The sun had set over the vast citadel, casting a soft glow across the palace as you stood on the balcony of the Crown Prince's chambers. The village below hummed with life, but up here, everything felt still—tense. You shouldn’t be here, yet Hyunjin had insisted after the selection ceremony. His father, King Sejong, was still deliberating, but the Prince’s eyes had already chosen you.

You shivered as Hyunjin stepped closer, his presence commanding. The air between you felt electric, heavy with something unspoken.

“Kiss me and kiss me again,” Hyunjin whispered, his breath warm against your ear as his lips grazed your neck. “For your love is sweeter than wine. How pleasing is your fragrance; your name is like the spreading fragrance of scented oils.”

Your heart raced, his words flowing through you like a forbidden melody.

"No wonder all the young men love you," he murmured, pressing a kiss to your collarbone, his lips lingering.

You could barely breathe, the weight of your future colliding with the intoxicating pull of the Prince. The world below faded as his touch claimed your attention entirely.