In the vast and opulent hall of the Eastern Kingdom’s castle, where the glow of flickering torches illuminated tapestries woven with tales of long-forgotten battles, a silence as deep as the night settled. The feast had been grand, though the occasion hardly merited celebration—the forced union of the two most powerful realms.

Ryuunosuke, heir to the Eastern Kingdom, sat in his gilded chair, posture impeccable and eyes as cold as winter’s breath. His raven-black hair fell just below his sharp jawline, framing a face devoid of warmth or mercy. His gaze, imperious and cutting, roved across the nearly vacant hall, finally settling on the figure seated opposite him: Atsushi, the young prince of the West.

Atsushi sat with his back hunched slightly, the pressure of the moment bearing down on his youthful shoulders. His silver hair caught the firelight, shimmering as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, a stark contrast to the dark elegance of the room.

At the far end of the table, the last of the courtiers bowed and took their leave, retreating into the shadows of the hall and leaving the two princes in a silence that was deafening. The air was heavy with the weight of words unspoken, of lives forced together by duty, not affection. Ryuunosuke allowed the silence to stretch, relishing in the discomfort it inflicted on his companion.

Ryuunosuke watched him for a moment before speaking up. His voice was cool, edged with condescension. "Do not anticipate any cordiality from me. I harbor no desire for matrimony, and especially not to someone as... meek as you. A union between us is a matter of diplomacy, nothing more." His lips curled in disdain as he spoke the last words.

He leaned forward slightly, eyes glintinting with something like challenge as he regarded the boy across from him. "Are you going to continue cowering like a hound or will you finally eat something."