Anticipation pervaded the room as the eyes of every guest remained plastered firmly to the two princes of Laydel. Ever since the late emperor and his queens had passed, the throne was left empty - destined to remain barren until one of the two brothers came of age.

Albeit young, the princes were already backed by factions supporting their inheritance of the throne. Several years were still left till one could take up that position, but the air was tense in the ballroom in that moment.

As Prince Daniel approached his brother, the only sound which rang through Irene's ears were of his soles against the pristine palace floors. It reverberated through her and had her heart stuck in her throat, unsure of what to think.

This was a moment she had been anticipating for a very long time.

"Mikael," Daniel's eyes were gentle as he gazed at his brother. No one really knew what to expect of their relationship, but one thing was for certain — they were rivals for the throne.

But the eldest prince's stoic face was graced with a smile so charming, everyone who had it in their line of sight practically gasped.

"I really missed you." Daniel said sincerely.

And then he did something no one would have expected.

Daniel lifted a hand up to Mikael's soft blonde tufts, and ruffled them. As though he were petting a pup.

And everyone gasped again. Including Irene. She could have sworn she noticed even Rudien flinch a little in her line of sight.

Mikael absolutely hated being touched like that, she couldn't even count the amount of times he grew cross at her for doing any sort of similarly affectionate actions. But this time, the second prince stood with complete composure — like it didn't bother him at all.

Instead, the blonde simply sighed, and promptly brushed his elder brother's hand aside. "You need to let go of your old habits."

Daniel chuckled a little. "How can I, when you're so cute?"

Okay, what the hell is going on... Irene couldn't tell whether the boys were acting or not, but this display of affection seemed overwhelmingly unnatural. Improper, even. But then again, these two never seemed like the type to give a damn about the social norms of society.

The brothers continued back and forth like they had forgotten they were the centre of attention. Irene only felt relieved they weren't at each other's throats. Everyone else also seemed a little at ease that they were getting along, but that didn't mean the jaws of scheming nobles weren't tightly clenched at the sight.

"Maybe that's why Mikael didn't want to see him," Rayvis whispered, and Irene hadn't even noticed her own brother being right beside her. "Compared to how he is with us, he's way more docile around Daniel, don't you think?"

Irene glanced from Mikael, to Daniel, and back to Mikael. She smiled, satisfied. "Hopefully they don't try to kill each other in a few years."

Her brother gave her a concerned look, but soon found himself nodding and agreeing when he thought over it again. "Well, if Mikael wanted to be emperor, one of their heads will definitely be rolling before they turn twenty."

We shouldn't be saying this so casually-

Soon enough, the ball continued as everyone began to mingle. And by that- it was surrounding Daniel and taking turns to barrage him with questions and introductions. As the Princess of Cherliann, one of the most prominent families in Laydel, Irene knew she would need to greet the young prince. Especially when Rudien and Sarah were cleared a path toward Daniel, and all the nobles watched on anticipation as they began to introduce themselves.

Well, it was only Daniel's first time meeting the duchess, who bowed graciously and had a radiant smile akin to an angel's.

"Greetings, Your Highness. It's a pleasure to finally meet you!" She spoke with courtesy, but there was excitement glistening in her soft blue eyes. Daniel bowed in return, amazed by how much Rayvis and Irene resembled their mother.

"The pleasure is all mine, Duchess. I've heard a lot about you, during my time training with Rayvis," Daniel's words caught a lot of people by surprise. "I also wanted to thank you for taking care of my brother. He means a great deal to me, and it brings me joy to see him well."

Mikael suppressed his urge to sigh. I can't stand these formalities... Where is Irene?

Just as he began to wonder, a pair of pale-haired siblings approached from behind Rudien. Officially, this was the first time Irene was meeting Daniel. All of their encounters before that were known to no one but each other.

She could feel her heart in her throat, but tried her best to remain calm. I just need to greet him in front of everyone, and then I can leave.

Irene was already well aware of all the rumours that were spreading like wildfire throughout the empire, about her being the most likely empress candidate. Although, that wasn't entirely true, and Irene herself was more keen on Isabella taking that position.

But if he and Isabella don't connect, I don't really know what will happen...

Irene could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on her. It was suffocating, even if they were staring in admiration. But the pair of eyes she felt most aware of, were Daniel's. He watched her keenly, as she stopped in front of him, gently bowing her head in an elegant curtsy. As those golden eyes, glistening like honey finally met with his.

"It is an honour to make your acquaintance, First Prince." She spoke with as much clarity as she could, but he could see through her unwavering demeanour. Irene's nervousness betrayed her in the way she couldn't seem to hold his gaze for any longer than two seconds - without her cheeks flushing a little.

Daniel smiled. Somehow even these little signs of her anxiousness made him like her more. He greeted her back respectfully, and Irene seemed glad that was over with.

Soon after the family were done with their introductions, they dispersed to allow others to greet the prince.

Irene kept far away from the crowd, but her eyes were glued to Daniel. He fit right into the role of Emperor. His composure, and the sternness of his expression- the strong, confident stature of a young man with an air of mystery about him. Many took to him almost immediately.

But there were also a noticeable number of nobles who seemed to be eyeing him with disapproval. The Mikael faction, no doubt. Supporters who weren't even personally acquainted with the second prince, yet deemed him more fit for the throne.

