I mingled with nobles and dignitaries from every corner of the empire, exchanging pleasantries and polite smiles as I navigated the intricate dance of courtly etiquette. Some faces were familiar, while others were strangers whose names I struggled to recall amidst the dizzying array of titles and honorifics.

Throughout it all, Valerian's presence lingered at the edges of my awareness, but every time I would hope to approach him, my way would be blocked by another duke or duchess wanting to introduce me to their daughter. I would do my best to turn them down cordially, remarking that I wanted to focus on settling into my new role before I considered courtship and each time, I would lose sight of Valerian.

As I navigated the crowded ballroom, I found myself drawn to the grand windows that lined one side of the chamber, offering a breathtaking view of the moonlit gardens beyond. I carefully slid outside, glad to be away from the heat and attention of the ballroom.

“It might snow tonight,” I breathed, glancing up to the dark clouds that filled the sky. The air had only been getting colder and colder and I frowned as I considered the time of year. It was almost time for my original birthday, but I wasn’t sure how demons celebrated birthdays. Did they celebrate their original birth, or the day of their rebirth as their demonic birthday?

Lost in my own thoughts, I barely noticed when Valerian approached, his steps silent as a shadow against the backdrop of revelry. It wasn’t until he spoke that I jumped and turned around, my heart thundering my chest.

“Strange for the Crown Prince to run away from his own party,” Valerian teased, his voice carrying a playful lilt that sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't help but smile at his remark, the tension that had coiled within me easing slightly in his presence.

"I needed a moment from the chaos," I confessed, meeting his gaze with a mixture of amusement and relief. "The ballroom can be overwhelming, especially with so many new faces and names."

Valerian leaned against the stone balustrade beside me, his golden eyes still watching me playfully. I fully relaxed as I turned my gaze back to the sky, watching the clouds as they flowed by silently. It was peaceful and I took a deep breath, breathing in the chilly night air 

"Yet, amidst the chaos and the uncertainty, there is still beauty to be found," Valerian said softly, his gaze now fixed on me with an intensity that made my heart flutter. Why was he looking at me like that? I took a slight step back as Valerian stood back up, his smile still on his face as he looked down at me. “I’ve been curious, if you will indulge me, Javier.”

“Wh-what are you curious about?” I stammered, my heart pounding more in my chest. Had he finally pieced together why I had almost stroked his face down in the hidden passage? Why did I always seem so flustered and entranced by his strange presence? His proximity sent a rush of warmth through me, though I fought to maintain composure.

"I'm curious about you," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, yet it resonated within me like a thunderclap in the silence of the night. "There's an air of mystery about you, Javier. Something... intriguing that I can’t quite name.

“I have a feeling,” Valerian stepped toward me again and this time I didn’t move, completely captivated by the expression on his face and the feeling his presence gave me. Why did Valerian feel so different from all the other demons? Why did I feel so lost and enraptured when I was around him? “That you and I are not very different.”

“And what makes you think that?” I managed to whisper, my breath coming out huskier than I meant it to. Valerian’s smile widened and he leaned closer, his face mere inches from mine as my heart leapt into my throat. For a moment, I was certain Valerian was going to kiss me and I certainly wanted him too.

“Because–”

“Javier?” Valerian quickly stepped back from me as we heard Lucilia's voice, and we just barely managed to turn around before she threw open the door, a bright smile on her face. Her hair was mostly messed up, already back to falling in golden curls around her shoulders. “Here you are!”

“I was just stepping out for some air when I ran into Valerian,” I managed, giving the young girl a bright smile as she ran up to me. “Is Father looking for me?”

“No, I am! I wanted to introduce you to my friends!” Luckily grabbed my hand and began to pull me back to the ballroom as I glanced at Valerian. His expression was soft but I noticed the disappointment in his eyes. What had he been about to say? 

“I'll catch up with you later, Valerian,” I tried to look apologetic as Lucilla dragged me back inside, and Valerian’s gaze lingered on me for a moment longer. His eyes held a silent conversation that I couldn’t quite decipher before he nodded, his smile returning, albeit slightly subdued.

