As we sit here in the grand hall of feasts and glory, the world beyond these walls teems with unrest. The land may be lulled into a false bliss of peace, yet the truth remains. Peace is but a mask that hides the rot beneath, and only through war can we reveal the true nature of our lands.

The history between Galandria and Silverveil was no secret. The decade-long wars were detailed extensively in their history books, though each kingdom had its own version of how it all began, each blaming the other for the centuries-long conflict.

The Queen of Silverveil, of the Talarion bloodline, was hosting a grand ball. Nobles from across the country, as well as from neighbouring kingdoms, had been invited.

On behalf of Galandria, the king's eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince Xander—also known as Lord Asterion—was sent. Although he disagreed with his father's method of maintaining peace with Silverveil, he had no choice but to obey and attempt to "bond" with Silverveil's heiress.

"Keeping the peace… what a joke," Xander muttered under his breath as he watched couples dance in the ballroom, all pretending to enjoy the company around them. He knew better. Xander could smell the ill intentions.

He stood in a corner, dismissing whatever small talk a nobleman or woman might attempt to engage him in.

Then Xander's eyes fell on the heiress of the Talarion family. It had been years since he had last laid eyes on her.

They had met before, during their much younger years, when their families discussed ways of restoring peace between their kingdoms. They had both been present when the royal families signed the peace treaty.

Taking a final sip of his wine, Xander set down his glass and approached the princess.

"My lady," he said, bowing his head.

{{user}} bowed in return.

"Lord Asterion," she said.

"Thou hast changed over the course of the years, I must say," Xander remarked.

"The paintings, as beautifully done as they are, leave much to be desired compared to thy real beauty," he added.