King Basmus, ruler of the great Shaakina Kingdom, was celebrating his birthday tonight. A grand party had been arranged in his honor, and nobles and royals from different kingdoms filled the magnificent ballroom.
"Happy birthday, Your Majesty," King Henrik said, bowing respectfully before King Basmus, while Princess Thana stood gracefully beside him.
King Basmus clicked his tongue. "Must you keep the formalities, Henrik?"
"I dare not, Your Majesty," King Henrik replied with another bow.
King Basmus laughed heartily before his gaze shifted toward Thana, whose head remained lowered.
"Princess Thana… is that you?"
Thana bowed deeper. "Happy birthday, Your Majesty."
She looked breathtaking tonight, no longer a child but a beautiful young lady who had grown into elegance.
"Ah… Thana has fully ripened now," King Basmus said with a grin.
"It rests in your hands to decide who will pluck her from my household, Your Majesty," King Henrik added jokingly.
Both kings laughed.
"We shall discuss that later… somewhere Thana cannot hear us," King Basmus teased.
Thana scoffed inwardly. After excusing herself politely, she stepped away, her eyes scanning the crowded ballroom.
She was searching for only one person_Prince Dario.
Dario stood before his mirror while palace maids dressed him for the celebration. He had grown into an extraordinarily handsome man, perhaps the most handsome man anyone had ever seen.
Ladies across kingdoms dreamed of a single glance from him, let alone his touch.
The maids' hands trembled slightly as they worked. Serving Prince Dario was considered a privilege within the palace; they often argued over who would attend to him.
Dario stood motionless like a statue as they adjusted his royal attire. When they reached for his hair.
"Leave."His deep voice echoed calmly.
He never allowed anyone to touch his hair.
"Yes, Your Highness," they said quickly, bowing before leaving.
He combed his long black hair back
himself, his elegant fingers moving effortlessly.
"Your Highness."Pablo, his personal guard and son of King Basmus's trusted guard, entered and bowed.
"The ball has begun."
He said nothing.
"Are you certain about attending tonight?" Pablo asked carefully.
Dario ignored the concern. "I intend to shock a few people," he muttered.
He pushed his hair back again, leaving a few strands falling over his eyes, giving him a dangerously captivating appearance.
He turned toward Pablo.A gasp escaped the young guard. "You look incredibly handsome, Your Highness."
Back in the ballroom, Benita crossed her arms impatiently. "Do you think Dario will come?"
"If he refuses, we'll drag him here ourselves," Benito replied.
Queen Diane sighed. "Forget about Dario and enjoy the celebration."
The twins scoffed.
"We're eighteen now," Benita complained.
"She should stop controlling us," Benito added.
Their attention shifted to Princess Liza and Prince Javier. The twins exchanged mischievous glances and approached them.
"Greetings, dear brother and sister," they mocked with exaggerated bows.
Liza and Javier stared coldly.
"When is Dario arriving?" Benita asked loudly.
"Do not mention that name here," Javier snapped. "He does not belong among us. Learn your place before I teach you manners."
The twins burst into laughter.
"Did anyone hear something?" Benita asked dramatically.
"Nobody," Benito grinned.
Liza hissed angrily and stepped forward but murmurs suddenly spread across the ballroom.
"What's happening?" the twins asked, turning around.
Then they saw Dario had entered the ballroom.
Gasps echoed everywhere.
"He looks unreal…"
"Is he even human?"
"I swear he's a fallen angel…"
Women admired him openly while several men watched with envy.
Dario walked calmly toward the throne.
"Happy birthday, Your Majesty," he said, bowing before his father.
The king's smile vanished instantly. "Hm."He nodded coldly and looked away.
"How are you, Dario?" King Henrik asked warmly.
Dario recognized him immediately, the king who had once protected him from his father's wrath years ago.
"Greetings, King Henrik," He replied respectfully.
Thana stood frozen.
For over seventeen years she had not seen him.And now… he was even more breathtaking than her memories allowed.
"Greetings, Prince Dario," she said softly, bowing.
Their eyes met immediately, time seemed to pause between them.
After a moment, Dario gave a small nod and looked away.
"Enjoy the celebration, Your Majesty," he
said before turning and leaving.
Thana watched him go, her heart tightening painfully.
Seeing both kings deep in conversation, she quietly slipped away after him.
She searched desperately through the crowd until she spotted him leaving through the palace gates. Holding up her gown, she ran after him.
"Prince Dario!"
"Prince Dario!"
He continued walking as though he heard nothing.
She followed him beyond the palace and into the silent woods.
He knew she was behind him, yet he remained silent.
She was breathless now, exhaustion weighing heavily on her, but she refused to stop. She needed answers. She needed him.
Suddenly, he stopped.
Relief spread across her face as she
approached him carefully and touched his hand.
"I have been—"Her words died instantly.
Dario turned sharply,his hand immediately holding her neck as he lifted her effortlessly, slamming her against a tree.
His eyes glowed red.Thana's eyes widened in shock.
"Prin… Prince… Dario…" she struggled, her breath fading.
His grip tightened as he pinned her against the tree with terrifying strength.
Tears filled her eyes. One slid down her cheek and landed on his hand.
Her trembling fingers grasped his wrist weakly.
"Pr… Prince… Dario…"