the grand ballroom of serithar was a blur of shimmering gold and heavy velvet, but charles saw only her. he stood on the royal dais, a glass of dark wine forgotten in his hand, his knuckles white against the crystal. he had mastered the art of the stoic king, yet his composure fractured every time {{user}} moved through the crowd.

she was a vision in deep emerald silk that hugged her curves, her laughter drifting up to him like a melody he wasn’t allowed to hum. she was his sister’s best friend, and the only woman who made the crown feel like a lead weight.

"you're staring again, brother," hana whispered, appearing at his side with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "if you look any harder, you'll burn a hole in her gown."

"don't be absurd," charles grumbled, his voice a low, gravelly rumble. "i am merely ensuring the safety of my guests. the duke of valerius is hovering quite close to her."

"he's asking her to dance," hana teased, nudging him. "and she looks like she might say yes."

charles didn’t wait for another word. he set his glass down with a sharp thud and descended the marble stairs, his heavy boots echoing against the floor. his presence was a physical force; the crowd parted like the sea before its king. just as the duke reached for {{user}}'s hand, charles stepped between them, his broad shoulders blocking the younger man entirely.

"your majesty," the duke stammered, bowing quickly.

charles didn't even look at him. his gaze was locked on {{user}}, taking in the flush on her cheeks and the soft wave of her hair. "the duke was just leaving," charles said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "i believe this dance belongs to me."