession, the rhythm familiar enough that neither had to think too hard about it. Sweat beaded at Isaac’s temple as he pressed forward. “You’re distracted today.” Philipp parried, stepped back, then lunged. “You’re imagining things.” Isaac ducked the strike and countered. “Am I?”

Their swords locked for a moment, their faces only a few inches away from each other, their breaths slightly uneven. Isaac’s eyes flicked to Philipp’s face - searching for an answer he never got. “You never fall asleep during lessons,” Isaac continued, his voice low, as he pushed their blades apart. “Not once. And suddenly today-”

Philipp retreated quickly, nearly tripping over his own foot as he did. “I told you, I didn’t sleep well.” Isaac advanced. “Because you were thinking about last night?” Philipp squeaked - not eloquently, not defensively, just a small, startled sound as Isaac’s blade knocked his aside. “I- what? No!” Isaac paused. Philipp’s left ear twitched. Isaac grinned. “Liar.”

Philipp sputtered something incoherent, stepping back again- right into Isaac’s next move. With a sharp flick of his wrist, Isaac slapped Philipp’s sword clean out of his hand. The wooden blade hit the grass with a dull thud. The brunette barely had time to register it before Isaac lunged forward and tackled him.

They went down hard, the impact knocking the breath out of both of them as they rolled through the grass, laughter breaking out almost immediately. Isaac managed to get the upper hand, using his momentum to pin the other beneath him. The blonde straddled him, knees planted firmly on either side of Philipp’s hips, hands braced on his chest.

“Got you,” Isaac said triumphantly, breathless and grinning. Philipp blinked up at him for a second, dumbfounded. Before he could come up with any stupid ideas, Isaac made his next move. He dug his fingers into Philipp’s sides, causing Philipp to burst into laughter almost instantly.

“W-WaHahhiT?! AhAhhaAHA noHOho!” he yelped, twisting beneath him as the tickling hit all at once. Why tickling of all things? His laughter was loud, unrestrained, echoing across the garden as he tried to squirm away. “Talk,” Isaac said, laughing too as he kept his fingers moving, working along Philipp’s ribs in quick, relentless motions, “why were you distracted?”

Guess he didn’t have to think - his reactions were proof enough why Isaac decided to do it. “I waHAahsn’t d-diHhistracted!” Philipp protested between laughs, arms flailing uselessly as he tried to grab Isaac’s wrists. Isaac leaned forward slightly, making it impossible for Philipp to escape, and shifted his hands just a little higher.

“Don’t lie to me now Phil, we’ve been friends for so long, I know when you’re hiding something from me,” he teased, wiggling his fingers up into his armpits. Philipp shrieked, laughter breaking into helpless gasps.

“ThaHaht’s- stoHOHOp! AHahAHAH! CoHome oHOne,” he laughed, trying to clench his arms to his sides, which only made the ticklish feeling stronger. The blonde was enjoying this way too much and it didn’t look like he had planned to stop soon. “That’s a no,” Isaac replied cheerfully.

He varied the tickling, switching between quick, fluttering touches and firmer presses that made Philipp jerk and writhe beneath him. Philipp’s composure crumbled completely, his laughter dissolving into breathless pleas. “I s-sweHehear I juhuHuhst coHohouldn’t sleHehehep!” he laughed, tears of mirth forming in his eyes.

Isaac paused only long enough to raise an eyebrow. “Because?” he asked ande a claw with his hand, circling it dangerously close over his stomach. Philipp’s ear twitched again. The prince laughed and dug in, tickling even harder. “WHAHAHAHAHahh!” Philipp screamed with laughter, his legs kicking uselessly as he tried to roll away, only to be pinned more firmly.

His hands finally found Isaac’s sides, and he retaliated instinctively, fingers digging in wherever he could reach. Two could play this game. Isaac yelped, laughter bursting out of him as well. “H-Hehehey! ThaAhst’s- PffFt noHohoHo!” Philipp grinned wildly, despite himself. “You started it!” he teased, not stopping, feeling the other’s grip getting weaker.

For a moment, the tickling went both ways, as both of them tried to overpower the other, their laughter overlapping, breathless and bright and utterly unguarded. Isaac squealed as Philipp found a sensitive spot near his ribs, nearly losing his balance as he tried to keep the upper hand.

“NoHoho fair,” Isaac gasped, still laughing, “you’re supposed to be answering!” “I caHahn’t if you doHohon’t stooHop!” Philipp managed between wheezes. Isaac laughed and shifted tactics. His fingers slid upward, lightly brushing along Philipp’s neck before flicking at his ears. Philipp completely lost it. “ISAAHAHAHC! PLEHEHEASE!”

He twisted violently, laughter spilling out in helpless waves as his ears twitched under Isaac’s touch. They were his most ticklish spot. Heat shot into his face and he flushed, squeezing his eyes shut. The brunette tried to hide his ears with his hands, which only left his sides exposed again. Isaac took fully advantage of that.

While one hand continued to fumble his ear, thumb rubbing over the furry edge, his other hand kneaded his side, fingers squeezing into the soft spots in-between his ribs. The brunette was fighting on lost ground now and needed to call it quits. “Alright,” Isaac said, laughing so hard his voice shook, “last chance.”

