A Sudden Announcement

At 19, Zane's life as a servant in a distant noble household is far removed from the days of freedom he once shared with Leo in the village. The work is grueling, and the hours are long—laundry, cleaning, organizing, and performing menial tasks that are expected of someone in his position. The weight of these tasks, compounded by the isolation of being away from the only family he's ever known, has worn him down. His hands are calloused and cracked from the constant labor, and his back aches from the hours spent bent over work. Every day feels like a reminder of the life he used to have and the dreams he once carried with him.

Yet, despite the harshness of his circumstances, Zane has not allowed himself to be completely broken. He has learned to adapt, to find ways to survive, even in a world that constantly reminds him of his status as a commoner. The distance from Leo, though painful, has also sparked a sense of independence and resilience in Zane that he never had before. The hurt from losing his closest friend is still there, deep in his chest, but over time, he has learned to bury it beneath the surface, finding ways to move forward, even without the connection he once held so dear.

Amid the chores and the dreariness of his new life, Zane has found an unexpected solace in the kitchen. The clatter of pots and pans, the sharp knife against the cutting board, the smell of spices and simmering dishes—these simple, repetitive acts have become his escape. Cooking has become his refuge, a way for him to reclaim a small piece of control and creativity in an otherwise rigid and demanding world. He teaches himself the art of cooking, often experimenting with new recipes and techniques in the quiet of the kitchen when no one is watching.

Each dish he prepares is a reminder of the time he spent with Leo, a time when life was simpler and their bond was strong. Zane remembers the meals they shared in the village, the laughter and camaraderie in the small, humble spaces they once inhabited. He takes pride in his cooking, pouring his heart into every meal, hoping that one day, he might have the chance to cook for Leo again.

The thought of seeing Leo again—of being able to cook for him, to offer him something that is uniquely his—gives Zane a sense of hope. It's a dream he holds onto, no matter how impossible it might seem. He often imagines the day when they might meet again, when their worlds will no longer feel so far apart. Maybe then, Zane thinks, he can cook a meal for Leo that will remind him of the simpler, happier days they once shared, before life took them down different paths.

For now, the kitchen remains his sanctuary, his one place of solace in a life that has been anything but easy. It's the one place where he can still feel connected to his past, to the memories of a time when everything felt real, before the weight of the world separated him from the only person who truly understood him.

Zane's Loneliness

Despite adapting to his life as a servant, Zane is often consumed by loneliness. His thoughts frequently return to Leo, wondering how he's changed and whether he still remembers their bond. Zane's feelings for Leo have only grown stronger with time, though he buries them deep inside, afraid that Leo may have moved on from him.

In the solitude of the kitchen, where he finds solace in cooking, Zane holds onto the hope that one day, their paths will cross again. He dreams of cooking for Leo, of reminding him of the simpler days they shared. But as he works each day, Zane wonders if Leo, living in his world of privilege, has room for him in his life anymore. The pain of their separation is a constant ache, but Zane refuses to completely let go, clinging to the hope that Leo might someday return.

Leo's Engagement

At 14, Leo is blindsided by an announcement that shakes him to his core.

The dinner table was quiet, save for the clink of utensils and the occasional hum of the fire crackling in the hearth. Leo felt a knot form in his stomach, a discomfort he couldn't quite place, until Count Ravenswood spoke again, breaking the silence.

"Leo," the Count began, his voice smooth and calculated, "I have an announcement."

Leo glanced up, sensing that something was off, something he couldn't yet name.

"You are now officially engaged to Lady Elena Whitmore." The words came out casually, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

Leo froze, his fork falling to his plate with a soft clink. His heart skipped, and his mind raced to catch up with the words.

"What?" Leo's voice cracked as he looked at his father, trying to find a trace of jest in the man's steady gaze. But there was no humor there—only the same calm composure that Leo had come to associate with the Count's businesslike decisions. "I... I don't understand."

Count Ravenswood barely looked up from his wine glass, his expression indifferent.

"This union strengthens our position," he said, almost as if Leo were meant to already understand.

"The Whitmores are influential, and this marriage will secure our place among the highest ranks of the aristocracy. It's a necessary step, Leo."

Leo felt his chest tighten, a growing pressure squeezing the breath from his lungs. He leaned forward, struggling to hold back the rising tide of anger and disbelief.

