"It's ok Olivia, if you can't answer"
King Charles muttered and stood up to leave.
"Father wait, I'll give you an answer"
King Charles came to a halt as her words reached his ears. He shifted his gaze towards her, noticing a smile adorning her face.
"Father, I understand the weight of the King's decision and the sacrifice he made. If I were in his shoes, I would have done the same to save our kingdom. The princess's life being saved is a testament to his love and devotion. If I find out about everything, I as the princess would let the king know that I stand by his side, ready to protect our kingdom together. We will face these challenges head-on and explore every possible solution to ensure the safety and prosperity of our people. I totally understand"
Olivia, taken aback by her father's sudden display of tears, rushed to his side in a panic. Worried that something was wrong, she anxiously asked if he was okay.
"Father, are you okay?"
Olivia held her father tightly as he cried, his expectations shattered. He had anticipated her to express harsh sentiments about the king, but instead, she spoke with kindness and understanding, as if the king had never made any mistakes.
After a while of crying, King Charles gently wiped away his tears and gazed at Olivia, realizing that he couldn't hide the truth from her any longer.
"Olivia listen, the King in this story is...."
King Charles felt a lump in his throat as his words got stuck. The atmosphere around him grew heavy, and he sensed danger as the hairs on his skin stood on end.
Sensing those familiar feeling, King Charles couldn't hold back his tears once again. Confused, Olivia noticed the shift in temperature but was unsure of what was troubling her father.
"Fath...."
"Olivia come with me"
With tears still streaming down his face, he walked out, hastily wiping away his tears.
As the temperature in the ballroom shifted, everyone froze in place. They watched in awe as a man made his entrance, parting ways for him and offering respectful bows.
With his striking appearance and commanding presence, The man outshone all the other nobles in the room. His tall, huge stature and graceful stride only seemed to elongate his already long legs with each step he took.
His flowing raven black hair cascaded over his broad shoulders, and his piercing red eyes held an intensity that could disarm anyone.
Despite the fear they felt, a few ladies in the room couldn't help but be drawn to him, yearning to run their hands through his hair and feel his body.
Some gazed at him with dreamy eyes, but not all found the courage to utter a single word.
His captivating appearance had a mesmerizing effect on people, even though he was known as the devil. His handsome face seemed to have a sinful allure, tempting people to engage in mischief.
That was his nature, irresistible yet dangerous.
As King Charles entered the ballroom, he locked eyes with the man, On seeing King Charles's swollen eyes, the man smiled.
"We meet again your highness"
He said with a smile but the King felt dumbstruck.
With a smile, he towered over the King and said,
"Quite a sight, isn't it?"
King Charles, mustering his courage, returned the man's smile with one of his own.
"Greetings, Your Infernal Majesty"
King Charles, reciprocating the greeting, extended a courteous gesture and offered the man a seat.
Olivia, lost in her thoughts, descended the stairs slowly. Unaware of her surroundings, she tripped over her own feet and fell over.
Just before she hit the ground, a pair of strong hands wrapped around Olivia's waist, preventing her from hitting the floor.
Olivia who had her eyes closed waiting for the fall impact, opened them slowly when she didn't feel her body colliding to the hard floor.
King Charles and the others, their throats gripped by fear, imagined the dire consequences if Olivia had indeed fallen.
Olivia's eyes met the familiar gaze of the man with the red orbs, and her pale green eyes searched for reassurance that he was real.
It dawned on her that he was the very man who had been haunting her dreams lately.
He.... he was right in front of her and he was real?
Olivia subconsciously raised her small hand and playfully pinched his cheek. He closed his eyes, savoring the touch of her hand on his skin.
The entire crowd, including King Charles, gasped in shock at Olivia's audacious act. King Charles felt his blood run cold, and he feared he might pass out.
Olivia! You'll get me killed!
Their attention was abruptly redirected as the sound of a deep chuckle emanated from the dreaded man.
The familiar laugh sent shivers down their spines, as they all recognized it.
He straightened Olivia.
"You're one daring woman, princess"
He spoke softly with a smile, but it quickly faded. Olivia's heart sank as she realized he had uncovered her true identity as a princess and not a maid.
She wondered if he was angry with her for lying?
He glanced at King Charles, exchanging a knowing look, before returning to his seat. Olivia's cheeks burned with embarrassment, causing her ears to grow warm.
King Charles, his lips trembling, uttered,
"Let the dance continue."
The crowd, having already lost their desire to dance, had no choice but to carry on.
No one wanted to go to Hellothan, that's for sure! It's best to avoid it.
Olivia seemed to be the only one who didn't know the man's identity.
Olivia took her seat next to her father as well. While the others, including Ariel, danced on the dance floor.
Olivia couldn't help but steal glances at the man in the corner.
'Maybe he's doesn't like dancing.
It's understandable that you have the urge to ask a man for a dance, but remember these, it's customary for the man to ask the lady to dance'
She remembered Mila's exact words in her head.
Right as she was about to ignore Mila's warning and approach him, a young man, dressed like a prince, walked up to her..
"Why isn't the birthday girl dancing? Never mind, may I have the pleasure of this dance with you, Milady?" he asked with a warm smile, extending his hand in a gentlemanly manner.
Olivia bit her lip, hesitating to reject the prince. However, since Azeiel didn't even look their way, she sighed and accepted his hand with a smile.
"The pleasure is all mine, your highness."