𝙱𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚢𝚊𝚕 𝚅𝚎𝚒𝚕

CHAPTER 2

A group of guests interrupts your moment, Prince Eris pulls back slightly as his eyes reluctantly leaving your face for a moment. He switches back to his charming facade, turning to engage in the new conversation.

The moment is broken, but his presence still remains close beside you, his hand discreetly brushing against your back as he responds to some of the guests' inquiries.

The conversation continues for a few moments, the guests seeming unaware of the tension between you and Prince Eris. The ladies in the group are obviously enamored with him, some trying to get his complete attention, and it's quite irritating for you to see the way they simper and bat their eyelashes at him.

He keeps a pleasant smile on his face, but you can see a hint of annoyance flickering in his eyes as he responds to their flattery.

As the conversation progresses, one of the ladies in the group, a beautiful yet vain maiden named Lady Lucidia, practically fawns over Prince Eris. She giggles loudly at his remarks, places her hand on his arm, and even attempts to fix the lapel of his jacket.

You can feel a pang of jealousy watching her paw at him like that. Why does it irritate you so much? You have no claim over him, after all.

Lady Lucidia continues to gush over Prince Eris, her hand still on his arm. She giggles loudly at his responses and makes a show of adjusting his lapel, her touch lingering longer than necessary.

"Oh, Your Highness, you're simply too charming for words! I'm Lady Lucidia." she exclaims, her eyes wide and adoring. "You look absolutely dashing tonight."

Prince Eris keeps a polite smile on his face, though you can see the annoyance in his eyes as Lady Lucidia fawns over him. He responds to her compliments with a gracious tone, but you can tell he's not enjoying the attention.

His hand gently but firmly removes her hand from his lapel, but she doesn't seem to get the hint and continues her attempts at flirtation.

Prince Eris glances at you, noticing your growing irritation. He can sense your annoyance, and a sly smirk tugs at the corner of his lips, as if he's secretly amused by your reaction.

He attempts to change the subject, but Lady Lucidia stubbornly continues to engage him, her eyes constantly flickering back to him as her words become more blatant attempts at flirting.

Lady Lucidia continues her relentless flirting with Prince Eris, her hands lingering too close to his arm as she giggles at his responses.

"Oh, Your Highness, you're simply the most captivating man in the room." she coos, her fingers tracing the edge of his sleeve. "I must say, I've been admiring you all evening."

Prince Eris responds politely, but his patience is wearing thin.

"Ah, thank you Lady Lucicia, I must add, Princess Genevieve looks very captivating as well."

He discreetly tries to create some distance between himself and Lady Lucidia

Lady Lucidia glances at you, her expression momentarily displeased, but she quickly hides her annoyance and turns back to Prince Eris.

"Oh, yes, the princess does look lovely." she says, but her words lack sincerity. "But you're so dashing and handsome tonight, Your Highness. It's difficult to look away."

She attempts to place her hand back on his arm, completely ignoring his previous attempt to distance himself.

You interrupt her, clearly annoyed. "I think it's time we head back into the ball, we have been out here long enough."