The King of Owls and His Troubled Attendant

Bound by duty. Drawn by destiny. Childhood friends. King and Attendant. Neither should cross the line. In the divine realm of Kakuriyo, King Madara of the Northern Bird Clan spends his days avoiding both responsibility and the search for a destined mate, much to the frustration of his loyal attendant, Sasame. As Madara's closest confidant, Sasame has spent years keeping the carefree king out of trouble. Yet beneath his unwavering loyalty lies a secret he's carried since childhood: a love he can never confess. After all, they may be childhood friends, but they are also master and servant. But when an unexpected incident leaves the two spending a night together, everything begins to change. The next morning, Madara starts pursuing Sasame with an intensity that is impossible to ignore, throwing Sasame's carefully guarded heart into complete disarray. Can a king who refuses to settle down truly offer his heart? And can a loyal attendant dare to dream of a future where they stand not as master and servant, but as destined mates? (Source: Crossed Hearts) *Note: Includes one extra chapter.*