The Rubellum throne room was colder than usual.
Heavy banners draped in crimson and gold swayed slightly overhead, and the assembled nobles lined the marble floor in gleaming formality. Sorella sat beside her father, Duke Varn, her lips thin, her pride still bruised from the week's humiliation.
Yuno stood at the center of the court, robed in formal black and green — the crest of the Golden Dawn gleaming over his chest. Asta stood beside him, dressed simply, a black mantle over one shoulder and the hilt of his demon-slaying sword visible at his back.
The room was silent.
Duke Varn's voice echoed through the chamber. "Lord Yuno of the House Grinberryall, your presence honors us. Before final terms are sealed, we humbly request your signature upon the alliance writ. And… your consideration of Lady Sorella's offer of unity."
Unity.
A noble marriage.
A tie between houses that would permanently entangle Yuno in Rubellum's fate.
Yuno didn't even flinch.
"I'm grateful for your hospitality," he said clearly, "but I decline."
Gasps rippled through the chamber.
Sorella's composure cracked for a second, then reformed like ice. "Decline?" she said smoothly. "Surely you don't mean—"
"I do," Yuno interrupted. "I already have a bond stronger than any political marriage could give me. One forged not through convenience, but choice."
He stepped back.
And extended his hand.
To Asta.
Asta, who looked every inch the soldier and nothing like a noble, took it without hesitation. Their fingers clasped — steady, certain — as Yuno turned back to face the court.
"I chose my equal," Yuno said. "My rival. My partner. And my lover."
Stunned silence.
"You may not understand it," Yuno continued, "but I will not sacrifice love for politics. If that's your price for allegiance, then we walk away."
Sorella stood, eyes blazing. "You would give up a royal match — an empire's future — for him?"
Yuno didn't even blink. "Yes. Every time."
There was a pause. Then Duke Varn slowly raised his hand, silencing the room.
"A bold declaration," he said after a long beat. "And a rare one. But we asked for the truth of your loyalty. And I see now, it lies not in our halls—but in your conviction. We will honor that."
The alliance would still be signed.
But not with a ring.
Later that night, Yuno stood on a balcony overlooking the frozen gardens below, the snow catching moonlight like shattered crystal.
Asta came up behind him, arms sliding around his waist.
"You didn't have to do that," Asta said quietly. "You could've kept it secret. Protected your name."
Yuno leaned back into his chest. "I don't care about name. I care about us."
Asta kissed his temple, his voice husky and warm. "You looked powerful back there."
"I felt powerful," Yuno whispered. "Because I had you."