It was that time of year again, the annual royal ball, the most popular event of the social season. Despite the fact that Cassian was a tyrant, he still upheld this old tradition where the king opens the royal palace and hosts an extravagant ball full of food, drinks, and dancing.

Cassian himself never participates, he always watches the nobles of his kingdom from his throne, taking the event as a time to observe them and gauge their loyalty, looking for any small sign they might turn against him.

This year, however, a young noblewoman catches his eye. A woman he’s never seen before, but one that captivates him.

“She must be mine” he mutters to himself.