[Scene – Inside the Raven Family Carriage – On the way to the Royal Palace]

The lantern light flickers through the carriage window. Ivar, dressed in formal attire, clasps his hands tightly in his lap. His gaze is on the window, but his thoughts are far away.

Ivar (internal monologue)

“What if everyone ends up hating me? What if he… really is like the rumors say?”

Sin (smiling gently, placing a hand on Ivar’s knee)

“Don’t be scared. I’ll stay by your side for as long as you need.”

[Sarit is riding outside on horseback, dressed in a guard’s uniform.]

[Scene – Palace Gates – Arrival Moment]

Trumpets echo through the grand hall. The tall doors swing open as the announcers call out:

Announcer (servant with a loudspeaker):

“Arrival of the Honorable Raven Family!”

All the guests, adorned in luxurious attire, turn toward the entrance. Ivar enters with a composed but slightly surprised expression. Sin walks beside him.

Whispers ripple through the crowd:

Whispers from the crowd:

“That must be Ivar… the Arka?”

“So young… but look at those eyes.”

Ivar walks with his head slightly lowered, keeping calm. He tries to ignore the stares. Sin occasionally leans in and whispers:

Sin:

“Just breathe. You're dressed better than anyone else in this hall.”

Ivar can’t help but let a small smile appear.

[Scene – Moments Later – Sudden Silence in the Hall]

The doors on the upper level open with a heavy sound. Two rows of servants line up. A formal voice echoes:

Announcer:

“Arrival of the Royal Family!

Queen Lorista, King Ratan,

Crown Princess Serina and her fiancé Lestia…

and Prince Rashen.”

Applause and bows fill the hall. The royal family appears at the top of the staircase, full of grandeur. The queen in a majestic purple gown, the king in a golden robe. Serina shines in a sparkling dress with her fiancé beside her.

At the end, Rashen appears. Tall figure, cloaked in a regal black cape that drapes to the floor. His face is shadowed by the hood—only his jaw and lips visible. The cloak is adorned with silver pins and red gemstones.

Ivar instinctively freezes. His gaze locks on Rashen. There’s something strange and suffocating about his presence. Ivar’s breath shortens.

Ivar (internal monologue):

“That… that’s him? Rashen?”

Rashen walks with his family down the stairs. The crowd welcomes them with respectful bows. When Rashen reaches the middle of the staircase, Queen Lorista glances briefly at him and subtly points toward Ivar with her index finger. Rashen gives a barely noticeable nod.

He changes direction and begins walking straight toward Ivar. His steps are heavy, deliberate, precise. The hall slowly quiets.

Sin (whispers to Ivar):

“He’s coming toward us… He’s coming himself.”

Ivar (internal monologue, whispering):

“Oh my god…”