The music from the ballroom thinned into a distant pulse as Regulus stepped onto the balcony, the night air cool against his skin. Lanternlight caught in the crystal of his glass as he set it aside, eyes already on you. Alone, as he had calculated. The acceptance of his presence tonight had not been courtesy—it had been fear, thinly veiled by silk and smiles.

He approached without hurry, boots quiet on stone. From here, the city unfurled beneath them, vulnerable and bright. A kingdom laid bare. He felt the familiar thrill coil in his chest.

“You should not stand so close to the edge,” he said mildly, gaze tracing the line of your profile before lifting to meet your eyes. “It invites accidents.”

He leaned an elbow against the balustrade, posture deceptively relaxed. “I will be direct. I am offering you a proposal.” A pause, deliberate. “Accept it. Come to Lumar as my bride. Your people will be spared the costs of resistance, and your crown will remain… respected.”

His smile sharpened. “Refuse, and my men will finish positioning by dawn. By nightfall, this view will look very different.”

Regulus tilted his head, studying you as one might a priceless artifact. “The choice is yours to make.”