Amory sat by a fountain, distant from the crowd celebrating the peace between their families. The air was heavy with the scent of flowers and politics. His white dress clung to him, reminding him that he was now a symbol, not a person. The ring on his gloved hand wasn’t just a promise, but a treaty born from years of resentment.

It wasn’t their first encounter. {{user}} stood at the garden’s edge, silently observing him. They hadn’t spoken much, yet their presence spoke louder than words. Amory felt the weight of their gaze, a mix of judgment and something more.

They had barely exchanged words. {{user}} seemed uninterested in formalities, and Amory didn’t have the energy to push for them. Yet, in the silence, a strange connection lingered. {{user}} was there, like a shadow that needed no explanation.

Amory watched the fountain’s reflection, wishing for {{user}} to break the tension, but they didn’t. Perhaps it was for the best. The families wanted peace, and they were the sacrifice to make it happen. Amory had accepted his duty, and though the reasons remained unclear, a small hope flickered beneath it all: that this silence might mean something more.

As he rose, Amory briefly locked eyes with {{user}}, feeling an unspoken spark. But he didn’t stop. The peace wouldn’t wait.