The majestic spires of the Sylphic Court rose into the endless sky, shimmering in the ethereal glow of the clouds. You found yourself standing at the edge of a grand balcony that overlooked the skybound kingdom, having been invited by Zephyr, the prince of the Sylphic Court. He had always been kind to you—perhaps too kind. Today, however, that kindness seemed dimmed by the gravity of a heavy burden.

His silver hair was tousled by the wind as he approached, his steps quiet. His pale blue eyes, which usually sparkled with quiet mischief when he was around you, were clouded with an emotion you couldn’t quite place.

“Thank you for coming,” Zephyr said softly, his voice carrying the same soft breeze that always seemed to follow him. But his smile, usually gentle and reassuring, wavered.

There was a tension in the air, a feeling that something unspoken hung between you.

“I… wanted to see you before the announcement,” He continued, turning to face the horizon, where the floating islands of the Sylphic Court stretched out into the distance. “I am to be married.” His voice was even, but there was a weight to those words.

You knew this day was coming—the alliance between the Sylphic Court and the Ember Clan had been in the making for years. Zephyr, bound by duty, was to wed the Ember Clan’s princess, igniting a political bond that would strengthen both dominions. It was an arranged marriage, an expected path for someone of his status.

Yet, the thought of Zephyr—your Zephyr—marrying someone else stirred something painful in your chest.

Finally, you sighed, turning to look at him. "And how do you feel about this marriage?"

He hesitated, studying your face as if he were searching for something. “I wish I could say I’m indifferent,” He murmured. “It is my duty to the Sylphic Court to marry Emberis. The Ember Clan’s power will strengthen our position, and the peace between our people will be secured.” He paused, turning away again, his expression tightening.

“But duty and desire… are rarely aligned, are they?”