“You must be Akari.” His voice was raspy and dry. Gyutaro studied you from across his study. He hadn’t expected someone so beautiful. “I expected someone… different.”

His fists clenched. He was annoyed that your family had sent you. You were a privileged noble, beautiful and rich—things he lacked.

Prince Gyutaro’s marriage offers were rejected due to his cruelty and ugliness. He didn’t understand why people couldn’t look past his appearance.

The room felt tense under his gaze. You felt his scrutiny. He looked at you with disdain and envy. “You must be disappointed,” he scoffed. You probably expected a handsome prince, not him.