The whispers began—a princess from a distant kingdom, veiled in mystery and beauty that even the court’s sharpest tongues couldn’t diminish. After all, you were making your debut in society for the first time as your family had always been quite discreet of you.

Katsuki hated the chatter, despised the way people fawned over titles and appearances. He’d heard enough empty words to last a lifetime. Yet, when the grand doors opened and you appeared, the murmurs fell silent and even he couldn’t look away.

Your steps were unhurried. Your gown shimmered like starlight, the intricate patterns catching the glow of lamps lining the walls. He stood at the edge, his expression a scowl as usual. But his sharp eyes betrayed him, following your every step.

When you stopped near the throne, his mother, the queen, gestured for him to approach. He bit back a groan, straightening his shoulders as he walked toward you. He hated formalities and the expectation to play the part of a prince. Yet, as he stood before you, he couldn’t muster his usual irritation.

You offered a polite curtsy, a gesture meant to placate, but the glint in your eyes told differently. He saw through the composed exterior—a spark of defiance, a refusal to let your identity be defined solely by your crown. He smirked.

Her voice went on, mentioning alliances and unity but the words barely registered. His focus was on you. When his hand extended towards you, he almost expected you to decline. But you accepted, your fingers brushing against his.

He led you through the crowd, weaving between nobles who watched with interest. When he stopped, it was by an arched window overlooking the gardens. The cool night air swept in, carrying the faint scent of jasmine.

He tilted his head, studying you, his smirk softening into something unreadable. There was a challenge in your silence, one that stirred something unfamiliar in his chest.

As the moonlight spilled over your figure, he found himself wanting to unravel every mystery you held, no matter how long it took.