chapter 19
The soldier stepped back in, his voice measured but respectful.
Soldier:
"Your Highness… everyone in the hall is waiting for you. The engagement ceremony is about to begin."
The Princess tilted her head slightly, a sly, confident smile forming on her lips.
Princess:
"Then it's time… let's go."
Soldier's Tent
John:"Engagement… today?"
John sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the canvas ceiling of the tent.
John (thinking):Why… why am I feeling like I can't stand it anymore? I… I have to do something…
Soldier:"Yeah… in a few hours. She's going to get engaged. The ceremony might already be starting."
John closed his eyes and let out a slow, painful breath. The words echoed in his mind like a drumbeat he couldn't ignore.
His hand fell limply into his lap as he leaned back against the bed, staring blankly at the canvas above.
John (quietly):"What is happening…? Why does my heart feel like it's about to break?"
Minutes passed, but his mind refused to calm. Every beat of his heart seemed louder than the last, reminding him of something he still couldn't name.
Palace – Esabell's Room
Esabell sat at a small wooden desk, sunlight spilling across scattered papers. She adjusted a stack of files, organized her books, and scribbled notes quickly.
The quiet room filled with the scratching sound of her pen.
A knock echoed softly.
Esabell:"Enter."
The door creaked open.
John stepped inside, his face tense, his shoulders heavy with unspoken thoughts.
Esabell:"John… what's wrong? Why are you here?"
John rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes for a moment.
John:"Today… the engagement."
Esabell:"What?"
John:"The Princess is getting engaged. Did you… hear?"
Esabell slowly nodded.
Esabell:"Yes. The ceremony may have already begun."
John sank into a chair, staring at the floor as his heart pounded.
My heart… I can't take this anymore…
Esabell:"…What did you say?"
John:"I don't know… I just… I can't take it anymore. Esabell… what should I do?"
Esabell leaned back in her chair, letting out a small laugh—gentle but knowing.
Esabell:"Okay, okay… relax. This isn't the time to panic. We'll figure something out."
She studied him carefully.
Esabell:"But tell me something first… do you even understand what you're feeling?"
John shook his head slowly.
John:"No… I don't. But… I want to understand."
Esabell smiled faintly.
Esabell:"Then we'll figure it out together. Step by step."
For the first time since entering the room, John looked up.
A small spark of hope flickered in his chest.
Evening_The Royal Ballroom
The grand doors of the palace hall slowly opened.
Music filled the vast ballroom as nobles, knights, and royal guests gathered beneath glittering chandeliers. Silks and jewels shimmered under the warm lights while quiet conversations floated through the air.
Then the announcer's voice echoed across the hall.
"Her Highness, the Princess of Lumivale."
The room fell silent.
She walked forward with calm grace, posture straight, expression composed.
For a moment, every pair of eyes in the ballroom turned toward her.
Hidden behind a row of chairs near the back of the hall, Esabell peeked carefully. Beside her, John awkwardly tried to make himself smaller behind the furniture.
Esabell (whispering):"Look. There she is."
John glanced up, mesmerized, before quickly looking away again.
Esabell:"Now we just need the right moment for you to talk to her."
John's ears turned red.
John:"W-what? No, no… we'll find a moment… eventually."
Esabell raised an eyebrow.
Esabell:
"Eventually? At this rate her grandchildren will be born before you say anything."
John groaned quietly.
Meanwhile
A group of elegantly dressed noblewomen approached the Princess. One of them smiled politely—though the mockery beneath it was obvious.
Ada:"My, what an… interesting dress choice, Your Highness. Such a dark color for such a celebratory evening."
Her gaze swept over the gown.
Ada:"I suppose Lumivale's fashion is rather… unique."
A few nearby nobles chuckled softly.
Before the Princess could respond, another voice joined them.
The Prince of Stonehaven stepped forward.
Prince:"Indeed. Though I suppose when one's kingdom struggles so much, elegance becomes… secondary."
More quiet laughter followed.
Prince (to Ada):"By the way, Miss Ada, you look lovely tonight."
