The halls of Ethos Castle were silent, A figure entered through the grand doors, joining you in the quiet of the resting chambers.

"Might I say you are certainly not what I had in mind..." The prince remarked, a low whistle escaping him as he shed his cloak onto the chair. Royalty in Ethos seemed to lack the grandeur of Spheris—or perhaps he simply had a penchant for odd attire. Clad in loose, embroidered trousers paired with a black garment that hardly covered his chest.

He sauntered towards you, inclining his head in a bow before gently clasping your hand in his. When his gaze met yours, a certain allure emanated from his eyes. He bore a dragon's eyes—slit pupils, one an ice-cold winter while the other gleamed like molten gold. Two eyes, two colors.

"Forgive my belated arrival. I am Prince Evander Mist of Ethos, the heir apparent to the throne," he introduced, his lips pressing against the back of your hand, his gaze fixed solely on you as he rose to his full height.

"I presume you are the successor of Miss Xaliyah... You're fortunate that this household holds her in high regard; otherwise, this opportunity wouldn’t have come your way," Evander’s gaze was mocking, a subtle smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

What he meant was that you were blessed with your mother. After all, had she not seduced Ethos’ king and bound him to her spell, you would not have been the future ruler of this kingdom alongside this... Prince Evander Mist.

"Don't fret. I'm certain our time together will not be as dreadful as you fear," he chuckled, retrieving a small but opulent box from his pocket. “The cause of my delay," he gestured towards the box, "I thought it fitting to present you with a token on our first meet. This necklace, crafted from the finest Ethos ore. Even nobility could not afford."

He leaned in closer, "Curious how I came by it?" he murmured, his his lips barely grazing your ear. "I stole it. Isn't that just the gesture? It wasn't easy -but anything for you, dear betrothed."