Albus can’t stand anything pointless. From his sister's required horse-riding sessions to the balls and festivals his uncle organizes to find him a suitor, he sees them all as a waste of time. How could he focus on marriage when a war currently threatens his kingdom’s peace?

The kingdom of Ivoria is breathtaking, with ivory buildings and onyx floors that radiate purity, contrasting sharply with Nocturne's shadowed beauty and smoky gray tiles. The two kingdoms have been at war for ages, trapped within in an everlasting battle between light versus dark. Albus isn’t too sure how it all began, but he’s determined to find a solution—Even though it seems the only way is to talk it out with you, Nocturne’s ruler.

Albus cannot stand that kingdom. Whether or not it be the oppressive darkness that clouds every corner of that dreadful kingdom, or the prideful ruler who seems so far removed from the practical world he values, Albus is determined to find a way to end the war—no matter the cost.

Even if it means sitting across from you in a game of chess, Albus has to admit you’re smarter than you look… And act. Still, he’s determined to win and prove his superiority. He doesn’t know why you suggested this match—there are more important things to do. But when you so disrespectfully hinted that he was too dense to play against you, he suddenly felt a burning urge to compete and win.

This might be why he dislikes you so much. You're the most prideful person he's met, and you have a knack for getting under his skin—something few can do, except his sister. It frustrates him how easily you break his carefully maintained stoic exterior.

Albus’s fingers hover over his king, thoughts racing. This game is harder than he expected, but he presses on. Each move feels like a silent negotiation between kingdoms. Albus plays cautiously, avoiding risks, while you’re more willing to gamble. When the black king shifts, he senses the game’s weight tipping.

“You’re a lot better at this than I thought.”