Stephen's room was dimly lit. He lay on his bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. In his mind, however, the sad face of the woman he loved appeared. Her tears seemed to envelop the room like a veil of mist. He couldn't shake the image of her crying after hearing the news of his forced marriage. Stephen was searching for something to break the silence. He slowly got up and moved towards the window with trembling hands. The night outside was filled with a melancholy that made him shiver. The stars reminded him of his loneliness. He began to pace around, his footsteps breaking the room's silence. He stopped in front of his bookshelf, his fingers randomly wandering among the books. He picked up a book, but had no intention of reading it. His mind was filled only with the sadness of that woman. That night, he was lost in the dark corridors of sleeplessness, and he would remain there until morning.
Stephen, with silent steps, left his room and began walking through the magnificent corridors. In his new clothes, he seemed to have abandoned his old thoughts, but his mind was still full. The castle corridors were filled with ghosts of the past. At every corner, at every turn, Alicia's voice echoed. He felt trapped between the stone walls of the castle. But now he wanted to find a way out.
As he moved through the dark corridors, stars twinkled through the windows of his room. This was a glimmer of hope for him. The dream of being with the woman he loved seemed to shine along with the stars. The castle had to stop being a dungeon for him.
His mind was filled with escape plans. He was thinking of everything he could do to be with the woman he loved. In the corridors of the castle, in pursuit of his own freedom, he was listening to the voice of his heart. Tonight, he had embarked on a journey, not just physically, but spiritually as well.
Stephen stepped onto the balcony, taking a deep breath. The majestic view dazzled his eyes, yet he couldn't suppress the sadness within.
The stone walls of the balcony reflected the instability in his life. Having to run every time was starting to wear him down. This was why this place, once a refuge, had now turned into a prison that confined him.
The view reminded him of both his freedom and his ties. If he fled, he would miss this scenery again. But if he stayed, he would have to face the troubles of his life. In his dilemma, he was left alone with the silence of the balcony. Tonight, he wanted to escape both the outside world and the turmoil within.
Remembering it was his birthday, Stephen felt a flicker of hope. Maybe today, instead of running away, he could calm the unrest within him, at least for a day. As he gazed sadly at the view from the balcony, he heard a few footsteps. The delicacy and grace of the steps suggested the person approaching was a woman. His guess was correct; it was his sister, Amber.
Amber's presence momentarily made Stephen forget his inner turmoil. He quickly adjusted his facial expression, but the turmoil inside still persisted. With a curious look, Amber asked, "Were you awake until this late?" With this question, thoughts of escape once again entered his mind. But this time, he remembered that the person in front of him was his sister. With her around, at least for a day, he felt he didn't need to run away.
"I couldn't sleep. I decided to stay up. Why are you still awake?" Stephen asked, feeling the unease in the room.
"Same here. Strangely, I'm still full of energy," replied Amber with a mysterious expression.
"Maybe you're excited about the birthday celebration," Stephen said with a desperate smile.
"Could be. Is that why you can't sleep either?" Amber asked, trying to understand Stephen's situation.
"Forget about me," Stephen said with a slightly sad expression.
"It's not hard to guess why you're sad. Don't worry. There's a party tomorrow. You'll meet Princess Flamea tomorrow. Maybe she's very beautiful, and you'll like her," Amber said encouragingly.
When Stephen heard the last sentence, it was as if his brain was flooded with rage. His calm and sad demeanor instantly turned into one filled with anger. He was madly in love with Alicia and, in his eyes, she was the most beautiful woman. And he didn't want to betray her. The silence in the room reflected Stephen's internal conflict and the intensity of his emotions. The lights flickered softly in the room, as if mirroring Stephen's emotional turbulence.
"Amber, you'd better stop talking. Don't make any more comments about this. None of you will ever understand me anyway," Stephen said, his determination evident in his voice.
"Okay, okay. You're the most in love and loyal. Whatever. I'm leaving," Amber replied, clearly irritated.
"I think you should. It's for the best for all of us."
Though irritated, Amber left as if she didn't care about Stephen's words. Stephen continued to watch the sunrise. The sun, emerging amidst the orange and pink hues of the sky, reminded him of the power and cycle of nature. He found peace in this scenery and regained his calm demeanor. The silence in the room mirrored his inner tranquility. As the lights softly danced in the room, the atmosphere mellowed with Stephen finding his mental balance.
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Alicia had been exhausted since yesterday. Dark circles had formed under her eyes, and her face was marked with fatigue and sadness. She had cried all day yesterday, trying to calm herself amidst the tears. However, today, though still in low spirits, she seemed calmer compared to yesterday. Her face was expressionless, as if her emotions had frozen. The tears in her eyes had dried up; she couldn't even cry anymore.
