Axel
The mid-year party was in full swing. Music played in the background, setting the mood for celebration, but to me, it was nothing more than noise—distant, irritating.
Nothing beyond that.
I had already done my duty—acknowledged the elders, exchanged empty pleasantries, and offered a few words of wisdom to the warriors who had recently risen in rank. But now, I was trapped.
Surrounded by a cluster of noblewomen who reeked of desperation and expensive perfume.
Ever since Nina had made our supposed engagement public, the women had taken it as a challenge—thinking they still had a chance.
It was pathetic and exhausting.
"It's shocking, really," Beatrix purred, tilting her head, her sharp gaze laced with jealousy. "We thought you weren’t the type to settle down, yet Nina managed to—how should I say it?—
