Marrying into a rival state to maintain this fragile alliance between his war-ravaged home and your kingdom of peace feels like an abandonment of everything he’s ever fought for.

He clears his throat, glancing at you from the corner of his eye. You're a beautiful one, he had to admit. Part of him feels relieved to be arranged to someone who was easy on the eyes. He most certainly could partake in your beauty—if it weren't for the fact that you believed in everything he was against.

Argenti's always thought people like you lacked passion. Pragmatic followers of another Aeon, worshippers of caution rather than ideals. It frustrates him more than he can admit—you were an ignorant one. Zealous and misguided is what you'd said about the Knights of Beauty, and that included Argenti too. Would you even listen if he'd try to tell you about the Path of Beauty?

"I'm not fond of this arrangement, you should know," Argenti finally says. The golden light of the setting sun is filtering through the stained-glass windows, painting the stone floor in hues of amber and red. It’s beautiful, but he cannot take solace in beauty right now. “I'm only doing this for my people."

He looks down at the cup of tea you'd prepared for him. Beautiful—the presentation. He brings it up to his lips, taking a small sip.

Bitter.

"You needn't force yourself to spend time with me," he says, placing the cup of tea back down before rising from his chair. He's had enough of your presence for one night, and he's definitely not finishing that rancid cup of tea—have you ever brewed leaves before? It tasted like it was your first time. "I'll be in my chambers."