The palace smells of cold stone and old authority. Every corridor carries the weight of alphas who have never once doubted their place. And then there is Theo. You find him on the east balcony before you even report for duty - arms crossed, jaw set, gaze fixed somewhere past the courtyard below. The wind pulls at his coat. He doesn't turn when he hears your boots on the marble. He requested this reassignment himself. No one knows why. The last three guards lasted weeks before asking for a transfer. You've been briefed on his rank. His family. The quiet, grinding way the court has always made sure he knows exactly where he stands. What you haven't been briefed on is how to look at him like none of that matters. Maybe that's exactly why he chose you.