chapter 12

Some ladies approached me, greeting me with curtsies. "Your Grace, Princess Athanasia, you're so beautiful! Where did you get this dress?" one of them asked.

Another lady squealed, "Awwwww!" and rushed towards me, startling me. "Princess, this is Rhodolite!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

I nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Y-yes, it is."

The lady's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Princess, you know this is so rare? Only the royal family can afford it. How did you get this?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond, when suddenly, a man announced, "His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, and His Highness are entering!"

The room fell silent as everyone turned to greet the royal family. I curtsied along with the others, my heart pounding in my chest.

His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, and Crown Prince Rohan took their seats on the thrones. The Emperor smiled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Everyone, don't be nervous. Begin the party! It's my son's 19th birthday. Congratulations, my son!" he exclaimed, his voice booming through the hall.

Crown Prince Rohan bowed, his voice low and smooth. "Thank you, Your Majesty, Father."

The room erupted into applause as the guests began to congratulate the Crown Prince. One by one, they presented him with gifts, each one more extravagant than the last.

Finally, it was time for the dance. The music began, and the crowd parted as Arion, standing by the window, caught my eye. I tried to make my way towards him, but the crowd was too dense.

Just as I was about to give up, someone grabbed my hand, pulling me back. I turned to see Crown Prince Rohan standing behind me, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Ah, my dear fiancée, where are you trying to go when I'm here?" he whispered, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

I looked up at him, startled, as he pulled me closer. "Lady Athanasia, will you dance with me?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I nodded, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "Yes, it would be my pleasure, Your Highness."

As we danced, I couldn't help but notice the whispers and stares of the other guests. "Did you see His Highness approach her first?" someone whispered. "Did you see him grab her hand?" another guest asked.

I tried to ignore them, focusing instead on the music and the movement of our bodies. But Rohan's possessive hold on me made me feel like I was trapped, unable to escape.

As we twirled across the dance floor, Rohan's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity. "Finally, you're looking at me," he whispered, his voice sending shivers down my spine. "Athanasia, you know I'm jealous. You keep your attention on others, not me. Just look at me, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a surge of guilt. "Yes, Your Highness. I'm sorry."

"Are you close with Arion?" Rohan asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he gazed at me.

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "Huh, y-yes, Your Highness."

Rohan's expression turned curious. "Why?"

I felt a surge of annoyance at the question. How was I supposed to answer that? "I beg your pardon, well, that's because we're cousins, I guess."

Rohan's eyes sparkled with amusement. "That's the question, why?" He leaned in closer, his voice taking on a teasing tone.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I struggled to come up with a response. But before I could say anything, the music ended, and we both bowed to each other to signal the end of the dance.

However, Rohan didn't let go of my hand. Instead, he grasped it tightly and pulled me towards the terrace. "Were you trying to go to your cousin Arion, huh, Athanasia? You didn't answer my question."

I tried to pull my hand free, but Rohan's grip only tightened. "Athanasia, you know that from now on, you're my fiancée." His voice was low and possessive, sending a shiver down my spine.

I winced in pain as his grip tightened further. "Aww, Your Highness, you're hurting me. Please let go."

Rohan's eyes glinted with amusement, but he didn't release my hand. Instead, he pulled me closer, his voice taking on a menacing tone. "No, you're coming with me."

He dragged me back to the ballroom, where the Empress was waiting. She whispered something in the Emperor's ear, and then she stood up, a regal smile on her face.

"Everyone, there's a very important announcement I'm about to make right now," she declared, her voice ringing out across the ballroom. "The Crown Prince is getting engaged to former Duke Leon's daughter, Athanasia!"

The room erupted into applause and congratulations, but I couldn't help feeling like I was trapped in a nightmare. I scanned the crowd, searching for a friendly face, but instead, I saw a girl with purple hair and piercing blue eyes staring at me with a furious expression.

It was Lady Alora, the Count's daughter. She approached us, her smile tight and insincere. "Congratulations, Your Highness. Congratulations, Lady Athanasia."

