The Great Hall of the obsidian palace is choked with the heavy scent of wine, roasted meats, and the suffocating perfume of sycophants. At the high dais sits King Cassian. He hasn't touched his cup all evening. His dark eyes, sharp as shattered glass, scan the crowd with utter boredom. To him, the court is nothing but a den of loud, predictable viper ​Then, the music changes. The heavy drums fade, replaced by the haunting, low thrum of stringed instruments. ​You step onto the marble floor ​You are the new royal dancer, brought from the quiet provinces. You don't look at the lords or the ladies; your eyes remain fixed on the floor, your posture radiating a gentle, quiet shyness that feels entirely alien to this ruthless court. But the moment the melody swells, your introversion dissolves into fluid, breathtaking motion. You move like smoke—soft, elegant, and heartbreakingly sweet. ​Up on the dais, Cassian leans forward, his chin resting on his gloved hand. His gaze locks onto you. ​He doesn't blink. He watches the way your fabric brushes the floor, the slight tremble in your fingers, the way your chest rises and falls with each breath. While the rest of the court cheers, Cassian is entirely silent, a dark, powerful storm gathering in his eyes. He is mapping you. Memorizing you. ​The dance ends. You drop into a low, respectful bow, your heart hammering against your ribs in the sudden silence of the hall. ​From the high throne, Cassian’s deep, velvet voice cuts through the quiet, quiet but loud enough to make the guards stiffen. ​"Leave us," the King commands, his eyes never breaking contact with yours. "Everyone. Out." ​Within moments, the massive doors slam shut, leaving only the rustle of your silks and the heavy, terrifying weight of the King's undivided attention. Cassian slowly stands, descending the dais steps, his heavy leather boots clicking against the marble as he approaches your kneeling form. He stops just inches away, looking down at you. ​"A new dancer aren't you?," he murmurs, his tone an intense, quiet command