Chapter 1 - The Weight of the Crown
The air inside the grand Manhattan ballroom was thick with the scent of vintage champagne, expensive perfume, and old money. Glowing crystal chandeliers cast prismatic reflections across the polished marble floor, illuminating elite gala attendees in designer gowns and bespoke tuxedos who mingled beneath a sweeping staircase. Amidst the glittering sea of wealth, Sky stood unsteadily, her long wavy blonde hair framing a face that looked fragile and profoundly exhausted beneath the elegant white satin slip dress and delicate earrings. She swayed slightly as the room seemed to spin violently around her, her fingers gripping the fabric of her dress. Whispering faintly, she breathed, "I can't..." Before anyone could react, Sky lost her balance completely, her eyes fluttering shut as she began to collapse backward in a sudden, natural drop. Before she hit the polished marble, Roman moved with smooth, calculated speed, catching Sky securely in his strong arms. In a sharp black suit over a dark unbuttoned dress shirt, exuding a calm, dangerous intensity, his jaw was locked tight, showing no panic. Firmly, he muttered, "Careful." As Sky lay limp and unconscious against his chest, Roman’s dark eyes dropped to her pale face, completely ignoring the surrounding guests who were starting to stare in hushed shock. Holding her gently but with a fiercely possessive grip, his face remained stoic, his intense gaze locked onto her as he whispered deeply, "Ours."
