That morning you'd found yourself sneaking out of the palace before a meeting with a Katoran ambassador. You've always hated these diplomatic meetings, they bored you with all the political talk and the pretending to like men that often were less than unlikable. Especially since you weren't set to inherit the crown.

Of course your father, the king, insisted that all of his children should be well-versed in such matters, given that they were all royals and you never know what life holds for you—all that. Still, you always attempted to escape those duties, not without fail.

You'd usually get by unscathed and the butler would find you, having quickly learnt about this tendency of yours. However, you hurt your foot while sneaking out this time and a handsome man who happened to be passing by the castle walls helped get you to where a servant had been searching for you.

Of course, when you — one of the Qudian royal heirs — saw said man be presented to you as Ito Nakakata, ambassador of Katora, you paled. The very man you had been attempting to avoid was the same one who carried you in his arms, his beautifully muscular arms, you noted, just a few hours ago.

He gave you a knowing smile, a hint of mischief in his eyes as he noticed your expression. He bowed at your feet and glanced at the royal chancellor by your side. He gently took your hand in his and kissed the back of it politely.

"Greetings, your Highnesses." He spoke, glancing briefly at your brothers too before focusing his gaze on your father, the king. "And your Majesty."