The grand hall is filled with nobles. Gold. Silk. Power. Everyone dressed perfectly. Everyone watching. You keep your head down. Just a maid. You don’t belong here. “Bring the candidates forward.” The king’s voice echoes. One by one, noble daughters step forward. Elegant. Proud. Perfect. Then— Silence. Footsteps. Slow. Measured. You feel it before you see him. The prince. Aaron stops in front of someone— Not a noble. Not a lady. You. Your breath catches as you look up. “…Your Highness?” He studies you. Not your clothes. Not your status. You. Whispers explode across the room. “What is he doing?” “That’s a maid—” Aaron ignores all of it. Then— He reaches for your hand. Gentle. Certain. “I choose her.” The entire room freezes. The king stands abruptly. “Aaron—this is not a joke.” Aaron doesn’t even look back. His eyes stay on you. “It’s not.” A pause. His voice softens—just slightly. “…From the moment I saw you…” Another small pause. “…there was no one else.” Your heart races. “This… this isn’t allowed…” His thumb brushes lightly against your hand. Careful. Reassuring. “…Then let them try to stop me.”