In this challenging period, having to work intensively for a birthday celebration was wearing her out even more. She couldn't perform her tasks correctly and was constantly reprimanded. Each scolding deepened her inner unrest and sadness. The mental chaos and emotional burden made it difficult for her to do her job properly. Alicia was caught between her inner turmoil and the intense work pace.
Her eyes were red, and she was fed up with the pain. After a sleepless night filled with tears, she woke up groggy in the morning. Her eyes hurt from fatigue and crying, feeling as if a heavy burden was placed on her head. While struggling with the complicated emotions within her, the pain in her eyes made it even harder.
"I wish I could sleep and rid my body of all this fatigue and pain," she thought to herself. But the heavy workload and intense stress were far from being an escape for her. She was struggling to cope with this exhaustion. The redness and pain in her eyes were challenging her body's and mind's resilience.
The crowd of servants around made Alicia think it was a place where she wouldn't be noticed. She swiftly moved through the people and headed towards the pond. Finding a comfortable spot on the soft grass, she slowly lay down. As a gentle breeze caressed her face, the cool touch of the grass gave her a sense of peace.
In this peaceful atmosphere, Alicia let herself be embraced by the welcoming arms of sleep. The surrounding silence and tranquility of nature brought her inner peace. As her eyes closed, sleep gently enveloped her, and she was embraced by a peaceful slumber.
After about 30 minutes of sleep, she felt a hand gently stroking her hair. It felt as if someone was caressing her. Alicia quickly sat up and looked around in worry, but when she saw her beloved, she felt relieved. Stephen's approach with a sincere smile calmed her heart a bit more.
"What's wrong? Are you okay? You look worried."
Hearing Stephen's concerned tone, she quickly spoke to reassure herself:
"I'm fine. For a moment, I thought it was someone else. I was just scared."
When Stephen noticed the redness in Alicia's eyes, he felt guilty. He continued speaking with an embarrassed tone:
"Your eyes say otherwise. They're very red. And I woke you up in this state. I'm sorry."
Stephen's embarrassed manner warmed Alicia's heart. His sincere approach somewhat eased her worries.
Although Alicia tried to smile, her fatigue was evident on her face. Stephen's sincere approach comforted her, but she still struggled.
"It's okay, dear. As long as it's you who wakes me," said Alicia, trying to smile, but her exhaustion made her smile look strained.
Stephen felt Alicia's genuineness and encouraged her to express her true feelings:
"You don't have to act fine if you're feeling bad. I want you to be yourself around me..."
Struggling still, Alicia replied, "I'm just trying to stay strong."
Stephen approached her with compassion, "Be yourself with the man who loves you, find your peace," he said.
At these words, Alicia sighed softly and admitted, "You're right. My mind hasn't been right since yesterday."
Understanding her emotional state, Stephen reassured her, "Mine neither. But don't worry. We'll run away from here tomorrow," he said with a hopeful smile.
Alicia's tired and hopeless eyes began to shine as if a light had been ignited within her. The change in her face gave her hope and energy. Seeing this sudden transformation, a smile formed on Stephen's face. Alicia's sudden radiance reflected her inner strength and resilience. Between the lovers, the feeling of growing stronger and sharing hope in the face of challenges became apparent.
Excitedly, Stephen turned to Alicia, "And there's more good news. I want you to be at my birthday party. I even had a special outfit made for you," he said. Then, he magically summoned the outfit next to them. The dress hovered in the air, presenting a visual spectacle.
The dress was adorned with pure and elegant shades of white and had a long design. The sleeves and hem were embellished with red and gold details, adding a luxurious and opulent look. The chest area was filled with intricately crafted patterns, enhancing the dress's elegance and grandeur. The sleeves were designed separately from the main body of the dress, giving it a unique style and mobility. Every detail was intricately crafted, giving the wearer a mysterious and impressive aura, making her look extraordinary.
Alicia gently took the hovering dress and examined it with gleaming eyes. She hugged Stephen tightly, expressing her gratitude, and then softly kissed his cheek, showing her love once again. Stephen smiled, reciprocating Alicia's affectionate gesture, and bid her farewell, mentioning that he had things to attend to.
Alicia, eager to try on the dress, ran swiftly towards her room. Stepping lightly with excitement, she could hardly wait to wear the dress. Upon reaching her room, she quickly opened the door and went inside. Now, she was thrilled at the thought of imagining herself in that magnificent dress.
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The palace gardens created a magical atmosphere under the soft light of the moon. Glittering lantern lights illuminated the dance floor, adding elegance and splendor to the night. The light fragrance of wildflowers danced gently in the air, adding freshness and romance to the evening.
As the celebration was about to begin, the nobles gathered under the palace's grandeur, stepping into the garden in their elegant attire. The dazzling dresses, adorned with sparkling stones, added unique grace to the royal ball. There was a wave of excitement among the nobles as the moment to meet Princess Flamea approached.
