Alaric re-entered the grand banquet hall, the lively atmosphere a stark contrast to the turmoil in his mind. His thoughts were a tangled web of Elias’s mysterious presence and the encounter with Gabriel(heart flactuates). He barely had time to compose himself when a familiar voice interrupted his reverie.
“Alaric,” Prince Lucian called out, his captivating blue eyes locking onto Alaric's. Lucian's presence was magnetic, drawing the attention of everyone around him as he approached. “You look different tonight,” he said, a hint of admiration in his tone. “Quite... captivating.”
Alaric's heart raced at the unexpected compliment. “Thank you, Your Highness,” he replied, struggling to maintain his composure. “You’re too kind.”
Lucian stepped closer, his gaze never wavering. “It’s the truth. There’s something about you tonight that’s... intriguing.” His voice dropped to a lower, more intimate tone. “I find myself wanting to know more about you.”
Before the moment could deepen, they were interrupted by a cheerful voice. “Brother, would you honor me with a dance?” It was Princess Elara, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Lucian’s expression softened as he turned to his sister. “Of course, Elara.” He glanced back at Alaric, his eyes lingering with a hidden intensity. “We’ll continue our conversation later,” he promised before taking Elara’s hand and leading her to the dance floor.
Alaric watched them go, his mind swirling with confusion and a strange sense of longing. As he tried to process his feelings, he noticed someone approaching. It was the shou protagonist, the beautiful ambassador whose arrival had set his heart on edge.
“Hello, Alaric,” the ambassador greeted with a warm smile. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Julian.”
“Alaric,” he replied, forcing a polite smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
They engaged in light conversation, Julian’s charm and eloquence making it easy. However, Julian’s eyes occasionally flicked towards Lucian, Cedric, and Gabriel, a calculating look hidden behind his angelic facade.
“Alaric,” Julian said suddenly, “I couldn’t help but notice how closely you interact with the prince, Duke Cedric, and Father Gabriel. You seem to share quite a bond with them.”
Alaric’s pulse quickened, wary of where this line of questioning was heading. “It’s nothing more than respect and simple conversation,” he said cautiously. “We’re not as close as you might think.”
A flash of something—suspicion, perhaps—crossed Julian’s eyes, quickly masked by his charming smile. “Of course,” he said smoothly. “It’s just that you all seem very... connected.”
Before Alaric could respond, Julian offered a gracious nod. “I must attend to other guests now. It was lovely speaking with you, Alaric.”
With that, Julian moved away, heading towards Elias, who was watching the interaction from a distance. Alaric couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his chest. He had no doubt that Julian’s interest in his relationships with the gongs was far from innocent.
As the banquet drew to a close, Alaric found his father, the Marquise, and together they departed for home. The day had been overwhelming, filled with unexpected encounters and unsettling revelations. As they rode back to the estate, Alaric resolved to remain cautious and vigilant, knowing that the days ahead would bring even more challenges and intrigue.
YOU ARE READING
Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)
Fantasy"Transcending Fate: A Shou's Journey in Medieval Love" In a twist of fate, a beautiful boy is transmigrated into a BL otome game set in medieval Europe. He finds himself in the role of the Marquise's son, a minor villain destined to die at the hands...
