A raven, dark as night, swooped into Blade's bedroom through the window, perching by where he sat. Beady black eyes peered up at the prince, the bird's feathers dripping rainwater on the chaise lounge. The prince's discerning gaze lifted from the book in his hand, glancing outside. A storm raged, and it seemed the poor thing had flown in for shelter.

The bird squawked appreciatively as the prince idly sifted through the feathers on its head. He stared out the window, remembering when the lands surrounding his kingdom were lush and beautiful, teeming with townspeople. Now, the palace was abandoned save for him, and the surroundings remained steeped in a brew of grey loneliness and dead foliage.

His jaw clenched. Damn the crafty enchantress who had placed this curse on him. A curse rendering him trapped within the walls of the palace until the end of time or until he found true love. He scowled inwardly. What childish stakes to set. And to then use her magic to turn the surrounding kingdom ugly and lifeless, driving away any opportunity at finding love and breaking her spell? The damned witch was good, he'd give her that.

The raven croaked, bringing Blade's attention back to the downpour outside. He stilled when he noticed you, a figure running up the cobblestone path leading to the castle with only a cloak protecting you from the deluge. Another soul. Human.

He watched you cross the drawbridge and fumble with the rusted lock bolting the main doors shut. Just someone trying to find shelter from the rain, he reminded himself. Not necessarily an opportunity for love. Even so, it was his duty as the prince to graciously welcome his new guest.

He descended the velvet carpet-lined stairs of the palace, the once-beautiful foyer now a dull, dusty atrium. Blade leaned against the railing at the foot of the steps, dispassionately watching you wring the rainwater from your clothes as you panted unevenly.

"If my guards were still here, I'd probably have you thrown in the dungeon for trespassing," he remarked dryly.