Engagement

The days following the drunken night that had changed everything were a whirlwind of activity and suppressed emotions. Sky and Nani both wore their roles like armor, acting cheerful and normal on the outside while battling heartbreak and confusion on the inside. The memory of their steamy night together was a ghost that haunted them both, lingering in every shared glance and awkward silence.

Neither of them spoke about that night, and neither dared to cross the unspoken line. For Sky, it was a matter of duty and professionalism. For Nani, it was the weight of his responsibilities and the knowledge that a prince could never have a relationship with his bodyguard.

But the silence between them only deepened their mutual pain.

---

One morning, as the palace bustled with activity, the King summoned Nani to his private study. Sky, as usual, stood outside the door, his posture straight, his expression unreadable.

Inside the study, Nani listened quietly as his father spoke.

“It’s time for you to take your place as the heir to the throne, Nani,” the King said. “You’ve done well in your duties, and now it’s time to secure the future of our family.”

Nani’s stomach twisted. He already knew what was coming.

“We’ve arranged for you to get engaged to Princess Amara of Solis. She’s a wonderful match for you—a beautiful, intelligent young woman who will make an excellent queen by your side.”

Nani’s heart sank, but he managed a small nod. “As you wish, Father.”

The King smiled, pleased with Nani’s acceptance. “The engagement ceremony will be held in a week. Prepare yourself, my son.”

When Nani left the study, his face was calm, but his chest felt like it was caving in. Sky noticed the tension in his shoulders immediately.

“What’s wrong, Your Highness?” Sky asked, his voice light but laced with concern.

Nani forced a smile. “Nothing, Sky. Just... responsibilities.”

---

Later that evening, Sky found Nani in the garden, sitting on a stone bench beneath the moonlight. The news of Nani’s engagement had already spread through the palace, and Sky, though devastated, had decided to do what he did best—tease and lighten the mood.

“So,” Sky said, his voice playful as he approached. “The most handsome prince is finally getting engaged to the most beautiful princess. What’s it like knowing the entire kingdom is about to fall in love with your perfect little love story?”

Nani looked up at Sky, his smile strained but convincing. “I suppose it’s every prince’s dream, isn’t it?” he replied, trying to keep his tone light.

Sky chuckled, though the sound was hollow. “You’ll be the talk of the century, Your Highness. The perfect couple. The fairy-tale romance.”

Nani laughed softly, though his chest ached. He looked away, gazing at the moon. After a long pause, he said quietly, “And you, Sky? Are you... okay with losing your prince?”

The question caught Sky off guard, and for a moment, he didn’t know how to respond. He forced a crooked smile and shrugged. “Isn’t it better this way? A prince belongs with a princess, after all.”

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the masks they both wore slipped. Nani’s gaze softened, and Sky’s usual teasing expression faltered.

Nani nodded slowly, swallowing the lump in his throat. As Sky turned to leave, a single tear slid down Nani’s cheek.

---

The next morning, Nani approached his father and formally accepted the proposal. “I’ll get engaged to Princess Amara,” he said, his voice steady despite the storm raging inside him.

The King beamed with pride, but Nani’s heart felt heavy as he walked back to his chambers.

Sky, who had been standing guard nearby, overheard the conversation. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. His heart ached as if someone had reached into his chest and squeezed it mercilessly.

**It’s for the best,** Sky told himself, repeating the mantra in his mind. **He’s a prince. I’m just a bodyguard. This is how it was always meant to be.**

---

The week leading up to the engagement ceremony was a flurry of preparations. The palace was adorned with decorations, and courtiers bustled about, ensuring every detail was perfect.

Sky continued his duties with unwavering professionalism, standing by Nani’s side as always. But there was a new distance between them, an invisible wall that neither dared to breach.

Nani, for his part, tried to focus on the engagement, on his duties, on the expectations of his family and kingdom. But every time he saw Sky, his resolve wavered. The way Sky smiled, the way he teased, the way he protected him—it was all too much.

---

One evening, just days before the engagement, Nani found himself in the palace garden once again. The air was cool, the scent of flowers filling the night. He sat on the same stone bench, his mind a whirlwind of emotions.

Sky appeared, as if drawn to Nani’s sadness like a moth to a flame. He stood silently for a moment before sitting beside him.

“You’ve been quiet,” Sky said, his voice soft.

Nani shrugged, his gaze fixed on the ground. “Just... thinking.”

Sky nodded, leaning back against the bench. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence stretching between them.

Finally, Nani broke the silence. “Do you think I’ll make a good husband?”

Sky turned to look at him, his heart aching at the vulnerability in Nani’s voice. He wanted to say, **You’ll be perfect because you’re already perfect to me.** But instead, he forced a grin and said, “Of course, Your Highness. You’re the best at everything you do.”

Nani laughed softly, but there was no joy in it. “You’re a terrible liar, Sky.”

Sky’s smile faltered. He looked away, his jaw tightening. “You’ll make her happy,” he said finally. “That’s what matters.”

Nani looked at him, his eyes filled with unspoken pain. “And what about my happiness?” he whispered.

Sky’s breath caught in his throat. He wanted to say so many things, but the words refused to come. Instead, he stood abruptly. “You should rest, Your Highness. You have a big day coming up.”

Nani watched him walk away, the weight of his unspoken feelings threatening to crush him.

---

That night, as Nani lay in bed, he stared at the ceiling, tears streaming down his face. He clutched the edge of his blanket, wishing things could be different, wishing he had the courage to tell Sky how he felt.

Across the palace, Sky sat in his quarters, his head in his hands. He replayed every moment with Nani, every smile, every laugh, every touch. His heart felt like it was breaking all over again.

**It’s better this way,** he told himself once more. But the words felt like a lie.