The sun was beginning to set behind the mountains of Nivara, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. Amara was in her room, seated before a large mirror while María—ever enthusiastic—adjusted the final details of her hairstyle. Her blond hair was gathered into an elegant high bun, adorned with small gems that shimmered in the candlelight. The red dress with black lace she had chosen fit her perfectly, highlighting her skin and light-colored eyes.

  “All done!” María exclaimed, stepping back to admire her work. “You look incredible, my lady. I’m sure everyone will be left speechless!”

  Amara smiled shyly, grateful for the young girl’s constant support. Before she could respond, a soft yet firm knock at the door caught her attention. Both of them turned their heads at the same time.

  “Who could that be?” María asked, mostly to herself, as she hurried to open the door.

  When the door opened, Asier appeared in the doorway. He was dressed in an impeccable black formal suit, with deep blue details that accentuated his imposing presence. A pair of sapphire earrings adorned his ears, reflecting a subtle yet elegant glow. His presence immediately filled the room.

  “Good evening, Amara,” he greeted her in his calm tone, then gave a brief nod to María. “Good evening… María, is it?”

  The young maid froze for a moment. She had not expected the emperor to know her name, much less to address her directly. However, she quickly recovered, making a hurried curtsy.

  “Y-yes, Your Majesty. It is an honor that you speak to me,” she stammered, her face flushed with excitement and nerves.

  Asier allowed himself a faint smile, something he rarely showed.

  “Thank you for taking care of Amara,” he said before turning his attention back to the young duchess. “Are you ready for the ball?”

  Amara swallowed, nervous about the night ahead.

  “Almost…” she replied with a shy smile, gesturing to the final details María was still adjusting on her dress.

  Asier watched her closely, sensing her unease.

  “Don’t worry,” he said in a calm voice. “The ball is only to announce our engagement. You don’t need to do anything beyond greeting a few people. If at any moment you feel uncomfortable, stay by my side. I’ll take care of everything.”

  Asier’s words managed to calm her, and her nerves gave way to a feeling of gratitude. With her cheeks slightly flushed, Amara replied:

  “Thank you, Asier.”

  Asier nodded, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

  “I’ll come back in an hour to escort you to the ball. I’ll see you soon.” With a small gesture of farewell, he left the room, leaving behind an air of calm and confidence.

  As soon as the door closed, María let out an almost theatrical sigh.

  “I’ve never seen the emperor so relaxed!” she exclaimed, placing a hand over her chest.

  Amara looked at her, somewhat confused.

  “Relaxed? He’s always seemed very serious to me. What do you mean?”

  María stepped closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret.

  “The emperor never bothered to speak to anyone except Nico. He’s always been distant, even with the servants. People say he’s cold, but everyone respects him because he always solves the empire’s problems with fairness. Still, since you arrived, I’ve seen him… how should I say it? Less tense. He even takes the time to ask how you’re doing. He didn’t do that before.”

  María’s words left Amara thoughtful. She couldn’t help but feel a bit relieved knowing that her presence seemed, in some way, to have had a positive effect on Asier.

  Finally, when the agreed-upon hour arrived, a second knock on the door announced Asier’s return. This time, Amara herself opened it. When he saw her fully prepared, he was momentarily left speechless, though he quickly concealed it behind his usual calm expression. Still, Amara noticed a faint blush on his cheeks.

  “You look beautiful,” he said simply, his tone sincere. “Ready to go?”

  Amara nodded, trying to ignore the sudden warmth rising to her own face.

  “Yes, I’m ready.”

  Together, they walked toward the ballroom, their footsteps echoing through the elegant castle corridors. When they arrived, Amara paused for a moment to admire the place. Purple flowers that grew exclusively in Nivara adorned every corner, combined with golden details that gleamed beneath the light of the chandeliers. It was a majestic sight.

  “When we enter, everyone will be looking at us,” Asier warned, leaning slightly toward her. “Don’t worry. Just greet them politely, and remember that I’m by your side.”

  Amara nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. When the doors opened, all eyes turned toward them. Murmurs filled the hall, mixed with gestures of admiration toward the couple. The men approved of Asier’s presence, while the women sighed at his attractiveness. Many envious looks fell upon Amara, who maintained a calm yet cordial expression.

  Asier greeted several guests while Amara accompanied him, returning greetings with grace. Finally, they stepped together onto the center of the grand staircase, from where Asier spoke, holding Amara’s hand in his own.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “I present to you Amara, my fiancée and future wife. I hope you will give her a warm welcome, as she comes from Aeloria.”

  Amara stepped forward and introduced herself.

  “My name is Amara Mirel, daughter of the Duke of Aeloria. It is a pleasure to meet you all, and I hope we can get along well.”

  Asier smiled beside her and tightened his grip on her hand. After a few seconds of murmuring, the crowd applauded, and the music once again filled the hall.

  An older man with gray hair and a distinguished presence then approached Asier.

  “Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to greet you,” he said, bowing slightly, then turning his gaze toward Amara. “I am Lucas Livei, Duke of Nivara.”

  Asier shook his hand and introduced him to Amara, who greeted him politely. After a brief exchange, Lucas addressed the emperor again.

  “There is something important we must discuss in private.”

