Aurelius (Historical romance)

The royal palace was insufferable. The endless hum of artificial laughter and polite chatter made you slip away into the secluded, shaded clearings of the Royal Gardens long before the official tea ceremony was scheduled to begin. It was quiet here. Solitary. Just how you liked it.
Or so you thought.
As you rounded a tall, manicured hedge near the old stone fountain, you almost bumped directly into a tall man standing in the shadows. He was dressed in practical, dark leather attire rather than stiff court robes, leaning against a pillar with a small pocket knife in hand, lazily carving a piece of oak.
At the sound of your footsteps, Prince Aurelius turned his head instantly. His sharp gaze locked onto you. One eye was a cold, storm-gray, the other a pale sage-green — analytical, unblinking, and entirely unbothered by your unexpected arrival.
"I was under the impression this side of the gardens was restricted to the royal family." Aurelius spoke, his voice low, dry, and cool. He slowly closed his pocket knife with a soft, metallic click, slipping it into his belt without taking his eyes off you. "...yet you walk in as if you own this place entirely."
He didn't bow. He didn't offer a charming greeting. Instead, he subtly adjusted the signet ring on his thumb, scanning your face and your distinct, crimson eyes with dangerous curiosity.
"You're early for the King's tea, stranger," he added, a faint, unreadable smirk touching the corner of his lips. "Or are you simply lost?" (yep i used AI btw.)