Uneasy

I watch begrudgingly as Cedric Vossenfield,I overheard his name,the suitor who earlier interrupted the Princess and I takes her for another dance. His persistent charm seems to have won her favor, as she twirls gracefully in his arms. My brow twitches with frustration. In all of Brendholm, I've never seen a woman as captivating as her.

Luan, my dear brother in law, mentioned that one of us should win her favor, but with the Crown Prince, my older brother already married, such beauty cannot be merely a concubine's lot.

I find myself thinking that if she were mine, I would never look at another woman again. The entire royal family is strikingly beautiful, the Salona Empire's noble bloodline has something in it.The Princess, with her white hair and gray eyes, seems almost divine—like a celestial being sent from the Goddess herself.

As I watch Cedric twirl her, I can't help but grip my glass tighter, yearning for what seems forever out of reach.

*

"What the hell," Ceaser mutters, his gaze locked onto the same scene I'm trying to ignore, yet find impossible to look away from. Cedric Vossenfield is dancing with Lucina again. I've crossed paths with Cedric a few times during my visits to the Vossenfield mansion, and while I don't hold a strong opinion about him, my loyalty to Ceaser makes me wary of him.

The sight of Cedric and Lucina together strikes me as peculiar. Lucina possesses an almost magnetic allure—her beauty and presence draw eyes effortlessly, even when she tries to stay out of the spotlight. Unfortunately, her personality often leaves much to be desired, and I can understand why Stella might feel threatened or annoyed by her presence. But those are women's affairs, I suppose.

A melodic voice interrupts my thoughts. I turn to find my future wife standing beside me, her hand slipping into mine.

"Care for another dance, my beloved?" I ask, pulling her gently towards the dance floor.

"You are such a flirt," Grace replies with a light laugh, her affection for me evident. Of all the women in my life, she is the one I hold in the highest regard—perhaps even love.

"What else would I be, if not your devoted admirer?" I counter, guiding her in dance.

"Please, I've heard all about your escapades," she says, a teasing edge to her voice. I feel a twinge of guilt, knowing that she's heard more than she should.

"You have all my attention," I say earnestly, "and I apologize for any doubts. You are what matters to me most."

Grace rolls her eyes but smiles, her expression softening.

As the dance comes to an end, Grace tells me she's tired, and I take the opportunity to approach Lucina.

"Your Highness," Ceaser says, bowing in a show of respect. I dismiss his gesture with a wave of my hand.

"My dearest sister," I say with a warm smile, "surely you're not too tired for a dance with your brother." I notice her eyes flicker with irritation at my insistence, but I choose to ignore it. I extend my hand towards her, making it clear that I'm not taking no for an answer.

She places her hand in mine, and I lead her towards the dance floor.

"I think you should be spending most of your time with the star of this banquet, your fiancée," Lucina says through gritted teeth.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind a few minutes away from her," I reply, guiding her gracefully into the dance.

We move in silence for a minute or two, the only sounds being the music around us.

"Father and I would appreciate it if you spent some time with one of the princes from Brendholm," I say, trying to keep the conversation light.

"I would rather not," she responds with an evidently fake smile, her displeasure evident.

"Don't be like that. I mean, you're of age; you should be looking for a suitor," I say, twirling her gently.

"You have two princesses; I'm sure they can secure your beneficial marriages. Leave me out of it," she replies with a hint of disdain.

"It's not like that," I counter,a lie ,though I know she sees through my pretense. She rolls her eyes in response.

"Unfortunately, you and Father can't make me do anything," she says with a confident smile.

"Surely you don't plan to spend your life surrounded by your little menagerie in that small palace?" I scoff.

"I do. There's nothing you can do about it. Don't try me, brother," she retorts firmly.

"Do you not care about the reputation of the royal family?" I ask, trying to reason with her.

"I do not," she replies bluntly.

"You are a member of this family. Regardless, you have obligations to fulfill," I insist.

"As long as those obligations are not laws, I refuse," she says firmly. As the music comes to a halt, we both curtsy toward each other.

"I feel unwell. I'm calling it a night. Have a pleasant evening, brother." With that, Haroun appears and takes her arm. I watch them leave the banquet hall before turning back to my fiancée.

I can't stand the way she looks at me; it feels oddly familiar, like the disapproving gazes I often received back on Earth. It makes me uneasy, but I try to push those thoughts aside. My discomfort grows from her divergence from the novel's portrayal. I feel a sense of losing control. It would be simpler if she were married off to someone.