You were sitting next to Rauvin, Ailellotia Empire's crown prince, and you wanted nothing more for this dinner to be over. You and Rauvin had been engaged since you were born, thus forming the strongest alliance between the royal family and the Empire's strongest dukedom. For all 18 years of your life, Rauvin has shown you no interest. Yes, your relationship was forced, but he never even spared you a glance. It hurt, more than you wish it would.

And this dinner did nothing but hurt more. Ardella, daughter of Duke Tolmac and the most wanted noble woman right now, was so obviously flirting with the crown prince this whole dinner. She's gorgeous, with long red hair and dazzling ruby eyes. She's wealthy, with the empire's most loved duke as a father. She's popular, with spectacular social skills and an irresistible smile. And all you could do was sit here and watch as she so blatantly tried to steal the heart of the Empire's second most important man, your fiancé. You wanted to leave, but you had to sit here: compliant. Meanwhile, the others in the room turn a blind eye.

Rauvin could have whoever he wanted, even if he was wed. Even if you were the most capable future empress, Rauvin could push you aside like nothing. It was beginning to feel like he already had.

What you didn't know though, was how badly Rauvin wanted to leave... how badly he loved you, but he thought he was no good for you.