Stopped Breathing

"Gosh! Stop it now!"

"No!"

"We are going to… be… late."

"It is your fault. I told you not to make you… mmm… look so pretty."

"I am alwa…mmm"

"I know."

A few hours ago, this man stopped breathing. I almost thought that he was dying, that he had a heart attack and I nearly cried. But who could tell that he was just stunned? Irina and Blaze, even Madam Lu were laughing.

Then he took me in his arms and led me to the bedroom. He tried to lift my dress and pound on me but fortunately, I shoved him off me before he ruined my beautiful dress. Who does he think he is?

Then I took it off carefully and slowly when I saw him pouting with that awesome lips of his and his lovely eyes. I think he enjoyed watching me undress more than anything, his heartbeat was spectacular. He jumped me the instant I was completely naked.

Goodness! Everyone knew what we were doing. My reputation is ruined. I can't look Irina in the eye anymore.

"Darling, focus on me!"

"You… ahhh!"

** **

At the study of the Royal Palace, Miriam observed the entrance where hundreds of carriages were parking and the beautiful and enthusiastic women were conversing. She sighed looking at the colorful sight. The whole thing was meaningless now.

"Is he already here?"

"No, Your Majesty. Sir Greyson has already arrived with a message from the Duke. He will be a little late."

"Alright, let the banquet begin."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

'He must be enjoying his love life so much. I can't wait to meet his fiancée. She must be someone unique to make him fall for her to this extent.'

Miriam was smiling brightly. She had never seen her brother show such a happy face in a long time.

"My Queen, are you glad?"

The powerful voice of a man interrupted her thoughts and reminiscence. When she turned around she looked at the regal and handsome man that was waiting for her to get her to the ball. She inspected him carefully, he looked so charming in a similar red cap as hers and a big crown on his head.

"Yes, darling, I wished so much for him to be as happy as me, like us."

She looked at the man standing before her and touched his hand. He was her brother's best friend and the most important person in her life. He stood beside her and fought alongside her and her brother against the former King.

According to the novel, Marius was one of Princess Rebecca's admirers who ended up with a broken heart when she chose the Duke. He never got to be with Miriam, the new Queen, because he decided to travel around the world trying to forget his love for Rebecca. However, this time he was lucky enough to find his only one.

"Marius, who do you think she is?"

"Don't know, but he looked very happy."

"Could it be Princess Rebecca?"

"I doubt it. He never went to find her all these months and his knights were spread around the country. Didn't he tell you last time?"

"No, he left very fast when Elton came. They didn't tell me anything."

Sigh… "Don't worry my love, you will meet her today."

"I hope."

** **

The party was going smoothly, the guests were in groups chatting cheerfully and discussing unimportant things. Many of them were daughters of some high-ranking nobles from Docrem, therefore they knew each other very well as they had seen each other at some other parties. However, right now there was a clear division between the attendees. The Princess Airia group versus Princess Rebecca's.

The girls were enjoying betting among themselves on who would get the title of Duchess of Rein.

"Princess Rebecca, you look lovely. This dress is quite unique, and the embroidery is marvelous. Is it a trend in Crotia? I should definitely get one when I get the chance."

"Yes, it is indeed a specialty of our master embroiders, they use a unique fabric from our Country. If you wish I could send you some as it is quite difficult to find."

The girls that were chatting suddenly quieted down. No one expected Princess Rebecca to be that friendly with them. They looked at each other and started talking more freely and amicably with her as she was a long time friend.

On the other hand, the ones surrounding Princess Airia were wishing to change parties, the proud face of the princess, and his arrogant comments were driving them crazy.

"Princess Airia, how do you feel about our country? Is it to your liking?"

"Barely passable."

"…"

"Have you visited the Great Lake? It is a magnificent sight and the House of Count Remus organizes beautiful boat parties."

"I am not fond of such low-class activities. I am a Princess, after all, and I had seen many of these so-called beautiful places."

"…"

Suddenly the lights dimmed, and the sound of trumpets deafened the delicate ears of the young ladies.

"The Queen and the King of Docrem!"

The golden dress of Queen Miriam shined with the lights when they opened the doors. She was wearing a gorgeous crown and a set of impressive golden jewelry worthy of the Queen of the most powerful country on the continent.

The King was holding her hand gently guiding her around the young ladies before taking her to the seat of the royal throne. He kissed her hand gently and sat beside her. They looked so matched that many young girls were secretly jealous of the great love they displayed.

"Thank you, my love." She said in a whisper.

"It is my pleasure, my dear." He sent a quick wink and smiled.

Then the attendant beside her announced the name of each of the ladies to greet the Queen. It was a tedious tradition, but it had to be done to appease the nobles and introduce the potential candidates for marriage.

"It is an honor to finally meet you, my Queen."

Princess Rebecca delicately bowed to the Queen, her smile was enchanting and sweet.

"I am glad you could come, Princess. I heard a lot from you from Master Killian."

"I am fortunate to be his disciple, Your Majesty."

"I expect great things from you, he said you were quite talented, and I know for sure that he never underestimates anyone."

Rebecca smiled and bowed thanking Her Highness, but the ladies were stunned. The betting pools were now moving towards Rebecca's faction. Some of Princess Airia's group were sneaking away.

"Your Majesty, I am so glad to greet you again."

Airia walked towards the throne and bowed with an elegant but conceited reverence. She glared at Rebecca but presented her sweetest smile to the Queen.

"Princess Airia, I am glad you could come."

The Queen smiled shortly and politely but her tone hid some other meaning. She got the report from the Duke's knights and was eagerly waiting for the spectacle later.

Now the betting result was uncertain. The ones from the Airia group were smiling proudly and the Rebecca group was in confusion and anxiousness.

Again, the lights dimmed slightly from the entrance and the voice from the servant announced the arrival of the Duke. The ladies were ecstatic, they were waiting for the final result, who will be the Duchess? Who will win the betting pool?