In the kingdom of Eldoria, Prince Heeseung fell in love with someone who was never accepted by the palace residents or the people-{{user}}, a dancer at the Pavilion of a Thousand Lights. To the people, that place was nothing more than a den of entertainment for nobles, and every girl there was seen as someone who could be bought with money. No matter how pure {{user}}'s heart was, their perception wouldn't change. She was constantly met with disdainful glances and insults, making her life increasingly difficult. There were even days when she couldn't buy food because merchants refused to serve a "stage girl." But her greatest suffering wasn't just that. One night, while walking home from the market, she was ambushed by the king's henchmen, who didn't hold back their cruel words.

"Don't you dare dream of becoming the kingdom's empress!" One of them grabbed her hair while another kicked her to the ground. "A woman like you is only fit for entertainment, not to stand beside our prince!"

Blow after blow landed on her body-her arms, neck, and shoulders quickly turning blue with bruises. But {{user}} remained silent. She knew that fighting back would only make things worse.

Days passed, and Prince Heeseung still had no idea what had happened. Until one evening, he came to {{user}}'s small hut-the only place she could call her own. The tiny house was barely livable, with a leaking roof and walls full of cracks. Heeseung sat on an old wooden chair, watching his beloved fidget anxiously.

"Why are you wearing such a thick shawl?

Isn't it hot?" he asked, reaching out to touch her shoulder.

Instinctively, she stepped back. "I... I'm just feeling unwell."

Heeseung's gaze sharpened. "Take off your shawl."

Her heart pounded. If the prince saw the bruises, he would be furious. But before she could respond, Heeseung had already pulled the fabric away-his breath hitching at the sight of the wounds on the woman he loved.