ＸＩＩ　

Mercie looked around carefully as she reached the great hall, finding a lot of people enjoying their time at the party. It seemed that the Prince hasn't chosen a consort yet. Because if he did, the party would've ended. Mercie sighed in relief, and straighten her back. A cunning smile formed in her lips as she walked in. She also glanced around, trying to find her parents. If she's caught, she probably won't be able to go anywhere for a whole year. She walked to the sidewalls, trying to blend in.

"!" her eyes spotted Prince Lucean in the middle of the room, surrounded by several people.

She wanted to go there, but she's afraid that her parents are maybe around that crowd. She bit her bottom lip, trying to gain courage. She gulped, waiting for a moment where the Prince will be alone.

"Cover your face, Young Master!"

"I know- ack, you're stepping on my toes!"

"Shh!"

Mercie glanced annoyedly at the commotion. Her eyes squinted when she found someone familiar. Then, her eyes grow wide.

"B-Brahms?" she mumbled, finding Brahms and Esma walking on the sidewalls as well. 'How did they get here so fast?!' she thought, glaring at her brother. She clenched her fists, but then her fists relaxed. Her face darkened as she thought of something that will ruin her brother.

.

.

.

"We're going to be beheaded, I'm going to be thrown in prison for defied my master's orders," Esma mumbled behind me. I rolled my eyes as I leaned on the wall while crossing my arms.

"You're overreacting. Look at this Esma! this is great. Don't you think coming to this party is worth it?" I asked, playfully push my elbow onto her arms. Esma only glared at me. I whistled innocently as if I'm not affected by her death glares.

"Only for ten minutes, and then we're leaving," Esma sighed, sitting next to me while observing the area.

"Deal,"

While hanging out by the wall where not many people would pay any attention to, my eyes wandered elsewhere. Unconsciously I'm trying to find those piercing grey eyes and that rave hair. Prince Lucean. He said he'll meet me today, in this very party. My heart started to beat a little bit faster by the thought of meeting the Prince. Ugh, I'm acting like a teenage girl falling in love.

"Brahms Cottingham—!"

Suddenly, I heard a high-pitched voice calling out my name from the distance. My body froze in shock.

"Brahms?"

"Who's shouting that?"

"Brahms Cottingham? the beautiful boy who's sick?"

I heard whispers suddenly emerged from both sides. I gulped, then glanced at Esma who's looking at me with fear in her eyes. Then I noticed that several people spotted me, whispering, then nodding their heads at me as if they're pleased to meet me. I looked around, trying to find who's this girl that created unwanted attention for me.

"Brahms!"

I flinched when I heard a familiar voice. It's— father.

"Err, hey," I mumbled in panic, when I saw mom and dad walked towards me with surprised expression.

Oh crap.

"Brahms, how—" mom grabbed my shoulders, then she looked at Esma who's lowering her head. "Esma?" she whispered in disbelief. Esma visibly flinched, then lower her head even more.

"I-I apologize," she said quietly.

Dad sighed harshly, then massaging his temple. He looked around, realizing that I created attention, based on the eyes that fell onto me. Dad looked at me filled with disappointment.

"Let's go, we're going home," my heart sank as dad said. My shoulders slumped down as I pouted my lips. Mom grabbed my wrist, sighing and started to walk first, dragging me with her. I sighed, lowering my eyes sadly. I glanced to the side, then my eyes went wide when I saw Mercie is hiding behind the crowd, giving me a wide vicious smile.

It's her—! she's the one who shouted my name!

I growled under my breath, glaring at her.

"Leaving so soon?"

Our steps abruptly stopped when a voice suddenly appeared behind us. I turned my head around, same as Esma, mom and dad.

"!"

"Y-Your Highness," dad called out loud. Mom is so surprised that she let go of her grip on my wrist.

Prince Lucean is standing there, flashing his charming smile. His eyes are searching into mine, curious smile formed on his handsome face.

"We meet again,"