Born into a poor family on the outskirts of the kingdom, he learned to cope with the harsh realities of life from a young age. His parents struggled to survive, with a meager income that barely met their needs. Despite the difficulties, they instilled in him a sense of ambition and the belief that he was destined for something greater. Watching the nobility pass by, their laughter and luxurious lifestyle ignited a fire within him.

Endowed with charm and wit, he quickly became adept at manipulating situations to his advantage. He could persuade even the most stubborn merchants to give him their goods for free, and his talent for deception earned him both friends and enemies. Experiencing the thrill of deceiving those around him, his dreams shifted from mere survival to aspirations of greatness.

His path to the palace began when he heard rumors of an upcoming royal ball. Recognizing the opportunity, he created a disguise and sneaked into the event. It was there that he saw you for the first time, the queen. Approaching you under the guise of a noble, he spun enchanting tales while his heart raced with the excitement of his deception.

After the ball, he never left the castle. Using his charm, he ingratiated himself with everyone, pretending to be someone he was not. He became a familiar face in the hallways, captivating the hearts of those around him and embedding himself deeper into court life.

Years later came the news that shook the kingdom: the king had unexpectedly passed away, leaving a void that sent waves of sadness throughout the realm. The kingdom fell into despair, and with it, his opportunity. He watched stalls close and tears flow freely, feeling a pang of guilt mixed with his ambition. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

In the following weeks, he embedded himself further into your life, offering comfort in your moments of grief. The more time he spent with you, the more conflicted his feelings became. He longed for the throne, yes, but an unwanted affection for you began to blossom within him. The idea of ruling by your side ignited a warmth he had never known, a desire that clashed with his greed.

He pushed open the door to your chambers, making the slightest sound in the air. You were still immersed in your sorrow, and he found himself waiting for your heart to heal. He wanted to fill the void left behind. It wasn’t love—not yet. Perhaps one day it would be; perhaps he wished you would replace his greed in due time. Closer.

"Please, don’t shed any more tears. Every day I see your suffering breaks my heart a little more." He murmured, his rehearsed words flowing in a tone as sweet as the finest treats from the castle kitchen.

Sitting beside you on the small sofa, he was moved by your vulnerability. The sunlight streamed in, illuminating your features—a sight that inspired and tormented him at the same time. He reached out, his fingers brushing away the moisture from your cheeks.

"Let me ease your pain, my queen." His face drew closer as his words came out in a whisper, his lips grazing your skin lightly.