chapter 19
The soldier stepped back into the room, his voice calm but urgent.
Soldier:
"Your Highness… everyone in the hall is waiting. The engagement ceremony is about to begin."
The Princess tilted her head slightly. A faint, confident smile formed on her lips.
Princess:
"Then it's time… let's go."
---
Soldiers' Tent
John: "Engagement… today?"
John sat on the edge of his bed, staring blankly at the canvas ceiling.
John (thinking):
Why… why does it feel like I can't stand this anymore?
A soldier nearby nodded casually.
Soldier:
"Yeah. In a few hours. The ceremony might already be starting."
The words hit harder than expected.
John leaned back slowly, his hand falling into his lap. His chest tightened.
John (quietly):
"What is happening…? Why does it feel like my heart is breaking?"
Time passed, but the feeling didn't fade. It only grew heavier.
---
Palace – Esabell's Room
Sunlight spilled across a cluttered desk. Papers, books, and notes were scattered everywhere as Esabell worked quietly.
A knock came.
Esabell: "Enter."
The door opened. John stepped inside.
His expression was tense, distant.
Esabell:
"John… what's wrong?"
John hesitated, then spoke.
John:
"Today… the engagement."
Esabell paused.
Esabell:
"Yes. It's happening."
John sank into a chair, staring at the floor.
John:
"I don't know what's wrong with me… I just can't take it anymore. Esabell… what should I do?"
Esabell studied him carefully, then leaned back slightly.
Esabell (calmly):
"First—breathe. Panicking won't help."
She tilted her head.
Esabell:
"Tell me something… do you understand what you're feeling?"
John shook his head.
John:
"No… but I want to."
A faint, understanding smile appeared on Esabell's face.
Esabell:
"Then we'll figure it out. Step by step."
For the first time that day, something in John loosened slightly.
---
Royal Ballroom – Evening
Grand doors opened.
Music filled the hall. Chandeliers glittered above nobles dressed in silk and jewels.
Then—
Announcer:
"Her Highness, the Princess of Lumivale."
Silence fell.
She entered with calm grace, every step steady, every movement controlled.
From the back of the hall, Esabell peeked from behind a column. Beside her, John hid awkwardly.
Esabell (whispering):
"There she is."
John looked up—then quickly looked away.
Esabell:
"You should go talk to her soon."
John:
"W-what? No… I mean… later."
Esabell:
"At this rate, her grandchildren will be born before you confess anything."
John groaned quietly.
---
Nobles' Circle
A noblewoman smiled sweetly—but her tone was sharp beneath it.
Ada:
"Such a… dark dress for a celebration, Your Highness. Rather unusual."
Soft laughter followed.
Before the Princess could respond—
Prince:
"Understandable. When a kingdom struggles, elegance is often the first sacrifice."
He smiled lightly.
The Princess met his gaze calmly.
Princess:
"How fortunate Stonehaven values appearance so highly."
A pause.
Princess:
"Lumivale has always valued strength."
The laughter died.
The Prince's eyes narrowed slightly.
Then—
Music shifted. Couples moved toward the dance floor.
The Prince extended his hand.
Prince:
"May I have this dance?"
After a brief pause, she accepted.
They stepped onto the floor.
---
Back of the Hall
John watched silently.
John (quietly):
"…Why is he dancing with her?"
Esabell:
"Because he's the man she's meant to marry tomorrow."
John looked away—but couldn't stop looking back.
Something inside him tightened again.
Esabell (softly teasing):
"When did you start caring this much?"
John froze.
Memories surfaced—training, her voice, her sword, her presence.
John (quietly):
"It's not just admiration…"
He swallowed.
John:
"…it's her."
Esabell smiled faintly.
Esabell:
"So… you love her."
The word echoed.
Love.
John didn't answer—but he didn't deny it either.
---
Balcony
Guinevere entered the hall briefly, exchanged a silent glance with the Princess, and gave a subtle nod.
The Princess understood immediately.
Princess:
"Excuse me. I need some air."
She stepped away from the dance floor.
---
Balcony – Night
Cold air brushed her face.
Below, Stonehaven sparkled under a sea of lights.
She exhaled softly.
Princess (muttering):
"What a troublesome wedding…"
Her hands rested on the railing.
Princess (quietly):
"…I'm so tired."
Then her expression sharpened slightly.
Princess (thinking):
Just wait, Prince… this wedding won't go as you expect.
---
Inside the Hall
From the shadows, Esabell glanced toward the balcony… then at John.
She gave a small nod.
John understood.
He swallowed.
John (thinking):
…This is really happening.
He moved.
---
The Balcony
A faint sound broke the silence.
A rope slid softly against stone.
Before the Princess could react—
A figure descended from above.
He stopped midair.
Hanging upside down.
The rope held him steady as the night wind moved around them.
Their eyes met.
A breath caught in her throat.
Princess:
"Who—?"
A familiar voice answered softly.
John:
"…It's me."
The rope swayed gently.
Between them—
only silence.
Only tension.
Only something neither of them yet understood.
…CHAPTER 19 ENDS…