Heart To Heart

As Ezra and Luxe danced on the dance floor, Ezra and Elias secretly shared meaningful glances. The King didn't seem to care if his Queen was dancing to another, and casually sipping wine as he had a little chit chat with Elias at the corner. Some are greeting the King, congratulating and giving him gifts. They discussed various topics, from Elias's experiences at the academy to the recent events in Handun Broch. The King was an attentive listener, genuinely interested in what Elias had to say. 

Ezra glared at Elias, "Enjoying huh? Hurry up and finish off flirting, the Queen is fuming!"

Elias shot back, "Aren't you enjoying that as well? Keep her entertained."

As the banter continued between Elias and Ezra, they couldn't help but chuckle at the unfolding drama on the dance floor. Luxe, despite her initial discomfort, was putting on a facade of grace and politeness as she danced with Ezra. Her jealousy and irritation were well-hidden beneath a veneer of civility.

Meanwhile, the King and Elias continued their conversation, blissfully unaware of the tension they were causing. They discussed various topics, ranging from Elias's experiences at the academy to the recent events in Handun Broch. The King's genuine interest in Elias's perspective made their discussion all the more engaging.

Ezra mouthed, "You better make that conversation worth it, Elias. The Queen seems to be putting on a show, but I can tell she's not happy."

Elias turned away and chuckled to continue their topic.

Considering these little experiences that Elias had been going through, The King felt a bit of reminisce as he listened. He heard Elias getting a bit of a hard time in mathematics, The King couldn't help but puff a small laugh.

"You know, when I was still in your age, I also complained about this subject, I wondered if I'll even use this in the court," The King said.

Elias chuckled in response to the King's words, feeling a sense of camaraderie despite their vastly different stations in life. It was strange to think that he, a commoner, could share a moment like this with the ruler of the kingdom.

"I suppose it's a rite of passage, then, Your Majesty," Elias replied with a warm smile, "I can't say I've fully grasped it yet, but I'm determined to learn. Perhaps one day, it'll come in handy, just as it did for you."

The King nodded, his eyes reflecting a hint of nostalgia, "Indeed, Elias. Sometimes, knowledge surprises us in unexpected ways. And I have no doubt that you'll master it."

As their conversation flowed, the King could''t help but be impressed by Elias's determination and drive. He saw in the young commoner a spark of potential and ambition that reminded him of his own youth. With a thoughtful expression, the King decided to share a piece of advice that had shaped his own journey.

"Elias," he began, "I want to offer you a piece of advice that was given to me by my mentor when I was around your age. He told me that in life, there will be moments of hardship, challenges that seem insurmountable. But it's during those times that we truly discover our strength and resilience."

He continued, his voice carrying the weight of his own experiences, "Don't be afraid to face adversity head-on. Embrace it as an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become a better version of yourself. And remember, the path to success is rarely a straight line. It's okay to stumble along the way. What matters is that you keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the journey may seem."

The King's words held a profound sincerity, and he looked directly into Elias's eyes as he concluded, "You have a bright future ahead of you, Elias. Trust in your abilities, stay true to your convictions, and never shy away from the challenges that come your way. They are the stepping stones to greatness."

Elias was deeply moved by the King's advice, and he nodded, his heart filled with gratitude. This unexpected encounter had not only given him a chance to dance with the King but also invaluable wisdom that he would carry with him on his journey through life.

It's been a while since they had eye contact, it was a mesmerizing sight in both of them. Kaiser has been fond of Elias's ocean eyes, and Elias has been fond of the King's whole features from head to toe. Kaiser's gaze held deep fondness, while Elias held a longing for an impossible love. Up-close, Elias admired the King's beautiful moles, and everything that made him unique.

As Elias gazed into the King's deep plum-colored eyes, he felt a connection that transcended their different stations in life. There was a depth of understanding between them, forged in that brief but meaningful conversation. Elias was profoundly grateful for the King's advice, and he couldn't help but be drawn to the wisdom and charisma that radiated from Kaiser.

He's a man of righteousness, He's rich, He's handsome, in short, He's the standard for Elias.

Elias's heart ached with a longing he couldn't deny, knowing that such feelings were futile, forbidden and shameful.

On the other side of the dance floor, Ezra and Luxe continued their dance, their steps graceful but their minds preoccupied. Ezra couldn't deny the allure of Luxe's beauty and charm, yet she also couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the Queen, who was undoubtedly struggling with her husband's attention toward Elias.

Ezra wished she could say, "If you were mine, you would not get the same."

