Chapter 17
The palace had never been this alive.
Silks, jewels, perfumes—ladies from noble houses filled the grand hall, each more dazzling than the last.
Gold chandeliers lit the room, tables lined with roasted meats, sweet pastries, exotic fruits, and fine wine.
Even the trainees were allowed to watch from a distance.
"Look at them," her friend whispered. "They're all here to be chosen."
She adjusted her simple dress. Compared to the nobles, she looked… invisible.
Sky stood beside her. "Stay close to me."
"I'll be fine," she said softly.
Brian approached soon after. "You came."
"I was curious," she replied.
Brian's gaze lingered. "Be careful. Tonight… isn't simple."
—
Trumpets sounded.
The hall fell silent.
The seventh prince entered.
Cold.
Untouchable.
Powerful.
Every lady lowered her gaze.
Every man showed respect.
He walked slowly, eyes scanning the room.
One by one.
Calculating.
Judging.
Choosing.
A noble lady stepped forward boldly. "Your Highness, it would be an honor—"
He walked past her.
Another tried. "I am the daughter of—"
Ignored.
Murmurs spread.
"Who is he looking for…?"
"Why hasn't he chosen yet?!"
—
From the side, she whispered, "Let's go… this isn't for people like me."
She turned—
"Stay."
The voice was cold.
Sharp.
Commanding.
She froze.
Slowly…
She turned back.
He was standing right in front of her.
The entire hall gasped.
Sky tensed instantly. "Your Highness—"
Brian's eyes darkened.
The prince ignored them both.
His gaze locked onto her.
"You've gotten stronger."
Her breath caught.
"…you remember me?"
A pause.
Then—
"I never forget what belongs to me."
The hall erupted in whispers.
"WHAT?!"
"HER?!"
"AN ORPHAN?!"
Sky stepped forward, anger rising. "She doesn't belong to anyone."
Brian's voice followed, calm but dangerous. "Be careful, Your Highness."
The prince didn't even look at them.
His eyes stayed on her.
"Come."
Her heart pounded.
Her mind screamed.
Sky… Brian… the past… the present…
"…I…" she hesitated.
And for the first time—
The cold prince's expression shifted slightly.
Not emotion.
Not warmth.
But something dangerous.
Possessive.
"You will come."
Silence fell.
The choice…
Was no longer just hers.