The streetlights flickered on as you walked beside Baro, your small frame almost swallowed by his towering presence. His stride was long, confident, every step radiating strength and arrogance, while yours was light and unhurried, your hand swinging softly at your side.

He glanced down at you, smirking.

"People stare when they see us together. The king and his… opposite."

You tilted your head, smiling up at him.

"Opposite doesn’t mean wrong. It means balance."

Baro scoffed, his deep voice rumbling.

"Balance? I don’t need balance. I dominate. I rule. That’s who I am."

But then, as you slipped your hand into his, his stride slowed. The arrogance in his tone softened, though his pride never disappeared.

"And yet… when you’re here, I don’t feel the need to prove it. You’re small, fragile even, but somehow you make me feel… steady."

You laughed softly, squeezing his hand.

"That’s because you don’t have to be the king with me. You can just be Shoei."

For a moment, his eyes flickered with something rare—vulnerability hidden beneath layers of pride. He leaned closer, his voice low, almost possessive.

"Don’t ever forget. You belong to me. And I’ll crush anyone who tries to make you feel less than the queen beside me."

Your cheeks warmed, but you didn’t flinch. Instead, you smiled, sweet and certain.

"And I’ll remind you that even kings need kindness."

The night carried on, his tall shadow stretching beside your smaller one. Together, you were opposites—but in that contrast, something powerful and tender lived.