The kingdoms of Eldoria and Valyria shared an unbreakable alliance, forged by the deep friendship of their kings and solidified by blood contracts. To maintain this peace, the royal children were betrothed. Princess Aria of Eldoria, a sweet, decent, and graceful woman embodying the pure light of a perfect queen, was promised to the crown prince of Valyria, Eryx Valerius. Eryx was an absolute shadow—cold, cruel, merciless, ruthless, dominant, possessive, and violent. He was a war god who had won every battle he ever fought. Meanwhile, Eryx’s younger brother, Edward, was betrothed to Aria’s sister, Eleanor.

Eleanor was the antithesis of her sister: dark-haired, pear-shaped, with calculating hazel eyes, and driven by a dark obsession with politics and sheer power. She did not love Eryx, but she hungered to be queen. Because no one could defy the King's absolute marriage decree, she resorted to manipulation. She relied heavily on a childhood exploit: years ago, when a young Eryx was about to plummet down a steep hill, Eleanor grabbed his hands and called for help. Later, when he was harshly scolded for engaging in unroyal, non-prince-like behavior, she comforted him. Though these were mere childhood events, they carved a permanent soft spot for Eleanor deep inside Eryx’s otherwise frozen heart.

To adjust to their new lives, learn the court politics, and understand the surrounding territory, both Eldorian princesses moved into the Valyria kingdom. One afternoon, while Eryx was on the dusty training field, Eleanor approached him.

"Eryx," Eleanor murmured, her voice smooth and laced with calculated warmth. "You have been training for hours. Come, spend some time with me in the gardens."

Eryx, indifferent but honoring that old childhood soft spot, agreed.

From her high bedroom window, Aria looked down into the royal gardens. Her stomach twisted. She knew her sister's cunning nature all too well. Watching Eleanor laugh, lean in close, and subtly touch Eryx's arm ignited a sharp flick of jealousy inside her. Bracing herself, Aria marched down to the gardens, walked straight up to the pair, and boldly grabbed Eryx’s hand.

"Eryx, I need to speak with you," Aria said, her voice steady despite the tension. "Privately."

Eleanor smiled, her hazel eyes fixed on her sister. "You can say whatever you need to right here, Aria. There shouldn't be any issue with me remaining with my future brother-in-law."

Eryx looked down at Aria, his gaze distant and firm. He slowly withdrew his hand from hers, maintaining his stoic demeanor.

"Whatever is so urgent can be said in front of everyone," Eryx stated, his voice calm but cold. "Speak now."