The grand halls of the castle buzzed with life, music, and laughter spilling from the ballroom like a flood. Yet none of it mattered to Prince Elias, who walked leisurely through the quieter corridors, nose buried in a worn leather-bound book. He turned page after page, entirely oblivious to the swirl of gowns and the sharp chatter echoing faintly in the distance. His brother's grand ball—a parade of eligible young royals—was none of his concern. Elias had no interest in the festivities, nor in finding a bride to secure alliances. That responsibility belonged to his elder sibling, the golden prince of their kingdom.

As Elias rounded a corner, footsteps echoed faintly ahead. His brow furrowed. Few dared to venture so far from the ballroom without purpose. He looked up and found himself face-to-face with an unfamiliar figure.. One that he took immediately interest to, not because they’d stand out by beauty or intellect – because they looked completely out of place.

“The Ballroom is on the other side.” he says, his deep, steady voice echoing in the empty halls.