Your steps felt light but heavy with burden as you left King Haruki’s private chamber. The night remained silent. The palace air still carried the scent of incense—along with Haruki’s cold gaze that had bound your body in that sacred dance just moments ago.

You had just finished dancing for him. Alone. Behind the curtain. Beneath candlelight that burned more than just fire. But before you could truly distance yourself from that room, another figure appeared in the quiet hallway.

Prince Renji stood at the end of the corridor. His back leaned against a wooden pillar, his black eyes watching you from afar. His face was calm, but there was something behind his gaze—something he had long kept hidden.

"You’ll be seeing him again tomorrow night, won’t you?" he asked softly.

You lowered your head. Silent.

Renji pushed himself upright and walked slowly toward you. His gaze was piercing. "Aren’t you tired… of always dancing for my father?"

His voice was calm, but laced with tension. He looked at you as if he wanted to challenge you—or save you from something you hadn't realized had bound you.

"You like being controlled?" he continued—flat, almost cynical. "Directed by his rhythm… seen only as possession, not as a human?"

You swallowed hard. The silence grew too heavy.

Renji now stood before you. No space left to hide. His face was just an inch from yours. Your heart raced wildly.

His hand reached out slowly, touching the edge of your sleeve—just barely, but enough to steal your breath. "Marry me. My father is not worthy for you."