[Scene – Courtyard of House Rion, in front of the carriage]

Alina steps forward, her hands tucked into the sleeves of her coat. She flashes Sin a stiff, artificial smile.

Alina (dry and insincere tone):

“Come inside, darling. This cold is far too harsh for your delicate skin.”

Sin remains expressionless, glancing at Eivar and Sarit. His tone walks the fine line between politeness and mockery.

Sin:

“Let’s go in—if you’ll allow it. The weather is… rather cold.”

[Inside the mansion – the main hall. The space is warm, lined with heavy, regal furniture. Duke Kael is seated on the central couch. The fireplace crackles.]

Sin walks in gracefully and comes to a respectful stop.

Sin (politely):

“Hello, Father.”

Duke Kael (stern and composed, without a smile):

“Welcome, Sin.”

He turns his gaze to Eivar and gestures toward the seat across from him.

Duke Kael (to Eivar):

“Sit. We need to talk.”

Eivar glances at Sarit hesitantly. When Sarit nods, he takes a seat.

Duke Kael (cold and precise):

“Over the next four days, you’ll train under royal tutors in court etiquette and aristocratic dance.

The event we’re preparing for isn’t an official engagement ceremony...

But it’s meant to formally announce the union.”

Sin (raising an eyebrow, confused):

“Union? What engagement?”

Alina (smirking, arms crossed):

“Well, darling, Eivar is going to marry Prince Rashen.

A golden match, isn’t it?”

Sin (with hesitation and a hint of mockery):

“Eivar? With Prince… Rashen? That Rashen? The cursed one from court?

Why would you do something like that?”

Sarit (calmly, without reacting):

“I’ll explain everything to you later, Sin.”

Eivar (after a brief silence, sitting up straighter):

“It’s true… I agreed to it.

This decision… had to be made.”

Duke Kael (firmer tone, gaze shifting between the three):

“This union won’t be simple.

The royal family lives in a world of its own—filled with scrutiny, politics, and danger.

Rashen may be the second prince…

But real power lies with the one people fear, not necessarily the crown prince.

Eivar must tread carefully.”

[A heavy silence settles. The flames in the fireplace flicker.]

Sin (softly, almost murmuring, but with a deep look at Eivar):

“Cursed or not…

I didn’t think our first meeting would be like this.”