The Ivory Court was every bit as breathtaking as the name suggested as it had massive stained glass windows casting colored light across polished silver floors, and a ceiling so high it seemed to brush the sky itself. Knights lined the walls in ceremonial armor, unmoving and silent.
Kenzo entered at the center of it all, flanked by Akina and Rina. Both girls wore formal attire with Akina in a deep red silk gown, and Rina in a modest navy blue dress. Kenzo, in the tailored black uniform provided by the city, had never looked more like a hero.
At the far end of the hall sat Princess Lysaria.
She was stunning while tall and poised, with cascading golden hair and eyes like sapphire ice. Dressed in a regal white and gold gown, she wore her authority like a second skin. But when she smiled, there was mischief in her gaze.
"So," she said, her voice melodic, "this is the so called outsider who killed the Ruins Beast and saved Lady Akina's village."
Kenzo bowed slightly. "Kenzo, at your service."
Lysaria stood from her throne and approached him with the grace of a dancer. She walked a slow circle around him, examining him like a prize horse.
"You're not bad looking," she teased, eyes twinkling. "You saved my people, moved two hearts already… Tell me Kenzo, would you consider adding a third and marrying a princess?"
A stunned silence echoed through the chamber. Even the guards stiffened.
Akina's mouth opened slightly. Rina looked completely frozen.
Kenzo smiled gently. "I'm flattered, Your Highness. Truly. But I must decline."
The room tensed.
Kenzo continued, unfazed, "I'm already married to Akina and Rina is my girlfriend. I'm committed to both."
Lysaria blinked. For the first time, the teasing glint faded and was replaced with something almost… curious.
"You rejected me?" she asked, almost as if the concept were foreign.
"I did," Kenzo said evenly. "Because I already have everything I need."
The princess stared at him for a moment longer… then burst into laughter.
"Well," she said, clapping her hands. "I like you."
Everyone exhaled. Slowly.
She turned, sash swirling behind her. "Come. I have something you'll want to hear."