Rohan thanked her, but I could sense the tension between us. Lady Alora's eyes flashed with anger as she glanced at me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Suddenly, Rohan locked his fingers with mine, his grip possessive. Lady Alora's eyes narrowed, and she turned on her heel, disappearing into the crowd.

Rohan leaned in closer, his breath whispering against my ear. "She likes me," he whispered, his voice full of amusement.

I turned to look at him, my eyes searching for answers. But all I saw was his smug smile, and I felt a surge of annoyance at his arrogance.

As Uncle, Adrian, and Arion approached me, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Their familiar faces and warm smiles were a balm to my frazzled nerves. I felt a lump form in my throat as I gazed at them, and for a moment, I thought I might burst into tears.

Uncle, sensing my distress, stepped forward and addressed Rohan. "Your Highness, may I take my niece with me for a moment?"

Rohan's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded graciously. "Of course, Grand Duke Kyle. Please, take care of your niece."

As soon as Rohan released my hand, Adrian and Arion grasped it, their fingers wrapping around mine like a lifeline. "We'll take our leave, Your Highness," Adrian said, bowing slightly.

Rohan's eyes gleamed with amusement as he leaned in close to me. "Athanasia, there's a surprise waiting for you," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down my spine. "You'll be really surprised, for sure. Well, then, see you soon."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as Rohan's words hung in the air. What kind of surprise could he have in store for me? I pushed the thought aside, grateful to be escaping the suffocating atmosphere of the ballroom.

As we made our way through the crowds, Uncle placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, Athanasia. We're here for you. You're not alone."

I smiled weakly, feeling a sense of gratitude towards my uncle and cousins. They were my rock, my safe haven in this treacherous world of court politics.

As the night wore on, I found myself alone in my room, surrounded by the opulent furnishings and decorations that seemed to mock me with their grandeur. I had changed into a simple nightgown, and now I sat on my bed, hugging myself tightly as tears streamed down my face.

"Sob... sob... Mom... Dad..." I whispered, my voice cracking with grief. I missed them so much, and the pain of their loss still felt like an open wound.

Just as I was lost in my sorrow, I heard a knock at the door. It was Arion. When I didn't answer, he let himself in, his eyes scanning the room until they found me sitting on the bed.

"Hey, I didn't allow you to come in!" I exclaimed, my voice shaking with tears.

Arion's expression softened as he approached me. "Why are you crying?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I sniffled, trying to compose myself. "I... I was just missing Mom and Dad."

Arion sat down beside me on the bed and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. "It's alright, Athanasia," he whispered, his voice full of comfort. "It's alright to miss them."

As he held me, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. His warmth and kindness were a balm to my soul, and I let myself relax into his embrace.

"Sob... Arion..." I whispered, my voice muffled against his shoulder. "I wish I could start over everything.Arion's arms tightened around me as he listened to my words, Arion's hands rubbed my back in soothing circles, his touch calming my racing heart.

Here's the continuation:

Arion held me for a long time, letting me cry out my sorrow. As I spoke, he listened intently, his eyes filled with compassion. When I finally fell silent, he gently pulled back and looked at me. "Athanasia, you're not alone," he said, his voice soft but firm. "We're all here for you, and we'll get through this together."

I shook my head, feeling a surge of despair. "Stop... stop this. You all can't even understand what I'm going through. And I'm alone... alone."

Tears streamed down my face as I spoke, my voice cracking with emotion. "I wish I could die... you know what, Uncle wants me to be the head of my family, but he doesn't know... I can't awaken the treasure... sob... the powers are a curse to me... my fire..."

I suddenly came to my senses, realizing what I was about to reveal. No, Athanasia, come to your senses!

Arion's eyes narrowed, his expression curious. "Your fire power? What?"

I quickly wiped away my tears, trying to compose myself. "No, nothing. You just go. Good night, Arion."

I pulled up my blanket and hid my face in it, trying to shut out the world.

Arion's voice was soft as he bid me good night. "Okay, good night. Sleep well."

And with that, he left, closing the door behind him.