All Chapters of The Dark Dragon Prince : Chapter 21 - Chapter 23

DIANAAeris.He was standing casually by the pillar at my side with his arms crossed. He looked far too amused for someone who had just appeared out of nowhere in a crowded stadium.“Aeris!” I exhaled, relief hitting me so fast it almost embarrassed me. “What are you doing here?”He gave me a lazy grin. "I merely came to check if you were still among the living or if you had already been eaten alive by these palace predators. Though looking at you now, it seems my worries were unnecessary."A radiant smile spread across my face. I was happy to see a familiar face in this nest of vipers that I instinctively reached my hand out to grab his hand, then I caught myself.Unnecessary physical contact between a man and woman who were not married was considered highly inappropriate and shameful. Aeris laughed, shaking his head. "Oh, please do not embarrass yourself further, Your Highness."I frowned. “I wasn’t-”“You were,” he interrupted me with grin. “There's no need to worry about the cou

DIANAThe ache in my chest refused to ease. It only got worse.I couldn't just sit here anymore. I couldn't sit under the suffocating weight of those eyes while the court played their petty political games around me.Trying to maintain every ounce of my etiquette training, I rose to my feet."Your Highness?" Sarah’s voice immediately drifted from behind me. Beside her, Mina looked at me with worry. "What's wrong? Are you unwell?"I turned to them, forcing a smile on my face. "I am going back to the palace. I feel lightheaded.""We will accompany you, Princess," Mina said quickly, already reaching to gather her skirt to follow me."No," I countered, my voice soft but unyielding. I placed my hand on Mina’s arm to stop her. "Stay. Both of you. Enjoy the competition."They blinked at me in surprise."We have been locked away in Volkar for over a month," I murmured. "You both could use a little fun. Consider it an order."Before they could protest further, I walked to the center of the pa