Evil Iris

Chapter 19

Andre's Intrigue 3

The palace bustled with preparations as the day of Iris's sixteenth birthday approached.

Five days had passed since that incident, and the halls were adorned with shimmering decorations, and the air was filled with an air of anticipation.

As the evening of her birthday arrived, Andre spotted Iris from afar, dressed in a stunning pink gown that complemented her radiant beauty.

Her hair was elegantly tied up, and her emerald eyes stared at the night sky.

Approaching her with a warm smile, Andre greeted, "Happy birthday, Iris."

She turned to look at him, but her reply was vague and distant. It was as if her thoughts were elsewhere, lost in the depths of her mind. Without saying a word, she began to walk away, leaving Andre slightly bewildered.

As Iris continued to walk, she stumbled slightly, almost losing her balance. Andre acting instinctively caught her before she could fall.

Her laughter rang out like delicate chimes as she thanked him for the rescue.

"Are you alright?" he asked with concern, his eyes softening as he gazed at her.

"I'm fine, really," she assured him, giving him a reassuring smile. "It's just the excitement of the birthday party, nothing to worry about."

Andre could notice there was something in her eyes that didn't quite match her words. It was a flicker of sadness, fleeting but unmistakable.

Just then, Noah, the crown prince, made his entrance. His presence seemed to captivate Iris, and a soft blush crept up her cheeks.

Andre couldn't help but steal glances at Iris, as Noah placed a beautifully wrapped present in her hands, and her smile lit up like a thousand stars.

Andre's heart tightened at the sight, a pang of jealousy threatening to overtake him.

Andre made a forced but polite smile and greeted Noah,

"Ah, brother, how delightful to see you here. Do you finally have some time to spare from your busy schedule?" He couldn't help but add a hint of sarcasm to his tone.

Noah chuckled, his gaze never leaving Iris.

"You know I couldn't miss this momentous occasion," he replied, his voice light and carefree.

Andre's smile faltered, and he exchanged a puzzled glance with Iris. It seemed like Noah's attention was solely fixed on her, and it bothered Andre more than he cared to admit.

Iris interjected with her usual grace,

"Well, I'm honored that both of you could make it to my birthday celebration. Please, don't let me interrupt your conversation."she said sensing the tension.

As she excused herself, Andre's eyes followed her as she walked to the drink area and took a glass of champagne.

Andre's eyes followed her not wanting to let her out of his sight,

Andre turned back to Noah, his annoyance simmering beneath the surface.

"Excuse me, brother," he said politely, "but I must also excuse myself."

Andre made his way to Iris, his heart pounding with each step. As he reached her, he handed her a beautifully wrapped gift.

Iris looked at the gift and then at him, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"For you, Iris," he murmured, his eyes glancing away, afraid to meet her gaze directly.

She noticed a hint of redness in his ears and couldn't help but smile softly.

"I am grateful ,your highness," she replied, taking the box from him.

Iris carefully unwrapped the gift box, revealing a stunning emerald necklace nestled within.

The emeralds sparkled like drops of captured forest green, that sparkled like drops of like a luminous gem under the soft light of the chandeliers.

"I thought it would suit you," he said, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Her gaze shifted to meet his, and for a moment, there was a hint of seriousness in her expression.

" it seems rather costly" she whispered as she lifted the necklace to get a closer look.

Seemingly able to read her thoughts, Andre's smile softened,

" It reminded me of your eyes" his words hung in the air, causing a moment of stunned silence between them.

Iris's heart raced, and she couldn't help but look down at the emerald necklace in her hands, unsure of how to respond.

"I-I see, your Highness," she stammered, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"May I?" he asked, holding the necklace delicately offering to put it on her.

Iris hesitated for a moment but then nodded, turning around to allow him access to her neck.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she felt the gentle touch of his fingers securing the clasp.

Andre gently turned her around to face him once more. His eyes met hers, and in that moment, there was a silent understanding between them.

Iris stood before Andre, the emerald necklace adorning her neck as a gentle breeze swept through, untying her hair.

He couldn't help but feel captivated by her.

"You look..." Andre's words faltered,

Iris's lips curled into a soft smile, interrupting him.

"Why? Are you stunned?" she teased, her voice laced with playfulness.

"Maybe," Andre admitted, his cheeks slightly tinged with a rosy hue.

The music began to fill the air, pulling them into its rhythm, and without hesitation, Andre extended his hand towards Iris.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

"Of course," she replied, taking his hand with a smile that lit up the night like stars in the sky.

Andre's hand held hers with a gentle yet firm touch, guiding her with ease. His heart beat in time with the rhythm of the music, and he found himself lost in the depths of Iris's eyes.

Andre couldn't resist the temptation to spin her around, his hand found its way around Iris's waist, pulling her closer in a gentle but firm embrace.

Her eyes widened in surprise at the sudden proximity, feeling the warmth of his body against hers.

"I told you I won't give up." Andre whispered softly, his breath tickling her ear.

"I..." Iris started to speak, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she simply looked at him, her eyes searching for answers she couldn't find.

Andre gently released Iris from their dance, and she instinctively curtsied to him, her cheeks tinged with a delicate shade of pink

"Thank you for the dance, Your Highness," she murmured softly.

"The pleasure was all mine, Lady Iris." His eyes never left her as she straightened up, and he noticed the way her blonde hair cascaded down her back, freed from the confines of its earlier elegant tie.

As Iris turned to leave, he couldn't let her go, before she could take another step, he gently reached out and caught her hand, pulling her into an unexpected embrace.

"Your highness, what's wrong?" she asked looking up at him, concerned by the sudden change in his demeanour.

But instead, he simply shook his head and replied, "Nothing, it's nothing. Just... thank you for the dance."

Like the moon among stars, Andre stood out in the palace, with his feelings left unsaid.

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