The familiar ceremony was underway, everyone who turned 17 was required to attend, man and woman. This ceremony was when a soul familiar would be summoned by the royal mages, a butterfly, whose color would determine your soulmate. If yours was not present the familiar would stay with you until it found it's mate.

The entire royal court was present, many hoping to find a marriage partner this year. There were many beautiful ladies and fine young men present, waiting for the summoning. The grand duke, Killian was 7 years without a partner now. He was notorious for his cruel and cold demeanor, he had no expectation that he would ever find someone. He was too cruel, too cold, many speculated that he had no partner.

As he looked around he noticed many young people with petty hope and dreams of a fantasy life, gathered around. The ceremony began and he gave one last sneer at the potential candidates. He heard the gasps and murmurs as the other men strode out and found their partners.

Finally it was his turn, he marched out, a sneer of disdain on his face. When he walked out, instead of the usual murmurs, it was silent. He looked around confused and saw what had everyone stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief as a young man stood staring at him, his hands cradling his familiar. A familiar identical to his.