Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)

Accusations and First Kiss

The party was in full swing, Alaric talked with amny ladies and nobels,but Alaric couldn't shake the uneasy feeling creeping up his spine. He stood by the refreshment table, trying to compose himself as he took a sip from his glass. Just then, a familiar presence loomed beside him.

"Enjoying the party?" Crown Prince Elias's voice was smooth and low, sending a shiver down Alaric's spine.

Alaric turned, finding himself face-to-face with Elias. His heart skipped a beat. "Yes, Your Highness," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Please, call me Elias," the prince said, his eyes never leaving Alaric's face. "We met under such informal circumstances, after all."

Alaric nodded, feeling a strange tension in the air. "Elias," he whispered, the name feeling foreign yet familiar on his tongue.

Elias's gaze was intense, his golden eyes seeming to pierce right through Alaric. He took a step closer, closing the distance between them. Alaric felt his breath hitch, a mixture of confusion and something else swirling within him.

"You are even more beautiful up close," Elias murmured, his fingers lightly brushing against Alaric's hand. "Like a delicate flower in a garden of thorns."

Before Alaric could respond, a sharp voice cut through the moment. "Alaric," Lucian called out, his tone firm but tinged with concern.

Alaric turned, relieved to see Lucian approaching. "Lucian," he said, his voice trembling slightly.

Lucian's eyes narrowed as he looked at Elias. "Is there a problem here, Your Highness?" he asked, his tone polite but with an edge.

Elias smiled, a predatory glint in his eyes. "Not at all, Prince Lucian. We were just getting acquainted."

Lucian stepped closer to Alaric, positioning himself protectively between him and Elias. "I see," he said coolly. "Well, if you’ll excuse us, we have other guests to attend to."

Elias's smile didn't waver, but his eyes flickered with something dark. "Of course. Enjoy the party."

As they walked away, Lucian leaned in close to Alaric, his voice a low whisper. "Are you alright?"

Alaric nodded, still feeling the lingering effect of Elias's presence. "Yes, thank you."

The tension in the grand hall continued to rise as more guests began to murmur as   Lady Mariel’s necklace was lost ,Julian, with a falsely innocent expression, made his way to a group of nobles and began to speak in hushed tones, ensuring that his words carried across the room.

“I hate to bring this up, but has anyone else noticed the sudden disappearance of Lady Mariel’s necklace?” Julian said, his voice laced with feigned concern. “It was a family heirloom, very valuable. She mentioned it was last seen when she was speaking with Alaric.”

A noblewoman gasped, her eyes widening in shock. “Are you suggesting that Alaric...?”

Julian held up his hands in a placating gesture. “I’m not suggesting anything. But it’s quite the coincidence, isn’t it? Such a precious item vanishing right after a conversation with him.”

The whispers grew louder, and soon enough, a few of the guests approached Alaric and Lucian with pointed accusations.

“Alaric, is it true that you were the last to speak with Lady Mariel before her necklace disappeared?” one of them demanded.

Alaric’s eyes widened in confusion and fear. “I... I don’t know anything about a necklace. I swear I didn’t take it.”

Another guest stepped forward, their tone harsher. “Why should we believe you? You’re an outsider here, and already people are talking about you as if you’re something special. Maybe you thought you could just take whatever you wanted.”