Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 358. Impossibly Charming
She gave him a flat look, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward. "I'm not stress-eating with my eyes," she said, taking another sip of her water. "I'm just… soaking it all in."
"Sure," Angel replied, his tone teasing as he leaned against the table, arms crossed. "And I'm not about to eat half this tray because I'm starving."
She laughed softly, the tension in her shoulders loosening just a little. "You're impossible."
"Impossibly charming," he corrected, grabbing another piece of fruit and popping it into his mouth with a smirk. "Don't fight it, Rose. You'll only hurt yourself."
Her laughter came a little easier this time, and she shook her head. "If you weren't king, you'd make a great court jester."
"I'd argue I already am," he shot back, then glanced at her more seriously. "But, for real, you're doing great. The hard part's over."
Rose let out a breath, leaning back in her chair. "For now. There's still the party tonight, and…" She hesitated, her gaze shifting to the crown on the table beside them. "Everything after that."
Angel's smirk softened into something warmer. "We'll handle it."
Before she could respond, the door creaked open, and Chancellor Allan stepped in, his expression as composed as ever. He bowed slightly before speaking. "Your Majesties, the people have gathered in the square. It's time to make your appearance from the balcony."
Rose stiffened slightly, her moment of peace evaporating like mist under the sun. Angel's jaw tightened, his carefree demeanor slipping into something sharper, more serious.
"Of course," Angel said, his tone steady, though there was a distinct edge to it. "Give us a moment to prepare."
The chancellor nodded and stepped back, leaving the two of them alone again. Rose turned to Angel, her brows knitting together. "The balcony?" she asked, her voice quieter now. "I thought that was just for you."
"It usually is," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But today's different. They need to see you, Rose. They need to know their new queen."
She nodded slowly, but her gaze lingered on him. "You're worried."
"Always," he said bluntly. "The balcony's a prime spot for assassins. I've had more attempts on my life there than I can count."
Her stomach twisted. "And you still do it?"
"It's part of the job," he said with a shrug, his voice calm but resolute. "The people need to see their leader. If they don't trust us, they won't follow us. And if they don't follow us, this whole kingdom falls apart."
Rose stared at him, her chest tightening. She'd known, of course. She'd heard the stories, seen the scars, even witnessed the way Angel's security operated like a well-oiled machine. But hearing him talk about it so casually made it all feel more real.
"Why didn't you tell me before?" she asked softly.
"Because it doesn't change anything," he replied, meeting her gaze. "You're queen now. This comes with the territory. But I promise you, I've got this under control."
She swallowed hard, nodding. "Fine."
He stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers briefly. "Look, I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Ever. I've tightened security to the point where it's ridiculous, and I've got my eye on everything."
Rose blinked, then realized what he meant. "Your Black Devil soldiers..."
"Exactly," he said with a faint smirk. "I'll be watching the crowd the entire time. If anyone so much as breathes funny, I'll know."
His confidence was reassuring, but the knot in her chest didn't entirely go away. Still, she forced herself to take a deep breath, standing up and smoothing her gown. "Alright. Let's do this."
Angel watched her for a moment, then nodded. "That's my queen."
They left the chamber together, their crowns now resting back on their heads as they made their way through the palace corridors. The sound of the crowd outside grew louder with each step, a steady roar of anticipation that made Rose's palms dampen despite her best efforts to stay calm.
When they reached the balcony doors, Angel stopped, turning to her. "Ready?"
"No," she admitted honestly, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "But let's go anyway."
He grinned, the kind of grin that was equal parts reassuring and infuriatingly confident. "That's the spirit."
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