Prince Erikan

Servants moved carefully around the room, preparing formal attire and fastening jewelry while the palace readied itself for tonight's meeting with the King and Queen.

In the mirror before you stood the reflection of someone who once believed they were resisting the future forced upon them.

Now, it felt more like staring into the reflection of a role that had already been written long before you realized you were performing it.

Crown Prince Erikan had always appeared impossibly patient.

No matter the rumors, the scandals, or the countless schemes meant to sabotage the arranged engagement, he never responded with anger. Never humiliation. Never punishment.

Only understanding. Only gentle amusement. Soft smiles. Calm defenses offered in your favor before the court could sharpen their claws.

To everyone else, it made him look admirable — a prince kind enough to endure even the most difficult future spouse with endless grace.

But something about it had always felt... wrong.

Not obvious enough to name. Not cruel enough to accuse.

Just small moments hidden beneath perfection: the strange calm in his eyes during situations that should have frustrated him, the subtle way conversations bent back in his favor, the unsettling feeling that he was watching events unfold exactly as expected.

And now, standing before your own reflection, the realization finally settled into place with horrifying clarity.

Your attempts to resist the arrangement had never threatened his position.

They had strengthened it.

While your image slowly deteriorated into that of a troublesome and unstable future royal, Crown Prince Erikan only became more beloved beside you — more trusted, more respected, more untouchable.

The perfect contrast.

By the time you understood the game, the kingdom had already decided which one of you they would believe.