"I didn't agree to this," Leo said, his voice barely above a whisper, the words thick with confusion. "I never had a say in this."

The Count's eyes shifted slightly, a trace of something resembling sympathy flickering in them—but only for a moment. Then, his expression hardened once more.

"You're a young man now," the Count said, his tone clipped. "It's time you learn that there are things beyond your control. Duty, family, legacy. They all come before your personal desires."

Leo's heart pounded, his mind struggling to understand how his life had suddenly been mapped out for him—how he was being tethered to someone, to something, he hadn't chosen.

"But I'm fourteen!" Leo's voice cracked, desperation creeping in. "I don't even know what this means, what I'm supposed to do!"

Count Ravenswood leaned back in his chair, a slight edge to his voice now.

"You will learn, as all men do. Marriage is about alliances, about securing the future of this family. You will take your place, Leo. We all must."

Leo's chest constricted with a mix of frustration and helplessness. His father's words were like chains, locking him into a future that wasn't his own.

"But I... I don't want this!" Leo said, the words finally slipping past the walls he'd tried to build around his emotions. "I don't want to be forced into a marriage I don't understand."

The Count's gaze hardened, though there was no anger in it, just cold practicality.

"What you want is irrelevant," he said simply. "This is not about you, Leo. This is about securing power, securing the future of our family. You will do your part, as we all must."

Leo's mind swirled, his thoughts a tempest. He looked at his father, but it was as if he were looking at a stranger—a man who had made a decision for him, a decision that had erased his own voice. His hands clenched into fists, but there was no anger left in him, only the crushing weight of inevitability.

"So, that's it? I'm just supposed to accept this?" Leo whispered, his voice almost lost in the silence of the room. "My life, my future—it's already been decided. No questions, no choices."

The Count gave him a long look, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"You will come to understand, in time. This is the way of the world, Leo. It is not for you to question."

Leo stared down at his plate, his heart heavy with the knowledge that his life, even in matters of love and choice, was no longer his own to control. The weight of the engagement—of the political strategy wrapped in this arranged marriage—felt suffocating, like a cold hand around his throat.

"I didn't choose this," Leo muttered, his voice barely audible. "I didn't choose any of this."

That afternoon, The weight of the engagement announcement presses down on Leo, making it hard to breathe. He stares out the window, the vast Ravenswood estate sprawling in front of him, and his mind is a whirlwind of confusion and frustration. The reality of his situation feels like a trap, and no matter how hard he tries to rationalize it, he cannot shake the sense of betrayal.

Later that evening, as he walks through the gardens, he's startled by the soft footsteps behind him. He turns to find Elena, her expression neutral but her eyes searching his face.

"Elena… I didn't expect you," Leo says, his voice strained.

She hesitates before responding, "I thought you might need someone to talk to, after… everything."

Leo feels a pang of guilt. Elena has always been kind to him, always there, and yet the thought of marrying her feels like a cage closing in. He sighs, trying to find the right words.

"This isn't what I wanted," Leo admits, his voice breaking slightly. "I never had a say in it. I didn't even know this was coming. How can they decide my future without even asking me?"

Elena steps closer, her tone gentle but firm. "You know this is what's best for us, Leo. It's what's best for the Ravenswoods. For the future."

Leo looks down, his fists clenched in frustration. "But what about me?" he snaps. "What about my happiness? I don't want this. I don't love you that way, Elena. I'm being forced into a marriage that isn't mine to choose."

Elena's expression softens, and for a moment, she reaches out to him, as if wanting to comfort him. "Leo, I—"

"I don't want to marry you," Leo interrupts, his voice quiet but resolute. "I don't even know who I am anymore. All I ever wanted was to live a life I could control, not be dragged into some political game." His mind flashes to Zane, wondering if their bond is still alive somewhere, buried beneath years of separation.

Elena stands there for a moment, her hand still extended, before she slowly withdraws it. "I never wanted to be part of a life that felt like it was only about duty," she says softly, almost as if she's speaking to herself. "But we don't always get to choose, do we?"

Leo doesn't respond, the weight of her words sinking deep within him. Instead, he turns away, walking further into the garden, lost in the quiet turmoil of his thoughts.

As he moves away, his heart aches with the knowledge that the life he had dreamed of—one of choice, of freedom—has slipped beyond his reach. And as the cold air settles around him, Leo wonders if there's any way to reclaim the past he once had with Zane, or if it's already too late.