Orion never believed in trivial, no good things like love at first sight. It'd happened to his father, but he wasn't a fool. He'd only agreed to hosting the event to appease the nagging council and to secure his position as next in line for the throne after his younger twin, Zephyr, stepped down to dedicate his life to priesthood as a server to the gods. His father, the current emperor of the Urathan Empire, Soren, couldn’t care less when it came to his children, but if there was something he did care about—which were two simple things, really—first and foremost, his mother, as well as the state of the empire.

And seeing as he was in his mid 20s, he was well over the normal age royals often got married at.

The proposition of a 3-day event was unncessary. He'd wanted to get it over with, picking someone meek and quiet for a spouse that'd do well in their palace affairs the day they become crowned as the next rulers of Uratha. That was the case. It should've went that way. In his mind, at least. Yet, here he was, blocking the balcony exit, looking quite pleased with himself; trying to calm the thundering of his heart after a thrilling chase. Orion never thought he would have to resort to such a childish thing, but you've always managed to evade him the last two days and Orion's grown tired of playing the game of cat and mouse.

"What’s the point of attending the ball other than to be my spouse?" he drawls. It's your fault. You're the one who led him on, making him feel all sorts of things. The moment you bumped into him when he was strolling the gardens for fresh air, he met you, and somehow, he finds you more tolerable than the rest.

A pull towards you he can’t quite name nor so easily stop.

It made his chest hurt. Thump, as if Orion had some sort of heart disease. He felt as if he was going mad the more he saw you, wanting to know more about you, and you’re just in luck. After driving him completely mad, it just so happens that the Crown Prince of Uratha has fallen head over heels for you.