"Of course, Javier," Valerian bowed, and with a faint smile playing on my lips, I allowed Lucilla to guide me back into the grand ballroom. Her friends, a lively group of young girls, greeted me with eager enthusiasm, and I quickly found myself surrounded by their older sisters, likely sent after me by their parents who I scorned earlier. 

This is exhausting. I gave all of the girls the same answer I gave their parents, desperately searching for a way I could avoid them. As much as I enjoyed Lucilla’s enthusiasm, she had unknowingly dragged me straight back into a trap and I noticed Aldrin talking to Lady Thalassa a short distance from me.

“Ah Prince Javier,” Lady Thalassa greeted me as I approached them, her eyes shining as I escaped the ladies trying to follow me.

"Good evening, Lady Thalassa, Lord Aldrin," I greeted with a polite nod, grateful for the temporary reprieve from the swarm of eager courtiers. Lady Thalassa's green eyes sparkled in the golden light, although I could still see that she was examining me as she had done that first day in the garden. Lord Aldrin maintained a warm smile, but the way his magic still pricked at me made it feel more like a cold glare. 

"You seem to be quite the center of attention tonight, Prince Javier," she remarked, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. I chuckled softly, though inwardly I longed for a moment of solitude amidst the whirlwind of social obligations. 

"Indeed, it would seem the life of a prince is never lacking in excitement," I replied with a wry twist to my words, earning a nod of agreement from the Lady.

“It is only natural that such fine ladies would want to endear themselves to the new Crown Prince,” Aldrin added, and despite his congenial tone, there was an edge to his words that hinted at a deeper intent. He seemed to be looking me over and I shivered slightly as he continued. “I do find myself curious where you came from.”

“I’m afraid I do not have many memories of my parents,” I answered, giving the story Arlathan had drilled into me. “I am told I was found near Rasu, so I can only imagine I come from one of the human kingdoms.”

“I didn’t know humans could have such a magical appearance,” Aldrin’s voice dripped with contempt and I struggled not to lose my smile. Even if he hated me just for being a demon, why did he care how I looked? 

“Perhaps Javier comes from one of the Arcane Bloodlines,” Lady Thalassa interjected, her smile only hinting at her thoughts. I wasn’t sure if she was defending me or merely trying to make Aldrin back down, but either way I appreciated her help. “He was near the river if I recall, so it’s not impossible.”

“That… would make more sense,” Aldrin admitted, his tone begrudgingly conceding to Lady Thalassa's suggestion. Despite his attempt to maintain a facade of indifference, I could sense the lingering skepticism in his demeanor, as if he were still trying to piece together the puzzle of my origins.

"Regardless of his lineage, Prince Javier's presence is a welcome addition to our court," Lady Thalassa continued diplomatically, gracefully steering the conversation away from the topic of my heritage. “I look forward to your presence during our meetings.”

“Likewise, Lady Thalassa,” I responded with a courteous nod. As the evening wore on, I found myself engrossed in discussions with various members of the court. Despite my initial apprehensions, I discovered that navigating the complexities of courtly life was not as difficult as I thought. It was mostly a matter of smiling and pretending to be interested in what was being said around me and being able to read who was being honest and who was trying to rope me into their schemes. 

I was relieved as the guests finally began to leave, and with a quick apology to Kozani, I nearly ran back to my room. With a heavy sigh, I sank into the plush cushions of the couch, relishing the solitude that enveloped me like a comforting shroud. The grandeur of the event was undoubtedly exhilarating, but the weight of expectations and the relentless scrutiny left me yearning for the quiet sanctuary of my own thoughts.

With a sigh, I stood from the couch, shedding my clothes as I walked over to my bed. No doubt I would have new lessons and duties to attend, now that I was officially known as the Crown Prince and I dreaded what the following day might bring. But for now, I collapsed onto my bed, wanting nothing more than to fall asleep.