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[23] The Tyrant and The Moon-Bound Consort
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2026-01-04 18:02:19
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Until The End: The Love Survival Protocol [25] The Tyrant and The Moon-Bound Consort
The days following the water clock breakthrough passed quickly.Each morning, Esme delivered Prince Caelum's water at dawn and he'd brief her about new adjustments to the machine. There was barely anything dramatic happening in her life for some time. She also barely encountered the other girls that were transferred with her.That routine shattered the morning Maude appeared at the door."The Empress Dowager is hosting the Sanctum exchange. Extra hands are needed from all quarters." Her gaze had settled on Esme with unsettling deliberateness. "You're to report to the Grand Hall immediately."And now, Esme stood in one of the palace's largest ceremonial spaces, surrounded by dozens of servants pulled from their regular duties.The Grand Hall was overwhelming in its grandeur. Vaulted ceilings stretched impossibly high, supported by marble pillars carved with intricate patterns. Gold-embroidered banners hung between them, their fabric catching the light from hundreds of candles. Long tab
Until The End: The Love Survival Protocol [24] The Tyrant and The Moon-Bound Consort
The figure stepped into the faint light.Esme's breath caught.Then she recognized the face emerging from the shadow.Prince Caelum.Relief crashed through her so violently her knees nearly buckled.Her heart had nearly left her chest just now. He tilted his head, studying her reaction with open curiosity. A small smile played at his lips."You startle easily."Esme's hand flew to her chest, pressing against her racing heart. "Your Highness—""I didn't mean to frighten you." But his tone suggested he found it at least a little amusing. "I was retrieving something from the shelf."He gestured vaguely toward the back of the room where tall bookshelves loomed in shadow.Now that her panic was subsiding, Esme could see he was holding a scroll. His hair was even more disheveled than usual, falling into his eyes. He looked like he'd been awake for hours already.Or perhaps hadn't slept at all."I brought your morning water, Your Highness," Esme managed, her voice steadier now."So I see."
Until The End: The Love Survival Protocol [23] The Tyrant and The Moon-Bound Consort
The Third Prince's quarters were exactly a reflection of his usual nonchalant demeanor. Scrolls lay scattered across surfaces, some rolled tight, others unfurled and weighted down with smooth stones or brass instruments. And such, the room looked put together, yet, still in disarray.Prince Caelum himself sat before a small table, one hand braced against the its edge, the other holding a small quill. His dark hair fell slightly across his forehead, disheveled from running his fingers through it. His robes were simple today—deep grey, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Ink stains marked his fingers.He stared at the large scroll in front of him with the intensity of a man trying to figure things out to no avail.His brow furrowed.A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.Caelum's eyes narrowed with irritation."Enter."The door opened. Maude stepped inside, her movements curt and proper. She bowed."Your Highness."He didn't acknowledge her immediately. His attention remained fixed on the
Until The End: The Love Survival Protocol [22] The Tyrant and The Moon-Bound Consort
“Tell me, what's my name?”Esme was speechless.Was he telling her to call him by his name right now? Wouldn't she lose her head if she dared to?He seemed to realize her worries and that seemed to amuse him so much that he suddenly cackled, throwing his head back in laughter.“Don't worry.” His eyes twinkled as he spoke. “As long as neither of us tells, who's going to know? It'll be our little secret.”Esme fell silent.Why did his words sound like a jerk fooling young maidens with flowery speech?It didn't make her feel at ease at all.“Come on,” he sounded a bit eager. “Tell me, what's my name?”She didn't know why he was so insistent. But since he had given his word not to get her in trouble, she didn't keep him hanging either.She remembered what the girls at the servants' quarters had called him during their gossip sessions and she called out his name confidently, “You're His Royal Highness Prince Caelum, the third prince of House Mercenne.”Caelum was silent as she spoke.Even
Until The End: The Love Survival Protocol The Tyrant and The Moon-Bound Consort [21]
His grip was firm but not painful.Cold fingers wrapped around her wrist, holding her in place.Esme's pulse jumped beneath his touch.Her mind worked quickly.She'd already pieced it together—the storage hall, the rumors, the servants' terror. But having it confirmed like this, face to face in broad daylight with his hand still wrapped around her wrist, made the situation clear.She had thrown the Third Prince.To the ground.Last night.She looked at him with a hint of surprise evident in her eyes. Could it be that he had recognized her too?She didn't have enough time to figure that out because the Third Prince's head lifted slowly, and as their eyes met, she saw the surprise flicker across his features."You...?"The word hung between them.Recognition lit his dark eyes, followed immediately by something else. Amusement, and a spark of genuine delight that transformed his face from cold and distant to almost boyish.And it confirmed Esme's confusion that he hadn't just grabbed her
Until The End: The Love Survival Protocol The Tyrant and The Moon-Bound Consort [20]
The kitchen was already alive with activity when Esme arrived.Heat rolled from the massive hearths in waves, making the air shimmer. Steam rose from bubbling pots, carrying the mingled scents of ginger, star anise, and something sweet baking in the clay ovens. Servants moved frantically, weaving around each other, barely avoiding bumping into one another and causing a mess, their voices rising and falling from time to time as they walked.Esme stood near the entrance, taking it all in.A woman's voice cut through the noise."You must be the new girl."Esme turned.The speaker was a woman in her forties, with streaks of grey threading through her dark hair, tied back in a neat bun. Her face was round and pleasant, with laugh lines around her eyes. She wore the same grey uniform as the other kitchen staff, but hers had an additional red sash across the shoulder.The head chef, clearly."Yes, ma'am," Esme said, bowing her head slightly.The woman's expression softened. "No need for that
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