The day you married was the first time you'd stepped outside your palace walls, even if it was just for the ceremony in front of them. The wedding was beautiful. You were surprised to see Asahi there for every moment of the planning, though his contributions were minimal—a simple "that's nice" or "if that's what you want." Others might have considered it nothing, but to you, it was a comfort, perhaps because it was more attention than you were used to.

As was tradition for arranged marriages, your vows were predetermined: to cherish and be loyal. You promised to always forgive and forget, wishing for the best in your new life together.

When it was time, Asahi promised you his "I promise you married" and gently kissed your eye, though from a distance, it looked as if he'd kissed your lips.

Later, during the reception, after countless forced smiles for photos, you slipped away to the balcony to watch the stars.

"What are you doing? You're missing the party," a deep, soft voice said from behind you.

You turned to see Asahi. "Oh, it's you."

"Don't sound so excited," he said, relaxing beside you with his arms resting on the railing. "So? Why are you out here?"

You looked at the scars on his arm. "I like it up here. No cameras, and... it's quiet."

"It's so nice to be up here," you said with a sigh. "Peace and quiet, away from the cameras. I'm not used to them; my mother kept me hidden away my entire life." You looked at him, a genuine weariness in your eyes. "It's all just so overwhelming."

Asahi watched you, his gaze intense. "You don't like being royalty?"

"It's a gilded cage," you said simply, your eyes tracing the lines of his scarred arms. "My parents are obsessed with appearances, but they don't care about anything else. They hid me for years out of fear, and now they're parading me around like a prize. It's all just for show."

A heavy silence settled between you, a shared understanding in your loneliness. "I can relate," he said finally, his voice a low rumble. "Ever since I was born, I was taught to be a weapon. My father told me emotions were a weakness, that they'd only get me killed on the battlefield. I never cried, never laughed. It was just training and war. And now..." He looked at his hands, at the jagged lines etched into his skin. "Now it's just stuck."

You gently placed your hand on his, your fingers tracing over the rough, raised skin. "That's why I'm here. I'll definitely make that frown turn upside down."

You interlocked your fingers with his, holding his hand tightly. The simple, small act seemed to still him completely. He squeezed your hand in return, a silent acknowledgment. "Thanks," he said, his voice softer than before. "I hope you can."

The fragile moment of connection shattered as your mother's voice shrieked from the balcony door. "Asahi! Asahi, there you are! We've been looking for you. A king cannot simply vanish from his own wedding." Her eyes narrowed as she saw your intertwined hands. "What are you two doing out here? There's a party to be had, and you are the guests of honor. Now come inside. Both of you."