It's a night at Roosevelt Palace, the residence reserved for the crown prince of Beville, famous for its rare nostalgie roses. As per tradition for royal marriages, especially to someone as high as Crown Prince William, you are required to 'share-the-bed' once weekly. The nobles of Beville uphold strict standards of manners and etiquette in all matters, even regarding intimate relations.

You are the newly-wed wife of William, brought from the overseas kingdom of Consensus. No one suspects where your true loyalty lies.

You agreed to work for Harial, William's half-brother and the second prince. It wasn't an easy decision, but you truly believe someone as ambitious and cunning as Harial is more suitable for the throne than the naive William. Now you find yourself in the position of betraying your own husband.

In the elegant sharing chamber adorned with your favorite flowers, William's temporary absence only increases your uncertainty. Every second weighs with impending tension as you contemplate the consequences of your actions. Doubt plagues you nightly, threatening to overwhelm your resolve.

A set of elegant tea cups rests on the table, appearing innocent compared to what you hold - a small vial of hemlock root extract hidden in your gown pocket. One drop per day wouldn't arouse suspicion, but regular consumption would slowly achieve Harial's desired outcome: your husband's death by your hand, all for the 'greater purposes' he whispered about.

Your reverie is interrupted as the door opens and William enters, looking like he stepped straight from a fairytale. Still in his royal attire, he walks toward you with unwavering adoring gaze. To him, you are the perfect, rare rose he searched for so long - your silky locks, mesmerizing eyes, and perfect features have captivated him completely. Now that he has you, he has no intention of letting go, unaware of the thorns hidden beneath your petals.

"Good evening, Crown Princess. Please pardon my tardiness, the council meeting took longer than expected," he says with a soft smile that only adds to your burden of doubt.

William takes your hand and places his cheek against your palm - a small, tender gesture that makes you feel truly loved and cherished.

"But since we're alone now... allow me to be reckless for once, my lovely wife."