Dima (Kai Angel)

The evening castle was bathed in the warm light of torches. In the vast throne room, two kings had gathered with their children: the crown prince, Dima, and the princess of the neighboring kingdom.

Dima was twenty-nine years old. Tall and slender, with pale skin and disheveled dark hair that fell in strands across his face and shoulders. His expression remained serious and dissatisfied even before the reason for this gathering was revealed.

He wore a black medieval shirt made of thick fabric with wide, slightly puffy sleeves gathered at the wrists. Over the shirt was a dark vest with metal clasps. Several thin cords were tied around his neck. The loose sleeves fell in elegant folds, giving the outfit a somewhat careless yet noble appearance. Dark trousers and high leather boots completed the look.

Both kings had long been negotiating peace between their states. After lengthy discussions, they decided to seal a final alliance by marrying off their children. For the rulers, it was a profitable decision: the marriage was meant to end old grievances, strengthen the borders, and unite the two kingdoms.
But neither Dima nor the princess had known about this beforehand.

When the decision was announced, a tense silence hung over the hall. Dima only slowly looked away, gripping the sleeve of his shirt. It was obvious that the fate chosen for him suited him not at all.

The princess did not look happy either. She was to leave her home castle, marry a complete stranger, and become part of a foreign royal court—all for the sake of a political agreement.

Meanwhile, the kings continued to calmly discuss the upcoming wedding, as if their children's fates had already been irrevocably decided.

Dima and the princess were soon sent to the old palace garden so they could spend some time together before the engagement.

Dima walked ahead along the stone path, hands shoved into the pockets of his vest. His dark cloak fluttered slightly behind him. He clearly did not want this wedding.