But having the thought that the Queen is the Queen, obviously she couldn't say this to her. Woman to Woman is also frowned upon in the society of Landroich, as Ezra didn't know the Queen well. She also couldn't tell if Elias's claims are true or just a mere warning to not judge the Queen despite her angelic feature.

Her words stuck in her throat like a fish bone, and instead discarded what she wanted to say in mind. She spoke with a smile, "Your Highness, you're so beautiful tonight."

Luxe, the Queen, gave Ezra a gracious smile, though there was a glimmer of something beneath the surface, something Ezra couldn't quite decipher. "Thank you, Miss Ezra," Luxe replied, her tone polite, "You're too kind."

The dance continued, the two women moving gracefully across the floor. Luxe's gaze occasionally flickered towards the King and Elias, her expression masked in an unreadable mix of curiosity and something else. It was as if she was trying to gauge the nature of the connection between the King and the commoner.

Ezra felt the weight of Luxe's scrutiny but couldn't do much about it. She kept up her friendly demeanor, not wanting to add to the already complicated atmosphere of the royal ball.

As the music ended, in Ezra's instinct, she pulled the Queen closer to her and leaned down, and in the Queen's muscle memory, she let her body soften in the assist of Ezra's hand, as they ended the dance.

Their proximity was undeniable, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to disappear around them. Ezra's hand rested gently on Luxe's lower back, and Luxe's fingers brushed against Ezra's arm. There was an unspoken connection, a magnetic pull that drew them closer together.

Ezra's breath caught in her throat as she looked into Luxe's eyes. In that instant, everything else faded away, and it was just the two of them in their own private world. The air was charged with tension, and the room seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

Luxe's lips were tantalizingly close to Ezra's, and she could feel the warmth of Luxe's breath on her skin. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as they hovered on the precipice of something unspoken, something electric.

And then, as if in a trance, Luxe leaned in, closing the distance between them. Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss, a fleeting connection that sent shivers down their spines. It was a stolen moment, a forbidden touch, and it left them both breathless.

As they pulled away, their eyes locked, and in that shared gaze, they found understanding, desire, and a hint of something deeper. It was a moment they would carry with them, a secret connection that transcended the boundaries of their worlds.

The room may have been filled with music and laughter, but for that brief moment, it was just Ezra and Luxe, lost in the intoxicating dance of their hearts.

Ezra was flabbergasted, the Queen just stole her first kiss in all 17 years of her life, she stuttered, "Y-Your Hi-Highness?" Her cinnamon eyes widened.

Luxe's cheeks flushed with a delicate pink hue as she realized the audacity of her actions. She had acted on impulse, driven by a force she couldn't quite comprehend. Clearing her throat, she composed herself and replied with a hint of playfulness, "My apologies, Miss Ezra. It seems the dance was rather... enchanting."

Ezra's heart raced, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of shock, embarrassment, and a strange exhilaration. She managed a shaky smile and replied, "No need to apologize, Your Highness. It was... unexpected, but not unwelcome."

Luxe chuckled softly, regaining her composure, "Indeed, it appears so. But let us keep this as our little secret, shall we?"

Between the distance of Elias and the King, Elias was coughing loudly and the King was concerningly gently slapping Elias's back.

"Elias, what happened? Is there something in the drink?" The King asked.

Elias, still slightly flustered from the unexpected turn of events between Ezra and the Queen, coughed a few more times before managing to catch his breath. He blinked and looked at the King, his cheeks tinged with a rosy hue.

"N-no, Your Majesty," he stammered, "I'm perfectly fine. Just... caught me off guard, that's all."

The King raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity, "Caught you off guard? Care to explain?"

Elias exchanged a quick glance with Ezra and then turned back to the King, deciding to play it coy, "Oh, just some... unexpected developments on the dance floor, Your Majesty. Nothing serious, I assure you."

The King chuckled softly, seemingly content with Elias's vague explanation. "Very well, Elias. If you say so." He lifted a glass of wine to Elias, "Do you drink?"

Elias hesitated for a moment, recalling that he was still underage. However, he didn't want to offend the King by refusing his offer. With a polite smile, he replied, "I do, Your Majesty, but I'm afraid I must decline for now. I'm not of legal drinking age yet."

The King nodded understandingly, placing the glass back on the table, "Very responsible of you, Elias," he said, "I appreciate your honesty. Perhaps when you come of age, we can share a drink together."

The dance between Ezra and Luxe seemed to end, and none of the crowd seemed to notice that they kissed except Elias. Ezra bowed to Luxe and Luxe did the same as she approached the two at the corner. Her face showed nothing but a facade of gentleness, she didn't seem to be bothered by the kiss either, what a bitch.

