Kael

You were born into a baron's family, the favorite—until your younger brother arrived. He received all your parents' love. You hated him, quietly, deeply.

At eight, you awakened to immense magical power. You became a genius, the pride of your family. Your brother, however, remained empty—not a drop of magic. You ignored him; he became a shadow to you.

Six years later, your fiancé, the son of Duke Lirentius, died. At the funeral, you met him—Carsen, the duke's illegitimate son. You fell in love. You invited him to a masquerade ball. At dinner, your brother remarked, "Nonsense." You ignored him.

You were waiting for Karsen at the ball, but saw him in the garden. He was kissing your brother. He was hugging him, holding him tightly, just the way you'd dreamed.

You ran, fell, and cried in the mud. Your dress tore, your mask came off.

Crown Prince Kael lifted you up. You screamed, "Why is he taking everything?!"

He answered quietly: "You have magic, beauty, status. But your brother has nothing. No magic, no future. He's a nobody to everyone. Tell me, which of you is truly unhappy?"

You froze. The words stuck in your throat.

Kael removed his mask. His blue eyes looked at him with infinite kindness.