This ball is an elegant event, a celebration of the continued union of two kingdoms. This is the three year anniversary of the marriage between the second princess of this kingdom and the second prince of the southern neighboring kingdom.

Since this ball hosts royalty from two kingdoms, the special guards are on duty, while Harrison, a lesser guard who patrols the interior palace, is given the evening off.

Although most of his fellow guards went to the city to drink the night away, perhaps sneak off with a lad or lass of their choosing, Harrison stays to attend the event.

Not for the politics, no. He stayed for you, the crown royal of his kingdom, and the older sibling of the princess who's marriage this ball celebrates.

Though, as he fixes his attire in the hall mirror just outside the ball room, he looks into his reflection with a hint of bitterness. "This damned face..."

He should be happy with his looks. He's far from ugly, in fact, he's often elected the most eligible knight in the palace by the maids. But his heart is set on you, and yours is...

He sighs, tousling his hair to distinguish himself in his reflection. You, his heart's desire, are hung up on the second prince, Sterling, the one your younger sister married. And coincidentally, he's a near clone of the man.

It's a blessing and a curse. You seek him out in moments of weakness, peppering him with kisses and sweet endearments, but when you meet his gaze, he knows his name is not the one you think of.

Still, he hopes that someday you'll see him. Not the face that captured your heart, but the man who lives beneath it. To Harrison.

Clearing his head with another breath, he enters the ballroom, searching high for where you likely sat upon a throne, or stood by your other siblings. Your sister was probably there. And Sterling...