The room fell into an eerie silence, growing colder by the moment as everyone anxiously awaited the prince's decision on what punishment poor Celena would face for her failure to bow before the crown. They were all too familiar with Michiya's reputation as ruthless and cold, molded by the king himself to hide his emotions from a young age. He was often confined to his office, burdened with royal obligations that kept him isolated. He embodied the saying "at the drop of a hat," always ready to act. His people revered and feared him for his unmatched perfection in every aspect of his life—except when it came to matters of the heart. It was precisely this deviation from perfection that left the onlookers speechless as they observed the charged scene unfolding before them.
Michiya cleared his throat, his gaze shifting between Celena and Falena, his stormy eyes locked in a silent battle with him. Their unspoken messages conveyed a clash of wills, each vying for dominance with nothing but the intensity of their stares.
Not missing a beat, Michiya turned away from Falena and leaned in closer to Celena, whispering in her ear. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, a mix of fear and embarrassment coursing through her veins.
"Happy Birthday, Celena," he murmured softly, his lips gently brushing against her forehead. Gasps rippled through the crowd as the atmosphere grew even more charged. Michiya glanced at Falena, noticing the anger simmering in his blond eyes, his clenched jaws, and tightly clenched fists. Without wasting another moment, Falena sneered at Svan, his voice dripping with disdain, "It's nice to see you enjoying my position " Svan offered no reaction, which only deepened Falena's steely glint. He abruptly left the room, casting a venomous glare in Fill's direction, causing the latter to inwardly shudder and avert his gaze.
Amid the chaos, Celena felt a whirlwind of emotions. She was panicking, her lips twitched in annoyance, and She couldn't help but mock Michiya for being a show-off and a troublemaker.
"And here's your gift," Michiya declared, presenting Celena with a spear. The pointed end of the weapon aimed towards her face, she couldn't help but feel a wave of trepidation wash over her. Sensing her unease, Michiya quickly adjusted the blade, causing the guards to tense up in alarm.
"Apologies."
Michiya swiftly turned the weapon around, offering it to Celena with the handle facing her. Her eyes widened in delight as she accepted the gift, her hands enveloping the solid metallic frame of the lance. The weight and craftsmanship of the weapon impressed her, especially the intricate jewels embedded along its length, adding a touch of elegance to the imposing weapon.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Celena couldn't contain her excitement. "Oh my gosh! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" she exclaimed, hugging the spear tightly and noticing a subtle gleam in Michiya's eyes. Svan approached, clearly baffled by Celena's enthusiastic response to the prince's unconventional gift. In the days leading up to the event, they had tirelessly searched for a suitable present, and Svan had attempted to dissuade Michiya from gifting her a weapon, believing it was unsuitable for a girl. However, Michiya remained steadfast in his decision. As Svan handed Celena a fancy chest, Kale swooped in, swiftly taking the spear from her grasp. Grace had entrusted him with the task, considering Celena's near exhaustion. Celena whined playfully but then opened the box, half-expecting yet another accessory. To her surprise, it contained a brush.
"You, girl, need to take care of your hair," Svan commented, crossing his arms.
''Sure...thanks." Celena glanced at the brush, her eyes rolling in a sarcastic display of disinterest, prompting a scoff from Svan. With the gift-giving now concluded, Celena was thankful, and that was the cue for her to leave; however, when she saw Michiya extending his hand toward her after Svan stepped away, she couldn't help but wonder what he wanted.
"I hope you've reserved your first dance for your hus—I mean, fiancé?" Michiya inquired, raising an eyebrow. The crowd was once again taken aback, and Svan silently celebrated the numerous times he had corrected Michiya on the proper way to address Celena.
'This guy is unbelievable!' Celena inwardly cursed, her brows furrowing in a mixture of exasperation and confusion.
As they took to the dance floor, the lively music from the orchestra engulfed them. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a grand ballroom, with Celena desperately trying not to step on Michiya's impeccably polished boots. The potential embarrassment and snickers from the onlookers were enough to make her dance with the utmost caution, as they were the sole couple gracing the floor while the rest of the crowd watched from the sides. Celena kept her head down, her focus solely on the steps as if she were taking an important exam, paying little attention to Michiya.