When Princess Flamea entered the celebration area with her guards and attendants, she commanded everyone's attention. She dazzled with her majestic dress and elegant demeanor. The other nobles bowed and greeted her respectfully, welcoming her with great politeness.
Those close to Stephen, in particular, were curious about his reaction. Everyone was eager to see how Stephen would react upon meeting Princess Flamea.
The princess walked with confidence, each step a display of grace and determination. However, the most striking feature was her wavy, shiny red hair that extended to her shoulders. Her hair glowed in the moonlight, as if it were a fiery orb.
Competing with the brilliance of her hair were her icy blue eyes, which coolly surveyed her surroundings, observing everything carefully. These eyes, in harmony with her hair, gave the princess a mysterious and alluring aura. The freckles and slight redness on her face gave her an innocent and sweet appearance.
The dress the princess wore had a dazzling appearance. Dominated by a rich red color, the dress featured an intricately designed bodice. This section was adorned with carefully crafted beads or embroidery, providing an eye-catching detail.
The multi-layered skirt was a magnificent combination of lace and solid fabrics. Each layer was meticulously designed and elegantly interconnected. The skirt moved as if it were dancing around the princess in a gentle breeze, showcasing its grace and splendor.
Every detail of the dress contributed to the princess's majestic and enchanting look. Her magnificent outfit was one of the most striking elements of the night, making her truly the crown jewel of the evening.
The presence of the princess drew a lot of attention. With her delicate and elegant features, she radiated grace, capturing all eyes. Everyone admired the princess's beauty, and there was an air of curiosity around her.
Although Princess Flamea Alexa came to the celebration reluctantly, deep down, she was curious about who the prince was and what he was like. Contrary to her friend's exaggerated praises, she thought the prince wasn't that remarkable. In her view, her friend's perception of him was greatly exaggerated.
Finally, the anticipated moment arrived. When the person he was conversing with informed him, the prince turned around and saw the princess approaching. For a moment, there was a brief exchange of glances between them. In that short span, a mutual interaction occurred between the prince's scrutinizing gaze and the princess's shocked expression.
The prince, despite his young age, exhibited a mature demeanor. He possessed a calm and charismatic presence, giving an impression of someone more mature and strong than his age suggested. His face bore an expression of nobility and confidence. Alexa, while trying not to be affected in front of the prince, found it hard to conceal her admiration for his handsomeness and charisma. The mystery and allure surrounding the prince felt like a spell radiating outward.
"H-hello," Alexa stammered, her earlier confident demeanor suddenly vanished.
"Hello," Stephen replied, but his tone was quite cold. Alexa began to wonder about the cause of this sudden change. The king's advisor, David, approached quietly and whispered in Stephen's ear: "Your Excellency, perhaps you could be a bit warmer?" he suggested.
Stephen frowned at David's words. "Are you giving me orders?" he asked, the coldness still evident in his voice.
"No, think of it as a display. The king himself requested this of me," David explained cautiously.
The tension between Stephen's reaction and David's explanation made the atmosphere in the room a bit uneasy. Alexa felt uncomfortable watching this situation and was unsure of what to do.
When Stephen heard the word "king," he couldn't respond. But he also didn't intend to follow his father's orders. He was just waiting for his beloved. He glanced around constantly, wondering if she had arrived yet. But there seemed to be no sign of her. He was growing more impatient by the minute.
Meanwhile, Alexa kept trying to converse with him, but Stephen paid her no mind. No matter what Alexa did, she couldn't keep the conversation going. "He has a good appearance but seems very dull," thought Alexa. She felt disheartened. Perhaps the prince was just not in a good mood, she thought and decided to leave for a while.
Finally, Stephen managed to find his beloved. As soon as he saw her, his once emotionless face began to smile. Prince Stephen, in his gold-embellished red cloak, was dazzling. The sparkle in his eyes added a unique charm to the night. Alicia, in her white silk dress, looked like an elegant swan. Her hair was adorned with silver threads and gently swayed with each step.
Alicia couldn't even understand why she was at this celebration. Moreover, seeing Alexa by Stephen's side made her furious. She tried to calm herself. This celebration was organized for them to meet after all. Therefore, she shouldn't mind. She trusted her beloved. But merely watching him at this celebration saddened her deep down, although she also understood his position.
The hall was filled with a dazzling atmosphere. Shimmering chandeliers sparkled like jewels. Everyone was enjoying the celebration in elegant attire. Music played softly, and the joy of the dancing couples hung in the air. Alicia's heart was racing, caught in an emotional turmoil. Alexa's presence was darkening her mood. She wanted to trust her beloved, but the feelings of anxiety and jealousy inside her refused to calm down.
