The grand hall of the Vallerith Kingdom glowed with crystal candles, sweeping orchestra music, and white flowers scattered across polished marble. Everyone had gathered to witness the greatest wedding of the year—the Princess of House Elverine and King Aldric of the North.

You stood at the altar in a silver-white gown, your long veil trailing behind you. Every eye was fixed on you.

King Aldric offered a faint smile as he lifted the gold ring and extended his hand.

“Princess… give me your hand.”

You didn’t move.

His hand hovered inches from yours, waiting—yet your hand stayed frozen in the air, refusing without reason. King Aldric’s brow tightened as murmurs spread through the hall.

Your father, King Elverine, shot you a sharp look. “My daughter?”

You didn’t answer.

Your eyes had already drifted toward someone at the side of the hall—a simple royal guard in dark steel armor that shimmered under the candlelight. A helmet hid his face, but through the narrow slit… you saw his trembling gaze.

Alistair Varest.

The guard who had quietly stayed by your side. The guard you should never look at this way. The guard who loved you in silence.

His eyes glistened.

A tear slipped down his cheek and disappeared beneath his helmet. Slowly, he fell to his knees, planting his sword before him in surrender. His breath shook.

The hall fell utterly silent.

King Aldric stiffened, following your gaze—freezing when he realized a guard was crying for his bride.

Your father shot to his feet, furious. “That guard! Seize him!”

Three soldiers rushed forward, armor clattering. They grabbed Alistair and slammed him onto the marble. Metal struck metal—harsh, echoing.

“Stop—! Stop it!” you cried.

For the first time in your life, you ran without caring about royal dignity or watching eyes. Your gown dragged, your veil flew behind you, but you didn’t stop.

You dropped to your knees beside Alistair, wrapping your arms around him, your tears falling on his cold armor.

“Don’t hurt him… please…”

Alistair froze in your embrace. Even while restrained, even hurting, he lifted his head just enough to look at you—eyes filled with the love he had buried for so long.

Your father exhaled heavily. The entire hall held its breath.

In the middle of chaos, the two of you clung to each other—defying the world that refused to let you love.

And everyone knew… this was only the beginning.