(Bl) Transmigration: Seducing and making Cinderella's prince mine

Recovering from a strange trance, Kayden blinked cutely, trying to shake off the gruesome images that had just flashed through his mind.

He was still lost in the memory of the horrifying experience he had just passed through—something that would have traumatized many. But in his case, he wasn't exactly normal—or so he believed.

Amidst his inner turmoil, a soft palm grazed his skin, stunning him slightly. Kayden turned back, and realization dawned on him—he was with the prince all this while, and here he was, lost in thought, forgetting they were walking together.

"Did I startle you? Forgive me for that. I just wanted to know if you're okay. You seem troubled," the green-haired prince purred softly.

Kayden was speechless. Why was he acting this way toward a stranger? It all seemed too surreal. In the real world, he'd been taught to avoid strangers—especially cute ones. You never know; the silent ones are the deadliest. And now, after witnessing a literal murder committed in this palace, he couldn't trust anyone.

"Awnn, that's so cute. I can't believe you care so much for someone you just met," Kayden acted dramatically, trying to sway Stephen's thoughts away.

Stephen just giggled while watching the beauty before him. He was thrilled to have gotten the chance to speak to him. In fact, he was already planning to introduce Kayden to his parents—maybe even get him to stay with him in the palace.

Like a glamorous model, Stephen tucked his silk-like hair behind his ear in a small, elegant motion that, for a second, caught Kayden off guard.

Damn it, why does he have to be so handsome? Kayden lamented. The crown prince was breathtaking—no doubt. But meeting his brother, someone the books never even mentioned, and face-to-face in such a closed space… on a bed, no less—anything could happen.

Shifting the conversation, Stephen walked away from Kayden, giving a huge gap between them. Kayden didn't even realize when he let out a sigh of relief.

But his sigh was cut short when Stephen returned with a flower—and perched on it was a butterfly. A pretty one, radiating the beauty of nature.

All this would've been perfect for Kayden if he wasn't on an urgent mission. What the fuck am I doing in a garden with such a weird prince? And why was he holding that rose with a butterfly on it? Gosh, I hate butterflies with a passion.

"As you said, Kayden, I care so much because, as I told you earlier, I never had a friend. And I want you to be mine. Will you be my first and only friend, Kay?" Stephen's sudden outburst made Kayden's jaw drop.

And that wasn't even the end of it—he leaned closer, offering the flower with the butterfly still clinging to it. How the hell do I chase this prince away without hurting his feelings?

"Calm down, my prince. Why don't we take this slow? What if I'm a bandit in disguise? Is this how you hand out your trust on a silver platter, forgetting you're a prince? Someone hidden might want you dead," Kayden's sharp words made Stephen flinch.

He just nodded, his golden eyes radiating such innocence that Kayden couldn't help but smile.

This lad is just too innocent.

And for once, Kayden saw hurt flash through those calm eyes. He looked around with unease, scanning the huge garden—surrounded by gigantic pillars and intricate golden lines shielding the plants from the harshness of the world.

He felt warm inside. He couldn't explain if it was the scenery or the display of affection. At least in this huge, strange world, someone cared for him—and this wasn't how he should repay him. Not someone who could've easily reported him and had him thrown in the dungeon for snooping around the palace.

"Fine, my prince. I'll accept the rose. But take the little creature away from me," Kayden exclaimed, eyeing the innocent butterfly fluttering around the flower Stephen held.

Stephen blinked repeatedly, surprised that Kayden was scared of such a harmless little thing.

"It's just a butterfly. It doesn't bite. Look!" Stephen, as if to prove his point, gently took hold of the butterfly, trying to emphasize how harmless it was.

But it did little to ease Kayden's mind. He bolted in horror, racing out of the garden. The butterfly kept flying and eventually landed on Kayden's arm—and that was the last straw.

Kayden let out a devastating scream that made Stephen's eyes bulge. He gave Kayden a hot chase as the boy ran wildly around the room in circles.

"Get it off me! Please, get it off!!!" Kayden kept wriggling like an earthworm, trying to fling the little demon away. In the process, he stubbed his foot on a nearby chair—and there he went.

Kayden was falling. He felt gravity pulling him down and resigned himself to the fate of hitting the cold, hard floor—but instead of stone, he landed in a cool embrace.

A touch so gentle. A scent so sweet—lemons.

Arghhh!

He was losing his mind. Why did this prince have to look so different? Not just his hair—his golden eyes. And that nerve-racking scent—it was so enticing that Kayden's body went rigid, almost on fire.

For a few seconds, they were just there—locked in each other's arms, eyes meeting.

One golden.

One silver.

And the moment felt magical—until a knock on the door broke the trance.

Stephen looked at Kayden, who was instantly alert, ready to bolt. But instead of letting him, Stephen held his hand.

"Don't run. Don't be afraid. You're safe with me. No one will hurt the prince's friend." And with that, the prince went to check the door.

From the conversation at the entrance, Kayden understood that Stephen had been summoned for family breakfast at the King's dining hall.

Kayden's face twitched. This is my chance. Screw any promises made to this clueless, naive prince. My life's on the line.

Without a proper explanation of what was happening—or if his life in the real world was even safe—he had one thing to do: get a private audience with the crown prince. It was his only shot at survival and possibly a way to return in one piece.

Well, I doubt that, given the accident… but it's worth the try, Kayden murmured.

From his observations, the crown prince must've been summoned too. He needed to act fast.

To his surprise, the door was unlocked.

Wow, Stephen actually trusted me to stay indoors. What a stupid lad.

Without thinking, Kayden stepped out—forgetting he was in enemy territory. The sound of several footsteps filled the corridor. Kayden began to panic. Like a bolt of lightning, he dashed into a room.

Not exactly a room—a chamber.

And what he saw next made his jaw drop.

Before him was a door left ajar, revealing the crown prince in a giant room. Inside was something similar to a modern pool—but here, a gorgeous entity was bathing.

And he was stark naked.

Kayden gulped, his chest tightening. At that moment, the crown prince, Zolan, turned—his hazel eyes narrowing as they met Kayden's.

They were face to face.

Oh, I'm screwed now. I'm trapped with this bastard, Kayden exclaimed in utter horror and dismay.