Ryuto tugged at the stiff collar of his formal tunic, trying in vain to loosen the choking feeling around his neck as he walked through the grand halls of the royal palace. This was not how he envisioned his evening, dressed up like a noble, heading into a royal dinner with Princess Lyriana. His stomach was already tying itself in knots, and the tight clothes didn't help.
"This is going to be a disaster," he muttered under his breath, glancing at his reflection in the polished marble floor as he passed. "Why did I agree to this?"
Two royal servants led the way, their steps perfectly synchronized as they marched ahead. Their silence only made things more awkward. Behind him, the grand palace doors clanged shut, echoing through the massive halls. The walls were adorned with gilded paintings, and chandeliers sparkled overhead, but all Ryuto could focus on was the pit of dread growing in his gut.
