Selene maintained her serene expression despite being taken aback by his appearance as she stood before the Prince of Mu, whose admiring gaze lingered on every inch of her.
The grandeur of the throne room surrounded them, with its white high ceilings adorned with intricate murals and statues of the gods Zeus, Hera, Poseidon and Athena. These large statues stood large and proud at the four corners of the room towering above everyone.
The golden chandeliers cast a warm, ethereal glow over the assembled nobility and their fine clothings, creating a scene that seemed almost otherworldly.
"My, oh my, King Lycaon, you didn't tell me your daughter is a goddess," Prince Kang Dae remarked, his voice smooth and rich with admiration. His almond eyes, dark chocolate orbs filled with mischief and playfulness that Selene found both unsettling and intriguing.
Prince Kang Dae wasted no time in taking Selene's hand, placing a gentle, lingering kiss on the back of it. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, but she maintained her composure, an aura of nonchalance masking her inner turmoil.
"He desires me?" Selene thought as his kiss lingered on the back of her hand still held in his large soft one. His intoxicating scent soon caught her attention, a heady mix of vanilla and the earthy aroma of a forest after rainfall. She fought the urge to inhale deeply, determined not to let her guard down so easily.
"I'm happy to make your acquaintance, my prince," she said, her voice steady and soft.
Prince Kang Dae smiled subtly, the corner of his mouth curling in a way that almost resembled a smirk. He took a step closer, closing the gap between them, and whispered in her ear, "That's right, love, I'm yours." His breath was warm against her skin, sending another shiver through her.
Just as quickly, he stepped back, tucking his hands behind his back and turning to speak with King Lycaon. Both men wore matching smiles as they shook hands, signaling the start of their alliance. The sound of trumpets blaring filled the room, and the crowd of nobles erupted in cheers.
Selene, momentarily caught off guard and taken aback by the prince's boldness, quickly regained her composure. She took her cue and moved to her throne, placed between her siblings on the left side of their father. Although his throne was elevated above theirs with two steps.
Selene glanced at Iris who smiled softly at her, maintaining a calm poise as well. She really looked beautiful in her dress, it's satin texture glided softly as the wind came in through the windows. The lilac dress with white florals painted across it rested on Iris like a glove yet with enough room to breathe.
While Thanos stood on the other side, his features are identical to Iris with reddish copper hair, bright blue eyes with drooping eye lids like he just woke up from a long nap, yet his face remained tall, sharp and strong, a testament to his rigorous training.
All three of them wore the traditional white and purple silk attire, adorned with gold jewelry, symbolizing their country and its royal lineage.
The announcer's voice echoed through the hall, officially declaring the soon-to-be union between Mu and Arcadia. As the royal family of Arcadia took their seats in a synchronized motion, performers began to enter the hall, one group after another, entertaining the guests with their artistry.
Despite the lively performances, Selene's mind was elsewhere. Thoughts of Andreas continued to haunt her, his green eyes and tousled hair a constant presence in her mind. She wondered how he would react to the news of her engagement and felt a pang of guilt for not being able to explain everything to him.
But then her thoughts shifted to Prince Kang Dae, her future husband. She replayed their brief interaction in her head, trying to decipher his true intentions. He seemed carefree and confident, but she couldn't help but wonder if it was all an act, a façade for the public and her father's benefit. Only the heavens knew what kind of man he truly was behind closed doors.
As she sat on her throne, surrounded by her family and the grandeur of the celebration, Selene felt a sense of dread and uncertainty about the future.
The evening's events quickly passed in a blur, and soon Selene found herself lying in bed, replaying the moments over and over in her mind. She and Iris had remained seated occasionally discussing gossips in hushed tones to each other about each noble that caught their eyes while Thanos, their father, and Prince Kang Dae mingled with the crowd of nobles. Despite herself, Selene couldn't stop watching the prince's every move every chance she got.
