The greenhouse was a haven of tranquility, the perfect setting for an idyllic afternoon. The servants had outdone themselves, preparing an assortment of delicate snacks and tea that were nothing short of perfection. Every detail was meticulously arranged, from the fine porcelain teacups to the flawless pastries that adorned the table.
But even in such a serene setting, I couldn't shake the tension that gnawed at the edges of my thoughts. I took a sip of the tea, its warmth spreading through me, but it did little to calm the storm brewing within.
Across from me, Alexander sat, seemingly at ease, enjoying the environment as if this were just another leisurely day. The silence between us stretched, becoming almost unbearable.
'In the novel, Alexander never bat an eye when it comes to Celeste. He would rather look at anywhere else than take her into consideration. So I really could not figure out, why the man that threatens my existence is here?'
Surely I hadn't forgot that there still a deathflag waving, but him seating in front of me made me realize I really haven't escaped death just yet.
I could no longer stand the pretense, the unspoken words hanging in the air like a dark cloud. Setting my teacup down, I forced a smile, masking the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "What do you want, Alexander?" I asked, my tone light yet laced with the sharpness of my impatience.
For a moment, he didn't answer, his gaze wandering around the greenhouse as if savoring the peaceful surroundings. Then, he turned his attention back to me, his expression unreadable.
"Why are you doing this, Alexander?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. Despite my best efforts, a hint of hesitation crept into my words. "What do you want from me?"
He stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate, as if weighing each step carefully. His voice was calm, almost soothing, yet there was a firmness to it that sent a shiver down my spine. "Celeste, do you see that vine over there? The one wrapping itself around the trellis?"
I glanced at the vine he indicated, my brow furrowing in confusion. "Yes, what about it?"
Alexander moved to stand beside me, his gaze fixed on the vine with an intensity that made my heart quicken. "No matter how much the vine twists and turns, it always finds its way to the trellis. It resists, tries to grow in another direction, but in the end, it's drawn to the support, the foundation it needs to truly flourish."
His words hung in the air, their meaning slowly sinking in. I turned to face him, realization dawning on me. He wasn't talking about the vine at all. "And you think I'm like that vine?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief.
Alexander's eyes met mine, unyielding, resolute. "You can fight it, resist all you want, but in the end, Celeste, you'll find yourself drawn to where you belong. To me. So why resist what's inevitable?"
My breath caught in my throat, his words both a challenge and a declaration. There was no mistaking the determination in his gaze, the certainty that he would have his way, no matter how much I resisted. And that certainty terrified me.
'Why? Because you're a walking deathflag!'
I calm myself down, but before I can even answer, he calls a servant that is with him, 'No, its not just a servant, its his loyal lap dog.'
[Sir Rhys Valenwood is a stoic, fiercely loyal knight of Crown Prince Alexander. A master swordsman with a sharp, unreadable gaze, he could easily lead the Arcane Knights but chooses to serve the prince instead. Rescued from bullying and obscurity by Alexander during their early knighthood, Rhys has remained inseparable from him, with his black hair and intense demeanor, is often called "The Shadow Wolf" by those who know him. This nickname reflects his fierce loyalty, stealth, and the way he silently but powerfully supports Crown Prince Alexander.]
'I can't believe I am seeing him for the first time.'
Sir Valenhood looked at me, but without any emotion as he handed me a box. I glanced to his master, to answer my confusion, he gesture for me to open it.
'This-!'
"A dress..." As to my astonishment, I look up to Alexander who is grinning from ear to ear, satisfied with my reaction.
'If I hadn't read the novel, I would've been moved by this dress.'
[The dress is a breathtaking masterpiece, resembling the vast expanse of the galaxy. Its fabric shimmers with a deep, midnight blue that seems to ripple with the colors of distant stars. Tiny, meticulously placed gems are scattered across the gown, each one catching the light to create a celestial, sparkling effect. The gems are so delicately sewn that it's apparent the designer must have endured painstaking effort to secure each one, creating a breathtaking illusion of a star-studded sky. The dress flows like liquid stardust, with an ethereal grace that makes its owner appear as if she's stepped out of a cosmic dream.]
'And the original owner is none other than... Stella.'
I look up once again to Alexander, he isn't looking at me, he is just satisfied for the gift he has given me.
Ethereal Mirage, one of its own, it is specifically crafted for the debut to the society of Stella, and it will happen at the next masquerade ball. No one know who exactly was wearing the dress, but everyone was in awe, if it weren't for her golden hair, everyone would've guess it was Celeste, but they were all wrong, when her mask falls in the middle of the ballroom, everyone was in shocked, whispering amongst themselves, but all of a sudden the Crown Prince removed his mask as well, stepping in the scene, and shamelessly introducing Stella.
It was unplanned yet consider romantic to the readers, its only been a month since he had wed the Villainess yet he's already introducing her as the Official Consort.
This is one of those moment that Celeste felt that Stella steals and steals away things from her.
Alexander's frustration finally broke the silence. "I'll be wearing a similar outfit. Make sure you wear this to the Masquerade."
I looked at the exquisite dress he handed me, confusion clouding my thoughts. "I don't understand why I must wear this…
"Didn't you like it?" His voice held a hint of disbelief.
"It's not that," I said, trying to keep my tone steady.
"The Ethereal Mirage is breathtaking—no one could deny that. What I'm saying, Your Highness, is that I'm not your partner for this Masquerade. I'm no longer your fiancée. I ended our engagement that day at the cathedral." I gently placed the dress back in the bag and pushed it toward him.
His eyes flashed with anger, and with a forceful shove, he threw the dress onto the brick pathway. The fabric spread out like a fallen star, almost making me flinch. "Stop playing games, Celeste! I've had enough of your charades!"
His furious reached my elbow and I felt his fingers digging into me. "Your Highness-!" He let go of me slamming me to the chair.
"I really do not understand you, if this is one of your schemes for you to get my attention... You have it now, Celeste."
'Is this how low he sees Celeste?' Its as if I'm her, I felt offended by his perception.
I stand up and bows, "Wha-I'm not finished yet."
"Your Highness, I don't know if you had an amnesia, but I do not want to be your fiance, nor I am delighted by your gifts, let me clear one thing, the sole daughter of the Rosenfield, I, Celeste Rosenfield, will never be married to a man like you."
"Why? You've always loved me! Don't make me laugh..."
"I did... but love fades Your Highness. Even with you courting me, my heart simply isn't easily swayed anymore."
I saw Zeke when I turned around, he nodded and he knew exactly that he'd turn the Crown Prince away, but before he left, "Are you alright, My Lady?" He looks at the elbow I unconsciously soothing. "I... am."
'Alexander, you're the worst male lead I've ever encountered! I swear, I'll do everything in my power to ensure I'm never trapped in a marriage with you!'