Crowned In Thorns

2. The Beginning of Charades

As he began to walk away, she just watched his back with thoughts and longing. As her sister walked towards her and passed him. Her sister gave her a curious glare.

"Kalyna." Her sister whispered, eyeing Aurelius's retreating figure. "What were you talking about with the prince?" Her hand brushed against her, seeking a response.

"Nothing." She shook her head as she caressed his sister's hand over hers. She can't help but ponder about the crown prince's offer. A marriage? That's so sudden yet she can feel the chemistry between them earlier. It's different from her recent potential matches.

"We can go now, we can't miss your wedding." She said as she smiled sweetly to her younger sister.

As the wedding commenced, Aurelius watched from a distance. His gaze was filled with a mixture of deep longing and a hint of melancholy. His eyes remained fixed on her, as if he was attempting to imprint this moment in his heart. The ceremony passed in a blur, and soon the festivities began.

As night fell, the lively atmosphere of the grand ballroom filled the air. The dance floor was adorned with an intricate arrangement of lights and candles, while the melodious song of musicians filled the room with a romantic ambiance.

Kalyna held her gaze at the couples dancing at their own wedding. While she stood in the corner of the ballroom as her father walked towards her. "My dear, why are you standing here, all alone?"

Her father's voice broke the trance that had settled over her. He stood beside her, a gentle smile on his face as he watched the couples dancing. "The night is still young, is there no dance partner you have set your eyes on? Not even for a simple dance?"

"Father, you know well that I don't fancy these things." She chuckled to herself as she sipped a drink from her glass.

He sighed, taking a sip of his own drink. "I know you're not the social type, my dear, but it doesn't hurt to dance from time to time. After all, we must maintain appearances, for the good of our family and the empire, you understand." His eyes twinkled mischievously as he nudged her playfully. "Besides, it might be interesting to see how many suitors dare to approach the fierce princess tonight."

"Ah please, retire me from your stubbornness, my dear father." She rolled her eyes as she chuckled. "I know too well that you pulled me here with another purpose."

He returned her chuckle with a playful wink. "So you have seen through my intentions, my clever daughter. You know me too well."

He took another sip of his drink, his eyes glinting with mischief. "The truth is, I've invited several lords and their sons to the ball tonight, hoping they would catch your eye. But alas, you are as elusive as ever. Perhaps it is time you consider a suitor, my dear?"

She unconsciously thought of Aurelius and their exchange in the library. It weighed differently than the airhead suitors she met. She held her glass firmly trying to hide her annoyance from him. "Father, I already told you that I do not want to get marrie—"

As she was about to respond, a figure stepped forward. Her eyes widened as she noticed the dark-haired, piercing-eyed figure before her.

"Princess Kalyna," Prince Aurelius spoke with a formal but warm smile, his eyes flicking briefly to her father before returning to her. "Would you honor me with this dance?"

Aurelius extended his hand, his eyes filled with a mix of hope, expectation, and perhaps even a touch of desperation.

Her gaze momentarily fell to her father and Aurelius. "I-I—" she was about to protest as her father took her hand unto Prince Aurelius. Her father chuckled with amusement, noticing the flicker of emotions in her eyes. He pushed her toward Aurelius gently.