The Invisible Prince

Chapter 57 - Guarded Glances (Part 4)

Arien and Arjen's POV

Arjen hung his head low, his hands gripping his pants so tightly that the fabric strained under his hold. Though it didn't tear, his frustration was unmistakable to everyone in the room, except Eiji.

"What? Why?" Eiji exclaimed, his voice ringing with disbelief. "Is it because you're nervous? I'll escort you inside!"

Arjen flinched, his body trembling. Beside him, Arien mirrored his reaction, her fingers curling into fists at her sides.

'A social debut... I don't want that at all.'
'All the nobles we've met have been...'

Painful memories surged in their minds. The cold disdain in their voices, the cruel comments, and Rurahel's venomous words, all telling them they were better off dead. Every noble they had encountered had said something similar, without fail.

The room fell into an uneasy silence. From the corner of his eye, Arjen noticed Arden shifting awkwardly in his chair, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

The emperor cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Judging by your reactions, I assume this idea doesn't appeal to you."

"That's..." Arien started to speak, but her soft voice was cut off by Lloyd's interjection.

"Father, couldn't you have phrased that more gently? These children are delicate and sensitive. Saying things so bluntly might scare them."

"..."

Arien's voice trembled as she finally spoke. "I... I don't want to meet anyone. People are scary."

Arden nodded in agreement. "I don't like crowded spaces..."

The emperor studied their expressions for a moment before sighing in resignation. "Very well. I'll postpone the party. For now, that is."

The triplets let out a collective sigh of relief, tension easing from their bodies at the reprieve from facing the nobles who saw them as little more than vermin. Arden, meanwhile, allowed himself a small smile, comforted by the thought that he had, in some small way, helped his siblings.

[298 words]