[Captain Haldor's POV—Before the Victory Ball—Outside Lavinia's Chambers]
I had faced war.
I had faced blades pressed to my throat, arrows aimed at my heart, monsters in human skin, and nobles sharper than assassins. Nothing—nothing—prepared me for the sight that stood before me when the princess turned toward the door.
Lavinia Devereux.
My princess.
My future Empress.
She stepped into view… and the world simply stopped. The breath I'd drawn lodged painfully in my chest. My hand, resting on the hilt of my sword a moment ago, refused to move.
Her gown… Night-sky blue. Silver constellations scattered like real stars across the fabric. And the back—gods, the back—a single, sweeping curve of bare skin, framed with silver chains that caught the candlelight and trembled when she breathed.
Her hair was pulled half-up, tangled with silver ribbons. Soft curls framed her face. Light shimmered on her collarbones.
