How the Abandoned Queen Made That Man Kneel

Chapter 16

"His Majesty the King plans to prevent Miss Kasalyn from entering the ballroom at the entrance of the dance."

Why is he going to such lengths?

Simply disliking the possibility of her encountering Emperor Parnes wasn't a sufficient explanation.

Lost in thought and strolling along a path lined with damp lavender from last night's rain, Kasalyn noticed a large shadow approaching. It was Emperor Parnes, accompanied by his attendants and advisors, seemingly hurrying to the palace to prepare for the ball.

Kasalyn politely stepped aside to let them pass without disturbance.

Just as she thought they would walk by without notice, Parnes slowed down and turned to her.

"Why are you alone here?"

"...Just taking some fresh air. It's nothing important."

"Why so gloomy on a walk?"

Kasalyn, surprised, touched her face gently.

How did he always seem to see right through her? She thought she had responded indifferently, with her usual face.

"It's just a little worry. Please, go on."

"You might think it's your right to be mistaken, but you're overstepping. It bothers me, not just concerns me."

"Excuse me?"

"Seeing a lady about to cry right in my path disturbs my mood. Take responsibility."

"Responsibility? How should I..."

Parnes gazed at her bewilderedly. Her unsteady eyes, frail voice, and slender wrists that seemed they could snap with a bit of pressure.

Why did her usually upright and confident figure seem so shrunken today?

Unconsciously scrutinizing Kasalyn, Parnes crossed his arms without realizing his own thoughts.

"Ladies are said to prepare extensively even for a simple outing. With the ball so near, why are you still in maid's attire?"

"I have personal reasons that make attending the ball difficult."

After a moment of silence, Parnes looked down at Kasalyn, noticeably different in demeanor, and then suddenly started walking, signaling her to follow.

Unable to refuse the Emperor, she followed him to a surprising destination – a dress room.

Parnes gave some instructions to an attendant, who then whispered something to the maids, pointing at Kasalyn.

The maids looked at Kasalyn with curiosity and nodded in understanding.

"Miss Kasalyn, please come this way. We will attend to you."

The maids who were holding men's uniforms now had women's shoes, perfume, and a jewelry box, and bowed respectfully to Kasalyn as if she were a person of high status.

Confused, Kasalyn looked at Parnes with questioning eyes.

"Don't just stand there with wide eyes; follow the maids. They will prepare everything you need."

"Why are you doing all this for me?"

"I don't know what happened to you today, but remember one thing."

Ignoring her question, Parnes turned his head abruptly and said bluntly:

"If you ever appear before me with such a face again, I won't just stand by."

A finely woven pearl necklace encircled Kasalyn's slender neck. The deep blue sapphires, adorning the shoulders of her dress, highlighted her skin with an enigmatic shimmer.