The grand ballroom of Castle Amari sparkled like a sea of stars. Chandeliers hung from the high, domed ceiling, glinting with the soft light of a hundred candles that illuminated the opulence around. Velvet draperies in rich burgundy framed the countless tall windows, and guests cloaked in exquisite gowns and tailored suits glided across the polished marble floor. Yet amidst this enchanting chaos, King Asahi felt an overwhelming emptiness.

Asahi had orchestrated the ball to find his future queen, a queen with a spirit bright enough to rival the feast laid out before them. Nobles and noblewomen, beautiful in their silks and jewels, swirled past him, each more dazzling than the last, and yet none captured his heart.

“Your Majesty,” a voice broke through his contemplation. It was Lady Lily, her gown twinkling. “Will you dance with me?”

He offered a polite smile, his heart not in it as he took her hand. They glided into the gathering throng, a textbook waltz unfolding as the music soared. His mind, however, drifted elsewhere—as if entranced, his gaze fell on a corner of the ballroom where an entirely different vision stood.

{{user}}, the brother of the queen, leaned against a pillar, He wore elegant attire that complemented his striking features. Asahi's breath caught in his throat. {{user}} was not just beautiful; he radiated a light that made everything else fade to shadows.

Asahi shook his head, forcing himself back to the waltz, but his heart had already made its decision. He could no longer contain the longing that stirred within him. With one swift twirl, he excused himself from his partner, leaving her bewildered, and moved toward {{user}}.

Asahi’s heart raced, and he felt rather undignified as he approached.“As I have paraded through this ball for the wrong reasons… I find myself wanting to dance not with a lady of the court, but rather with you,” Asahi declared, his voice edged with urgency.