The news spread like wildfire.By noon, every noble in the empire knew:Prince Leonhart and Princess Evelyne were to be wed.
They called it a union of hearts.A symbol of peace between two powerful factions.
But behind the smiles?The court was bleeding.
Some lords cursed behind closed doors.Others faked joy while calculating how to twist this engagement to their advantage.But none of them dared say it out loud.Because the Queen Mother had spoken, and her will was law.
My reflection in the mirror stared back at me.Golden cuffs, royal sigil embroidered on my coat, a smile sharp enough to cut.
I practiced it.Again.And again.
Smile.But not too soft.Gaze proud.But not too cold.
Ronan hovered nearby, nervous."My lord, the palace square is already overflowing. You and the princess are expected to appear together before the crowd."
I dragged my fingers through my hair."Perfect. Nothing says romance like a forced public display."
But deep down, I wasn't annoyed.No.I was ready.
Because today wasn't just about surviving.Today was about turning the empire's eyes my way.Let them stare.Let them believe in this love story.
While beneath it, I kept pulling strings they couldn't see.
When I reached the grand stairs, Evelyne was already there.
She looked—Gods.
She looked like sin wrapped in silk.Dark crimson gown, hair pinned up with golden thorns, eyes that flicked to me with ice-cold precision.
If she was nervous, she didn't show it.Her mask was flawless.As always.
Except…When our hands met for the public to see—
Her fingers trembled.Just once.Barely noticeable.
But I felt it.
The herald banged his staff."Presenting His Highness, Crown Prince Leonhart, and Her Highness, Princess Evelyne — the betrothed!"
The doors opened.
Light flooded in.The roar of the crowd hit us like a wave.
Thousands of eyes.Cheering.Screaming our names.Throwing petals at our feet like we were gods descending.
Evelyne's smile never cracked.Perfect.Deadly.
I leaned in, lips near her ear, voice low so only she could hear:"Smile wider, princess. They adore us."
Her answer was a hiss between her teeth."I will murder you in your sleep."
I chuckled under my breath."Not before the honeymoon, surely."
Our joined hands lifted, and the crowd roared louder.
But behind the applause, I caught things most missed:A noblewoman biting her lip hard enough to bleed.A merchant glaring like he wanted me dead.A faction leader who looked too pleased — as if this engagement was the opening move in his own secret game.
Pieces moving.All around us.
After hours of smiling until my face ached, we were finally alone again in the private reception hall.Just the two of us.No court. No Queen Mother. No fake smiles.
Evelyne ripped her hand away like my touch burned.
"Don't get used to this," she snapped, voice raw from hours of forced sweetness."This changes nothing between us."
I dropped the charming smile like a mask slipping.
"Oh, I know. Believe me, Evelyne, no amount of cheers out there will make me forget what we are."
Enemies.Allies.Something twisted and in-between.
But then—
She stepped closer.Too close.
"You played them well today," she murmured.Her breath was warm against my skin."But don't think for a second I don't see it. You're moving pieces behind their backs. Gathering power. And I will find out."
My pulse spiked.Not from fear.But from something far more dangerous.
Excitement.
"Good," I whispered back."I'd be disappointed if you didn't."
Her nails dug into my chest — not enough to draw blood, but enough to remind me she could.
And I…I just grinned.
Outside, they called us lovers.The perfect couple.The empire's hope.
Inside these walls?We were predators circling each other.Teeth bared.Hearts pounding.
And gods help me…I'd never wanted her more.
That night, long after the crowds had gone, I stood by my window again.
The city glittered like a bed of embers.
And I whispered, voice hoarse:"Let them believe in their fairy tale. While we write the real story in blood."
Across the palace, I knew Evelyne stood by her own window.Watching the same sky.Plotting.Planning.
Two monsters in love with war.Bound by fate.Chained by duty.
And somewhere deep beneath the poison and the lies…
A spark.Small. Dangerous.Growing.