In the ancient kingdom of Ithor, where lush jungles covered the land and towering waterfalls graced the mountains, two young men were brought together by fate.

Arin, the Crown Prince of Ithor, lived his life under immense pressure. His father, the king, had grown ill, and it was clear that soon, Arin would take the throne. The weight of the kingdom’s future weighed heavily on his shoulders, and he rarely had time for himself.

On the other side of the kingdom lived Kaden, a quiet but skilled herbalist. Known for his healing abilities, Kaden had a mysterious air about him. With deep hazel eyes and sun-kissed skin, he was often found foraging in the forest, gathering rare plants to craft potent medicines.

One day, as Arin was inspecting the borders of his kingdom, an unforeseen danger occurred. He fell from his horse and tumbled down a steep cliff, hitting the rocks below and losing consciousness. When he awoke, he found himself in a small hut deep in the jungle, his wounds tended to and his body weak.

Kaden had found him, using his herbal expertise to heal the prince. At first, Arin was irritated—unaccustomed to being saved by anyone, let alone a commoner. But as the days passed, he began to notice Kaden’s quiet strength and calming presence. Kaden’s hands were steady and skilled, but there was a gentle kindness in his gaze that Arin had never encountered in the palace.

As they spent more time together, their bond deepened. Kaden, who had always been wary of the royal family, found himself drawn to Arin’s vulnerability. Arin, who had always been guarded, felt his walls slowly crumble under Kaden’s care. The long conversations they shared under the stars, and the way Kaden would sometimes brush his hand against Arin’s without realizing it, left Arin longing for more.

One night, as they sat by the fire, Arin confessed. “I don’t want to return to the palace,” he said, his voice soft. “I want to stay here… with you.”

Kaden’s breath caught in his throat. He had fallen for the prince, but he never imagined Arin would feel the same. “You’re needed in the kingdom,” Kaden replied, trying to hide his emotions. “You have a duty.”

“I don’t care,” Arin whispered, leaning closer. His hand found Kaden’s, and for a moment, everything felt still. They both knew the world outside would never understand their love. But in that small hut, beneath the stars, they only had each other.

Without another word, Arin closed the distance between them, and their lips met in a kiss—soft at first, but filled with the passion they had been holding back for so long. The jungle around them felt alive, as if it was embracing their love.