Prince Kang Dae's presence commanded attention, exuding an aura of mysterious elegance. His tall, lean frame moved with the grace of a predator, each step seamed measured and deliberate. Clad in a black and red, flowing hanbok, encrusted with fine golden threads forming what looked to be a large dragon at the center of his attire. The fabric billowed softly with each motion.
Selene's eyes followed him, taking in every detail. His face was a study in contrasts, a captivating blend of sharp angles and soft lines. High cheekbones and a chiseled jawline gave him a distinguished look of noble authority, while his pale, flawless skin made him appear otherworldly.
But it was his eyes that pulled her in the most—dark, deep-set, and piercing, they seemed to carry a depth of emotion that spoke of countless battles fought. When he looked at her, it felt as though he could see into the very core of her being.
His raven-black hair was sleek and smooth, tied back in a traditional topknot. A few rebellious strands occasionally fell across his forehead, adding a light touch of vulnerability to his otherwise formidable appearance. His lips, full and perpetually set in a somber line, hinted at the weight of the burdens he secretly bore, yet there was an undeniable allure and appeal to his stoic demeanor.
Selene rolled in her bed, clearly bothered by her actions as she unconsciously spoke to herself, "Why was I staring so much?To make it worse, he had caught me watching him. What is wrong with me?"
It was almost as if he knew she was watching him. He had stopped his conversation and turned around to meet her gaze. She was caught off guard but refused to heed and back down from his intimidating gaze ensuring her face remained blank the entire time. His head tilted slightly like a confused puppy before he smirked at her like he enjoyed the little game they were playing.
Selene rolled in her bed and groaned loudly, annoyed with herself for finding Prince Kang Dae attractive. She couldn't understand why he had been so playful with her earlier, yet the next moment his aura seemed dark and mysterious as he interacted with the nobles. There was a dissonance between his behavior and his presence that unsettled her.
Unable to rest, she rolled out of her soft bed, tied her robe, and made her way to the door with the intention of going to the her private pool. The warm water might help clear her mind and ease the tension that had settled in her chest. She moved quietly through the dimly lit corridors, the echoes of the night's events still ringing in her ears.
Reaching the indoor pool, she slipped off her robe, feeling the warm water caress her skin. The pool area was illuminated by the moonlight streaming through a large hole in the roof, the stars glowing on the water and her bare fair skin. She let her golden hair down, the strands cascading over her shoulders, and stepped into the water. It felt like a warm embrace, soothing her frayed nerves.
As Selene began to swim, the moonlight danced on the water's surface, creating a shimmering, ethereal glow. She let herself be immersed in the sensation, the water wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. Her movements were fluid and graceful, her body gliding through the water with ease and her golden locks floated around her like a mermaid's.
Unknown to her, someone stood within the shadows, watching her. His gaze was fixed on her, his lustful hunger growing with each passing moment. He could feel his arousal sizzle, a hot yearning for her touch, for her lips on his. Her full, soft breasts and pink nipples pointed as though they invited his tongue to feast on them.
As she rose above the water, then dove back in, her bum wiggled along with her legs, driving him wild with desire. He knew right then and there that he must have her, even if it was just for one night.
He began to move away, his thoughts consumed by the need to leave before he devoured her right there. No, he would be patient and she must willingly take every inch of him, with her begging him for more.
He thought to himself with a smile as a plan formulated in his head while he scurried away, his movements in the shadows startled Selene. She stopped swimming and called out, "Who is there?" There was no answer, but she swore she saw a man slip away just at the entrance.
Confused with a pounding heart, Selene climbed out of the pool and quickly wrapped herself in her previously discarded robe. She glanced around the dimly lit space, her mind racing with questions. Who could have been watching her? But how is that possible when this area is closed off to everyone except her personal maidens and herself? And why did she feel a strange mix of fear and intrigue? Or was it all in her head?
She couldn't shake the shadowy image of the unknown stranger that slipped away from her mind as she made her way back to her chambers. The night had taken a turn she hadn't expected, leaving her more unsettled than when she left her room earlier.