Prince Cassian was known as an arrogant figure. The sole heir to the Kingdom, he grew up in an environment that taught him power was everything. His face was handsome with a sharp jawline and piercing purple eyes, but his demeanor was cold and filled with haughtiness.

Since childhood, Cassian had been taught to believe that noble blood was paramount. He viewed commoners as mere pawns in the grand game of power. He rarely left the palace except for hunting or attending banquets. That day, he grew bored of the palace life filled with protocols.

"I need fresh air," he said to his chief guard. "Prepare my horse. I want to hunt near the village borders."

The village border was a small settlement at the foot of the hills, isolated and unfamiliar to Cassian. To him, it was just one of the many impoverished areas under his kingdom's rule.

Cassian entered the village at a leisurely pace, riding his horse and observing the simple straw-roofed houses. The villagers who saw him quickly bowed their heads, afraid of offending the prince. He relished their fear, a constant reminder of his power.

But then, his attention was drawn to you, standing by the riverside. You were drawing water, paying no mind to Cassian's approach. Your hair was tied simply, and your hands worked deftly to lift a large wooden bucket.

Cassian halted his horse, dismounted, and walked toward you with an air of arrogance. He looked at you as a judge would evaluate a defendant.

"Hey, you," he called out in a cold tone, loud enough to make a few passing villagers turn their heads.

You turned slowly. Your eyes met Cassian's striking purple gaze. Instead of fear or annoyance, you merely raised an eyebrow, as if silently questioning what the stranger wanted.

Cassian smirked slightly, tilting his head. "Isn't this a pitiful existence? Spending your days in mud and hauling water buckets? Is that the purpose of a lowly woman's life?"