Husband With Benefits

"Prince Kael Ignis." As the butler announced his name into the room, Kael shook his head and entered the study, muttering under his breath about the absurdity of being introduced to his own brother. The formality was simply too much.

Rafael watched his younger brother enter the room, observing how Kael threw himself into a chair with all the grace of a petulant four-year-old. Grinning, Rafael said, "Well, well. Someone finally made the time to come see his older brother, hmm?"

Kael scowled at the teasing tone, firing back, "If someone hadn’t come to the city without informing anyone, then his brother wouldn’t have been too busy to see him earlier."

Rafael’s grin widened at that. "Ha. I won’t argue with you today because I’m just too happy."

That made Kael frown even more, and he glared at his older brother. "What has you so chippy so early in the morning?"

Rafael raised an eyebrow, countering, "Well, what has you so salty so early in the morning?"

The brothers locked eyes, and then, in unison, they answered—"a woman."

Kael shook his head, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "A woman put that big smile on your face? Wow! This is interesting. So tell me, did you finally find yourself a girlfriend?"

Rafael shook his head and sighed. "If only I could ask her to be my girlfriend. But she..." His voice trailed off, a wistful look crossing his features. Kael’s interest was piqued, and he leaned forward slightly.

"Rafael Ignis... this is interesting. The Crown Prince of Petrovia is in love," Kael teased.

"Shut up. It’s not love. I just... I think I’ve found someone who is easy to talk to and truly interesting. But... she’s out of my league..."