"My eyes are up here, Lenny," Michiya teased, interrupting Celena's concentrated state. Her eyes widened at the unexpected nickname, her cheeks flushing at the closeness of their faces.
"Finally got your attention?" he quipped, twirling her gracefully. Celena caught a fleeting glimpse of a smile on Michiya's face before it disappeared.
"Why are you so focused? Are you afraid of stepping on me?" Michiya asked, his gaze fixed on her.
Celena nodded in response, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "I don't want to ruin your boots," she admitted, her voice filled with a mix of concern and self-consciousness.
Michiya chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Don't worry about the boots. They're just material possessions. What matters is if you're enjoying yourself," he reassured her, his eyes filled with genuine warmth.
Celena considered his words, realizing that she had been so preoccupied with not making a misstep that she had forgotten to simply enjoy the moment. "You're right," she admitted with a sheepish smile. "I should loosen up a bit."
With their understanding now established, they continued their dance, moving in synchrony to the enchanting melody. As they twirled and glided across the dance floor, Celena's initial nervousness gave way to a growing sense of exhilaration. The crowd watched in awe, their murmurs fading into the background as Celena and Michiya commanded their attention.
Throughout the dance, Michiya maintained a solid yet gentle hold on Celena, guiding her effortlessly. His steady presence and skillful movements filled her with newfound confidence, allowing her to relax and immerse herself in the dance. The worries and expectations of the onlookers faded away, leaving only the enchanting music and the captivating connection between Celena and Michiya.
As the final notes of the melody resonated through the room, their dance came to an end. Celena's heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and contentment, a smile gracing her lips. She looked up at Michiya, meeting his intense gaze.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
Michiya returned her smile, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of something deeper. "You're welcome, Celena," he replied softly. "I'm glad we had this dance."
Just as the moment between them grew more intimate, Michiya broke the spell by speaking. "By the way, your spear training starts at 5 a.m. tomorrow. I'll pick you up at 4," he announced matter-of-factly.
Celena's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Excuse me, what?" she exclaimed, stunned into silence as Michiya left her standing on the dance floor. Kale quickly came to her rescue, guiding her away to allow other guests their turn.
'No way in hell is she going to wake up that early.'
As the event gradually came to a close, the guests began to depart one by one. Celena seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed, darting into her room. Exhaustion washed over her, the chaotic events of the evening leaving her without a proper meal. Her family attended to the remaining visitors, offering apologies on her behalf.
The next morning, Kale found himself begrudgingly awake, clad in his nightgown, as he sat at a desk, sipping his morning coffee. The peaceful silence was shattered by insistent knocking on the door. Opening it, he was met with the sight of Svan and Michiya standing outside, Kale's eyes fixed on the clock. Grumbling about the ungodly hour, Kale reluctantly let them in, leading them to Celena's chamber, as Michiya had requested.
Upon entering the room, both Svan and Michiya expected to find Celena prepared and waiting, her luggage neatly arranged alongside her. However, this being Celena they were dealing with, they were met with a different sight. Celena lay sprawled on her bed, face planted into the pillow, seemingly oblivious to their presence.
"Is she even breathing?" Svan asked warily, his eyes narrowing with concern.
"Oh, just deal with it," Kale grumbled, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.
Michiya approached the bed, studying Celena intently. "She looks like a lifeless body washed up on the shore," he observed.
''Just to let you know, she's stubborn when we wake her up. Especially at this hour! and I told the maids last night to change her attire in case you took her early, But I didn't think it would be this early! " Kale whined, leaning into the doorframe, arms crossed.
As Michiya was ready to pick her up like a sack of potatoes, Svan inspected her room for Celena to be comfortable in the castle.
"She drools in her sleep, your highness." At that, Michiya froze in place, his arms just above Celena's hanging, glancing at Kale, who smirked. Michiya-Eyed Svan
"Take her, Svan," Michiya commanded as he stood in a hurry.
