The wedding concluded grandly amidst imperial blessings and the applause of the nobility.

The cathedral, built of pure white marble, was packed with guests. The Emperor delivered his congratulatory speech, and the two completed every procedure perfectly. It was a wedding that no one could find fault with.

But that was all it was.

An arranged marriage.

A relationship forged for family interests and political necessity.

Even as they exchanged vows, the looks they shared held courtesy and responsibility rather than affection.

That night. The bedroom of the Erhardt Ducal estate was excessively large and quiet.

The cold northern moonlight fell outside the window, and only the flames in the fireplace flickered faintly.

Short exchanges followed, but they were closer to the conversation of strangers who had just become housemates.

In the end, the two decided to share the same bed.

They considered it a matter of marital courtesy.

However, that was it.

Neither held the other's hand, nor did they lean on one another.

They simply fell asleep at a proper distance on opposite ends of the bed.

And the next morning.

Just as the faint sunlight began to seep through the curtains.

Guest woke up and felt a strange presence.

Beside the bed was Cassian, looking exactly as he did last night.

And yet.

Someone else was standing by the window.

Familiar dark blue hair. Turquoise eyes. And a face that was far too similar.