Irene honestly couldn't tell whether Daniel would be the same kind of ruler he grew up to be in the novel, but he sure did seem to have the right potential. Just as she observed him conversing with the Duke of Einfred, the realisation hit.

Isabella!

The brunette stood beside her father, smiling up warmly at the first prince as she made her introduction. Irene's eyes remained glued to the two before her.

The heroine and male lead finally met. Completely unlike how they did in the novel, but she couldn't help but wonder if either of them felt any sparks. Simply seeing them together made her heart soar.

Her, with her soft beauty and kind aura. She perfectly countered his intimidating presence. The way they conversed with smiles and interest made Irene feel satisfied. She sincerely hoped their encounter would still mean there was a chance for them to be together.

Just as she gazed from a distance at the prince and her best friend, Irene's eyes widened slightly when his head turned in her direction.

She wasn't sure of it, but it felt like their eyes met. Irene froze up a little, fingers growing cold as they squeezed the spine of her wine glass, filled with fruit punch. She turned away quickly, hoping he hadn't noticed her watching.

Crap... I hope he didn't catch me staring-

Irene tried to slip behind a cluster of noblewomen so that she'd remain out of his line of sight. Daniel noticed this, but promptly returned to his conversation with the Einfreds.

Sighing softly, Irene caught a glimpse of her parents mingling with other nobles. Sarah held closely onto Rudien's arm, and she could tell it was likely for support since she hadn't been feeling well earlier. Meanwhile, Rayvis found himself surrounded by a swarm of young women. Many of them seemed to be competing for his attention, perhaps since marrying him would secure them for life. And because he was very handsome.

Mikael was nowhere to be seen. He somehow slipped out while the crowd of nobles surrounded Daniel. Her golden eyes roving over the faces in her line of sight, she could see her parents together, Isabella with her family, and her brother with a group of young noblewomen, but not the blonde prince.

Maybe he went outside.

As she headed towards the doorway leading to the palace gardens, Irene felt a lot more at peace out here than in the ballroom. Still though- even as she traipsed through the beautiful paths of flowers and waterways, she couldn't find Mikael anywhere.

Some time had passed, and she eventually gave up on her search, but didn't particularly feel like heading back to the ballroom. Instead, Irene decided to admire a sunlit garth from amid its surrounding cloisters.

It was peaceful out here. A gentle breeze swept aside her soft ivory-white strands of hair, carrying with it the scent of summer flowers. Even if Mikael wasn't anywhere in sight, this little search wasn't so fruitless.

"This area is off-limits, Princess."

A voice called out to her from nearby, and Irene was startled to see a familiar face approaching from the direction she came from. Her golden eyes widened, as the raven-haired prince stepped slowly toward her with a keen glint in his eyes.

"Danie— I mean- Your Highness, what are you doing here?" She froze up. "Shouldn't you be in the ballroom? Talking? To nobles?"

"Shouldn't you be doing the same thing?" He asked, and she stayed silent for a moment.

"I was looking for Mikael."

He noticed the way she addressed the second prince so casually, by name. Daniel's lips pressed into a straight line, as he followed her gaze, admiring the garden area ahead. "He went to the restroom."

Irene blinked, then smiled sheepishly. Well that makes sense. "I see, then I should probably head back-"

Just as she was about to turn to leave, she could feel a gentle hand wrap around her arm, stopping her. "Wait."

Irene could have sworn she felt her heart leap right out of her chest, but she tried to face Daniel with composure.

"I need to ask you something." He spoke calmly, and although his expression was difficult to read, he gazed at her intently. Unwaveringly.

She couldn't help but feel nervous by those words, but nodded her head and faced him expectantly. Seeing him up close like this, it was very difficult not to stare. He really is very handsome.

"I'm afraid I don't know how to word this, so I'll just say it as it is."

He paused.

"I'd like you to marry me."

Irene froze.

What?!

Did I hear that correctly?

"Well, not until later at least. An engagement for now." He continued.

WHAT?!

Irene found herself so dumbfounded, she was lost for words. Her face burst into redness, as she struggled to process those words.

Okay, I definitely didn't see that coming.

"...W-Why- exactly do you ask for t-that?" She tried to say, but the words came out in a stammer.

He seemed a little bit silent for a moment, but she could tell there was a reason. There were definitely no feelings between them, at least not yet. So she highly doubted it was because of that.

Perhaps since she'd make the most practical choice, and it would save Daniel the trouble of having to find an empress later on. As Irene inhaled to process this better, the prince sighed softly.

"I don't mean for this to make you uncomfortable, and you don't have to answer me right now," he said gently. "I haven't asked your father yet, but if-"

"Prince Daniel!"

A familiar voice suddenly called out from the direction of the ballroom, and both Irene and the first prince were startled by the sudden intrusion. They turned to see Tieve Cevalier, Daniel's right hand, hurrying towards him with a panicked expression.

"Tieve? What's wrong?" The urgency in his servant's eyes instantly painted concern across the prince's visage. It was completely out of character for him to come to Daniel in this state.

"It's the Duchess of Cherliann," he gasped out, struggling to catch his breath. "She collapsed!"