The grand entrance had been a blur of shimmering lights and heavy perfumes. Once the formal music faded, I moved to the side of the ballroom, seeking a moment of breath. But as a princess on her thirteenth birthday, "peace" was a luxury I couldn't afford.
A sea of nobles surged forward, their faces a mask of practiced loyalty.
"Happy Birthday, Princess."
"Many blessings to your household, Your Highness."
"Wishing you a wonderful, prosperous year ahead."
The voices began to bleed together into a rhythmic drone. It felt like the world had been reduced to two repetitive lines playing on a loop:
"Happy Birthday…"
"Thank you…"
"Happy Birthday…"
"Thank you…"
It was a cycle that felt like it would never end—until a voice, clearer and more genuine than the rest, cut through the noise.
"Happy Birthday. And thank you for inviting us here, Aurelia."
I turned toward the voice and felt my defensive walls drop just a fraction. It was Lucien. He looked every bit the polished prince, yet there was a warmth in his eyes that the others lacked.
I offered him a soft, genuine smile. "Thank you. And since you are currently studying at our kingdom's magic academy, it was only natural for me to invite you. It wouldn't do to have a prince of your standing feeling left out."
We shared a small, knowing smile. But as our eyes met, my gaze naturally drifted to the figure standing just a step behind him.
Neria.
She was there, just like always. Calm. Elegant. Poised like a lethal blade wrapped in silk. And… annoyingly cute.
(Inner thought)
It doesn't matter if she's my rival or not… she really is cute. It's frustrating.
She stepped forward, her movements fluid and polite, performing a curtsy that was technically perfect. "Happy Birthday, Princess, and thank you very much for inviting us."
By now, the suffocating crowd of minor nobles had thinned out. Only those I was somewhat familiar with remained within earshot. I waved off her formality with a casual gesture.
"There's no need to be so formal, Neria. It's not a big deal, so don't overthink it."
✨ Flashback: Neria's POV
I had been lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling and feeling an extreme wave of laziness wash over me. I was ready to drift off into a long nap when the door creaked open.
"Neri, look at this."
I rolled over slightly, squinting at the intruder. "What did you bring, Luce…? I'm trying to sleep."
He was holding a thick, cream-colored envelope with a royal wax seal. "An invitation."
I let out a bored sigh. "That must be for you. Why are you showing it to me?"
Lucien's smile widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "That's the interesting part. Look closely."
I snatched the invitation from his hand, my curiosity finally piqued. As my eyes skimmed the elegant calligraphy, I froze. It wasn't an invitation for "Prince Lucien and Guest." It was an invitation addressed specifically to me. To Aurelia's 13th birthday gala.
(Inner thought)
She's my rival… but she's also undeniably beautiful and terrifyingly intelligent. Why would she send this to me? This is… interesting.
Lucien leaned against the bedpost. "We are currently staying in their kingdom for my studies, so maybe that's why we were invited this time."
I nodded slowly, the sleepiness completely gone. "Yes… perhaps. But still… I feel a little excited to go."
We looked at each other and smiled. For once, the rivalry felt like it could wait.
🌙 Back to the Present: Aurelia's POV
Neria spoke again, her voice losing some of its stiff edge. "I am always with Lucien, and invitations usually come only for him… so I was really happy when I received one separately. It was unexpected."
I replied, trying to keep my voice neutral despite the strange fluttering in my chest. "It's not a big deal, so don't think too much about it. We've known each other for quite some time now… even if most of that time has been spent trying to outdo one another as competitors."
I paused, looking her in the eye. "But still… we are not enemies."
She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips.
(Neria – inner thought)
That's exactly why I think she's cute. She tries so hard to be the "cool" princess, but her heart shows through.
Suddenly, a blur of red and white appeared beside us. It was Aveline.
"Once again, Happy Birthday, Aurelia!" she chirped, looking radiant.
I smiled at her, my mood lifting. "Thank you, Aveline." Then, I leaned in closer, whispering into her ear so only she could hear. "My future sister-in-law."
Aveline froze as if turned to stone. Then, a crimson flush exploded across her face, traveling all the way to her ears. Honestly… she looked incredibly cute when she was flustered.
"D-do you know where Cassian might be?" she stammered, desperately trying to change the subject. "I wanted to talk to him about something… private."
I hummed, thinking for a moment. "He's probably somewhere with Kael. The two of them get along quite well… though I don't really understand how they communicate since neither of them ever speaks."
Aveline thanked me and practically scurried away, leaving me and Neria standing in an awkward silence. We looked at each other, the weight of our rivalry hanging in the air, but neither of us found the words to break it.
Lucien broke the spell. "Neri, can you bring that for me?"
I frowned, my eyebrows knitting together. "Sorry for interrupting, but… Neri?"
Neria looked at me and shrugged. "It's my nickname. You can call it a short name as well. But Luce, what exactly do you want me to bring?"
Lucien didn't answer directly. He just pointed toward the dark, moonlit garden. "You'll understand once you go."
(Inner thought)
What kind of cryptic conversation is this…? I don't understand a single thing they're saying.
