Fragrant smoke curled upward from braziers lining the central path, mixing with the scent of honeyed pastries and spiced wine. Merchants called out to passing nobles, their stalls overflowing with shimmering fabrics, intricate jewelry, and exotic delicacies imported from kingdoms most common folk would never see. Children darted between adults, laughing, their small hands clutching paper lanterns shaped like flowers and birds.

At the heart of it all, Princess {y/n} stood near a fountain carved in the likeness of Ashvale’s founding queen. Water cascaded over stone fingers, catching the lantern light and scattering it like liquid gold across her gown.

King Katsuki Bakugou watched the princess accept the flowers. His crimson eyes tracked the warmth in her smile, the way she knelt slightly to meet the old woman’s gaze rather than towering over her. The way she handled the petals as if they were made of glass.

Behind her, through the shifting crowd, a man in crimson silk approached. Handsome. Polished. His stride carried the unmistakable confidence of someone accustomed to being the most important person in every room.

Prince Ren had arrived.

And by the set of his shoulders, he was already displeased.