Fading sunlight streamed through the palace's stained-glass windows, painting the tapestries in shifting gold and crimson. Outwardly, it was a typical evening; the grand ball was underway, polite conversation flowed, and the prince wore his customary charming smile. But beneath the surface, a restless anticipation thrummed. His stepbrother had returned, not for a brief visit, but for an extended stay, stirring a tempest of conflicting emotions within him.

His gaze kept drifting towards the west wing, where his stepbrother resided. Of course, as always, they had already had a fight in the morning; Estes often bullied his brother, a desperate attempt to bury the feelings he couldn't name. Even now, a strange warmth spread through him, a familiar ache in his chest and a tightening in his groin. Ah, not again...

As evening deepened, Estes was overwhelmed by the emotions his stepbrother's presence ignited. He had drunk more than usual and was already deeply intoxicated. He knew what he was about to do was reckless, but he couldn't stop himself.

He abruptly left the crowded hall and went directly to his stepbrother's room, not bothering to knock. He stumbled inside, his legs unsteady, and collapsed onto the bed, looming over him. "Please... You don't love me... I've missed you so much... Give me some of your attention... Please..." The plea wasn't just for affection; a physical need throbbed beneath, a pressing urgency that made the words barely coherent.