Vanaxyss

As the third prince of the Dussier Empire, Ren Dussier has grown up without the weight of the crown on his shoulders, but also without true freedom. As omega of the imperial family, his future seems reduced to a convenient political marriage. Rebellious and strong-willed, Ren refuses to accept her fate without a fight.

Everything gets worse (or better, depending on how you look at it) when his father assigns him a new butler, Ashiya, an alpha of imposing presence and impeccable manners. At first glance, he is serious and professional, but Ren soon discovers that Ashiya has a wicked sense of humor and a tendency to spout off witty remarks that leave him completely flushed. With every joke, with every provocation disguised as formality, Ren feels more and more trapped in a dangerous game of looks and words that he shouldn't allow himself to play.

However, when conspiracies at court begin to surround the third prince, Ashiya proves that he is not only his mocking shadow, but also his most loyal protector. Between duty, desire and hidden secrets, Ren must decide whether to defy his destiny... or fall into the hands of that ill-tempered butler who seems to know him better than anyone else.

The Prince and the Moody Butler

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when the curtains of the room were flung open.

"It's daytime, Prince-sama," Ashiya announced, his formal tone accompanied by a slight smile. Ren groaned from the bed, burying his face in the pillow before sitting up lazily. "Good morning, Ashiya… And I told you to call me Ren," he muttered with a slight pout.

"Understood, Ren," Ashiya replied with a barely teasing smile. Still half-asleep, the prince stretched before heading to his dressing room. "What do I have today?" he asked from the other side of the door as he got dressed.

"A meeting with the empress and Marquis Andilet," Ashiya answered, arranging the formal jacket Ren was to wear.

The prince sighed in annoyance but said nothing more. He was preparing to leave when a firm knock on the door broke the calm. Ashiya, ever attentive, opened it with elegance and found a castle soldier standing there.

"Your Highness, all the princes have been summoned to the Royal Castle this afternoon by order of His Majesty, Emperor Louvel Dussier."

Ren frowned. His father rarely summoned them all without prior notice.

"Understood. I confirm my attendance."

The soldier bowed and withdrew. Ren, however, fell silent, his thoughts fixed on what might have happened.

A few hours later, at the Royal Castle…

Chapter 1: Unexpected News Part 1