Neria sighed, clearly used to her brother's antics. "Alright, I'll go. But I still don't understand what you're looking for."
As she walked toward the garden, the space between Lucien and me suddenly felt much smaller. Only the two of us remained. He turned to me, his expression turning serious.
"May I ask you something, Aurelia?"
"Yes, go ahead," I replied, my heart giving a small thud.
He paused, searching for the right words. "Is your engagement already decided?"
(Inner thought)
What kind of question is that…? What am I supposed to infer from this? Does he care?
I answered as calmly as I could manage. "No, it hasn't been decided yet. I've rejected every proposal that has come my way." I added a bit of pride to my voice. "I am the only princess, so no one really puts pressure on me. Everyone simply accepts what I say."
Lucien let out a breath I hadn't realized he was holding. "I see… then that's good."
(Inner thought)
'That's good'? What does that even mean? Is that a sigh of relief?
"Well, since you asked me something so personal, I should ask you too," I challenged. "Is your engagement decided?"
He opened his mouth to answer, but my nerves got the better of me. "Don't tell me you are engaged to Neria. I know people whisper about it."
He immediately snapped back, his eyes wide. "No! It's nothing like that! We are more like siblings. The thought of marrying Neri is… well, impossible."
(Inner thought)
'Like siblings,' huh… Well, "like" siblings isn't the same as "actual" siblings.
I smiled slightly, feeling a strange weight lift off my shoulders. "I see. Then I apologize for the assumption."
"There's no need to apologize," Lucien said, his voice dropping to a softer tone. "My engagement is not decided either. I have also rejected all proposals."
(Inner thought)
So he rejected everyone too… Does that mean I actually have a chance?
I smiled a little more boldly. "Then… is there someone you like?"
Lucien's face turned a shade of pink that rivaled Aveline's earlier blush. Instead of answering, he took a step back. "I… I should go now. The guests will be looking for me."
(Inner thought)
You're blushing THIS much and still not answering? If you had to leave anyway, you could have just said it instead of turning into a tomato!
🌿 Garden Scene: Neria's POV
I stood in the center of the royal garden, the scent of night-blooming jasmine thick in the air. I looked up at the stars, feeling irritated.
(Inner thought)
Why did he send me here? There's nothing but bushes and statues. Wait… don't tell me… Does Luce actually like Princess Aurelia? Because whenever her name or her kingdom comes up… he smiles and blushes like a fool.
"Don't you think you shouldn't be in the garden alone?" a voice called out from behind me.
I gasped and spun around, but the sudden movement caused my heel to catch on a loose stone. My balance vanished.
(Inner thought)
Great… I'm going to fall on my face in the dirt. How elegant.
Before I could hit the ground, a pair of strong arms caught me, pulling me against a firm chest.
"…You're really clumsy, aren't you?"
We stayed like that for a moment, the stranger's face inches from mine. I could feel his heartbeat. I quickly pushed back, my face heating up.
"You scared me by suddenly speaking! Don't do that again!" I snapped, trying to regain my dignity. "And why are we still in this position? Let me stand properly!"
He chuckled and helped me steady myself. I looked at him carefully under the moonlight. He had a sharp jawline and eyes that seemed to dance with mischief.
(Inner thought)
I feel like I've seen him somewhere before… but where? Those eyes look so familiar.
At that moment, Lucien arrived, looking out of breath. He looked at the boy, then at me. "Do you know him, Neri?"
I shook my head quickly. "No, he just… appeared."
Before I could say anything else, Lucien grabbed my hand, his grip uncharacteristically tight. "Come on. We're leaving."
As he pulled me away, I looked back once over my shoulder. The boy was still standing there, his lips curved into a mysterious smile.
(Inner thought)
…Weird. Very weird.
🌙 Back to Aurelia's POV
The party had finally ended. The ballroom was empty, save for the servants clearing away the remains of the feast. A mountain of gifts had been piled in the corner of my chambers. Honestly… I wanted to rip into all of them right now, but I knew I had to wait until tomorrow.
(Inner thought)
I'm excited to open them, but more than that… I'm excited to meet Mom.
I didn't know what kind of surprise she had prepared for me in the private room, but if it was from her, I knew it was going to be something life-changing.
Just then, Kael appeared at my side, his presence as silent as a shadow. "Her Majesty is calling you, Princess. This time, your meeting will be held in the West Wing."
I nodded, feeling a tingle of anticipation. "Alright. Lead the way."
We walked through the quiet, dimly lit corridors of the palace. Kael guided me through a path I rarely traveled, until we reached a heavy set of double doors. I had never entered this room before, though I had passed it many times. It was a room kept for "special guests."
The door was already open. Inside, the Empress was waiting, looking more serious than she had all night. And sitting across from her was another woman—elegant, mysterious, and wearing robes that didn't belong to our kingdom.
(Inner thought)
Who is she…? And why is she here?
I stepped inside and offered a formal greeting. Mom gestured for me to join them. We sat down, and the silence in the room felt heavy with a secret that was finally about to be told.