“Why. Was. He. Here?” he said, voice tight with anger.

“He came to escort me here. The maids arranged it— it has nothing to do with me!” I answered, wincing from the pain in my hand where he gripped me.

“So, you could’ve found another man?” he hissed.

Before I could respond, the bell rang. Behind the huge curtains I could already hear murmurs, elegant music, and scattered laughter. The ballroom was alive—waiting.

It was time.

“Now, the King Alexander Dearing and his spouse are entering!!” a voice announced. Trumpets blared and the enormous entrance curtains parted slowly. Light spilled through, bright enough that I had to clutch my eyes shut.

Then came the thunder of voices—aristocrats, dukes’ families, nobles from every corner of the kingdom.

Queen Mother and the former king rose from their thrones and greeted us. Alex and I bowed in return.

We walked toward the centre of the ballroom.

“So, she is the one?”

“Oh! Look, her dress is so stunning!”

Whispers floated around me—some kind, some cutting. Nervousness threaded through my limbs. My body trembled though I tried desperately to hide it.

How I wished Alex, whose arm was linked with mine, would hold my hand… try to calm me down…

Just like Alan used to do.

We reached the centre and began to dance.

“Your heels must not touch my feet this time, my lady,” Alex murmured as he held my waist and turned me.

I swallowed my fear and tried to dance gracefully—

but suddenly my heel brushed his boot.

I froze.

His anger simmered instantly. He stopped moving.

Without giving him a chance to react, I slipped out of his hands and spun twice, eyes closing as I imagined—

as if I was dancing with Alan instead.

“Wow! So beautiful!!” voices gasped as the glitter on my gown caught the light and scattered golden reflections.

I drifted back to Alex.

Or maybe… to Alan in my mind.

And I danced… as if it was him holding me.

Others soon joined with their partners, and the dance ended.

“I didn’t know you could smile this beautifully, my lady,” Alex said.

I snapped back into reality—it was Alex in my arms, not Alan. And I had been smiling unconsciously.

My smile dropped.

I bowed politely, signalling I wished to step away.

“I’ll go talk with others. You can go and enjoy,” he said, releasing my hand and walking off.

I made my way to the refreshment table and picked up a glass of wine. As I lifted it to my lips, a woman suddenly approached with her own glass.

“Greetings, my lady. I see you really look so beautiful today—!”

She stumbled—no, acted as if she stumbled—her drink tilted straight toward my dress.

I froze. My dress—Alan’s chosen dress—would be ruined.

But before the wine could touch me, an arm pulled me aside.

“I think the lady is fine…?” said a familiar voice.

Alan.

My eyes flew open. Of course he was here—my personal knight.

But fear gripped my chest. Alex punished him so easily… anything involving Alan triggered his fury.

Alan had clearly noticed the woman’s fake stumble. He was seconds away from drawing his sword.

I had to take control.

“How dare you?!” I said sharply, stepping forward.

I pushed Alan gently aside. This situation—I would handle it myself.

“What do you mean?” she said shamelessly.

“You tried to ruin my dress?! And you dare ask me what I mean?!” my voice was calm but deadly serious.

“Huh?! I didn’t! I just stumbled! Now that you’ve become ‘high class’ because of the Queen doesn’t mean you’re the same as them. You’re still lower than us!” she sneered.

“Really?” I stepped forward slowly.

“I’m His Majesty’s fiancée. That makes me almost part of the royal family. And you do know what the punishment is for trying to ruin the royal family’s reputation… right?”

She swallowed.

“You will meet your ancestors,” I whispered in her ear.

Her face drained of all colour.

“If you don’t want that… apologize. Now.”

“I–I apologize… my lady!” she stammered, red with embarrassment.

“Good.” I said, satisfaction settling in my chest.

When I looked at Alan, he wore a proud expression.

Warmth bloomed inside me—

but I couldn’t stay near him. Not with Alex watching somewhere.

I slipped away to the balcony to breathe.

But Alan followed.

“Why are you following me, Alan?!” I turned sharply.

“I’m here because I am your knight,” he said calmly, even though I had yelled.

“But can’t I have alone time?! Just leave me!” I snapped.

“I’m sorry, my lady, but I can’t. I vowed to be your knight and protect you. And alone is when danger is highest.”

“…Ha.” I sighed, turning toward the cold balcony railing and placing my hands on it.

“Why can’t you understand, Alan? He doesn’t like you. If you stay close to me like this, it will only hurt me and… you.”

“I won’t be as close as before,” he said softly, “but I have to stay with you.

…But if you want privacy right now, I’ll close the doors and wait outside for you.”