Glenn immediately took a step back, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender, but not before giving me a quick, reassuring smile.
I turned around to face August, whose eyes were colder than I had ever seen before. His usually calm demeanor was replaced with a sharp, icy edge as he stood there, his presence commanding and intense.
"Aug-" I stopped calling out his name. "Your Majesty," my voice soft and uncertain. "Glenn was just helping me out. I had a bit too much to drink, and we were only talking."
His eyes flickered down to meet mine, softening slightly but still holding a dangerous glint. "Come with me," August's grip on my wrist was firm as he pulled me away from the balcony and Glenn. I didn't even get a chance to say sorry to Glenn! His pace was quick, almost too fast for me to keep up.
"Your Majesty," I called, trying to pull my hand free, but his hold only tightened. "August, stop!"
He didn't answer, his jaw clenched, his expression hard and unreadable as he led me through the corridors of the palace, away from the party and prying eyes. My heart raced, unsure if it was from the wine, the situation, or both.
"August!" I repeated, this time more forcefully, yanking my hand back, finally breaking free of his grip. He stopped, turning sharply to face me, his eyes still icy.
"You still have guests to attend to, shall we go to the party?" I desperately suggested trying to calm him down however I must have angered him more as his icy eyes glared at me.
However, he quickly removed his gaze, took a small breath and without a word, strode back towards the banquet hall, leaving me standing alone in the corridor.
I also took a deep breath, straightening my dress and trying to calm the racing thoughts in my head.
'I should ask him later. For now, the banquet is more important,' I couldn't afford to create a scene or let anyone know that something was wrong between us.
By the time I returned to the ballroom, the music had resumed, and the guests were still mingling, unaware of the tension that had just unfolded. I tried to blend back into the crowd, plastering a smile on my face, though my mind was elsewhere.
Across the room, I saw August engaging with a group of nobles, his expression unreadable but composed. It was as if nothing had happened.
The party had finally ended, and I found myself exhausted as I saw off the last guest. After exchanging apologies and goodbyes with Glenn, I couldn't shake the frustration and confusion bubbling inside me. August had been acting so cold and distant during the party, and his outburst earlier had left me rattled. What was wrong with him?
Determined to get answers, I stormed toward August's chambers, my steps echoing through the hallways as my emotions surged. The moment I reached his door, I pushed it open without hesitation, finding him sitting by the window, his back turned to me.
"What's wrong with you?" I demanded, my voice louder than intended. "You've been acting strange all evening."
He didn't immediately respond, but I could see the tension in his shoulders. I stepped closer, my frustration rising as I pressed on. "You embarrassed me in front of Glenn!"
Finally, he turned around to face me, his face still carrying that cold, distant look from earlier. "Strange?" he repeated, as if the word meant nothing to him.
"Yes!" I crossed my arms, trying to keep my emotions in check, but my frustration was bubbling over. "You threatened Glenn, you pulled me away like I was some object—"
"You were dancing with him like nothing was wrong," he interrupted, his tone low but firm.
I stared at him confused, "What?" But nothing's wrong with dancing with him though? "What are you talking about?"
August's eyes darkened, his jaw clenching slightly, "When we danced together, you seemed so nervous and distant but when you danced with him, you were in sync, so happy and excited. Not to mention, what were the two of you doing alone in the balcony?"
I blinked, stunned for a moment. "Of course, we're in sync! He was my dance partner as I practiced how to dance! And didn't I tell you that Glenn was just helping me? I had a bit too much to drink, and we were only talking."
"You still call him by his first name," he said, his voice quieter now, almost pained.
I was starting to get frustrated talking to him, "He's my friend! It's normal that I call him like that since he's also close with my brothers." I sighed deeply, "I'm starting to think you're getting jealous with him."
His voice suddenly turned low and husky, "What if I am?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.
"Huh?" I turned to look at him, checking if what I heard is true.