The air in the grand hall felt heavy, thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the suffocating weight of social expectations. Too many people. Too many eyes watching my every move, waiting for the "sickly princess" to stumble.
But I didn't. I kept walking forward with my knight, the rhythmic clink of Kael's boots behind me giving me a sense of grounding. I was calm. Composed. I walked like I belonged here, even if my heart was racing with the thrill of the hunt.
Then—he appeared.
A boy with dark, observant eyes stepped in front of me and bowed slightly.
"I am Cassian Dreyvorn. It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for coming."
His voice was steady. Polite. But unlike the other nobles, it didn't sound fake. I studied him quietly, noting his perfect posture and the slight tension in his jaw.
(Inner thought)
So this is him… the boy who is being sent away.
I gave a small, regal nod. "So you are Cassian Dreyvorn."
"I am Aurelia Valencrest. I'm also happy to meet you. Happy Birthday."
A faint, genuine smile appeared on his lips, softening his sharp features. "Thank you."
I gestured slightly toward my knight. Without a word, Kael moved and placed the gift among the others. His movements were smooth and efficient, the mark of a well-trained guardian. I turned back to Cassian, curious about the boy behind the title.
"Can I call you Cassian?"
"Yes, Princess. You may call me by my name."
"Then you can call me Aurelia."
That's when it changed. Just slightly, the atmosphere turned cold. His shoulders stiffened as if I had struck him. His gaze lowered to the floor for a second, a shadow crossing his face.
"No… I cannot do that. I'm sorry, Princess."
Silence. It wasn't long, but it was noticeable—thick enough to choke the air between us. I watched him carefully, seeing the internal struggle behind his eyes.
(Inner thought)
…So that's how it is. The walls of this kingdom are built on more than just stone.
I exhaled softly, letting a bit of my disappointment show. "I'm sorry… I just wanted to make you my friend."
"Looks like I rushed it."
The reaction was immediate. Cassian's eyes snapped up, and he looked almost frantic.
"No—!"
He stepped forward without thinking, his hand reaching out before he caught himself and pulled back. "It's not like that… I just—"
He struggled for words, his face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and worry. For a second, he looked less like a noble heir… and more like a confused, lonely boy. I tilted my head slightly, pushing him just a little more.
"Oh? So I'm not worthy enough?"
That hit. Hard. His expression dropped instantly, replaced by a look of pure guilt.
"No! That's not it!" He clenched his hand slightly at his side. "I'm sorry… I just didn't know if I was allowed to…"
His voice lowered until it was almost a whisper. "…to treat you like that."
Ah. So that was it. Not rejection. Not dislike. Just restraint. Rules. The heavy chains of being a Duke's son. I smiled—a soft, genuine one this time.
"Then it's fine."
"From now on, you're my friend. So stop thinking so much."
For a second—he didn't react. He just stared at me as if I were a miracle he wasn't allowed to touch. Then slowly… his eyes lit up. Not dramatically, but enough for me to see the spark of hope return.
"Thank you…"
"…for becoming my friend."
"I wanted to talk to you about something," I said, looking toward a quieter corner of the hall. "Can we go somewhere else?"
"Yes—"
"Cassian."
The air shifted. It became sharp. Heavy. I turned to see a man standing behind him—tall, composed, and utterly unreadable.
"I am Duke Alaric Dreyvorn."
His voice was calm—but there was no warmth in it. It felt like a blade of ice. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess."
Then, without pause or waiting for me to speak, he looked at his son. "I must take Cassian with me. There are matters to attend to."
No request. Just a statement. I glanced at the Duke, noting the steel in his eyes.
(Inner thought)
Strict. He doesn't see a son; he sees a tool.
Then I looked at Cassian. And this time—I didn't miss it. The light I had just seen in his eyes… disappeared. Completely. His shoulders straightened, not naturally, but forcibly, like something had pushed him back into a cage.
He turned to me, his face a mask of duty once more. "I'm sorry."
A simple sentence. But his voice felt… smaller. He left then, following his father without looking back. I stood still for a second, the irritation bubbling up in my chest.
"Tch…" I clicked my tongue softly. "Now what am I supposed to do?"
I glanced at my knight. Still the same. Straight posture. Calm face. No reaction to the drama that just unfolded.
(Inner thought)
…Do you ever react to anything? Are you even human, Kael?
Movement near the entrance caught my attention. A boy entered, looking confident and far too arrogant for his age. But it was the girl beside him who made my mana hum. She was my age, but her presence was sharp. Not loud, but impossible to ignore. Behind them—three knights.
(Inner thought)
Three…? That's excessive. Even I came with one. Are they trying to show power… or hide weakness?
The noise in the hall started bothering me. The fake laughter, the clinking of glasses—it was all too crowded. Too fake. I didn't like it. So, I left.
Quietly, I slipped out into the gardens. No one stopped me. The air here was calmer, cooler, and the noise was a distant hum. Better.
And then—I saw her again. The same girl from the entrance, sitting alone on a stone bench. She looked relaxed, like she didn't care about the party either.
(Inner thought)
Good. So I'm not the only one who escaped. At least this won't look rude if we're both out here.
I walked closer, my footsteps soft on the grass. Before I could say a word, she spoke without even turning around.
"You're a princess, right?"
I stopped in my tracks, crossing my arms. "Excuse me? Are you talking to me?"
She glanced around the empty garden casually, a bored look on her face. "Is there anyone else here?"
Straightforward. Too straightforward. I narrowed my eyes at her. "Even if there isn't… you shouldn't talk to me like that."
She raised an eyebrow slightly, finally looking at me. "I asked normally. You're the one taking it too seriously."
"That is something to mind," I snapped back. "But fine… maybe no one taught you how to speak properly."
That got her attention. She looked at me properly this time, her gaze sharp and intelligent. Not weak at all.
"Don't you think you're being a little rude?" she asked, her voice cooling. She turned away again. "...Anyway, I shouldn't have talked to you."
I paused. My mood was already bad because of the Duke, and I had just taken it out on the only interesting person here. I let out a long sigh.
"...Alright. I'm sorry. My mood was bad."
She didn't look back, but her shoulders relaxed just a fraction. "Yeah. Now mine is too."
The silence that followed wasn't empty. It was tense, filled with unsaid questions. I was about to speak again—to ask her name—when—
"AAAAAHHHHH!"
A scream. Sharp. Loud. Too close for comfort. Both of us froze, our eyes locking on one another in an instant. No words were needed; there was only a sudden, perfect understanding.
And then—we ran.
(Inner thought while running)
…Maybe I shouldn't have argued. But still—she's… pretty. And a little cute.