Esme – POV
Sipping champagne under the cold night sky, with the moon casting its soft glow above, felt strangely calming. Music played faintly in the background, mixed with the hum of conversations.
Truthfully, I just wanted to go back to my chambers. I hated crowds. I hated being surrounded by people.
"So, you plan to stay hidden out here?"
I gasped as King Liam appeared beside me, resting his hand on the balcony railing. He didn't look at me—his gaze stayed on the moon. I turned my head toward the sky too, avoiding his face. His features were too intense in the moonlight—too beautiful. I couldn't bring myself to stare.
The weather here was strange. It had snowed earlier that morning. Now the sky was clear, stars scattered across it like jewels.
"Shouldn't you be inside, Your Majesty?" I asked quietly.
"Hiding," he whispered, and there was something heavy in his voice—something that sounded like grief.
I looked at him. He still stared at the moon, like he was missing someone badly.
"Why?" I asked.
"I hate crowds."
I hadn't expected an answer.
"Then we have something in common, King Liam."
He smirked. It was brief—but real. For a moment, I thought I might be dreaming. Seeing emotion from him, even for a second, felt impossible.
We stood in silence.
"I'm sorry I wasn't a good dance partner earlier," I said, breaking the awkward quiet.
"I could teach you now."
I blinked at him, surprised. "We've got five minutes before we head back."
What's going on with him? He looked... softer. Vulnerable. Could it be because of the woman he'd been watching earlier?
"Don't bother... Your Majesty," I said, stumbling over my words.
He raised an eyebrow.
"You were doing fine earlier," he said. I knew he was talking about my speech. It had taken a lot of effort to get to a place where I could speak without stuttering. "You'll do even better with dancing."
He held out his hand, and I placed mine in his. The music slowed. Somehow, my body followed his lead with ease. I wasn't nervous anymore.
"You were just nervous," he whispered in my ear.
A shiver ran through me. Back in the ballroom, I'd felt warm. But now—under his eyes—I was burning up. Yet it wasn't me he was really seeing. His eyes held a warmth, but they were filled with someone else.
He moved, and I followed. He dipped me, then pulled me close. Our lips were just inches apart. His hand gently touched my cheek. The softness of it made my heart race.
But those emotions weren't meant for me.
The reminder broke the spell. I stepped back just as he leaned in to kiss me.
King Liam blinked, like waking from a dream. His expression shifted, a slight crease forming between his brows.
"I'm sorry," he muttered before walking away.
I stood there, stunned. My heart thudded in my chest. I took a deep breath, then another, and followed him inside. He stood beside me again, this time wearing a fake smile as he introduced me to nobles. The man I'd just seen—the one with a flicker of emotion—was gone.
After the banquet, King Liam and I exited the hall. He left in a rush, while Duke Edward walked me back to my chambers.
"I spoke with Lendra," Edward said. It was the first time I really looked at him. He wore white, his uniform crisp, with green signet cufflinks. Everything about him was neat and calm. "She'll take part in the exams."
I stopped and turned toward him.
"Your Majesty, there will be noble protests the moment illegitimate children enter the exam hall. Be prepared," he warned.
I nodded. "Thank you for the warning."
I gave him a small smile and stepped into my chambers.
"Have a good night's sleep, Your Majesty," he whispered.
I looked back at him. His expression held something I couldn't quite place—maybe concern? Whatever it was, it stayed with me as I went inside.
That night, sleep didn't come easily. The evening's memories haunted me. After a long shower, I finally drifted off.
Thud.
I jolted awake.
A man in dark clothing stood at the foot of my bed.
"Queen Esme," he said coldly. "Nice to meet you. But if you stay alive, you'll only ruin my father's plans."
His hand clamped around my neck.
Pain flared. I struggled, gasping. With all my strength, I slammed my forehead into his.
He cursed and staggered back.
"Ahhh!" I screamed.
Duke Edward burst into the room, sword in hand. He charged the man—but then the attacker vanished. Disappeared—into thin air.
I couldn't believe my eyes. People don't just disappear.
King Liam stormed in next, his presence like a cold wave. His eyes searched the room. Seeing no one, he looked at me—and our eyes met.
"Are you alright?"
I nodded.
"Good. Because from now on, you and I will share a chamber."
I blinked, stunned.