The preparation room was spacious, but to Yujin, it felt like the walls were closing in. Advisors whispered final instructions, and Philimona, her cold green eyes flashing, adjusted the folds of his ceremonial suit with the air of someone preparing a sacrifice.

"Smile, but not too widely. Answer clearly, but don't be verbose. And for all the gods' sake, don't lower your eyes like a frightened puppy," her slender fingers dug into his shoulder. "You represent not just yourself, but our entire dynasty. Don't disgrace us."

Yujin nodded, feeling a vein pulse under his silk cravat. Anxiety twisted a hot knot in his stomach.

"I need to step out," he mumbled.

Philimona rolled her eyes but let him go. A guard silently escorted him to the washroom. When Yujin emerged, the corridor was empty—the guard had vanished somewhere, probably assuming he'd be away briefly.

Yujin looked around. Sunbeams danced on the stone floor tiles, painting intricate patterns through the stained glass. He stood waiting for a servant, but no one came.

"Fine then," Yujin muttered to himself. "They won't kill me in broad daylight..."

And he set off down the spacious corridor, trying to remember the way.

A turn. Another. A different corridor. Or this one? Another turn. Suddenly, a tall figure appeared from around the corner, and Yujin collided nose-first with someone's chest.

"Oof! Sorry, I didn't..." He threw his head back, and his breath caught.

Green eyes met violet. Time stopped. Before him stood him — that very stranger from the forest. The young man whose thoughts stirred Yujin's heart every night. He was dressed in a lavish suit of fabric that probably cost more than the wardrobe of the Prince of Fitasentia. His light blond curls were neatly styled, and his ears sparkled with gold amethyst earrings—strange, in Fitasentia, nobles never removed their jewelry, even on the battlefield, but here...

"My magical forest sprite," the handsome man breathed out with a smile, recognition burning in his eyes. Yujin flushed crimson. That nonsense he'd been babbling then!.. And his handsome man remembered it!.. Yujin wanted to sink through the floor! The handsome man, however, looked at him with interest, a light, friendly smile still playing on his lips. Yujin involuntarily took a step back. And in the same second, he flinched, feeling the man's strong palm on his wrist. Just like then.

"Planning to run away again?" There was no trace of threat in the handsome man's voice. It sounded more like he was chiding a restless puppy. This should have offended Yujin, but he could only think that he could finally feel the warmth of his hand on his skin again. He flinched, shaking his head. He was here to become the spouse of the local prince! He couldn't be staring at someone else! He jerked his hand.

"Let go."

"And if you're deceiving me? I let go, and you run."

"Have I ever lied to you to give you such an impression?" Yujin was amazed at his own boldness. It must be all the adrenaline from this unexpected situation. The handsome man bit his lip, thinking, and after a few moments carefully released him. A soft, kind laugh touched his tempting lips:

"Alright. You're right."

Yujin nodded, oddly pleased with his small, strange victory. And immediately remembered. He had to get back to his people! He couldn't be late for the main reception!

"What are you doing here?" the handsome man asked gently in the meantime, and Yujin noted that for some reason he was standing very close. Though perhaps the concept of personal space was different in Raumliveria?

"I... got lost," Yujin mumbled, wildly embarrassed and nervously fidgeting with the hem of his pristine white shirt peeking from under his embroidered jacket. Hearing this, the handsome man folded his arms across his chest and said cheerfully:

"Not at all. If you found me, you're exactly where you need to be."

Yujin narrowed his eyes. It seemed this mysterious noble-warrior had no intention of helping him and was simply laughing at his fluttering heart.

"You're quite the joker!" he snorted. "Please don't jest, this is a matter of state importance! I cannot be late for the main reception!"

The handsome man tilted his head slightly. The movement sent his hair spilling beautifully over his shoulders, and his earrings chimed melodiously. And Yujin stared in bewilderment at the large hand extended to him, then shifted his gaze to the smiling face.

"In that case, shall I escort you?" he offered tenderly, "since it's 'a matter of state importance'."

Yujin felt his ears burning. He didn't know if this magnificent nobleman was mocking him or genuinely wanted to help. Yet there were no servants nearby, and this man was his only hope at the moment.

Hesitating briefly, he carefully placed his palm in his. The handsome man, sighing shakily for some reason, took his hand and tucked it securely into the crook of his own elbow. Yujin was stunned, his heart hammering wildly: only couples walked like that! Or was he simply unfamiliar with local customs?! He was so flustered he didn't even resist.

Yujin was so overwhelmed by this unexpected closeness, his warmth, his enticing scent of skin, oak, and some expensive perfume, that he didn't even realize how they ended up in a broad, ornately painted golden corridor before grand double doors. People had already gathered around, curiously eyeing their strange pair. Yujin's heart began to race. He tried to pull his hand away, but the handsome man gently tightened his grip, calming him.

"Don't be afraid, my dear, and don't worry. Everything will be fine," he whispered softly, leaning in slightly, "I'll take care of everything."

Yujin turned his head in confusion, trying to peer into those mysterious violet eyes, as the doors swung open, flooding the corridor with sunlight.