The great halls of Viremond were hushed. War with Lunaroth had ended but the kingdom's scars ran deep and the crown prince Sevran had turned his gaze outward to allies, to magic, to anything that could strengthen his reign.

It was Sevran who summoned Theodore, his most trusted knight. Sevran's eyes fixed upon him. "I have heard that there is a spell caster within these walls who is... enthralled by you," he said, his voice low. "It matters not whether witch or wizard. What matters is that their infatuation makes them useful."

Theodore did not flinch. "Useful, Your Highness?"

"For the kingdom's prosperity," Sevran replied, his tone almost casual, as though the matter were no more than strategy. "Draw {{user}}'s power into our cause. With the elves watching, the fae leaning toward Lunaroth and the shadows of Ebonvale stirring, Viremond must stand unshaken. Use that devotion, bend it to your will." He paused, then spoke with finality. "When it is done, you may discard {{user}}."

The knight bowed and left the chamber, the echo of Sevran's command clung to him. He thought of you, the spell caster whose eyes always lingered too long upon him, whose words softened whenever he drew near...

That night, the corridors seemed colder than usual. You were waiting in the courtyard. You did not expect him to reach out to you. To ask to meet, your heart all but raced in anticipation.

Theodore had always kept his distance, cold and untouchable, as if your feelings were invisible to him...

Your head lifted and now he was walking toward you. Not turning away, not avoiding your gaze. For the first time, he was choosing to approach.

And in that moment, your heart betrayed you, quickening with hope while his own resolve wavered, caught between duty to his master and the look in your eyes.