It wasn't that Azel was ugly the last time they met — gods no.
Even at the time when he saved her, he had been handsome.
The kind of boy you noticed once and remembered for a long time.
But now… something had changed.
Naelia couldn't take her eyes off him.
After he left the estate all those months ago, she'd spent time talking with other noble girls her age.
They had whispered and giggled in private salons, comparing lists of handsome young men they wouldn't mind marrying one day.
At the top of that list had always been her older brother — Aegon Starbloom.
The crown prince.
The golden-haired genius swordsman destined to sit on the throne of the empire.
His handsomeness was talked about like myth; a blend of noble bearing, a sharp mind, and sculpted looks.
But now…
As Naelia stood there at the door of the library, staring at Azel's face, she knew the truth.
If Aegon was first on that list… Azel had taken that spot now, without question.