She held the King's hand, her voice was disgustingly velvety, "May I borrow my husband for a moment?" she asked as she darted a glance to Elias.

Elias tsk'ed under this breath, why must this little hypocrite interrupt their precious momentum, hadn't she had enough to Ezra?

The King gave a polite nod to Luxe, "Of course," he replied, then turned to Elias, "I hope you don't mind if I step away for a moment, Elias. Duty calls."

Elias offered a gracious smile, "Not at all, Your Majesty. I understand."

As the King followed Luxe onto the dance floor, Elias couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment that their conversation had been interrupted. However, he also knew that the King had responsibilities to attend to, and he couldn't monopolize his time.

Ezra, who had witnessed the entire exchange, couldn't hide her irritation. She muttered under her breath, "That woman really knows how to ruin a moment."

Elias chuckled softly, "It's alright, Ezra. We'll have our chance again."

While the two thought that the King and Queen had attended something important, a sudden applause and cheer erupted from the crowd. Their curiosity heightened and decided to squeeze in the crowd. The duo is quite taller than the others, so they didn't have the bother to get in the front.

What was welcomed in their sight was the King and Queen, having an intimate dance. One would think that the King didn't like the Queen based on the rumors that the King didn't treat the Queen like his own wife, but a mere woman that just entered his life. 

A gloved hand on the Queen's waist, and a hand holding the King's gloved hand dearly. Ezra and Elias felt a pang of jealousy.

Nevertheless, the King had the stern expression that he usually presents, while Luxe smiled happily at the King, as if it's such a precious moment for her. The King's movement is skilled and calculated, as if it's already been a skill to him. Elias wished it was the King who held him earlier, not him. He wished that the King held his waist too..

Elias and Ezra couldn't tear their eyes away from the enchanting sight before them. The King and Queen's dance was a mesmerizing display of grace and elegance. It was as if they were the only two people in the room, lost in the rhythm of the music and each other's presence.

Ezra couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as she watched Luxe in the King's arms, smiling so genuinely. She couldn't deny that the Queen looked radiant in that moment, and it stirred conflicting emotions within her.

Elias, on the other hand, was captivated by the King's stern yet skilled demeanor. It was as if the King had mastered the art of dancing, and Elias couldn't help but wonder how it would feel to be held in those strong arms.

As the dance continued, the atmosphere in the room seemed to change. The tension that had been present earlier dissipated, replaced by a sense of unity and celebration. The guests watched in awe as their King and Queen danced, and the applause and cheers that filled the air were genuine and heartfelt.

Elias and Ezra exchanged glances, both of them aware that they had just witnessed a moment of genuine connection between the King and Queen. Despite the rumors and whispers that had surrounded their marriage, at that moment, it was clear that there was a bond between them, even if it was hidden beneath the surface.

The dance came to an end, and the King and Queen received a round of applause that seemed to last an eternity. As they made their way off the dance floor, Luxe whispered something to the King, and he nodded in response.

Thunder seemed to strike in Elias's mind when he saw Luxe, pulled the King's collar and kissed him in front of the attention. His jaw hung low and his eyes widened.

Luxe's bold action sent shockwaves through the room. Gasps and whispers filled the air as she kissed the King with a possessiveness that was impossible to miss. Elias couldn't believe what he was witnessing, and his heart sank as he realized the implications of Luxe's actions.

It was a clear message to everyone in the room, especially to Elias: the King belonged to her, and she had no intention of sharing him, even for a moment. The kiss was not just a display of affection; it was a statement of ownership.

Ezra, standing beside Elias, couldn't help but feel a mixture of discomfort and sympathy for him. Luxe's teasing and possessive behavior were hard to ignore, and it was clear that she was determined to assert her dominance.

The King, for his part, seemed taken aback by Luxe's actions but quickly regained his composure. He gently pulled away from her and glanced at Elias, his expression unreadable.

Elias's cheeks burned with embarrassment and a sense of powerlessness. In that moment, he realized the vast divide that existed between him, a commoner, and the King, the ruler of Landroich. He had allowed himself to get lost in a fantasy, but reality had quickly come crashing down around him.

Then, a soft feeling reached his chin and put his jaw in place— he turned to see and it's.. a familiar man in his 20's, he has long, silver hair and wears a half-framed glasses with a glass of wine in his hand. He finished the wine with one down.

A wry smile played on the man's lips as he observed Elias's reaction.The man spoke, "Surprised? or, is jealousy gnawing in your heart?"

With that said, the voice made his conclusion: it was the King's concubine, the Marquis Maximino.