"Pa-Pardon?! Wh-why me?'' Svan complained, paling.
"I don't would not want spit on my clothes," Michiya said, brows knitted.
"An-and you think I would?! This garment was specifically costumed into my fit! I waited days for tailors to finish this craftsmanship, and it's expensive!" Svan staggered thinly.
"More expensive than mine?" Michiya challenged, raising one eyebrow.
"..."
"Wait, Did you just brag at me, Your Majesty?"
"..."
Kale snickered at their interactions, offering help. He held Celena in a piggyback, who silently snorted and went out of the room. The maids who were woken up followed, carrying her luggage. With the group assembled, they made their way to the exit where Fill and Grace stood, dressed formally in contrast to Kale's nightgown-clad appearance. Grace wasted no time in embracing the slumbering Celena, showering her with kisses on the forehead, her touch filled with love and concern. Fill, his expression downcast and troubled gently patted Celena's head.
Kale stepped forward, ready to bid his farewell. He leaned in, pressing a kiss on Celena's cheek, but Michiya's hand on his shoulder halted him.
"No wife of mine will receive a kiss from another boy," Michiya declared, his voice laced with possessiveness.
While Svan mindlessly mutters "future wife" beside him.
"I'm her brother."
"Still a No"
Kale sighed, shaking his head. He leaned in closer to Michiya, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper. "If you make her cry, Michiya, I won't hesitate to take her back from you," he warned.
For a brief moment, their eyes locked in a deadly stare, the tension palpable. Blond clashed with blue as their gazes locked in a battle of wills. Finally, Michiya closed his eyes and nodded in silent agreement. Kale stepped back, patting Michiya's shoulder in a gesture of understanding.
"Take good care of her, brother-in-law," Kale said, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he winked.
He then turned his attention to Fill and Grace, conveying his gratitude and determination to protect Celena. With that, he walked away, making his way toward the waiting carriage accompanied by only a minimal number of guards.
Once inside the carriage, Michiya cradled Celena in his arms, her head tucked beneath his chin, a contented smile on his face which slowly turned into a thin one. He muttered to himself, his words barely audible
"I'm sorry"
Svan, seated in front of him, turned to Michiya, a questioning expression on his face. "What was that, Your Majesty?"
Michiya's gaze never left Celena as he leaned his head against the window. " it's Nothing..." he responded, his voice cold and devoid of any emotion.
"ah...yes, of course," Svan absentmindedly agreed with him, his face full of doubt. The silence then continued.
When Celena woke up in a different room, She thought of Kale first, wondering why he hadn't woken her up; she was sure someone had kidnapped her! Well, at least the guy who took her was loaded! and on the day Michiya was supposed to take her to the castle! The room was very exquisite! There's a fancy chandelier, a very big closet, a vanity table, a bed that is very soft and fluffy to the touch, and best of all; there's a balcony! which she didn't have before. Those happy thoughts were instantly crushed, though, when Michiya casually walked into the room while she was stretching.
"If you need me, Svan is always available," Michiya stated in a detached tone, his eyes cool and distant as he pointed towards the table where a bell sat.
"Just ring the bell, and he will come to your aid. Since it's your first time here in the castle, Svan can take you on a tour to familiarize yourself with the architecture and ensure you don't get lost."
Celena nodded, sensing the icy demeanor in Michiya's words. She couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine. "Thank you, Michiya. I'll make sure to reach out if I need anything."
A brief flicker of something unreadable passed through Michiya's eyes before he averted his gaze. "Very well," he responded curtly, his tone devoid of warmth. "I expect you to be ready for your training tomorrow at 5 a.m. That is all for now. I'll be in my office."
As she watched Michiya walk away, Celena couldn't help but wonder about the prince's coldness. It was as if his emotions were locked away, shielded from the world. The contrast between his reputation as a ruthless and emotionless leader and the unexpected moments of tenderness she had witnessed perplexed her.
Gathering her thoughts, Celena turned her attention to the bell on the table. She knew she would have to rely on Svan for guidance and support in this unfamiliar castle, as Michiya seemed distant and unapproachable.
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