20

"There's a banquet at the lord's manor tonight," Aurelia Delensar announced as she returned to her room. "The invitation arrived this morning, penned by the lord himself. It's hard to decline without causing offense."

The young princess lacked experience in such matters.

She hadn't realized how much of a stir her golden hair would cause in a remote city like Darrowye.

She smiled faintly. "Fortunately, I ran into Edward. He smoothed things over with the lord and promised not to inform my brother of my whereabouts."

Caelum Valtaris stood silently behind her.

Aurelia didn't find his silence unusual—her taciturn knight rarely spoke unless necessary.

She adjusted the crown in front of the mirror before sitting at her vanity. "Nini, come and do my hair."

Without a maid, the princess naturally turned to her knight.

Aurelia gave Caelum a critical glance, instructing, "Just tie it into a simple ponytail like yours, and pin it up at the back."

She didn't expect the burly knight to manage intricate hairstyles.

Fortunately, the crown was dazzling enough to overshadow any simplicity.

Caelum stepped forward silently.

The delicate comb looked almost comically small in his large hands.

To Aurelia's surprise, he deftly wove her hair into an elegant braid, a few strands framing her face delicately.

Aurelia never hesitated to offer praise. "It's beautiful. I might not even undo it before bed tonight."

Nobles were trained from a young age to deliver compliments with sincerity, and Aurelia excelled at it.

Her sparkling eyes met his, her words sweet and honeyed.

Caelum believed her.

He lingered behind her, his fingers brushing her hair, pretending to adjust the details while secretly savoring the moment.

His voice was soft, carefully hiding his adoration. "If you like it, I'll do your hair every day."

Aurelia smiled but didn't respond.

As evening approached, Aurelia grew restless.

She disliked the pomp and flattery of noble gatherings, finding them tedious.

But she couldn't refuse.

Caelum adjusted the crown, his eyes flickering to her reflection. "Will Edward be your dance partner tonight?"

Knights weren't permitted to dance with princesses; he could only watch from the sidelines.

Aurelia didn't answer immediately. Instead, she turned to him, tilting her head. "What, are you going to lecture me like my brother? That a lady needs a dance partner?"

Caelum lowered his gaze. "I wouldn't dare."

Aurelia's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Or do you want to be my partner?"

Her voice was light, the words hooking into Caelum's stony heart, shattering it into sand.

But he only bowed his head further. "I wouldn't dare."

Aurelia's smile faded, and she finally relented. "Edward is accompanying Serena."

Caelum's fingers clenched briefly before relaxing.

Of course, Aurelia wouldn't invite him.

The black wolf suppressed his jealousy, sighing in resignation.

It was enough that she didn't favor anyone else.

Before leaving, Aurelia added, "Oh, and after the banquet, pack my belongings."

Caelum frowned.

"We're leaving Darrowye tonight."

Caelum hesitated. "My lady…"

He didn't want to leave so soon.

The Red Moon was approaching, and the forest's environment would amplify his primal instincts.

He dreaded what he might become.

But the proud princess didn't give him a choice.

"Serena has a talent for healing magic. Edward is escorting her to the Holy Light Temple for the acolyte selection. They're heading to Vescalen, same as us."

"I'm not sure if Edward will write to my brother along the way."

Caelum's hesitation made Aurelia think he was concerned about her health.

"Serena cured my stomachache. Even if we camp outdoors, I'll be fine."

Aurelia didn't want to stay with people from her past, especially those connected to her brother.

She bit her lip.

She hadn't forgiven him yet.

"Your Highness, your presence has brought unparalleled honor to Darrowye," the lord declared, introducing Aurelia to the banquet guests.

Aurelia smiled graciously, accepting the nobles' greetings with poise.

Her golden hair and regal demeanor captivated the room.

The lord clapped his hands. "Let the festivities begin!"

He stepped aside, allowing eager young men to approach the princess for a dance.

Aurelia accepted their invitations, gliding gracefully across the floor.

She was a natural in such settings, the star of every ball.

But tonight was different.

Her energy waned after three dances, and she scanned the room for Caelum.

He was nowhere to be seen.

Caelum stood in a shadowed corner, his arms crossed, his golden eyes burning with jealousy as he watched the men's hands on Aurelia's waist.

He clenched his fists, struggling to maintain control.

He had never felt this possessive before.

Every night, Aurelia slept in his arms, her scent enveloping him.

To him, she was already his.

But now, he was forced to watch from the sidelines, ignored and unseen.

He couldn't bear it.

He agreed with Aurelia's decision—they had to leave.

Otherwise, he'd go mad.

Aurelia, exhausted, glanced around again, annoyed that Caelum had disappeared.

She needed an excuse to leave the dance floor.

Just as another man approached, Edward stepped in, his hand outstretched.

"Apologies, but I need to speak with Her Highness," he said smoothly.

The man retreated, and Edward guided Aurelia to a small balcony.

"Are you all right, Your Highness?" he asked, closing the door behind them.

Aurelia sighed in relief. "My feet are killing me! Where's Nini? Where were you?"

Edward smiled apologetically. "Serena's dress had a minor issue. I took her to the restroom."

He subtly observed Aurelia, having heard rumors of her potential as an acolyte.

But he saw no trace of magical talent in her.

"May I ask why you're heading to the Holy Light Temple?" he inquired.

Aurelia replied casually, "I want to see the legendary seventy-two sunsets."

Edward chuckled. "That's quite the whimsical goal."

His gaze lingered on her.

"You seemed startled this morning. Did something happen?"

Aurelia hesitated. "Just a bit of lightheadedness. Thank you for your concern."

She didn't mention how she'd nearly tumbled down the stairs, saved only by Serena's quick intervention.

But she wondered why Edward was asking now, when he'd been there the whole time.

Edward took her hand, pressing a polite kiss to it.

"Safe travels, Your Highness."