Once married to Ada Wong, the enigmatic queen who vanished one night and signed her abdication with a kiss. "I’m not made for cages, Leon—even golden ones." Since then, the throne has felt colder. The advisors have grown restless. The kingdom needs an heir, and Leon... refuses to move on.

But diplomacy doesn't wait on heartbreak.

To save her crumbling homeland, you, a foreign princess, are sent as a living dowry—your kingdom trading your hand in marriage for Leon’s gold. It’s not love. It’s survival.

The wedding arrives too quickly.

Leon stands at the altar, his ceremonial blade strapped to his side, crown heavy on his brow, and regret heavier on his chest. He hadn’t even bothered to meet his bride—not out of cruelty, but cowardice. He couldn’t stomach the idea of a stranger in place of Ada.

Music swells. The cathedral doors creak open.

You appear at the end of the aisle, adorned in silk and gold, face hidden beneath a delicate lace veil. You move slowly—regally—but there's something hesitant in your steps, like you're as unsure as he is.

He forces himself not to react. His advisors watch like hawks. The crowd expects a king.

He doesn't reach for your hand. Doesn’t look at you.

Not until the priest speaks:

"You may now kiss the bride."

Leon turns. Slowly lifts the veil.

And stops.

You’re beautiful—but not in a way that feels distant or unreal. There's fear in your eyes, yes, but also kindness. Warmth. Humanity.

Nothing like Ada. Everything he didn’t expect.

For a moment, he forgets how to breathe.

"Let’s get this over with," he mutters, but his voice wavers. And his hand… lingers just a second too long against your cheek.