"Because, I've been feeling the same." Matthew continued, he put the glass on the table, "With these feelings I held deep with the King ever since childhood, these feelings will never be reciprocated for once. I've been his concubine, that I thought I could have his affection, but he's a man of his words and the word 'concubine' literally slapped across my face, I have no right to feel jealousy."

"Dear Elias," he said, his eyes gazing at the young man with pity, "I suggest you stop your feelings.. the more you desire him, the more it will destroy yourself."

Then, he leaned closer to Elias, his voice dropped with a whisper, "You will never be his."

Matthew's words cut through the air with a sharpness that stung Elias. The Marquis's honesty, while appreciated, felt like a cruel reminder of the reality he faced as a commoner with unrequited feelings for the King.

Elias clenched his fists, his voice trembling with a mixture of frustration and vulnerability, "Are you also removing the commoner's right to dream of being loved?" he retorted, his gaze locked with Matthew's, "Is it a crime to have feelings, to hope for something more, even if the odds are against us?"

Matthew regarded Elias with a hint of sympathy in his eyes, as if understanding the pain of unattainable desire, "It's not a matter of rights, Elias," he replied softly, "It's a matter of understanding the harsh realities of our world. The King's position, his responsibilities—they come before personal desires. It's a burden we all must bear, even if it means sacrificing our own happiness."

Elias felt a surge of frustration at Matthew's seemingly resigned perspective, "So, we're all supposed to just accept our fate and never dare to hope for something better?" he challenged, his voice growing more impassioned, "I refuse to believe that. Love should never be a crime, no matter where it comes from."

Matthew's gaze held a mixture of sadness and resignation, "I don't disagree with you, Elias," he admitted quietly. "But sometimes, the heart must yield to duty. It's a choice we make to protect what matters most, even if it means sacrificing our own desires."

Matthew added, "So what if you did have the King's hand, Can you help him with his responsibilities? No. Can you make him satisfied, as a lover? No. Elias, you're just a naive commoner."

Matthew's words struck Elias like a cold, harsh truth. The Marquis's unapologetic bluntness was cutting through any illusions Elias might have held.

Elias's shoulders slumped, and he lowered his gaze, his voice trembling with a mix of frustration and resignation, "You're right," he admitted, his words heavy with the weight of reality, "I can't change who I am, and I can't magically make everything better for him. But that doesn't mean I can't care, that I can't hope, that I can't love."

Matthew sighed, his expression softening slightly, "I don't mean to be cruel, Elias," he said, his voice gentler now, "I've seen too many people get hurt because they dared to love someone they couldn't have. It's a painful path to walk."

Elias looked up, his eyes filled with determination, "I understand the risks," he said, "But I won't stop caring, and I won't stop hoping. Love may not be enough to change the world, but it's enough to change us. And maybe, just maybe, that's worth something."

Matthew regarded Elias with a mixture of empathy and resignation, recognizing the stubborn determination in the young commoner's eyes. He didn't mean to be cruel and harsh, but it is a way to protect this young one from the unintentional charisma of the King, for he had also been a victim of unrequited love.

"Let me tell you a little secret," Matthew said, "It is worth being the Grand Duke's arms" Then he glanced at the King, "But his heart is made out of cold ice, he's cruel, beautifully cruel. It is unfortunate that I couldn't warm his heart and melt him in my affection. Yet Elias, remember who you are and what situation you are entering." 

Elias listened to Matthew's words, absorbing the bitter wisdom they contained. It was a sobering reminder of the challenges he faced and the realities of the world he was stepping into. He knew that pursuing his feelings for the King would be a treacherous path, one fraught with obstacles and heartache.

"I appreciate your honesty, Marquis," Elias replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness, "I understand that the King is a complex man, and I'm not naive enough to think I can change him. But love has a way of defying reason, doesn't it? It's not about what we should do, but what we can't help but feel."

Matthew sighed, a mixture of sympathy and resignation in his gaze, "You have a romantic's heart, Elias," he said, "Just be prepared for the storms that may come your way. Love can be a beautiful thing, but it can also be a cruel one."

Matthew turned to his back and picked up a new refilled glass of wine by the butler and turned to Elias, "Mark my words, Elias, I am here to help you, but since you're a stubborn one.. That will be it. I'm here to warn you about your growing feelings, I've been watching you from afar— the way you look and gaze at him, your smiles are different."

Elias met Matthew's gaze, his expression a mixture of gratitude and concern. He could sense the weight of Matthew's words and the underlying truth in them. It was as if the concubine knew something that Elias didn't, something that could change the course of his life.

"I will love him no matter what." Elias replied.