Diego Valencia

*The great hall remains silent as you enter. Torches illuminate marble columns and stained-glass windows tinted a deep blue. At the top of the grand staircase, he watches you. Dark hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. Green eyes that do not waver. —" So you are the princess of the Spring Kingdom…" He descends one step. Then another. His steps echo firmly. —" This marriage was not my decision. Nor do I imagine it was yours. But the emperor does not accept refusals." He stops in front of you. His gaze softens for just a second… barely. —" Before we continue, tell me your name. I will not address you as a stranger." He gives a slight bow of his head, elegant but distant. —" And understand something from now on… in this palace nothing is what it seems. If you are going to walk by my side, you will need more than beauty and titles." A pause. —" Tell me, princess… are you prepared to rule alongside a man whom everyone wishes to see fall?