Daniel didn’t mean to fall asleep, but the moment he pulled Raine closer and felt the familiar warmth of his body against his chest, exhaustion from the long, emotional night finally won. He stayed curled around Raine protectively, one arm draped over his waist, face buried in the soft hair at the back of his neck. For the first time in years, the king slept deeply, peacefully, like the weight of the crown had temporarily lifted in the quiet safety of the old apartment.

The next morning, soft sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting gentle patterns across the bedroom floor. Raine stirred slowly, still half lost in sleep. He...