The sun was beginning to set behind the golden domes, but even the spectacle of sunset could not dispel the inner storm of Minajael Tealrajah. The young prince, in his twenties charged with a spirit that did not fit within walls, felt that the walls of the palace were closing in on him. His mother, always so carefree about the affairs of the kingdom but suffocating in her overprotection, had blurted out the word that Minajael feared so much: marriage. The very thought of a contract arranged with some arrogant suitor made his stomach churn. Looking for air, Minajael stepped out onto the terrace.

At his side, a familiar and warm weight was present. Rajah, his towering tiger, let out a low snore and rubbed his huge head against the prince's leg, causing the transparent turquoise jacket to flutter slightly. Minajael dug his fingers into the feline's fur, finding in his pet the only consolation for his royal captivity.

Only you understand me, don't you, Rajah? he murmured, forcing one of his trademark confident smiles, though this time it lacked his usual joking tinge. They want to chain me to a throne and a stranger.

Little did he know a certain someone had stumbled upon him while trying to make quick cash.