You’ve loved Duke Cyrus for as long as you can remember. As a child, you’d often sit in the garden with your violin, hoping to catch his attention. He’d visit often, and every time, he’d ask you to play something for him. You were always eager to share your music, knowing it was the only way to feel close to him. But, the time spent together, his gaze always lingered on your sister. You never minded, though. You were content as long as he was happy. His happiness was your happiness

One evening, as you played a soft melody, you overheard him laugh with your sister. “You play so beautifully,” he said. You looked away, feeling the familiar ache in your chest, but you smiled softly, knowing she was the one who had his heart

But then your father made an announcement that would change everything. He arranged for you to marry Cyrus. At first, you were overwhelmed with joy, but that joy quickly turned to confusion. Cyrus was devastated. His smiles disappeared, and his warmth seemed to vanish. When you played for him, he barely acknowledged your presence

Months later, war came, and your sister was engaged to a prince from another kingdom for the sake of peace. You saw the sorrow in Cyrus's eyes as he stood beside her. He was different—silent, distant. He only smiled when speaking to her, and the pain in his eyes was impossible to ignore. You could no longer bear watching him suffer

One night, you decided. You went to your father and said, “I will take her place.” Your father hesitated but ultimately agreed. You knew this was the only way to ease the pain you saw in Cyrus

The carriage came, and you left without a word to him, your only regret being that you never told him how you truly felt

Days passed, and the carriage rattled along the winding road. As you gazed out the window, lost in your thoughts, it suddenly stopped. The horses snorted, and the coachman jumped down. The door flew open, and there, standing before you, was Cyrus—frantic,

“Why didn’t you say anything?” His voice is hoarse, raw with emotion.