BOUND BY ROYALTY

CHAPTER 11

Ben carefully adjusted the collar of my suit, his hands smoothing out the fine fabric with precision. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, feeling a small knot of anxiety begin to tighten in my chest. The empire's anniversary celebration was one of the grandest events of the year, and tonight, every eye would be on me.

"Your Highness, you look magnificent," Ben murmured, stepping back to admire his work.

I barely nodded, my thoughts scattered. The suit, a deep midnight blue with intricate silver embroidery, hugged my frame perfectly. It was regal but understated, until the light caught the silver threads, causing them to shimmer like stars in the night sky. The outfit was daring in its elegance, something I hadn't worn before. I felt both powerful and vulnerable in it, as if the fabric itself demanded attention.

Just as Ben was adjusting the final touches, the door to my chambers opened, and Aleron stepped inside. I turned to see him, and the look on his face caught me off guard. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening as they swept over me.

"Lucian..." he began, his voice filled with disbelief. "You... look... stunning."

Aleron, rarely one to be at a loss for words, stood there for a moment, seemingly flabbergasted. His eyes roved over my suit, taking in the shimmering details, the cut of the fabric, and the way it accentuated my form. There was a flicker of something in his gaze, pride, admiration, maybe even desire.

I felt my cheeks warm under his intense stare. "It's just a suit," I said, my voice softer than I intended, trying to downplay the effect it seemed to have on him.

Aleron shook his head, stepping closer. "No, it's not 'just a suit.' You look... like you were made for this night. Like royalty in the truest sense."

I smiled, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease ever so slightly. Aleron always knew how to make me feel like I belonged, even when I doubted myself. He reached out, gently taking my hand in his.

"Shall we?" he asked, his tone warmer now, his earlier surprise fading into a soft smile.

We stepped into the grand hall together, Aleron's hand resting lightly on my back as we walked side by side. The moment we entered, all conversation seemed to pause, eyes turning to us, to me. The chandeliers above sparkled like a thousand diamonds, casting soft, golden light across the room. The hall was a sea of nobles, glittering in their finest attire, but tonight, I felt as if I were the one who truly commanded attention.

I could feel their gazes, the whispers starting the moment we passed. There was a weight to it, the kind of attention that was both awe and envy. I wasn't used to this, to being the center of such admiration. But tonight... tonight I felt different.

I felt powerful.

Aleron's presence at my side grounded me, his hand never straying far, as if to silently remind everyone of who I was, and whom I belonged to. He leaned in slightly, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

"You're the epitome of beauty tonight," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "Let them all see it."

I lifted my chin, letting the confidence I borrowed from Aleron fill me. We moved through the hall as if we owned it, and for tonight, I believed we did.

Every glance, every murmured word of admiration felt like a confirmation of something I had struggled to accept. I was more than just the prince consort. I was Lucian.

Aleron was right there, his presence calming me even as I took in the glances, the admiring looks... and the whispers.

We made our way through the hall, and I clung to the sense of security Aleron provided. Everything felt stable, perfect, until I felt a gaze that cut through the crowd, sharper than any I'd felt tonight. My heart twisted in recognition before I even saw him.