n

n

nAfter a few introductions, the music and the boisterous atmosphere returned to the hall and Sylvia also found herself a bit less confined.

nThough this was probably because the King had walked away from her in the midst of his conversation with a bunch of people, taking along with him half the crowd.

nSylvia sighed softly and decided to use this chance to slip to a corner of the hall.

nShe walked gracefully, gently nodding to whoever greeted her on the way and her eyes scanned the crowd searching for the patriarch.

nSurprisingly, she still was not able to see him, making her wonder if he was not actually ignoring her on purpose and if he had gone somewhere on a trip or to someplace away from the palace.

nA thought came to her mind as she remembered him telling her about how he would search for treasures for her, but she quickly brushed away that thought.

nExpectations only led to disappointment and she didn't want to expect anything from anyone, especially from these new strangers that surrounded her.

nShe silently watched the few people dancing at the center, women twirling and men swaying, dancing together in harmony..

nThey seemed happy.

nSylvia clasped her hands behind her back and leaned on the wall for support as a painful memory flitted past her mind...

nShe could still feel the man's touch lingering on her body, the memory of them dancing together as fresh as ever.

nShe thought that she should perhaps stay here at least for a while. After all, this party was being held for her and she didn't want to purposefully disrespect anyone.

nBut as more memories flooded in... that suddenly felt like an impossible task.

nShe couldn't bring herself to stand here in this suffocating atmosphere even for one more minute than what was necessary.

nShe took a few more deep breaths and seeing that no one was paying attention to her, she decided to slip out to the garden and then to return back to her quarters.

nBut just as she turned to leave, a throaty voice sounded from behind her.

"Your highness, please wait.

"

nA tall man with a tanned skin tone smiled at Sylvia gently. His eyes in particular stood out. They shone like dazzling rubies that matched the splendor of her dress.

n

"Greetings, your highness. I am Emilio from the panthera clan.

"

nHe politely extended his hand forward and Sylvia nodded, placing her hand in his, allowing him to kiss her at the back of her palm.

n

"I hope I am not late, your highness. Would you please do me honor of accompanying me for a dance?

"

nSylvia froze for a moment. That was the last thing she wanted to do.

nShe didn't want to insult someone and create a scene, thereby making everything even more complicated, but she also didn't want to keep being a pushover.

nPerhaps if she had not been so timid and weak… back then...

nSylvia snapped out of that thought, steadied herself, and answered with a small smile that was neither rude nor too familiar.

n

"I am glad to make your acquaintance, Lord Emilio. Unfortunately, this evening, I am not feeling particularly up for joining the merriment.

"

nEmilio looked disappointed, but he quickly covered it up with a polite smile.

"Ah. That's indeed unfortunate.

"

n

"Perhaps your highness would like to accompany me for a stroll outside? Hmm? Away from the merriment?

"

nThe man's face revealed a pair of sweet dimples as he added with a sly smile.

nSylvia was a little bothered by his persistence, but she didn't mind it too much as this was a good excuse for her to leave the hall as well.

nShe nodded and followed him as the two of them walked out together.

nHowever, before they could leave two young women walked towards them. Both of them had long auburn hair and bright golden eyes.

nJust like the King, they were also dressed in a predominantly golden attire with their gowns dazzling under the lights of the chandeliers.

n

"Your highness.

"

"Your highness.

" Emilio immediately greeted the two women, making Sylvia wonder who they were.

nThe two women gave him a quick curt bow but their eyes still lingered on her.

n

"Leaving already?

" One of the two women smiled at Sylvia, blocking her way.

nDespite the politeness in her tone, her golden eyes looked cold and distant just like the King's.

n

"Yes. I am just feeling a bit unwell.

" She smiled, unsure of whom she was addressing.

nThe other woman standing near her whose bright red curls were a little wild around her face, an innocent smile on her lips, quickly replied.

n

"Oh that must be tough. Too bad everything was arranged on such short notice. I am Kel Akhekh. Nice to meet you sister.

"

nOh. Sylvia's eyes widened.

"I am glad to meet you too, sister.

" She muttered, her voice laced with a hint of surprise.

nShe saw the girl smile sweetly at her, but the other one standing beside her immediately shot a look of disapproval which made the sweet one stiffen up.

n

"Ah… Cough. Cough. I mean its quite disrespectful to leave the ball this early.

" Kel quickly adjusted her stance.

nThe other one as well added.

"You should stay longer and be polite to others.

"

nAnd before Sylvia could refuse her, she added her name as if she was cementing her authority.

"I am Melissa Akhekh, the second daughter of the King.

"

nThe way she introduced herself made them seem very distant and not like actual sisters or even half-sisters. Moreover, the small exchange between them also did not escape Sylvia's eyes.

nHer brows knitted together and she indifferently replied back.

"If your highness insists.

"

nShe turned around and started walking away, not wanting to linger there any longer.

nBut it looked like the second princess was not ready to let go of Sylvia that easily.

n

"How rude! First, you humiliate all of us by wearing a dress that is not golden in color and now you are again trying to humiliate me by walking away when I am still trying to have a conversation with you.

"

nMelissa had her arms crossed in front of her chest and she didn't even bother lowering her voice. In fact, it was a tad bit louder than before.

n