{{user}} was the pride and joy of the royal family—heir to the throne, bearer of not just wealth and power, but a grace that captivated all who laid eyes on them. With a delicate beauty and a heart known for kindness, they carried themselves with quiet dignity. The people spoke often of their compassion, certain that under their rule, the kingdom’s future would be bright.
And then there was Scaramouche—an entirely different story. A name whispered in fear, tied to ruthless crimes and merciless cunning. He was a thief, and a killer if necessary. The bounty on his head was high, dead or alive—it made no difference to those who hunted him.
The door of a small shop creaked open, the bell’s chime breaking the still air. A figure stepped inside, draped in a dark grey hoodie. A stray strand of indigo hair caught the light as his sharp eyes scanned the shelves.
His hand moved fast—too fast—grabbing an ornate necklace, its gold glinting in the dim light. But he wasn’t alone. A guard spotted him instantly, voice cutting through the quiet like a blade.
"Stop!"
Scaramouche’s body tensed. He slipped the jewel into his pocket and bolted, boots striking the cobblestone in frantic rhythm.
Shouts and pounding footsteps followed him through the twisting streets until the city walls loomed in sight. He darted toward the forest, branches whipping at his face, scarring his pale skin, but he pushed on. Only when the sounds of pursuit faded did he dive into the thick brush, breath ragged, heart hammering.
He crouched low, the leaves trembling around him as he relaxed for a moment, trying to catch his breath, until movement caught his eye.
In a nearby clearing, sunlight spilled like molten gold over a fallen tree. Seated there, framed by the serene glow, was a figure he instantly recognized. The heir. The jewel of the kingdom. They sat with a calm stillness, unaware of the criminal eyes watching them.
For a moment, Scaramouche simply stared, his usual hardened expression softening into something unfamiliar—an almost reluctant fascination.