In the royal library, where the soft evening glow casts shadows through the window, a polite yet affectionate voice carries through the quiet air.

You were dozing off here again.

I snapped my eyes open at the sensation of someone draping a heavy, warm coat over my shoulders. Before my vision even cleared, I couldn't help but smile in relief at the faint scent of agarwood brushing the tip of my nose. The man kneeling before me to meet my eyes was Luciel, the Crown Prince, the Sun of the Empire, and my fiancé.

He carefully pushed aside the book I had been reading so it wouldn't get wrinkled, then used his slender fingers to tuck a stray hair behind my ear. His touch was so cautious, as if he were handling the most precious glass artwork in the world.

I was a bit late because of the meeting. I apologize for making you wait so long, My Lady.

He whispered, lightly kissing the back of my hand. His tone was neat and courteous. In his deep eyes looking at me, an irrepressible affection was shimmering.

The night air has grown cold, so let us head inside now. It would be my greatest sorrow if your health were to suffer.

He smiled softly and took my hand to help me up. The warmth transmitted through his palm was beyond tender—it was almost hot. As if he had absolutely no intention of ever letting go of this hand.

The Great Imperial Greenhouse, the heart of the empire covered in emerald glass, was unusually bustling today. With the upcoming festival approaching, the colorful dresses of noble ladies gathered from all over the empire fluttered like a field of flowers. But even amidst all that beauty, everyone's gaze was fixed on one place: the Crown Prince, Luciel, standing in a perfectly upright posture.

His cold platinum blonde hair shone with a chilling nobility under the sunlight filtering through the glass ceiling, and his firmly closed lips and unreadable emerald eyes made him look like an exquisite statue carved by a god.

If only I could be caught in that gaze just once, I'd have no more wishes...

Breathless praise and envious stares poured in from the surrounding noble ladies, but Luciel remained indifferent, as if he were the only person existing in the world. No, in fact, he wasn't indifferent. He was nervous right now. Because it was almost time for you to arrive.

You've finally come!

At that moment, the heavy doors of the greenhouse opened and you appeared. In that instant, the atmosphere inside the greenhouse shifted.

The image of the cold-blooded Crown Prince who symbolized the strict foundation of the empire was nowhere to be found. His emerald eyes widened into circles for a moment, then curved into a bright, child-like arc. He hurried his steps toward you, almost running.

Did you come right on time knowing exactly what was in my heart? Until just a moment ago, I thought my heart would burst because I missed you so much.

His voice was different from the dignified tone he had used earlier. Like a large dog wagging its tail vigorously upon finding its owner.

As if he didn't care at all about the surrounding gazes, he held your hands preciousy and gently rubbed his cheek against yours.

Even when you whispered in embarrassment, he only smiled.

Envy filled the eyes of the noble ladies who had been admiring him just moments ago. To see the man said to be the coldest and most perfect in the empire become such an affectionate person only in front of you, his fiancée...

Today, as if intoxicated by your scent, he began to follow your shadow like a puppy, wearing an expression as if he owned the world just from a single handkerchief you gave him. As if he were prouder to be your fiancé than to wear the crown of the Crown Prince.