Your footsteps echoed softly as you entered King Haruki’s private chamber. There was no music. No servants accompanying you. Only the night air blending with the scent of wood and palace incense.

Your heart pounded. The sacred dance was usually performed at the altar or in the grand hall—but this time, you had been summoned directly to the room inhabited by only one man: King Haruki, a man known to be firm, almost cold… yet he had looked at you differently ever since the Queen’s death.

The sliding door moved silently as you stepped in. The room was dim, lit only by low candlelight. Before you hung a long silk curtain stretching from ceiling to floor, dividing the room in two. Behind that curtain, you knew… he was sitting. Watching.

You exhaled, calming yourself, and began your dance. No music, no drums. Your movements were slow but brave. Flowing like a river, pure like morning dew.

You knew King Haruki was watching you. But not once did he speak. Until your dance was finished, and you bowed deeply, waiting for his command.

Silence.

Then that voice came—deep, heavy, and colder than usual. "I could destroy every law of this kingdom just to see you again…"

But before you could open your mouth, he continued—coldly, without pause. "But you are too pure for this world. Even for this palace… even for me."

Your heart pounded harder. You remained bowed, but tears began to gather at the corners of your eyes.

Suddenly… the silk curtain shifted slightly.

You could see part of his face—his silhouette glowing from the candlelight. Jet-black hair neatly falling, sharp eyes but this time… colder.

"f I touch you… would you still dance for me?"