Edward pov.
I didn't know why my heart suddenly beat. It felt like I wanted to be with her so badly. I hadn't seen her fully because of the mask, but from what I could tell, she was undeniably beautiful.
As I watched her ride in an old carriage, I couldn't help but wonder why a princess like her was traveling in such a dirty carriage.
I examined the carriage closely, wanting to etch its image in my mind. Then, I made my way back into the ballroom. Initially, I resented the idea of my father organizing this ball for me to choose a Luna, but after catching sight of her, I felt a surge of happiness.
Upon entering the castle, I noticed the same lady approaching once again, with her daughter trailing behind. I desperately searched for an escape route, but just as I turned to walk away, her voice halted me in my tracks.
"Hello again, Alpha's son. I didn't understand why you abandoned my daughter on the dance floor. Isn't she pretty enough for you?"
I regarded her with a mixture of disbelief and forced composure, mustering a smile before responding with a calm demeanor.
"Sorry about that. I was preoccupied with something urgent, so I had to hastily attend to it."
She smiled, moving closer to me.
"You know, Prince, my daughter would make a wonderful wife. She would bring immense joy to the kingdom. What do you think?"
I glanced at her and then back at her daughter. I noticed the unsettling smile on her daughter's face, which sent a shiver down my spine. However, the most disconcerting aspect was her visibly crooked teeth.
"It is truly an honor, ma'am. As you can see, there are many ladies of various ranks waiting to become my bride. I hope your daughter will be fortunate when the time comes to choose a bride."
With that, I briskly walked away, refusing to hear any further words. I made my way to where my father stood, bowing to him respectfully.
"Greetings, Father! I have magnificent news to share with you. I have stumbled upon the extraordinary lady whom my heart desires to marry, and therefore, I humbly request the cancellation of this grand ball."
I observed the anticipation twinkling in my father's eyes as I uttered those words. He rose from his regal throne, which had graciously supported him for an extended period, and turned his gaze towards me.
"And pray tell, who might this fortunate lady be? To which noble lineage does she belong? Furthermore, what stature does she possess?"
I gazed at my father, unsure of how to respond. I knew not of her appearance, let alone her family or social standing. Nevertheless, a smile adorned my face as I met my father's inquisitive gaze.
"Well, Father, she has already departed," I murmured softly.
"She left? For what reason?" my father inquired, his countenance revealing signs of brewing anger.
I allowed myself a brief chuckle, contemplating her actions.
"Father, I believe she does not harbor affection for someone like me."
Fury now engulfed my father's visage.
"How dare a girl of her stature utter such disdainful words to my beloved son? Does she not realize that you are to assume the mantle of Alpha tonight?"
"Father, she remains unaware of my royal lineage. Nevertheless, I yearn to locate her, Father. Hence, I beseech you to terminate the ball. I am disinclined to wed anyone else at this moment."
My father, the Alpha, exhaled audibly, signifying his reluctant consent. A sense of elation enveloped me. Subsequently, he announced the ball's cancellation to the assembled crowd and disclosed that I had already discovered my Mate. Whispers reverberated throughout the hall as attendees dispersed.
That night, sleep eluded me, for I felt a restlessness surging through my veins. It seemed as if my mind teetered on the brink of chaos, ready to burst forth at any moment.
How can I find her if I don't know what she looks like? I pondered this question, my mind filled with uncertainty. I recalled the vivid image of the carriage, its elegant contours etched in my memory. Perhaps, by tracing the path of that carriage, I could unravel the mystery and find her.
As I lay on my bed, a band of frustration tightened across my face. How could I begin this quest, venturing into unfamiliar territories in search of a mere carriage?
Contemplating the daunting task ahead, the weight of responsibility pressed upon me like a suffocating presence. I could feel the tension building within me.
She remained an enigma, her visage shrouded in uncertainty. Yet, inexplicably, a sense of familiarity lingered within my heart. Could it be that she transcended mere existence, becoming someone I had encountered in the past?
The echoes of her voice reverberated through my thoughts, harmonizing with a distant melody. Each time I conjured her voice, it played like a delicate pendant, evoking a mixture of longing and apprehension. She sounded uncannily similar to the girl I once met on the river side the other day.
Inspired by an unyielding determination, I rose from my bed, grasping my sketchbook tightly. With each stroke of my pencil, I brought the image of the carriage to life, meticulously capturing its essence, alongside the elusive lady in the mask.
There was an inexplicable compulsion driving me to translate these images onto paper. I hoped that by crafting a faithful representation, I might gain a clearer understanding. The plan formed in my mind: I would produce multiple copies, circulating them far and wide, in the hope that someone would recognize its likeness.
Upon completing my artwork, I gazed upon it intently. It mirrored my imagination flawlessly, surpassing the beauty of my previous sketches. A surge of satisfaction washed over me.
I held the lady in the mask drawing delicately, as if cradling a fragile treasure, and whispered, "I wish I could find you." The words carried my yearning into the universe, a silent plea for destiny's intervention.
Returning to my bed, I couldn't tear my eyes away from the pictures. Tomorrow, I resolved, I would confide in my father, the Alpha, and unveil my plan to seek out this mysterious lady in the mask. With his guidance, we would forge connections with neighboring kingdoms, pooling resources and expanding our search.
Placing the picture by my pillow, I drew it closer to my face, fixating on its beauty. She possessed an ethereal allure, akin to a deity. In my heart, I knew she was destined to become my Luna.