As the door swung open, a hush fell over the room, silencing the conversations of those in the hall. Everyone, except for the king and queen, including King Lucian, bowed slightly, feeling tense in the presence of the prince r.
Meanwhile, Acia couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu that washed over her, reminiscent of the first time she laid eyes on him again.
When she looked at him, their eyes met by chance, and she suddenly realized that she was the only one in the hall, along with his parents, who didn't bow, despite his commanding presence.
"What are you doing?" Betty asked, giving her a gentle hug and bowing slightly. Their eyes locked, and she noticed a smirk on his lips behind the mask. She bit her lip as she also bowed, wondering if people would start to notice her presence since this was the second time it had happened.
The silence was interrupted as everyone resumed their conversation. "At this rate, Princess, we'll get caught if you keep this up," Elizabeth said, shaking her head in disbelief.
I don't know Betty well, but I feel there's more to him that I can't quite identify.
"Yes, he's dangerous," Princess Elizabeth remarked.
"You just don't get it," Acia said, rolling her eyes.
"Look, Princess, he's watching you," Betty pointed out, noticing Devilin gazing at her intently, a sly smirk on his face.
"Shouldn't we be careful?" Betty whispered to Acia.
"Let's move forward with the plan and wait patiently for Prince Alex," Acia interupted her. From a distance, she could still see Prince Alex, whose gaze was also fixed on her and Elizabeth.
Acia let out a deep sigh, wondering why she felt such a strange sensation in her mind. She sensed someone watching her and turned around to find the immortal prince holding a glass of wine, smirking at her. Although she couldn't see his face completely, she caught a glimpse of a small part of his lips and she couldn't help but admire is overall look.
He wore a midnight-black coat the coat was trimmed with fine and silver embroidery that shines faintly under the light. Beneath it, a deep crimson vest hugged his frame, paired with a white beautiful silk shirt the collarof the shirt opened slightly to reveal a moon shaped pendant resting against his skin. A black leather belt with a silver crest held his tailored trousers, and his polished boots gleamed with authority and power.
His mask, made of smooth and black metal,covered his face completely except for the curve of his lips — soft, faintly smirking, and dangerously alluring.
For a brief moment, Acia's heart couldn't help but flutter as their eyes met, and she felt an irresistible pull, as if an invisible force was drawing her in. She momentarily forgot about Betty, Alex, and their plans, completely captivated by the moment. She wondered what this feeling was.
She grasped the intricately designed table next to her, feeling faint, and couldn't understand the sudden sense of déjà vu. But then, just like that, she returned to reality; everything in the room returned to normal, and Acia snapped out of her daydream.
"Princess, what's wrong with you tonight? Why does your heart seem so distant?" Betty looked genuinely concerned.
"It's nothing, Betty," Acia replied, brushing off her feelings as she tried to concentrate on their escape plan.
On the other hand, Devilin could only watch with amusement as he noticed the princess's small gesture. In all his years, no one had ever intrigued him quite like she did. It was as if she was surrounded by a captivating scent that he felt compelled to explore. He had always succeeded in getting what he desired, and he was determined to have her for himself, whether it was just a fleeting feeling or something more lasting.
Ezekiel Devilin called out as he twirled his cup, a smirk still visible on his face. "What do you think about the marriage to the human?" he asked.
"My lord, I thought you didn't really want to get married; I thought you didn't care," Ezekiel replied.
"Oh, my Ezekiel, while I didn't take it too seriously before, I've now found a little lamb who is quite interesting," Devilin chuckled.
"Do you know what happened years ago in the human world, how King Lucian came to the throne?"
"The real reason was treason, but the story circulating is that they were kidnapped," Ezekiel answered.
"Yes, you are very clever, Ezekiel. It's ridiculous and foolish to think that we immortals don't actually know the truth."
They are now presenting the former princess to stage a fabricated drama about how King Lucian has been generous to his brother, the former king of the human realm, by bringing in the only daughter of the former king, Devilin explained.
However, they haven't announced her presence at all, and I doubt I'll be able to find her here, Kiel remarked.
"King Lucian did not plan on mentioning her presence unless it's absolutely necessary or if rumors start to spread, because revealing her presence now will only draw people's attention," Devilin advised.
"Do you recognize her?" Kiel asked, intrigued.
"Just enjoy the drama that's about to unfold," Devilin replied with a broad smirk.
....
King Lucian ascended the podium to announce his presence. Everyone's attention shifted as they paused their conversations and focused on the king, who greeted them with a gentle smile.
"Thank you all for coming to the human world to establish a peace treaty. We welcome all the immortals," King Lucian said, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
"It has been years since humans, immortals, and werewolves have coexisted,
albeit in different regions.
However, there have been recent killings attributed to both the werewolf and immortal communities. That is why I am prepared to offer one of my daughters to Prince Devilin of the immortal realm as part of this peace treaty."
Now I will introduce my first daughter, Inyan Froston, the 24th princess of the human world, Lucian declared with a mix of pride and arrogance in his voice. She is a beauty to all who see her; I hope she pleases your eyes, he said, looking at Devilin. Inyan, feeling nervous, could only bow her head.
Devilin nodded in response, his expression unreadable.
Next, I present my second daughter, Floria Froston, the 25th princess of the human world. She is just like her sister—beautiful, well-mannered, and respectful.
The choice between them is yours, Prince Devilin, King Lucian said, feeling overwhelmed.
Devilin approached, glancing at both princesses as everyone held their breath, including the king and queen of the human world.
"Your daughters are truly beautiful, and I am continually amazed by how well you have raised them," he remarked. Lucian felt a sense of relief.
"Prince Devilin, which one do you find most suitable for you?" he asked.
The room fell silent as everyone awaited his decision, with both Inyan and Floria hoping for the best.
"I announce that Princess Acialin Froston, the forgotten princess of the human world, shall be my betrothed," Devilin grinned.