The Evergreen Crown Academy rose upon gentle hills overlooking the capital, its ivory towers entwined with ivy and flowering vines, its wide courtyards alive with voices that no longer carried the weight of rank alone.
Once, its gates had opened only for nobles and royalty.
Now, they opened for talent.
That single change—written into law during the joint reign of King Alaric and Queen Rin—had altered the future of the realm more quietly, and more permanently, than any war.
Sunlight streamed through the arched hallways as students hurried between lectures. Uniforms differed slightly in cut and color, reflecting diverse origins rather than rigid lineage. Commoners walked beside nobles. Scholarship crests gleamed alongside ancient house sigils.
And when the Student Council appeared, conversation faltered.
Students lining the corridors could not help but stare.
Whispers followed the figures walking at the center of the hall.
"Look—it's the student council."
"They're incredible as always…"
"Well, of course. The twin princes are members."
At the forefront walked Prince Rhen, the elder twin.
He was tall for his age, posture straight, presence commanding without being oppressive. His features were sharp and striking,his hair dark as night just like Alaric , and his emerald eyes that is calm but observant just like rin . Though a dominant alpha, there was little arrogance in the way he carried himself. Instead, there was an air of quiet competence. His brilliance lay in herbal medicine and healing arts Professors often whispered that his understanding surpassed seasoned physicians, his instincts uncannily precise.
Yet despite his calm intellect, Rhen was fiercely protective—especially of his siblings.
Beside him walked Prince Riven, identical in face but wholly different in aura.
At first glance, Riven appeared gentle—soft smiles,his soft brown hair just like Rin and his expressive golden eyes, an almost disarming cuteness that led many to underestimate him. But those within the academy knew better.
A dominant omega, Riven's mind was a weapon in itself.
He specialized in tactics and strategy, dismantling complex scenarios with unnerving ease. War simulations, political debates, resource allocation—Riven mastered them all. When he grew serious, his presence shifted entirely, his gaze sharpening into something cold and calculating.
Even seasoned instructors learned to pause when Prince Riven spoke.
Despite their differing paths, both princes were equally formidable in swordsmanship and horsemanship, trained to royal standards and beyond. Sparring grounds echoed with stories of how the twins fought not as rivals—but as perfectly synchronized partners.
And above all else, they shared one obsession.
Their little sister.
Any student foolish enough to comment on her within earshot learned very quickly that royalty was not the most dangerous thing about the princes.
Walking just a step too close to Riven was a young man with silver-dark hair and a sharp grin.
Felian, son of Duke Lucien of the North—a dominant alpha,bore the sharp features and sly charm unmistakably inherited from his father. His silver-blond hair was tied loosely, eyes bright with confidence. Within Crownspire, he was known as one of the finest swordsmen of his generation, his technique precise and aggressive, honed through relentless training.
And, unofficially—
Prince Riven's fiancé.
"Looks like they're talking about us again," Felian murmured playfully, leaning in far too close as he whispered into Riven's ear.
Riven didn't even glance at him. "They always do."
Felian smirked. "Sharp tounge as ever ."
Before Riven could reply, a firm hand pressed between them.
"Too close," Rhen said flatly, shoving Felian back with minimal effort.
Felian laughed, raising his hands in surrender and playfully said . "You become terrifying. What happened to my cute little Rhen."
Rhen annoyed by his comment,almost punch Felian,but hold back himself .
Around them, students squealed softly, pretending not to stare while staring anyway.
The future of the realm walked openly among them.
---
Far from the academy's polished halls, within the palace gardens, Rin knelt among rows of moonpetal and silverleaf, hands stained with soil, expression focused and peaceful.
Years had passed, and still—this was where he felt most at ease.
There had been epidemics. Strange illnesses carried by trade routes. Fevers no physician could name.
And each time, Rin had answered.
With research. With patience. With remedies born of both tradition and innovation. Under his guidance, entire departments of healing had been rebuilt, apprentices trained regardless of birth. His name appeared not in ballads—but in medical journals, quietly revered.
"You're overworking again."
Arms wrapped around him from behind, warm and familiar.
Rin sighed, not in annoyance—but fond resignation. "Your Majesty, is there a reason the king is sneaking up on his own garden?"
Alaric rested his chin on Rin's shoulder. "I came to reclaim my husband. He loves his herbs more than me."
"That's an unfair comparison," Rin replied dryly. "The herbs don't complain."
Alaric groaned. "Cruel."
Their banter was interrupted by laughter—bright and high-pitched.
Tiny footsteps pounded across the stone path.
"kyya!!!dadda!daddda!"
Their youngest daughter—barely two years old—slowly ran toward them while the maid hold her hand to balance , arms outstretched, determination far outweighing balance.
Alaric lifted her easily, spinning her once as she giggled. Rin reached up, brushing dirt from her sleeve, smiling softly.
"Tomorrow's the weekend," Rin said, standing. "The twins will be back."
Alaric's eyes softened. "Then we should prepare."
"A picnic," Rin agreed.
---
The next day, beneath a wide oak tree overlooking the river, the royal family gathered.
Rhen and Riven arrived first, dropping their formal composure the moment they spotted their parents.
They were hugged tightly—arms wrapped, laughter muffled against cloaks. The youngest clung to her brothers as if afraid they might vanish again.
Stories followed.
Rhen spoke animatedly about a breakthrough in antidote synthesis. Riven described dismantling a mock invasion plan in three moves. Aurelian was mentioned, teased, and defended in equal measure.
Alaric listened, pride unhidden. Rin watched, heart full.
This—
This was the future they had fought for.
Not perfection.
But choice.
As sunlight filtered through leaves and laughter echoed across the grass, the crown rested lightly upon the realm—not as a burden, but as a promise.
And in the quiet space between shared food and shared stories, the kingdom endured.
Not because of blood alone.
But because love had rewritten its laws.
—The End