Crown•Dance•Gaze
The ballroom shimmered with golden candlelight, the air thick with the scent of wine and roses. Laughter and music wove through the grand hall, a celebration of unity, of duty fulfilled.
Yet as Crown Prince Cedric took Princess Renea’s hand for their first dance, his fingers felt cold. The weight of a hundred watching eyes pressed down on him—but none so heavy as the gaze of Emperor Valerian, seated high upon his throne, watching in silence.
Cedric offers his hand and bends, his voice steady not covering up his initial nervousness
CEDRIC
Princess Renea, may I have the honor of this dance?
*formal smile*
Princess Renea smiles elegantly and places her hand in his.
RENEA
Of course, Your Highness, it would be my honor
As Cedric led Renea to the dance floor, the music swelled around them. Her hand was light in his, her posture poised. He moved as duty required, yet with every step, he felt a gaze fixed upon him.
From his throne, Emperor Valerian watched in silence. Perhaps he was merely being protective of his sister—Cedric could think of no other reason for the Emperor’s unwavering stare.
The ball continued, but Cedric needed air. Excusing himself from the endless congratulations and formalities, he slipped out into the palace gardens. The cool night breeze brushed against his skin, the scent of blooming jasmine filling the air.
CEDRIC
*exhaling, running a hand through his hair*
CEDRIC
Finally… some peace.
The distant music still carried from the ballroom, but here, beneath the moonlit arches and marble fountains, it felt like another world
Cedric turned, expecting a guard, perhaps even Renea. But it was Valerian, the emperor.
The Young Emperor stood at the edge of the garden, his dark robes catching the silver glow of the moon. His presence was commanding, even in silence.
VALERIAN
*Calm and unreadable*
You left the celebration early, Crown Prince.
CEDRIC
I needed some air, Your Majesty. I hope that isn’t improper.
VALERIAN
*stepped closer, his gaze sharp.*
VALERIAN
Not at all. I imagine it must be exhausting, having Renea by your side all evening.
Cedric blinked at the odd phrasing but nodded.
CEDRIC
We are to be married. It’s expected of me.
Valerian’s lips pressed into a thin line.
A pause stretched between them, the sound of distant laughter floating in from the ballroom. Then—
VALERIAN
*quietly*
She seems to enjoy your company.
CEDRIC
I should hope so. I will be her husband.
Something in Valerian’s gaze darkened, his expression unreadable. His hands, normally composed, flexed at his sides
VALERIAN
How fortunate for her.
Cedric frowned. Was Valerian displeased? It made sense—he was protective of Renea. Perhaps he worried Cedric wasn’t good enough for her.
CEDRIC
*firmly*
You don’t need to worry, Your Majesty. I will treat her well.
Valerian’s jaw tensed slightly, but his voice remained calm.
CEDRIC
*Blinked.*
Of course.
Valerian let out a soft hum—a sound that almost seemed amused. Or something else entirely.
Then, the Emperor took a step forward, and suddenly, the garden felt much smaller.
VALERIAN
*Soft, deliberate*
Indeed. A crown is a heavy burden."
Cedric swallowed, feeling his pulse quicken.
Why did Valerian always stand so close?
CEDRIC
*Laughing awkwardly, stepping back slightly*
CEDRIC
Well, at least I have your blessing, Your Majesty. I know how protective you are of your sister.
Silence.
Then—a quiet chuckle.
Valerian tilted his head, eyes gleaming under the moonlight.
VALERIAN
*Amused in a voice low*
VALERIAN
Is that what you think?
CEDRIC
*Frowned.*
Of course. What else would it be?
Valerian didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached out—just briefly, the barest brush of fingers against Cedric’s sleeve.
VALERIAN
*Turned.* Good night, Cedric!
Cedric stood there, heart pounding, watching the Emperor disappear into the shadows.
And for the first time, doubt crept into his mind.
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