  Asier nodded and turned to Amara.

  “I’ll be back shortly. If you need anything, come find me.”

  “All right,” Amara replied, watching him leave with the duke. An unexpected sense of calm accompanied her as she saw Asier disappear into the crowd.

  Amara wandered through the ballroom, observing the guests as they laughed, chatted, and toasted together. The chandelier lights bathed the room in a warm glow, reflecting off the ladies’ gowns and crystal glasses. Though she still felt a bit nervous, the festive atmosphere was beginning to relax her.

  While admiring the decorative details, a group of women approached her. Leading them was a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a golden dress that shone like the sun.

  “Good evening,” the young woman said in a sweet voice laced with intention. “I’m Lilia Renya, daughter of the Count of Nivara, and these are my friends.”

  Amara smiled politely.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Amara.” Her tone was kind, but she maintained an elegant posture, aware of the looks the group was giving her.

  Lilia looked her up and down, her smile failing to reach her eyes.

  “It’s curious that Emperor Asier returned from his trip with a foreign fiancée,” she said, her tone hardening slightly. “I’m not sure someone unfamiliar with our country can adapt to a place filled with such… particular people and customs.”

  Amara immediately understood the intention behind Lilia’s words. Instead of feeling intimidated, she replied calmly and firmly.

  “I understand what you’re saying, Miss Lilia. I admit I don’t know much about this country yet, but I’m not worried. Asier has promised to stand by my side and help me learn everything I need to know.” Her tone was gentle, but her steady gaze made it clear she would not be intimidated.

  Amara’s response wiped the smiles from the group’s faces. Lilia grimaced uncomfortably, and the others followed suit, retreating with brief curtsies.

  Amara watched them leave with a faint sense of triumph. However, the relief was short-lived, as Asier returned at that very moment. Seeing her, he raised an eyebrow, noticing something different in her expression.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, his gaze filled with curiosity.

  Amara, with a light smile and a mischievous spark in her eyes, replied:

  “Perfectly.”

  Asier allowed himself a rarely seen smile, full of intrigue.

  “Let me guess… have you already had trouble with jealous ladies?”

  Amara let out a soft laugh.

  “Yes, but nothing I can’t handle.”

  Asier seemed satisfied with her answer and gave her an approving look. Then he changed the subject.

  “And what did you talk about with Duke Lucas?” Amara asked, intrigued.

  “I’ll tell you later,” Asier replied, extending his hand to her. “Right now, I want to dance with you.”

  Amara felt the heat rise to her cheeks, but she couldn’t refuse. With a small nod, she took the hand he offered and followed him to the center of the hall.

  The music shifted into a waltz, and the couple began to dance. Their movements were elegant and perfectly synchronized. All eyes in the room turned toward them, admiring the grace with which they moved across the floor. Amara felt the weight of those gazes, but with Asier guiding her, she felt surprisingly comfortable.

  When the music ended, applause filled the hall. Asier gave a slight bow to the guests before offering his arm to Amara and guiding her out of the ballroom.

  Back in the castle, the night was calm. Asier escorted her to the door of her room. Amara was ready to say goodbye when he surprised her by saying:

  “Come with me. There’s something we need to talk about.”

  Intrigued, Amara followed him into his room. Asier removed his jacket, placing it over a chair, and unbuttoned the first button of his shirt, relaxing slightly before turning toward her.

  “Duke Lucas informed me of something important,” he began, using the grave tone he reserved for serious matters. “The nobility of this empire has decided to support an intervention in Aeloria.”

  Amara’s eyes widened in surprise.

  “Intervention? What exactly does that mean?”

  “Prince Anwar has sent an invitation for me to attend a ball in Aeloria,” Asier explained. “You and I must go. We need more information about the whereabouts of Aeloria’s sacred sword.”

  A chill ran through Amara at those words. Just the thought of returning to her homeland, with everything she had left behind, filled her with uncertainty.

  Asier sensed her concern and stepped closer to her.

  “The sword is key to what’s coming,” he continued. “It has the power to harm the magical creatures that will fight alongside us. Before any intervention, we need to know where it is and how to ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

  Amara looked at him, trying to process everything he had said.

  “Do I have to attend the ball too?” she asked, her voice trembling.

  Asier nodded, his eyes locked onto hers.

  “Yes. But you have nothing to worry about. I’ll be with you at all times. I will protect you, Amara, at any cost.”

  His words were firm, but his tone was surprisingly gentle. Asier cupped Amara’s face with both hands, forcing her to look directly into his eyes. Little by little, the worry in her gaze began to fade, replaced by a sense of calm.

  For a moment, Amara felt as though the world disappeared around her. Asier’s touch and the intensity of his gaze pushed everything else into the background. As their faces slowly drew closer, Amara thought he was going to kiss her. However, before it happened, Asier stopped. With a gentle motion, he brushed a strand of hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear.

  “It’s late,” he said, returning to his usual tone. “We should rest.”

  Amara, unsettled by the moment that had just passed, could only nod.

  “You’re right. Good night, Asier.”

  “Good night, Amara.”

  She returned to her room, closing the door behind her. Once alone, she sat on the edge of the bed, trying to calm the conflicting emotions that encounter had awakened within her.