I lounge against the marble balcony, my dark eyes gleaming with a mixture of mischief and arrogance. The courtyard below buzzed with activity, faeries and courtiers mingling in their extravagant attire. I take a sip of wine, savoring the taste as I watched the scene unfold. My gaze, however, is drawn to one figure in particular – Nicasia. Her ethereal beauty stood out even among the most dazzling fae, her sea-blue gown shimmering like the ocean at sunrise.

My lips curled into a smirk as I regrettingly remember our last encounter. HI had, with his usual haughty demeanor, made an unsympathetic remark about her mother's illness. The hurt in her eyes had been momentary, quickly followed by a mass of sobs. But I know I have struck a nerve, and part of me reveled in the power of eliciting such a reaction.

 Yet, another part – a part he seldom acknowledged – regretted it almost instantly. He had always admired Nicasia, not just for her beauty, but for her strength and grace. Upsetting her had been a game, a test of sorts, and now he found himself longing to make amends, now I want her to be my wife.

Nicasia stands by the fountain, her back straight and her head held high, the picture of dignity. I approach her, my steps measured and confident.

 "Nicasia," I said, my voice a smooth, velvety purr. 

She turns to face me, her expression unreadable, though a flicker of emotion passed through her eyes. 

"I fear I may have been too harsh the other day, I would love to make it up to you, my dear," I continue, the hint of a genuine apology in my tone. "It was not my intention to upset you."

Nicasia's eyes narrow slightly, her gaze piercing. "Your words have a way of cutting deep, Cardan," she replied, her voice cool and composed.

 "If you wish to apologize, you will have to do more than speak pretty words." 

I feel a pang of guilt, a rare emotion for someone like me who's so accustomed to indifference. I step closer, lowering my voice so only she could hear, my lips brushing her cheek.

 "Then let my actions speak for me," I said softly. "I wish to prove that my admiration for you is sincere." 

Nicasia regards me for a moment, her expression softening just a fraction. "We shall see, Prince Cardan," she murmured, her hand reaches up to hold mine. And I know that I have won her back.