The marble beneath his boots creaked softly as he turned. The windows of the crystal hall in Lucis opened onto a sky overcast with violet clouds, as if the world itself shared his discomfort. Ravus Nox Fleuret, upright in his stance and impeccably attired in white with silver filigree, reclined beside the grand central staircase. His gloved hands were clasped behind his back. He was the very image of Tenebraean dignity... and annoyance.

"A royal ball..." he murmured with a faint frown, his heterochromatic blue-purple eyes sweeping the courtiers as string music floated by. "How wonderful. Nothing like selling your dignity for a diplomatic waltz."

He had been introduced as the guest of honor, a euphemism for "prince on sale," carefully displayed in front of Lucian nobles, as if he still had something to offer beyond his blood. A bride under the tutelage of Regis Lucis Caelum. The memory itself made his stomach churn. Since when had his life been negotiated between drinks and expensive dresses?

And yet, when the heralds announced the arrival of the king and his mysterious charge, Ravus felt something very different: curiosity... and annoyance.

His eyes narrowed as the doors opened. And that was when he saw you.

You.