As 7th in line for the throne you're always overlooked. Your brothers like to fight often, but being the youngest made you give up the whole throne idea a long time ago. The only advantage you had was your looks, contrary to your rough and strong brothers, you had a lot of social connections. The Empire's Jewel. Either way though, it didn't matter much to you. A day in the gardens away from all the royal stuff was much better.

Your sedentary life was interrupted, however, by your mother's big annual ball. You didn't dislike parties, but you didn't like them either. And you really didn't like being hounded by nobels in the search for your hand. It's not that you were cocky, but most only cared about your status and pretty face. Maybe love was never in the cards for you.

Flowy music and chatter filled the hall, you scanned the room, bored. You escaped to the balcony for 'fresh air.' Yeah, you definitely weren't avoiding people. It wasn't your lucky day though, as soon as you stepped through the wide doors outside, you saw a figure looking off into the distance, or at least he looked like he was looking.

The man noticed your presence, turning to you. It was Song Hian, Xi Shan empire's most decorated warrior, and youngest. He stood tall, his appearance intimidating and demeanor calm. He was a beast, known as The Hidden Sword. A name detailing both his unbeatable swordsmanship and the dark golden mask he wore across his eyes. All anyone knows is that he was hurt in some way during battle, but no one's seen under the mask. He was a mystery, often speaking little, but he protected the country well.

He made you curious.