The next day, walking through the palace corridors felt like walking on nails. I tried to walk tall beside my father, whose 'Touch my daughter and I will obliterate you' aura emanated so strongly that passing nobles immediately lowered their gaze or pretended to be deeply interested in the potted plants in the corner.
Their stares were like burning sunlight, full of scorn, curiosity, and a little bit of amusement. But one cold glance from my father made all those eyes immediately look away, making our path feel slightly clearer if not for the burning shame still hot on my cheeks.
We were led to a bright garden pavilion, a beautiful sight that only added to my stress. And there, under the shadow of a weeping willow, sat the two people I least wanted to face: King Edmund with his friendly smile that still radiated an authority that made me want to hide, and... Crown Prince Sebastian Julian Von Asteria.
Sebastian's face was a beautiful painting.
