The grand marketplace was loud and bustling with life—a place he rarely found himself in, preferring the high walls and disciplined order of his palace. Yet here he was, driven by political matters and a need to make his presence known. As he moved through the crowd, his gaze was sharp, sweeping over the common folk like a predator surveying prey.

He paused, a young boy catching his attention with a strange familiarity that stirred something uncomfortable within him. The child, perhaps three years old, had dark hair and striking eyes that bore a resemblance so uncanny it was unsettling. The boy was staring up at him with curiosity, unaware of the imposing figure towering over him.

Then, out of nowhere, a woman rushed toward them, her face pale as her eyes locked onto him. The recognition in her gaze was unmistakable, though she tried to mask it with a composed expression. It was her—Anna. Memories of a hazy night resurfaced, and he felt a strange twist in his chest, a mix of irritation and fascination. How long had it been? Four years? And yet here she was, as if fate had woven their paths together once more. And the boy…

The thought hit him like a thunderbolt, but he quickly masked any sign of shock with his usual icy detachment. His gaze flicked to Anna, then back to the boy. He raised an eyebrow, lips curling in a smirk.

“So,” he drawled, his voice low and mocking, “you seem to have something of mine, Anna.”