"I'm just an ordinary maid. Even if he loves me, he wouldn't dance with me in front of everyone. He's a grand prince," she said with a sad expression, but was immediately shocked by what she heard next.
"I don't care about that. I won't hide my great love for you from anyone," said Stephen with a charming and captivating look and smile.
"Even if you don't want to marry Alexa, if you don't do it, war will be inevitable. Many innocent civilians will lose their lives. Both countries will weaken."
"The only thing that matters to me is you. I'm ready to fight for you, my love. We're already planning to escape from here, don't worry."
Alicia was stunned upon hearing these words. She admired Stephen's courage and determination. At the same time, her inner anxiety and turmoil grew. His willingness to make such sacrifices left Alicia's heart in disarray. While she felt gratitude for her beloved's strength and resolve, she also harbored fears about the future.
Alicia looked around with these thoughts. Everyone's eyes were on her. She felt very uncomfortable with this. Sensing his beloved's discomfort, Stephen said, "Come on, dance with me. What are you waiting for?"
As the orchestra began playing the royal march, Stephen and Alicia stepped onto the dance floor. Their first contact was a gentle bow. As the prince took Alicia's hand, the excitement in her eyes became noticeable.
Stephen and Alicia locked eyes as they danced. In the middle of the dance floor, under the glittering chandeliers, they seemed to get lost in each other. With each step, they drew closer, and their dance became an emotional union rather than just a rhythm. Alicia's face was filled with smiles, excitement, and happiness. Stephen, while dancing with her, lost the expression on his face; it only reflected his deep love and devotion for her. This moment would be unforgettable for them and signify the start of a love-filled journey.
The dance between the prince and Alicia seemed like it was straight out of a fairy tale. Gentle turns, perfect steps, and an atmosphere filled with eye contact enchanted the audience. The prince's arms wrapped gracefully around Alicia, making them feel like one as they danced together.
When their dance finally ended, Stephen and Alicia bowed to each other as if in thanks. Stephen held Alicia's hand gently and looked at her with a smile. Then he kissed her hand. As they began walking together into the night, they disappeared into the darkness, their footsteps echoing away.
The watching nobles, including Alexa, were in shock. Alexa was furious at Stephen's move. Despite her close friend's attempts to calm her down, her anger wouldn't subside. Stephen's unexpected action deeply hurt her. She felt betrayed before they were even married, with a deep sense of bitterness in her heart.
As anger and disappointment became evident on Alexa's face, the shocked expressions of the surrounding nobles were noticeable. The love-filled moments between Stephen and Alicia evoked different emotions in many people. Some watched with astonishment, some with jealousy, and some with happiness.
"Why did you suddenly get angry? Didn't you say his conversation was very boring?"
Alexa's face flushed with anger, her eyes glaring at her close friend, almost blazing with fire. Her rapid anger even surprised those around her. The wave of gossip among the nobles spread quickly, and attention turned back to Alexa.
"Mind your own business!" she shouted, the fire in her eyes growing with each passing second. She had lost control of her emotions.
Meanwhile, the nobles standing nearby watched the dialogue in astonishment. Some looked with concern, some with curiosity, and some with worry. Alexa's sudden rage had strained the atmosphere and made everyone around her uneasy.
"Oh my God, how quickly you fell in love with him."
As Alexa followed Stephen and Alicia with angry steps, she suddenly stopped. The couple had also stopped. She opened her eyes wide, but it was impossible to understand their conversation. The moon shone brightly in the sky, creating an atmosphere of peace with its light. The fountain's water flowed with a melodic rhythm, making the atmosphere even more enchanting. Stephen spoke to Alicia with warm and captivating looks, his voice getting lost in the gentle wind.
Alexa continued to watch Stephen and Alicia from the shadows. Although she couldn't understand what they were saying, she sensed a bond and depth that went beyond words.
Alexa curiously let her eyes wander over the girl. Her beauty caught Alexa's attention. Long, dark hair gently swayed in the wind. A smile graced her face, and her eyes were full of life. She had an elegant posture, radiating an air of mystery. However, Alexa didn't think the girl's beauty surpassed her own. She was also striking with her graceful build, attractive facial features, and unique charm.
Observing the girl's stance and joyful expressions only heightened Alexa's feelings of jealousy. Yet, knowing her own beauty, Alexa felt content with her own allure.
Alexa was in emotional turmoil as she watched the events unfold. She had caught the moment when Stephen and Alicia's lips met. For a moment, this seemed like the focal point of everything. The brief moment their lips touched felt like one of the most romantic scenes from a movie.
But watching this scene stirred complex emotions within Alexa. She felt both jealousy and disappointment. To cope with these conflicting feelings, she chose to distance herself. She took a final glance at the romantic scene, then silently withdrew.