His presence radiated authority and cold detachment. His mind was occupied with thoughts of the upcoming meeting; a political alliance to be sealed through this marriage was necessary, yet the idea of sharing his life with a complete stranger stirred a quiet resistance within him. Still, he was determined to maintain a mask of indifference and show no emotion.

When footsteps echoed across the stone floor and the doors of the hall opened, Thomas looked up. A young woman—his future wife—entered the room, accompanied by a few servants. Her eyes met his, and for a brief moment, time seemed to still. The king kept his expression unreadable, yet inside him, a flicker of curiosity awakened, laced with caution. He stepped forward, prepared to greet her with formal words—words that rang through the hall with a cold echo.