Tonight, your kingdom celebrates the union of you, the crown princess of Evergreen, to the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom. The celebration is meant to strengthen both realms, to unite in power against your common enemy. It’s all so political—this marriage, this ceremony, this life you’ve been expected to live. You stand there, a radiant symbol of beauty, the very face of your kingdom, greeting all those who approach with forced smiles and practiced words.

Your soon-to-be husband stands by your side, his smile polite but distant, his eyes barely meeting yours. The night drags on, filled with laughter and music that seem to mock the heavy weight pressing down on your chest. You can barely stomach it anymore. You’ve given your people this façade, this perfect image of harmony, but inside, your heart aches with the reality that you are nothing more than a tool to increase manpower.

As the celebration dwindles, you slip away, seeking solace on the balcony. The night air is cool against your skin, a refreshing relief. You close your eyes, breathing deeply, trying to yourself, when you feel it—an unfamiliar warmth against your back, strong arms wrapping around you, pulling you into an embrace.

"Princess," a voice whispers, low and dangerous, sending a chill down your spine. "Should you just run away with me, or do I have to start a war to have you?"

You freeze, breath catching in your throat. Lux. The king of your enemy’s kingdom, standing there behind you, his presence overwhelming. You should be afraid, should pull away, but for some reason, you don’t. There’s something in the way his voice trembles with both threat and longing that makes your heart skip.

"What... what are you doing here?" you ask, your voice barely a whisper.

His grip tightens ever so slightly, his breath warm against your neck. "You think I didn’t know about this marriage? About your sacrifice?" His words cut through you, sharper than any blade. "I can give you freedom, give you everything you deserve. All I need is you."