"I would rather embrace the hand of death than hold yours," Jullian murmured, his voice laced with sharpness and his eyes betraying a hidden fear, no matter how hard he tried to conceal it.
Delrune's steps were measured, calmly striding towards Jull...
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He stayed quiet, keeping the encounter to himself, locked away in a silent vault.
16 years later.
Jullian's palms rubbed together, sweaty with nerves, as he took a deep breath and picked up a glass of rich, red wine.
Banquets were never his favorite thing.
If it was just a simple banquet, where he had to put on a fake smile and greet kings from different kingdoms, he could handle it.
But having to give a major speech to officially become the crown prince? That was a whole different story.
Just then, a girl in a breathtaking gown that flowed like moonlit silk approached him. "Hey there, Jullian," she said, her voice soft and melodic.
Jullian blinked, surprised to see his fiancée, Raisel. Seeing her was the last thing he wanted.
Yes, fiancée. They were engaged, or rather, forced into an engagement.
It wasn't that Jullian hated Raisel. He just despised being forced into anything, even if it was something he might have loved otherwise.
Jullian despised being forced, but he didn't hate Raisel.
However, it was clear to Jullian and everyone else that they weren't a good match.
They lacked chemistry and looked more like siblings than a couple. Maybe it was their matching snowy hair, their similar height, or their matching blue eyes. Something just didn't feel right.
Raisel cleared her throat before speaking. "You know, Jullian, the Queen told me that we have to dance together before your speech,"
Jullian couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Do we really have to?"
"Your mother said so, I think we have to," Raisel blinked, her expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and reluctance.
Jullian sighed, his gaze fixed on the dance floor.
The dance floor was a magical space, adorned with twinkling lights that cast a warm, enchanting glow. Couples gracefully moved in sync, their bodies swaying and twirling like poetry in motion. The room was filled with the sound of laughter and the rhythmic beat of the music, everyone looking so cheerful.
But Jullian wasn't.
The feeling in his chest was so heavy, it wouldn't let him enjoy this.
So many people, just too many people.
He had to give a speech in front of a large crowd.
