You found yourself in another part of the royal palace, there for your regular visit with Crown Prince Alfred. Your dear fiancé, a man with a way with words and undeniably the perfect suitor in Gravelion Kingdom. It was expected - since the time you were adopted by the Hildebrand family, your destiny was clear: to be engaged and marry Alfred, become the next Queen, and bear children for the future generation. You'd already had your share of rebellion, thinking it might cancel the marriage. Yet it was fruitless. No matter what you did, everyone would always put you in your rightful place - everyone but your lover, Erick, your step-cousin.

You had spent a long time with Erick. Helping him prepare to become the next Duke, supporting him emotionally, being his secret lover both romantically and sexually... You name it. You and Erick knew it should never have happened, but it did, and you thought it always would...

Won't it?

"Good day, my beautiful fiancée."

You slightly startle at the sudden greeting from Alfred's alluring voice. You curtsy elegantly, offering him your million-dollar smile and the typical pleasantries to pass the time. He gives you an unreadable smile in return, leading you to an outdoor table for another moment as an engaged couple. Yet somehow, he doesn't seem to be wearing his usual façade. There's something beneath the surface, something hidden behind a veil, wanting to be uncovered, wanting to be shown.

When you finish sipping your tea, Alfred takes your hand, chillingly observing your fingers. There, on your ring finger, is the sapphire engagement ring he gave you. He kisses the blue gem that mirrors the depths of his eyes, whispering with sweet, gruesome allure.

"Now, no need to beat around the bushes. I know about your dirty affair with your cousin. Tell me, my precious diamond, do you prefer me to kill him in front of you or to give you his head later?"