Ryu dropped Arya gently onto the passenger seat of his gold sports car before sliding behind the wheel. The engine roared to life, and the vehicle sped off through the glimmering streets of Azurean.
Arya's curious gaze lingered on him. Only his right hand was gloved.
"What fashion is this?" she asked, reaching for the glove.
But Ryu shifted swiftly, pulling his hand away with a nervous chuckle.
"It's… a dress code. You like it?"
Arya raised a brow. "I don't know…" she murmured, unsettled by his refusal to let her touch it. The rest of the ride fell into silence, only the low purr of the car filling the space.
The royal academy loomed in her thoughts—the grand institution the royal family had built for the gifted, a place where power was trained and honed for the defense of the kingdom.
At last, they reached the palace. Ryu parked, his tone half-teasing as he glanced at her shoes.
"Think you can walk in those? Or should I carry you in?"
"Don't worry, I can manage. Wouldn't want to stain Your Majesty's regal aura," Arya said dryly.
Ryu chuckled. The moment he stepped out, attendants unfurled a red carpet at his feet. With a confident smile, he circled back, his hand slipping around Arya's waist.
"If you don't want to trip, it's best you follow my lead," he murmured, winking.
Reluctantly, Arya stayed at his side as they descended the carpet together.
"We welcome Prince Ryu Jun Kyle of Azurean!" the announcer boomed. A crown was ceremoniously placed upon Ryu's head.
"And his partner, Miss Sophia… err…" The announcer faltered, finding no surname.
"Forget it," Ryu said smoothly, leading Arya down the grand staircase. The hall was filled with curious eyes, though no one seemed surprised to see yet another girl at the prince's side.
"Elijah!" Arya gasped, spotting him in the crowd. Her smile faltered when she noticed the dirty-blonde girl clinging tightly to his arm. Still, she freed herself from Ryu's grasp the instant they reached the floor and waved.
"Hi, Riri! Glad you could make it," Elijah said, flashing that bright smile she secretly adored.
"It's our welcome party. I wouldn't miss it," she replied warmly.
"Oh, hey Prince Ryu," Elijah added, noticing him.
"Greetings, Lord Elijah," Ryu returned politely.
The blonde girl tugged Elijah away with a glare at Arya and a sugary smile for the prince. Almost immediately, Ryu steered Arya aside.
"Why did you take my hand off?" His voice carried irritation, though he tried to mask it.
"I didn't want Elijah to think something was going on between us," Arya answered casually.
Ryu gave a short laugh of disbelief. Countless girls would have killed to be in her position, yet she acted as if it was burdensome.
The sound of trumpets silenced the hall. The announcer's voice rang out.
"All welcome, King Darius Jun Kyle of Azurean!"
The handsome king entered with regal grace, waving majestically as the crowd bowed.
"I see where you got your good looks from," Arya whispered, and Ryu's smile widened.
"Are you admitting I'm handsome?" he teased.
Arya quickly deflected, pointing to the children rushing into the hall. "Are those your siblings?"
"Yes," Ryu said, watching the triplets bound forward, maids struggling to keep up.
"Aww, they're adorable."
"And stubborn," he muttered. Raising his voice, he called sharply:
"Alex! Alexis! Lex! Stay put!"
But the three chorused, "Big bro!" before dashing toward him. Lex tripped mid-run, and Ryu pinched the bridge of his nose as Arya giggled.
He scooped Alex and Alexis into his arms while Lex hugged his legs.
"Who's this?" Alexis asked, eyeing Arya curiously.
"This is my par—"
"Another one?!" the triplets cried in unison, drawing laughter and whispers from onlookers.
"Shhh! Come, Arya, let me introduce you to my father," Ryu said quickly.
Arya followed, smiling softly. He really does have a nice family. Lucky him.
"Greetings, King Dad," Ryu said, bowing lightly.
"Ryu," the king greeted warmly, pulling his son into a hug and ruffling his hair.
"Dad! I'm not a kid anymore—it took me hours to style this!" Ryu grumbled, smoothing his silky white locks. Arya smiled; now she knew where he got them. The king's own hair flowed past his waist, silver-white and regal.
"And who is this lovely lady?" King Darius asked, eyes twinkling.
"Dad, this is Arya, my new par."
"Greetings, my king," Arya said, dipping into a curtsy.
Soon, visitors flooded in, and the king excused himself to welcome them. The triplets darted toward the food table, as expected.
"Aren't you going after them?" Arya asked.
"They'll eat and fall asleep soon. No worries," Ryu replied with a smirk. Then his tone softened. "The dance will begin shortly. Stay close."
Her skin prickled with goosebumps, though she nodded silently.
Just then, Daven and Xavier approached with their giggling partners, who stared at Ryu like dazzled schoolgirls.
"Hey, Ryu," Daven said with a wink.
"What's wrong?" Ryu asked, suspicious.
"Nothing much. Just that Misha's dad is here," Xavier teased.
Ryu rolled his eyes while his friends laughed. Across the hall, Misha waved, her father beaming at him. Ryu forced a smile.
"If I'm going, you're coming with me," he muttered, linking arms with them and dragging them across the hall.
The two brunettes trailing behind shot Arya disdainful looks, their noses tilted high as they hmmphed and swept past her.
Arya flushed, frowning. What did I ever do to them?