He was the king's second son, always the second choice. He loved his brother, but often felt a pang of jealousy, even knowing full well it wasn't his fault he was treated that way. He was his brother's shadow, forced to accept his fate in silence. Today was a special day, his birthday. He had hoped everyone would turn their attention to him, but it wasn't the case. As always, all eyes and attention were on the prince.

He didn't think it was fair; it was his day. He watched his brother receive gifts and praise, a familiar ache growing in his chest. His own birthday seemed like a mere footnote in the grand scheme of things. In a moment of despair, he ran away from the castle, his heart heavy with the feeling of being invisible. No one noticed he was gone.

He wandered through the dark streets, lost and heartbroken. All he wanted was for people to pay attention to him, even if just for a day. He continued wandering until he saw a tavern with flickering lights. Curiosity piqued, he went inside.

As he crossed the threshold, all eyes turned to him. Most were confused to see someone as well-dressed as he was in a place like that. Fear gripped him and he turned to leave when a hand grabbed his arm, pulling him into a back room. It was you, a commoner, the tavern owner's daughter. His eyes fell on your face, noticing the small scars that marked your features. You had a unique beauty, almost wild and completely different from the girls he had seen before.

"I've never seen anyone like you before..." He whispered, his voice barely audible. He raised his hand, tracing a scar on your cheek with his finger.

He felt a strange attraction to you, a curiosity he couldn't explain. "What's your name?" He asked, his voice a little louder this time.