bitterly. Without a word, she walked past him, anger simmering beneath her calm exterior. The force

Cassie asked Zarea, tryi

tifully designed carriage w

appened the heaviness of her gown suddenly lifted, making it feel light as air. Surprised, she turned to see if any

t? Strange land," Cassie

m wrinkling. The ride was smooth but slow, giving Cassie time to glance nervously at the scenery passing by. Soon, they near

is is a journey of no re

ed words of comfort. "Madam, don

"Hope so," she murmured, tho

ent entrance. Maidens dressed in flowing pink and white garments gathered around, gracef

aking it heavy once more. She swallowed hard, confused by the odd sensation. The

corated with lavish details that shimmered under the warm glow of chandeliers. Gold-tr

king trying to win my favor with these decoration

area whispered gentl

and forced a smile, th

e admired her beauty. Her delicate skin glowed under the soft light, and her g

cted her toward a reserved seat, positioned a little apart from the main audience. Cassie sat down

like a drink?" Z

ea rose gracefully and left her side, leaving Cassi

ul today," came a familiar

imples deep, and his sharp suit adorned with golden accents. This t

e had once thought well of Kael, but his invo

doing here?" s

pped closer until only a breath separated them. His warm breat

r life?" he asked, his voice cold despite t

eemed completely different today. Pushing aside her di

ng a seat beside her. "I'

her hand and pressed a soft kiss to it. Cas

. Do you want the king to punish me?" She glanced around nervously but was surprised to see t

he king a lot," Kael tease

yance. "Leave me alone. You're th

y into her eyes. "You think I betrayed you?" he a

abruptly, intending to walk away. But her

illed her senses as she found herself pressed against his chest. She looked up, meet

Embarrassed, Cassie quickly pulled herself out

aring deeply into another man's ey

still racing. But she forced herself to suppre

to be alone,"

until he disappeared into the crowd. She let out a deep sigh. Was it wrong to feel drawn to this man-the very one wh

ifully designed glass. Cassie took it, the cool drink wash

ong?" Cassie asked,

. "It was crowded out there," s

ngered in Cassie's thoughts, especially sin

ng, Cassie focused on her drink

impeccably in a tailored suit that made him appear noble and digni

, daughter," he

waver, which caused his smi

the reason you're marrying the king today?" He att

t simmering beneath the surface, refusing