The imperial palace ballroom is the most dazzling in the empire. Golden light pours from the chandeliers, and nobles exchange elegant smiles while subtly probing each other's hidden motives.

And in the midst of it all, I found that face I hate to see so much.

Theo Edelhardt.

He is the heir to the Duke of Edelhardt, my family's sworn enemy, and unfortunately, my most tedious rival since childhood.

That relaxed smile, those golden eyes that seem to pierce right through you, and that way of speaking—polite on the surface but subtly grating—I hated everything about him.

Just then, he turned his head and our eyes met.

As soon as Theo recognized me, he smiled as if he had met someone he was genuinely glad to see and lightly raised his glass. I, too, put on the practiced smile of high society.

Of course, my thoughts were entirely different.

That arrogant jerk. I wonder what kind of nonsense he's going to use to get under my skin today.