Philipp gasped for air, laughter tearing out of him uncontrollably. “I- ehEheeh I thought you were hurt last night!” he managed to breath out. Isaac froze. The tickling stopped abruptly. Philipp lay beneath him, his chest heaving, laughter fading into breathless chuckles as he slowly opened his eyes. Isaac stared down at him, expression unreadable for just a moment.

“Hurt,” Isaac repeated quietly. Philipp swallowed. “You… didn't come back the same… And I- *sigh* I was worried that the fight had left... marks on you. I thought you didn't want to worry me and... well, yeah..." Was that good enough? For a heartbeat, the garden was silent. The two stared at each other, Philipp was the first who looked away.

Footsteps approached and Isaac jerked upright immediately, stepping back and offering a hand to Philipp. “I'm glad that you told me and that it wasn't something serious. You had me worried there. I can assure you that I didn't get hurt - I had you after all, Phil~”

Philipp took it without hesitation, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet just as a servant rounded the hedge. “Your Highness,” the servant said, bowing, “I was told to inform you-” “Training,” Isaac interrupted smoothly, “we were just finishing.”

Philipp nodded solemnly, trying- and failing to hide his lingering grin. The servant bowed again and left. Isaac exhaled slowly. They retrieved their swords in silence. And for the rest of the day, neither of them quite forgot what had almost been said.

The remainder of the day unfolded with relentless efficiency. Isaac moved from one obligation to the next - audiences with minor nobles, discussions of supply routes, a brief inspection of newly delivered goods from the southern provinces.

His posture was impeccable, his voice calm and steady, every movement precise. If anyone noticed the way his gaze sometimes drifted, or how his thoughts lagged a half-step behind the conversations at hand, they were polite enough not to mention it. Philipp stayed close, as always.

Outwardly, nothing had changed. He stood at Isaac’s side, attentively, responding when spoken to, anticipating needs before they were voiced. Yet something about him felt… tighter. Like a string drawn too taut. More than once, Isaac caught him watching him with a look that vanished the moment their eyes met.

By the time the sun dipped low and the halls began to glow with lamplight, exhaustion settled into Isaac’s bones in a way that had nothing to do with physical exertion. When he was finally dismissed for the evening, he returned to his chambers with a quiet sense of relief, glad that the day was over.

The servants helped him prepare for bed. Philipp remained near the door, his gaze respectfully averted as layers of formal clothing were removed and replaced with simpler and more comfier nightwear.

Once the servants bowed and left, silence filled the room again. Isaac stood near the window, looking out over the city. Night had fallen fully now, the streets below dotted with lantern light like scattered stars. Somewhere out there - beyond the palace walls, beyond the comfortness of his royal title - was the person he couldn’t seem to stop thinking about.

He spoke without turning around. “I want to go back into the city tomorrow night.” Philipp stiffened. “What?” The word escaped him before he could stop it. Isaac’s reflection stared back at him faintly in the glass. His expression was thoughtful, but there was something unsettled beneath it - something that hadn’t been there before.

“To check on them,” Isaac continued quietly, “the person I saved.” Philipp took a step forward despite himself. “That’s not- Isaac, that’s dangerous. You can’t just-” “I know,” Isaac interrupted gently. He turned around, meeting Philipp’s gaze. “I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.” Philipp opened his mouth to argue again, his hands curling slightly at his sides.

“You already did more than enough. They’re alive. The city guard-” “Doesn’t know what I know,” Isaac said. There was a strange look on his face now - not fear, exactly, but unease. As if something sat just out of reach in his mind, casting a long shadow. “I can’t explain it properly,” Isaac admitted, “but something felt… wrong. And it still does.”

Philipp searched his face, his own expression tightening. He wanted to protest- wanted to list every reason this was reckless, foolish, unacceptable. But he’d known Isaac long enough to recognize that look. Once Isaac set his mind to something like this, it wasn’t easily swayed.

Philipp exhaled slowly through his nose. “…Tomorrow night,” he said at last, “after everything’s quiet.” Isaac’s shoulders eased slightly. “Thank you.” “Don’t thank me,” Philipp muttered, “I’m not happy about it.” A faint smile tugged at Isaac’s lips anyway. Philipp bowed, formal once more. “If that’s all, Your Highness.” “It is,” Isaac said softly.

Philipp turned and left the room, the door closing behind him with a quiet click. The corridor outside was dim, lit only by spaced lanterns that cast long shadows along the stone walls. Philipp walked briskly, thoughts churning, jaw set tight. Careless, he thought, absolutely careless. Lost in his frustration, he misjudged the turn and walked straight into the wall.

“Damn it,” he hissed, rubbing his forehead. He leaned back against the stone, staring up at the ceiling for a moment before letting out a quiet, irritated laugh. “…Idiot,” he muttered to himself and smiled.

Then he pushed off the wall and continued down the corridor, his footsteps echoing softly as the palace settled into sleep. And somewhere behind him, Isaac still stood at his window, watching the city lights and wondering what he would find when he returned to them.

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