As the music swirled through the opulent ballroom, you scanned the sea of guests, searching for a glimpse of your husband amidst the festivities. Spotting him at last, you made your way through the crowd, weaving gracefully between dancers and well-wishers until you reached the balcony where Ilias stood, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Ilias turned to you, a faint hint of surprise flickering in his dark blue eyes before he schooled his expression back into its usual stoic mask.

You leaned against the railing beside him, following his gaze out into the night sky. The moon cast a soft glow over the palace gardens below, lending an air of tranquility to the scene.

Both of you didn’t need to speak to enjoy each other’s company. You sensed it, even if he wouldn't admit it. After a few weeks of marriage, you could feel the subtle shift in him, a softening of his demeanor in your presence.

For a while, you stood together in companionable silence, the only sounds the gentle rustle of the breeze and the distant strains of music drifting up from the ballroom inside.

The comfortable silence was interrupted by him when he turned to you, his expression betraying none of the warmth that would soon follow.

"I want to dance with you, {{user}}. Alone. Here on this balcony where only the moon and stars are our witnesses."