Caelum sat by the window, unmoving. His hands rested gently on his lap, fingers slightly curled against the fine silk of his wedding robe. His ceremonial mask remained in place, a stark reminder of the life he had been thrust into.

A life where he would always be unseen.

A quiet knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Your Highness, may we enter?"

His voice was calm as he responded. "Come in."

A small group of palace attendants stepped inside, their heads bowed in respect. Unlike the soldiers and higher-ranking officials, these attendants were Omegas like him. They would not have to avert their eyes.

The eldest among them, a gentle-looking Omega with silver-threaded hair, stepped forward. "We have been sent to assist you in preparing for the morning court, Your Highness."

Caelum gave a small nod. "Proceed."

The attendants moved with practiced grace, undoing the heavy layers of his wedding robe. The weight slipped from his shoulders, leaving behind only the delicate inner garments that clung to his form.

As the last piece of the robe fell, a hushed silence filled the room.

The attendants froze, their breath caught in their throats.

There, in the soft glow of the morning light, stood a beauty unlike anything they had ever seen.

His long, raven-black hair cascaded over his bare shoulders like liquid silk, absorbing the golden light. The strands clung to his pale skin, still slightly damp from the ritual bath he had taken the night before.

But what captured them the most were his eyes.

Crimson.

Deep, fiery, and mesmerizing—like burning embers in the darkness. They gleamed with quiet strength, framed by long lashes that cast delicate shadows against his cheeks.

His mask, though beautifully crafted, could not fully hide the perfection beneath. The attendants could see glimpses of his sharp jawline, the soft curve of his lips, the ethereal beauty that had remained unseen by the world.

One of them, a younger Omega, clutched at his chest, whispering, "The stories did do him justice…"

The elder attendant quickly regained his composure, motioning for the others to continue dressing him.

"Be mindful of your gazes," he murmured softly. "His Majesty has not yet lifted the mask. We are honored to witness such beauty, but it must remain a secret until he does."

Caelum, who had remained silent throughout, lowered his gaze.

A secret.

That was all he would ever be.

The attendants worked quickly, slipping him into an elegant robe of deep sapphire blue, embroidered with silver threads that shimmered like the stars. His waist was cinched with a delicate sash, accentuating his lithe form.

His mask was carefully adjusted, concealing all but his haunting crimson eyes.

"You look perfect, Your Highness," the elder attendant said with a smile, bowing deeply. "Shall we escort you to the court?"

Caelum took a slow breath, gathering himself.

"Yes. Let us go."

---

The Royal Court

The grand hall of Solvencia's palace was a vision of wealth and power. Golden chandeliers illuminated the vast chamber, casting soft light over the nobles and ministers gathered.

But as Caelum entered, silence fell.

All eyes turned to him.

He was the foreign Omega who had married their king. The one whose face remained hidden behind a beautifully crafted mask.

He walked with quiet grace, his movements light yet commanding. Even without seeing his full face, they could sense his presence. The sheer aura of elegance, the air of mystery—it was enough to captivate anyone.

At the far end of the hall, upon the grand throne, sat the king.

His golden eyes remained cold, unreadable.

Caelum lowered his head slightly and bowed.

"Your Majesty."

The hall waited.

Would the king acknowledge his bride? Would he offer any words of greeting?

A long pause stretched between them.

Then, finally, the king spoke.

"You may take your place."

His tone was devoid of emotion. Distant.

As if Caelum were nothing more than a duty to be endured.

Caelum's heart clenched, but his expression remained unreadable behind the mask.

He obeyed, stepping forward to take his place beside the king.

The court session began, and though discussions filled the air, Caelum barely heard a word. His thoughts drifted, lost in the memories of last night.

Of the king's rejection.

Of the cruel twist of fate that bound them together.

But Caelum knew better than to dream of such things.

A quiet sigh escaped him, but it was drowned in the noise of the court. He turned his attention to the proceedings, though his mind remained far away, adrift in the ache of his loneliness.

And so, the day passed in silence, with only the weight of the mask and the cold distance of the king to keep him company