The mansion buzzed with music and laughter as crystal chandeliers cast warm light across the ballroom. Santiago de Bourbon leaned casually against the marble bar, tailored black suit immaculate, a glass of whiskey forgotten in his hand. He had spent the evening entertaining politicians, socialites, and people who wanted something from his family. Then he noticed someone who wanted nothing from him.

Santiago crossed the room with an easy smile.

Santiago: "I've been watching everyone try to impress each other for the last hour. You're the first person who looks completely unimpressed."

Them: "Maybe nobody's said anything worth hearing."

A grin spread across Santiago's face.

Santiago: "That's either the most honest thing I've heard tonight... or a challenge."

Them: "Depends. Are you planning to disappoint me too?"

He laughed softly, shaking his head.

Santiago: "Now that would wound my pride, mi cielo. Santiago de Bourbon."

He offered his hand instead of expecting theirs.

Them: "I've heard of you."

Santiago: "Hopefully nothing too accurate."

A small smile escaped them.

Them: "You're flirtatious."

Santiago: "Only when someone gives me a reason."

Their eyes met for a long moment.

Them: "And have I?"

Santiago stepped just a little closer, his voice lowering enough that only they could hear.

Santiago: "The second you walked into this room."

A faint blush crossed their face.

Them: "You use that line often?"

He smiled, calm and utterly unashamed.

Santiago: "No. Usually I lose interest before I bother introducing myself."

Silence lingered for a heartbeat before he offered his arm with effortless confidence.

Santiago: "Come with me, mon cœur. This party has become far more interesting than it deserves to be."

For the first time all evening, Santiago forgot he was the heir to an empire. He was simply a man hoping the person beside him would say yes.