From across the ballroom, Lucas de Dravian watched the scene unfold.
The crowd of nobles around June.The eager smiles.The desperate attempts to impress her.
His expression hardened.
Of course, he thought coldly.
Just another girl enjoying attention.
In his world, many noble ladies tried to get close to him — for power, status, or the crown. Sweet smiles, shy glances, carefully planned encounters…
He had seen it all.
And he despised it.
"She's no different," he muttered under his breath.
His golden eyes observed her carefully, searching for signs of arrogance or calculation.
But what he saw confused him.
She wasn't flirting.She wasn't encouraging them.She wasn't even smiling properly.
She looked trapped.
Uncomfortable.
Almost… like she wanted to escape.
Lucas frowned slightly.
For the first time, doubt crept into his thoughts.
Then one noble reached for her hand without permission.
June stepped back quickly, startled.
"I'm sorry," she said softly, trying to be polite while creating distance.
Something sharp flickered in Lucas's eyes.
Annoyance.
Not at her.
At them.
He clicked his tongue.
"Tch… troublesome."
Before he even realized it himself, he had already started walking toward her.
The crowd noticed instantly.
The Crown Prince was approaching.
The men around June stiffened and stepped aside immediately, fear replacing confidence.
June looked up—
And found herself face to face with the most dangerous man in the kingdom.
The cold prince she had noticed earlier.
Their eyes met again.
This time…
There was nowhere to escape.