Engaged to the Prince

Katie pulled back, her eyes widening in surprise. The Queen’s smile remained, expecting Katie to just go with it. The princess glanced at Alexander. He didn’t look surprised at all. Was she the only one who didn’t know? Realizing the casual expression on her face was broken, she promptly corrected it and plastered on a smile.“The official announcement will be three days from now so you have time to warm up to each other until then,” ,” the Queen turned to the King of Anatolia, dismissing the topic then and there. “Come Alaster, I must show you the book you requested to see!” Her aunt waved goodbye, dragging the King of Anatolia away, leaving her and Alexander alone.Alexander crossed his arms over his chest, shaking his head in disbelief. “They’re oddly casual.”“That would be good, isn’t it?” she faced him. “At least they still have their friendly side intact. It’s

Katie felt her knees weaken and she leaned against the threshold to the closet to keep herself from collapsing on the floor. She clawed at the fabric on her chest, feeling her chest tighten, making it difficult for her to breathe. As her breathing became quickened and shallow, she could feel herself start to get lightheaded. Arden rushed to her side and made her sit on one of the chairs.“Alright, Katie, I need you to breathe slowly, okay?” Arden told her, demonstrating what she should do.Following his demonstration, Katie fixed her eyes on Arden, the gentleness in his eyes calming her heart. After a few deep breaths, Katie felt calmer and was able to think clearly again. Arden glanced inquiringly at her and she nodded, unable to hold back a faint smile.“Why are you smiling?” Arden muttered, resisting the urge to smile as well.“It’s just… with how much you distance yourself from me from time to time, it’

On the way to the ballroom, King Alaster stopped Alexander in the foyer. The prince tilted his head quizzically. Knowing his father was never a fan of being late at a social event and that they were already running late, Alexander found his father’s behavior highly unusual.“We never had a chance to talk ever since we got here,” his father said, his tender voice always taking over when he talked to Alexander. “I’m sorry if I can’t always give you what you want.”Alexander’s jaw clenched. “I gave up a real connection ever since I realized my responsibilities. You know where my priorities lie now.”“That’s what I’m worried about,” Alaster sighed. “I was hoping you would retaliate a bit, but I guess I’m thankful that you’re doing what’s best for the kingdom. Aelysia is a large, wealthy kingdom with a strong influence over other countries. Being associated wit

In the morning, after Katie’s lectures in the library, she was left behind by her tutor to self-study. In the silence of the library, the creaking of the large doors opening almost sounded deafening.“Sneak attack!”Every instinct to survive kicked in and she jumped back from her chair, colliding with another table behind her. A heavy broadsword fell upon the table, bouncing on the thick books but it didn’t fail to leave a mark. She jumped over the table and her pursuer did the same. The figure chased her around the library, flipping over tables and chairs, and dropping books left and right. Katie ran toward the door and her pursuer pounced, reaching the door first, blocking the way out. Immediately, the person raised the sword over his head and sliced it downward. Katie crouched down, her hands over her head, and expected the dull sword to crack her head in two. After a few seconds, nothing came.Arden’s laugh echoed in the library

A week passed and the dance practice always carried on until late in the night. At the end of each lesson, the students would always request more time to practice in the studio so the instructors would leave first. With how much Arden had stuck with Katie before this week, Alexander wondered why he was nowhere to be found now. Ever since Katie came back from her walk with Arden clutching her bruised arm, he had never seen him around the palace again. Katie had discussed her injury with no one, hiding it with bandages until it eventually faded. The day before the dance, Alexander finally saw Arden in the palace, walking out of the Queen’s study, holding a folder full of papers. Alexander turned toward the stairs, but after a silent argument with himself, spun sharply on his heel and darted toward Arden.  The young doctor noticed him and furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “What?” Arden asked, mildly irritated. “You were gone for a whole week. Why?