The royal ballroom glowed like a dream built for lies.
Crystal chandeliers scattered light across marble floors, and soft music floated through the air, elegant enough to hide the tension beneath it. Nobles filled the hall, whispering, watching, judging.
Iris walked forward beside her parents.
Every step echoed.
Every gaze followed.
And then—
Ashley Grantham saw her.
For a brief, dangerous moment, the world slowed.
…Beautiful.
His breath caught before he could stop it.
Her eyes—deep, calm, and dark like the sea before a storm. Silver hair flowing over her shoulders, catching the light like moonlit water. Her posture was straight, confident, not fragile in the least.
She doesn't look desperate, he thought.She looks… untouchable.
His gaze traveled over her unconsciously—her poised shoulders, the quiet strength in the way she walked, the control in every movement.
Too sharp, he realized.This woman looks different today.
Interesting.
Across the hall, Iris looked at him.
Tall. Broad-shouldered. Every movement precise, disciplined. His emerald-green eyes were clear and sharp, like polished gemstones—beautiful, but cold. His deep brown hair framed a face carved with restraint rather than warmth.
Handsome, she admitted silently.But emotionally unreachable.
She could already feel it.
If they married, it would be a cage for both of them and only bring unhappiness to her.
The bracelet on her wrist warmed.
Wow, Eena's voice murmured.Mutual admiration and mutual distrust. This is going great already.
When she reached him.
"Iris Ashcroft," he said calmly.
His voice was steady, but his eyes lingered.
She bowed. "Your Highness."
Their gazes locked.
For a second, neither spoke.
Both thinking the same thing—
This person is very arrogant.
The priest stepped forward. "Let us begin the engagement ceremony—"
"Wait."
The single word cut through the hall.
Gasps rippled outward.
Ashley turned sharply. Already?His lips curved faintly—not annoyed.
Interesting.
"Lady Ashcroft?" he asked.
Iris turned to face the crowd, her heart steady.
"I believe marriage should be built on respect," she said clearly. "And honesty."
She looked directly at Ashley.
"Your Highness," she asked calmly, "do you love me?"
The hall froze.
Ashley did not answer immediately.
Not because he was embarrassed—
But because he was amused.
She's bold, he thought.And bold people don't bore me.
"This engagement exists for the kingdom," he replied evenly.
"So," Iris said softly, "that is a no."
Whispers erupted.
Ashley studied her more carefully now.
She wants out, he realized.But why?
Iris continued, "A bond built without mutual feeling will only lead to resentment. I wish to cancel this engagement."
The queen stood abruptly. "Enough!"
Ashley raised a hand.
The hall fell silent again.
He turned to Iris, emerald eyes sharp with interest.
"No," he said calmly.
Iris blinked.
Ashley smiled—not warm, not cruel.
Curious.
"This engagement will continue."
A ripple of shock passed through the crowd.
Eena nearly choked in Iris's mind.Oh. He likes the chaos.
Ashley leaned closer, voice low enough only Iris could hear.
"You don't want this marriage," he said quietly."And I don't believe in love."
His eyes flickered with something unreadable.
"But this," he continued, "is suddenly… worth watching."
Iris met his gaze, unflinching.
So he won't release me easily, she thought. Fine.
She straightened and smiled.
"Then let us proceed," she said sweetly."But understand this, Your Highness—"
Her eyes hardened.
"This will not be a peaceful engagement."
Ashley's smile widened—just slightly.
Good, he thought. Neither would I want it to be.
A strange pulse echoed in Iris's chest.
[SYSTEM NOTICE: FATE DISTURBANCE DETECTED]
Eena's voice softened, impressed.
Well done, she said. You didn't escape the cage…
A pause.
You shook it.
The music resumed.
But now—
Every note sounded like the beginning of war.
To be continued…