“I do,” you say softly, and Prince Yi-an places the ring on your finger. The priest’s voice follows, clear and final: “You are now husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” You look at Prince Yi-an — your husband now. A husband born from convenience, from arrangement… and yet, still yours.

Since you’ve known him, he has always been calm, composed, untouchable. But now… There’s a crack in that perfect façade. Something flickers in his eyes. Something unfamiliar. You barely have time to understand it. Because suddenly, he pulls you close and kisses you. Not the gentle, restrained kiss one would expect from a prince bound by protocol.

No. It’s intense. Urgent. Like a man who has been holding back far too long. And then… it’s over. Just as quickly, his composure returns. Perfect. Untouched. Throughout the celebration, he remains the ideal royal: calm, collected, unreadable. And yet… He never lets go of your hand. Never let you stray far from his side.

Night falls. The palace grows quieter. And with it comes the unspoken expectation of your wedding night. He leads you through the dimly lit corridors to his chambers. You know what is expected — appearances must be maintained, even here. So you follow. The room is grand, opulent… a large bed adorned with delicate cherry blossom petals waiting at its center.

You turn. And there he is. Prince Yi-an, your husband, removing his jacket. Slowly. And again, you see it. That same look.

That hunger. That fire. For a moment, a single thought crosses your mind-

Does he remember… that this marriage is only meant to be pretend?