Ada blushed.
Ada:"Thank you, Prince Aqwa."
For a brief moment the tension sharpened.
But the Princess simply smiled.
Calm.
Unshaken.
Princess:"How fortunate, then, that Stonehaven values appearance so greatly."
The Prince raised an eyebrow.
Princess:"Lumivale has always preferred strength."
Ada's smile faltered.
The Prince studied her with clear amusement.
Moments later the music changed as couples moved toward the dance floor.
The Prince extended his hand.
Prince:"May I have this dance, Your Highness?"
The Princess hesitated only briefly before placing her hand in his.
They stepped onto the dance floor as the music swelled.
Back of the Ballroom
John peeked over the chairs again.
He froze.
The Princess and the Prince were dancing together.
John (quietly):"…Why is he dancing with her?"
Esabell glanced at him knowingly.
Esabell:"Well… he is the man she's supposed to marry tomorrow."
John quickly looked away, embarrassed—but his eyes kept drifting back.
Something inside his chest felt heavy.
Esabell leaned closer.
Esabell (teasing):"John… when did you start caring for Princess like that?"
John froze.
His hands tightened around the chair.
He looked toward the Princess again.
John:"I… I don't know."
Esabell:"Think carefully. Is it admiration… or something more?"
John swallowed.
Memories rushed through his mind.
The training yard.
Her laughter.
Her stubborn determination.
One memory stood out clearly.
The first time she handed him a sword.
princess :"Take it. Fight me. I want to see what you've got."
Her orange hair had glowed under the sun, her green eyes shining with fierce determination.
Every strike of her sword had been fast, graceful, fearless.
And impossible to ignore.
John exhaled slowly.
John (quietly):"It's more than admiration… more than respect…"
His eyes drifted back toward the dance floor.
John:"…it's her."
Esabell's expression softened.
Esabell:
"So… you love her."
John blinked.
The word echoed loudly in his mind.
Love…?
He didn't answer.
But deep inside, he knew.
Ballroom
The doors opened quietly.
Guinevere stepped inside.
Her light blue gown shimmered like calm water beneath the chandeliers. She moved gracefully through the crowd, exchanging polite greetings.
Yet her eyes searched the room.
Soon, they found the Princess.
For only a second, their gazes met.
Guinevere gave the smallest nod.
A silent signal.
The Princess understood immediately.
Still dancing, she smiled politely at the Prince before slowing her steps.
Princess:
"Forgive me, Your Highness. I need some air."
Without waiting for much protest, she slipped away from the dance floor.
The Balcony
Cool night air greeted her.
Below, the city of Stonehaven shimmered with thousands of lights.
But she barely noticed.
Her mind was too heavy.
Princess (muttering):"What a troublesome wedding…"
She rested her hands on the cold railing.
Princess (quietly):"Ah… I'm so tired…"
For a moment she simply stood there, letting the wind brush against her face.
Princess (thinking):Just wait, Prince… surprises are coming for you. This wedding will not be peaceful.
Inside the Hall
From the shadows near the corridor entrance, Esabell glanced toward the balcony doors.
Then toward John.
She gave him a small look.
A subtle gesture.
That was enough.
John swallowed.
john:(thinking)This… this is really happening.
He moved quietly toward the balcony.
The Balcony
The Princess continued gazing over the city.
Then—
A faint sound above her.
A rope sliding softly against stone.
Before she could react, a figure descended from the balcony arch.
In one smooth motion, he stopped midair.
Hanging upside down.
A rope secured above him held his body suspended effortlessly.
His masked face was now level with hers.
The wind lifted a loose strand of her hair as she turned.
For a heartbeat—
locked.
Her breath caught.
Princess:"Who—?"
The masked man spoke quietly.
His voice low.
Familiar.
John:"…It's me."
The rope swayed gently in the night air.
For a moment, the world felt strangely small.
Just the rustle of her gown.
The cool wind between them.
And the unspoken tension hanging in the darkness.
...CHAPTER 19ENDS...