Evie wasn't sure when exhaustion had turned into restlessness, but by the next morning, her mind was a whirlwind. Her classes were overwhelming, her abilities confusing, and the weight of why she was here still sat heavy on her chest.

And the princes? They were a mystery she couldn't unravel. Each so different, yet somehow drawn to her in ways she didn't understand.

She just wanted a moment to breathe.

That moment came unexpectedly with Sol.

After breakfast, she found him waiting near the academy gardens, his usual calm presence like a steady breeze in the chaos of her mind.



(This is how I imagined the place)

"Walk with me," he said. Not a request—more like an invitation she couldn't refuse.

The gardens stretched out behind the academy, alive with vibrant colors and lush greenery. Sol moved effortlessly through it, occasionally brushing his fingers against leaves or letting petals fall into his palm.

"You come here often?" Evie asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Nature listens," he replied simply. "It's grounding."

She let that sink in. Grounding. That sounded nice.

"Sit." He gestured to a patch of soft grass beneath a sprawling tree. They settled beneath it, the shade cool against the warmth of the day.

For a while, neither spoke. The quiet wasn't awkward—it was peaceful.

Then Sol broke it. "I used to come to places like this as a child when my duties felt suffocating."

Evie glanced at him, surprised. "Duties?"

He gave a faint smile. "Being the Earth Kingdom's prince isn't just a title. It's a responsibility that starts the moment you can stand on your own feet." His gaze turned distant. "Sometimes... you just want to be a person, not a title."

Evie's heart ached. "I get that. I used to think my biggest problem was choosing a dress for a party... Now my life's flipped upside down."

He looked at her then, deep brown eyes steady. "You're stronger than you think, Blossom. Roots grow deeper after storms."

The nickname, his words—they settled into her like warmth on a cold day.

She smiled. "Thanks, Sol."

He nodded with a reassuring gaze. "Anytime."

Later that afternoon,she was trying to find books to shade some light of her powers. She thought about asking for help but she didn't have any phone to contact,Which left her no choice but to search the whole place by herself.



Duke found her in the library, her head buried in a book about elemental history. "Evie, I was searching for u and here you are with your books. Call me next time before u decide to go invisible on me" He added with a cute pout. " Time flies when u are reading books your highness, and I dont have a phone to contact you almighty" Evie adds with a huff.

"Umm dont worry we will sort that too, now you look like you need a break," he said, sliding into the seat across from her.

Evie groaned, rubbing her temples. "My brain's melting."

"Come on," he grinned. "I know just the place."

She followed him out to the academy's hidden cove—a small lake shimmering under the afternoon sun. The water sparkled, reflecting light in ripples of silver and blue.

"It's beautiful," she whispered.

Duke kicked off his shoes and waded in up to his ankles. "Water helps clear the mind. Wanna try?"

Hesitating only a second, Evie stepped in. The cool water against her skin was instantly refreshing.

They sat on a rock at the edge, feet submerged.

"I used to escape to lakes back home," Duke said. "Growing up with royal expectations... Sometimes you need to breathe."

Evie glanced sideways. "You guys keep mentioning all these royal pressures. Must've been rough."

He shrugged. "It was. But it taught me loyalty and patience." He paused, then chuckled. "And how to sneak out without anyone noticing."

She laughed, the sound echoing across the water.

He grinned. "There it is—your real laugh. I like it."

Her cheeks warmed. "You're good at this—making people feel better."

He winked. "Little Wave, you've got enough on your plate. Let me take some of that weight."

And for the first time in days, she felt herself breathe a little easier.

But As the dinner time rolled by , she was feeling lonely as the events of past few days started to exhaust her. Being away from parents and her friends from back home is making her feel alone . During dinner she was quite as the prince's were discussing and laughing about some lectures. They were very observant to not notice her turmoil. After dinner ended, Seth—quite literally—as grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the dinning arena.

"Come on, Sunshine, you've been brooding all day," he said. "Time for some fun."

"Seth, I—"

"Nope. No arguments."

He led her to the academy's rooftop, where the wind whipped around them playfully. Stars glittered above, the vast sky stretching out like an endless canvas.

"Why are we up here?" she asked, hair tousled by the breeze.

"To fly." He grinned mischievously.

"Wait, wha—"

Before she could protest, a gust of wind lifted them off the ground. Evie squealed, clinging to him.

"Seth!"

"Relax!" he laughed. "Trust me!"

The wind carried them higher, sweeping them across the academy grounds. Her initial fear melted into exhilaration as they soared, the world a blur beneath them.

"This is insane!" she shouted, grinning.

"See? Told you I'd make you smile."

They landed softly back on the rooftop. Evie's heart raced—but not entirely from the flight.

"Thanks, I really needed it . I wasnt purposely brooding, its just one of my bad day " she said breathlessly.

He gave her that signature grin. "Thats why we are here Evie. Each one of has your back, Sunshine." And for a moment, under the stars, the world felt less complicated.

After saying her farewell to the prince Evie wandered into the training arena, drawn by flickering light. Sleep was the last thing she wanted after experiencing her time with Seth.

Rowan was there, flames dancing in his hands, sweat glistening on his skin as he moved through precise forms.

He noticed her and scowled. "What are you doing here?"

"I... couldn't sleep," she admitted.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This place isn't for watching. You'll get hurt."

"I can handle myself."

"Barely," he muttered but tossed her a practice sword. "Fine. Show me."

Their sparring was intense—Rowan didn't hold back, and Evie found herself frustrated by how effortlessly he dodged her strikes.

"Stop thinking so much," he snapped. "Instinct, Evie!"

Sweat dripped down her temple. "Easy for you to say!"

He stepped in close, catching her wrist. "You're holding back. Don't."

His proximity sent her heart into overdrive, but she met his gaze stubbornly.

Finally, with a yell, she swung—and managed to knock his blade aside.

He smirked. "Not bad, Sparks."

Panting, she glared at him. "You're infuriating."

"Yeah," he said, stepping back. "But you'll thank me when you're not dead."

Despite his words, there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes.

And as much as he annoyed her... she couldn't deny the way her pulse quickened around him.

PRINCES POV

Later that night, the four princes gathered in one of the common rooms. The fire crackled, casting warm light over them.

"She's stronger than she thinks," Sol said quietly.

Seth nodded. "Yeah, but she's scared. Who wouldn't be?"

"She hides it," Duke added. "But it's there."

Rowan leaned back, arms crossed. "She's reckless."

Seth shot him a look. "You mean stubborn like someone else we know?"

Rowan scowled but didn't argue.

Duke rubbed his face. "She's getting under our skin."

Sol spoke the thought none of them wanted to voice. "We're drawn to her."

Silence stretched between them.

"She needs us," Seth said finally. "Whether we're ready or not."

Rowan's jaw tightened. "This isn't about what we want. It's about keeping her alive."

"Sure," Duke said dryly. "Keep telling yourself that."

Seth grinned. "Question is... can we share?"

No one answered immediately.

Finally, Sol murmured, "She's not a prize. We protect her first. Everything else... we'll figure out."

"Oh and we need to give her a phone, so she could contact us anytime. I noticed she gets lonely, a phone will definitely help her and she will feel happy" announces Duke with excitement as if he is imagining her reaction to this gift.

Every Prince's face soften at the thought of making Evie happy.

The fire crackled. Outside, the academy slept. Inside, four princes grappled with feelings that were becoming impossible to ignore.

And somewhere in her dorm, Evie dreamed—unaware of the hearts she was slowly entangling.