Kassandra's POV
I already notice how his siblings expect me and their brother to lose our face and dignity. They're waiting for a moment to mock and laugh at their own siblings.
Prince Kalix's parents seem to be happy to see him, unlike his siblings, which saddens me. I went to my room and cleaned up all the messes I had created.
I have to prepare too. Arida and her family will also attend. The winter ball is a significant event in the entire kingdom.
Every family celebrates this season by being together, cooking a little lavishly, and exchanging gifts.
I knew the people who would attend tonight were here to see what kind of mistakes we might be able to make. But I will make sure that it will be perfect.
"I better save my husband's face. No one can ruin his reputation right in front of me. No one," I whispered.
…
I breathe in and out. I look in the mirror and smile. I put on my makeup all by myself. It took me half an hour in the bath.
I make sure to clean every corner of my body. I even wear perfume and body oil to smell better. I have to do all these girly things for my husband.
His Majesty left this dress in front of my door. He told me to wear it. I didn't expect him to prepare this beautiful dress for me.
It was dark blue, and it was body-fit. I can see the contour of my body. I don't have any idea what kind of dress I am wearing.
Its skirt was filled with blue gemstones. It was also off-shoulder. I look down and check my cleavage.
"I think this dress is too revealing, but... I like it," I utter.
I'm glad Arida taught me about hairstyles. I just tied my hair in messy buns and curled a few strands.
I used the hair ornaments that mom usually uses when she attends balls. I still remember how beautiful my mother was.
"I'm ready!" I stated.
I tap my cheeks and turn on my warrior mode. I need that while talking with these people, who have their own agendas.
I opened the door and almost bumped his majesty's face. "Oh my! Did I hit you, your majesty?" I ask. I held his face and checked it myself.
"I am okay," he whispered.
I sighed out of relief. He pushed me back into my room. Prince Noah closed the door and pulled me closer, wrapping his hands around my waist. Our eyes meet.
He raises his hand and caresses my face. "I want to kiss you, but I remember the unluckiness you met the night of our wedding. You look beautiful in this dress. I'm glad I picked the right one," he whispers.
My cheeks redden. How can he flirt with me this easily?! My heart is being abused because of him!
"Your majesty, your face... it's too close," I whispered. What the heck?!
'What kind of voice did I just use? Why do I sound like I'm asking him to kiss me?! What the heck is wrong with me?'
"Let me taste you," he whispered huskily.
I didn't push him. My lips parted on their own, and I waited for his lips to claim mine. As soon as I felt his warm and soft lips on me, I welcomed him without a second thought. My tongue welcomes his, and we start tasting each other's saliva.
His kiss was really sweet. I can feel his warmth pressing against mine. Every stroke and every move he made were gentle. I can't help but kiss him as intensely as he does.
We stopped and breathed deeply. Prince Noah smiled. "Your lips are sweeter than cherries and strawberries. You smell nice, either," he whispers, sniffing my neck. I became more flustered because of what my husband did.
"We have to go now. We'll be late," I murmur. He brushes his hair and sulks. Did my husband just sulk? "Damn."
I laugh softly. He's so cute. "Let's wait for the bad luck first. I'm sorry. I just can't hold back," Prince Noah says.
I raised my feet and showed him that the straps of my heels were destroyed when I lost my balance while kissing him.
"I think the heels were also broken," I stated.
My husband cracked up again. He carried me like a princess again and put me down on the couch.
I watch him as he enters the extension room that serves as my walk-in closet. He came back holding a beautiful pair of sparkling red heels.
He kneels in front of me. I place my hand on Prince Kalix's shoulder. "Your majesty, don't kneel in front of me. You are still higher than me," I remarked.
He didn't listen and took my hand off his shoulder. He lifts my skirt and puts on my heels. "Let me be the husband, not any royalty that you want to serve," he commented.
I didn't argue with his majesty, and I just enjoyed this moment. My husband grabs something inside his clothes. It was a beautiful ruby and diamond necklace. He raises his hand and touches my neck.
"I'm glad you're not wearing any necklaces. This is an heirloom. My grandma left this to her trusted aid. She's the head maid here. She just gave this to me a while ago."
I raise my two palms and shake my head. "Your majesty, it should be given to your mother. That's an heirloom from her own mother," I remarked. My husband sits beside me.
"Dina says that my grandma left this for me. She said that Dina would only give this to me when the woman I marry is worth her name. My grandma is actually a jewelry designer. The name of this necklace is Light of Kindness."
He put them on me. I saw how happy he was when he looked at the necklace. "It suits you perfectly. Dina and Grandma see the light and kindness in you. Let's go?" he says. He stood up and offered me his hand. I held his hand and smiled.
"Uhm. I'm ready, Your Majesty," I replied. We went downstairs. I was nervous at the same time excited.
At the door of the venue hall, Enrique was waiting for us. "Open the door and announce the host's arrival," he says. They opened the door, and one of them entered first.
"Our very own grand duke and grand duchess have arrived!"
I wrap my hands around his arms. Enrique waited for us to get inside and stood behind us. We heard a round of applause.
The guests, especially the ladies, were all dashing with their beautiful dresses and jewelry. My husband and I stand in front of her family. The two of us bow our heads.
"Wow! You look dashing in this dress, duchess!" my mother-in-law complimented.
"Thank you, royal mother. His majesty bought it for me."