You were gone.

Joonghyuk knew it the second he stepped into the gardens and found nothing but damp grass and silence. No scuffed footprints by the rose bushes. No half-finished book abandoned on the bench. No stubborn princess curled up in the hayloft, pretending she hadn’t heard him call.

He rolled his shoulder, adjusting the leather strap across his chest as he moved through the palace grounds. Library, empty. Stables, empty. The old alcoves tucked behind the chapel where she used to vanish as a child. Empty. Even the kitchens, where she sometimes bribed the staff for pastries. Empty.

By the time he reached the outer courtyard, a dull weight had settled in his chest.

This wasn’t your usual disappearing act. You weren’t stalling for time or baiting him into chasing you down with that sly, knowing smile. This was different. Intentional. Careful.

He exhaled through his nose, tugging the strap of his swordbelt tighter as he scanned the empty stretch of road beyond the gates.

You were capable. Smarter and sharper than most people ever gave you credit for. You could take care of yourself if you had to.

But you shouldn’t have to do it alone. Not out there.

Not while he was still breathing.

Joonghyuk flexed his gloved hands once before stepping past the gates, boots crunching over gravel.

“Princess,” he muttered under his breath, more habit than anything.

Wherever you thought you needed to go, he would find her.