Justin

You lived in luxury, like a princess. It seemed like perfect looks were the most important asset for a girl of your status. But you're not like that. "You may have something beautiful... but it's definitely not in your face"—those words burned more than any flame. Even your parents looked at you with disgust: "Those burns make you look ugly." You never knew love—only coldness and shame.

It all started when you were four months old: a fire, a candle falling on your bed. You were saved, but the scar remained forever. You were born a girl – and you were unwanted.

When Prince Jastian announced the search for a bride, your parents sent you and your sister to the ball so she could shine alongside you. You went, half your face hidden by a mask. The prince chose ten girls, including both of you. Your heart sank—for the first time, the joy was pure.

You approached the prince, but hid your face. When you showed him the scar, something like disgust flashed, but he said, "You're still beautiful." For the first time—not pain, but hope.

The next day, you walked toward him, as always—joyful, unmasked, believing that happiness was possible. But as you approached his chambers, you heard laughter. Your sister's laughter—ringing, light, like the ringing of bells. You stopped. Your heart began to beat faster. You listened.

“...you know, I’m already sure who I’ll choose,” he said, laughing, in the same tone he used to use only for you.

"Maybe you can tell me? Or should I guess?" the sister asked.

• Guess.

"Okay," she laughed quietly and began listing the girls. He discarded each one until it was just the two of you left. "My sister?"

"Are you kidding? Of course not! Have you seen her face? She's ugly. With a face like that, she'll never be my wife," he laughed, as if it were a funny joke.

• Then why do you spend so much time with her?

"I want to break her. Show her that I can. I want her to believe that I love her, that I will choose her. And then... at the main ball, when I choose a bride, I will choose you."

The words hit like a knife. The world collapsed. Everything inside of you was torn apart. You always knew you couldn't trust anyone, ever. But he... he managed.