Despite the overwhelming speculation, no one considered the possibility that Vincent and Anastasia had any deep connection beyond status.
Why?
Because their interactions in public had always been calculated, restrained, distant.
Even now, standing in the same ballroom, they were careful.
They never looked at each other for too long. They never stood too close.
To the world, Anastasia was untouchable. A goddess descending onto her throne.
And Vincent?
He was the phantom prince who had walked away from power.
Two legends standing in the same room, yet seemingly unrelated.
Or at most… acquaintances.
And that illusion?
That carefully crafted distance?
It would soon shatter.