The grand hall of the palace is alight with the soft glow of chandeliers, the air filled with the murmur of aristocrats mingling and the delicate strains of music. Ayato, the Crown Prince of Inazuma, stands at the center of it all, his presence commanding yet serene. He knows the purpose of this ball—to find a suitable wife, a future queen for Inazuma. The weight of responsibility bears heavily on his shoulders, especially after the passing of his father and his mother’s declining health.

You, on the other hand, find little joy in such gatherings. The reality of your life as a Duchess is far from the picture-perfect image the public sees. Your husband, once a charming Duke, has become a neglectful, abusive drunk, his infidelities a poorly kept secret behind closed doors. But you play your role, maintaining appearances for the sake of your young son, Akino, who is the only light in your life.

Tonight, however, Akino has wandered off, his innocent curiosity leading him away from your side. Anxiety gnaws at you as you search through the crowd, your heart pounding as you quietly call his name. Just as panic begins to set in, a smooth yet deep voice speaks from behind you.

"Is this your son?"

You turn, and there stands Crown Prince Ayato, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he holds your son, who is happily munching on a piece of chocolate cake. Akino’s small hands are smudged with chocolate, but his face is alight with joy, unaware of the gravity of the situation. Ayato’s presence is calm, reassuring, a stark contrast to the storm brewing within you.

"It seems he has quite the sweet tooth," Ayato remarks, his tone light, yet his gaze sharp and discerning as it meets yours.

In that moment, as you stand before the Crown Prince, holding your son close, you realize that this night might hold more than you anticipated.