Yelena's Pov
I am being dressed by the servants while being silent and obedient.
I'm worn out from going back and forth to the palace.
The first Prince and Avyanna's engagement actually takes place today. They said that she was the one who proposed to him when Avyanna awoke. She must be his soul mate.
Do I feel jealous?
Kind of.
Avyanna was still part of her, but she wasn't her.
Avery, huh?
I wondered when we'd meet again. Will they be the same events from our past lives? Will I be able to wait until I've come to hold you in my arms?
"Miss, it's done."
I looked at myself in the mirror. In the last dress she gave me, a crimson one, I appeared simple. However, because some of the skin on my hip was exposed, it felt airy.
But I like it...
I smiled.
"I'll get going. Thank you for your efforts."
I stood up from my seat and then walked out.
After I got out of the mansion, I noticed how bright the moon was.
'Will you give her back to me now?' I asked.
I went inside the carriage and it moved.
I relaxed myself and looked outside. The road is quiet and sad and I feel so bored.
I concentrated on the duties and practices required to claim the title of duchess, but...
"This child will be the future of the Duchy, so focus on the throne."
Father took a child back home. I really felt bitter and competitive as such a small child, making myself the immature one.
I feel so stressed out.
After half an hour, we arrived at the palace. A lot of carriages are going in and out of the palace. On such a grand day, they are not here to celebrate, but to gossip.
When the carriage stopped, I stepped down and felt all eyes on me. I brushed it off and walked down the hall.
There were a lot of people, as expected. Some have already grouped themselves and started talks.
While I made my way to the table, grabbing a bottle of wine and a glass. I walked to the nearest table and poured myself a glass.
Yes, this is what I'm doing since I can't drink wine in the mansion.
I heard their whispers, but I never cared. They'll only think that I can't accept that me and Roshan broke our engagement.
When in fact, I want to get wasted and see if my Avy comes to get me.
The Emperor and Empress came out, I stood up and bowed before them. And then, they announced Riley and Avyanna's engagement, which filled the whole room with whispers like bees.
Maybe I am drunk because I raised my voice in annoyance.
"Your whispers are so annoying." I said that made them look at me.
I frowned and glared at them, and they averted their gazes as if they were minding their own business.
I sat down again as the dance began. I wanted to dance to that soft music like I used to, not with other people but only with her as my partner.
I turn my gaze to the middle of the hall, where the protagonists of this ball are dancing. They are smiling and laughing, adoring each other because no one can judge them.
Can we also dance with each other, eyes staring at one another and smiling affectionately in such a large crowd?
Would I be afraid that someone might judge?
No, I just want to hold her in my arms right now and brag that she is the only woman I waited for and loved through all my lifetimes. I want to be with her right now.
My hands turn into fists. I grabbed the bottle of wine and drank it. I do not care if someone judges and gossips.
"My Lady."
A hand stopped the bottle of wine and gently took it away from me. I immediately glared at that person, but I was stunned.
He smiled at me and put down the wine. He offered me his hand, and I unknowingly accepted it. I was only staring at his violet eyes, shining like an amethyst.
The moment I realized, I was dancing with this unknown man in a large crowd, only staring at his eyes while he smiled at me, not batting an eye. He is gently swaying me.
"My Lady, are my eyes bothering you?"
I suddenly snapped and almost stumbled, but this man held my waist strongly and prevented me from falling.
"Hmph." I rolled my eyes in embarrassment. "No."
He chuckles. That made me annoyed.
"Am I being funny to you?" I asked coldly.
"No. Of course not, My Lady."
The smile never faded from his lips and we stayed silent until the dance ended.
I curtsey and he bows.
I thought it was over, so I turned away, but then he grabbed me by the arm. He leans and whispers,
"Let's go somewhere."
He then dragged me away.
"Where are we going?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just somewhere quiet." He replied.
I let him drag me to a terrace. He then locked the door, which made him even more suspicious.
"Who are you, anyway?"
He turned around and smiled at me. Then he ran to me and wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer.
"Wait. What are you doing--"
"I missed you, Yena." His embrace became stronger, as if he was longing to meet me.
"Y-you're..."
"I hate it when I'm hugging you with this body, but I want to at least feel you, even just for a moment." He said.
"Avy?"
He pulled away and held my face. He wiped the tears on my cheeks using his thumb.
"This only for a moment. I'll arrive a little later." He said.
"So, do I still have to wait? For how many months?" I asked, sobbing.
"Yena, don't cry. Just a few days, maybe." He kissed my forehead and hugged me again. "I won't let you wait ever again."
"Is that true?" I stopped myself from sobbing.
"Hehe. I'm not sure." He said with an awkward smile.
I immediately pouted at his answer. But I felt relieved.
The loud thud of thunder suddenly starts to shake the ground.
"What?!" Avy suddenly hissed. "Now?! Seriously?!"
The strong wind pushed me, but I held on to the railings.
"Yena." I looked at him. "I'll meet you shortly."
And with that, another loud thunder, along with a blinding light, struck the nearest lake. I shut my eyes because of the bright light.
When I opened my eyes, on the lake was a woman floating. The other nobles had also gone out to the terrace to see.
"Ugh. Fuck."
When I heard that voice, I looked to my side and saw the same man.
"I almost got drained!" He hissed and leant on the railing, looking in the same direction as I was.
"I'm going to make her pay, later." He whispered.
"You can't hurt her." I said, making him look my way.
"Ah, Princess. That woman just took my body out of my will, so I have the right to make her pay for it." He said.
"I won't let you do that."
He snorts. "We'll see."
He then exited the terrace, and I was left alone, looking at the lake.
"You're finally here."