One year later, Prince Aldric stood beside Princess Helena at the Spring Festival. They made a handsome couple—she, graceful and poised; he, every bit the confident crown prince. To all observers, it was a successful match.

From his position coordinating servants in the East Wing, Kieran watched the celebration from afar. He saw Aldric smile at his wife, saw him perform his duties with the same perfect grace he always had.

And in quieter moments, when Aldric thought no one was watching, Kieran saw the lingering sadness in his eyes. The weight of duty worn like invisible chains.

Kieran had risen through the ranks as predicted. He was respected, efficient, dedicated. People praised his unwavering loyalty to the royal family. No one knew that loyalty came with a price measured in sleepless nights and a heart that had learned to beat around a constant ache.

Sometimes, across crowded halls or during palace functions, their eyes would meet. In those brief moments, Kieran saw recognition—a shared understanding of the sacrifice they’d both made for the sake of duty and propriety.

Then the moment would pass, and they would return to their roles. Prince and servant. Ruler and subject. The proper distance maintained.

Chelsea had asked him once if he regretted it—choosing loyalty over love, duty over desire.

Kieran’s answer had been honest: “Every day.”

“Then why stay?”

“Because love doesn’t always mean being together. Sometimes it means ensuring the person you love has the life they’re meant to lead, even if you’re not part of it.” He’d smiled then, sad but genuine. “And because being near him, even like this, is better than being anywhere else.”

Spring came again, as it always did. Flowers bloomed, birds sang, and life continued its relentless march forward.

And Kieran remained—steadfast, loyal, devoted. His feelings masked but never diminished, his duty honored but never without cost.

If it meant he could be near Aldric, could continue serving him in whatever capacity was allowed, then Kieran would bear this burden. He would carry this love in silence, this ache that had become as familiar as breathing.

It wasn’t the happiness he’d dreamed of. It wasn’t the ending he’d wished for.

But it was enough.

It had to be enough.

Because boundless loyalty meant staying, even when every fiber of his being wanted to run. It meant serving faithfully, even when his heart broke a little more each day. It meant accepting that some loves were never meant to be spoken, some feelings never meant to be shared.

And so Kieran stayed, season after season, year after year—a shadow in the prince’s life, invisible but always present.

Loving him, protecting him, serving him.

For infinity, if that’s what fate demanded.

Even if it destroyed him slowly, piece by piece.

It was, after all, his choice. His sacrifice. His boundless loyalty.

And he would carry it, masked and hidden, for as long as he drew breath.