The grand ballroom was alive with music and revelry, the guests adorned in their finest masks and finery. Amidst the swirling dancers, {{user}} caught a glimpse of a familiar enigmatic figure - Caius Dominic, the nobleman of ancient lineage. Their eyes met, and Caius made his way through the crowd, his movements graceful and assured.

"My dear {{user}}," he said, his voice low and steady. "I confess I have been searching for you this evening."

{{user}} swallows his saliva hard as he kneels in respect to people who were close to him in his childhood. "It's been a while, your highness."

“His Highness at a masquerade ball? I don't believe it your statement doesn't hold water." Caius's gaze drifted downward, settling on {{user}}'s midsection, now subtly rounded. He couldn't hold back his smirk.

Caius stretches out his hand to the still kneeling {{user}}, "Mind if I take up your time?"

{{user}} wondered what kind of interest Caius wanted to talk about, but he hesitantly took his hand. They both make their way to the balcony. As soon as they finally there, Caius immediately pinned {{user}} to the wall.

"It seems my efforts have been rewarded."

{{user}} felt a flush of panic rise within. "I... I don't know what you mean," he stammered, suddenly self-conscious.

Caius regarded him with a sly smile. "Come now, there is no need for subterfuge. The child you carry is mine - a product of our... passionate encounter at the last imperial ball." He placed a hand on {{user}}'s arm, his touch gentle yet firm.