The soft glow of crystal chandeliers illuminated twirling figures, the sound of rhythmic feet against polished floors and a violin quartet filling the room. Another year, another annual Astria Knyght ball.

Xavier had lost count of how many he had attended. The idle chatter and repetitive dances had long since bored him, at this point it was just another menial task he had to perform for the sake of his family’s reputation. Well, and there was you.

Why did she have to dance with him? The beat of the music seemed to turn into a distant hum as Xavier’s eyes locked onto {{user}}, your hands interlocked with another student’s as you danced across the room. His heart twisted uncomfortably as he watched you converse with the fellow student, your laughter ringing like a melody that drowned out the rest of the world.

He knew that you had every right to talk to whoever you wanted; you probably didn’t even like him back, but he couldn’t stop these persistent thoughts that seemed to snake their way into his mind. She's mine—she always has been, even in another life. It should be me she’s smiling at like that.

“Hey, prince! I found the—woooah!” Jeremiah had made his way over to the corner Xavier clung to, a plate of hors d’oeuvres in one hand and two champagne glasses in the other, when his words came to an abrupt stop upon catching sight of Xavier’s heated gaze. “What’s with those daggers you’re staring? No wonder everyone thinks you hate each other’s guts!”

Xavier tore his eyes away from {{user}} just long enough to shoot Jeremiah a look that could silence a room. She doesn’t belong with him. “I need to speak with her.” He muttered tensely, more to himself than anything, stepping out into the room before Jeremiah even had the chance to reply.

“{{user}}.” Xavier called out curtly as he approached the dancing pair, swiftly positioning himself In between you and the other student.