Capítulo 4: chapter 4
The ballroom was alive with the sound of clinking goblets as nobles raised their glasses high in a collective toast. The air buzzed with excitement as the announcement was made: the royal wedding between Princess Olivia and the Alpha King, Lucian, would take place in one week. The declaration was met with cheers, polite applause, and more than a few muttered grumbles from disappointed noble families who had hoped their daughters might catch Lucian's eye.
Lucian stood beside Olivia as the announcement was made, his expression neutral but his mind elsewhere. He glanced at Olivia, who beamed at the crowd, every inch the perfect princess. She looked radiant, sure, but there was a tightness in her smile that Lucian couldn't unsee. It wasn't his place to call her out on it—this arrangement wasn't her choice any more than it was his.
When the toasts were done, and the ballroom began to hum with renewed chatter, Lucian excused himself. "I'll be back shortly," he said, brushing off Olivia's attempt to hold him there.
"You're leaving?" she whispered harshly, keeping her smile for appearances.
"Just for a moment," he replied smoothly, already walking away.
His steps carried him back toward the quiet room where he'd left Amily, the memory of her fiery music and quick wit still fresh in his mind. She was the only person who had made this night bearable, and he figured one more conversation with her before he was swallowed by royal duties again wouldn't hurt.
But when he opened the door, the room was empty.
The violin, once resting on the table, was gone. The candles had burned low, casting long shadows across the room, but there was no sign of Amily. Lucian frowned, stepping further inside. "Amily?" he called softly, his voice echoing slightly.
Nothing.
He scanned the room, his sharp eyes catching every detail—the absence of her violin case, the slightly ajar window, the faint scent of lavender that seemed to linger in the air. She had left, and not just for a quick stroll.
Lucian let out a low growl of frustration. He didn't like mysteries, especially ones involving people who intrigued him. Turning on his heel, he strode back out into the corridor and flagged down a passing servant.
"You," he said, his tone commanding but not harsh. "Have you seen Princess Olivia's sister, Amily?"
The servant blinked, clearly caught off guard by the question. "Oh, Miss Amily? I believe she left shortly after the toasts, Your Majesty. She's... well, she has a tendency to come and go as she pleases."
"Left?" Lucian repeated, his brow furrowing. "Did she say where she was going?"
The servant hesitated. "No, sire. But knowing Miss Amily, it's likely somewhere she can avoid... structured events like this one."
Lucian huffed, rubbing his temples. "Of course. Thank you."
As the servant scurried away, Lucian found himself standing in the hallway, unsure of what to do next. He wasn't used to people vanishing on him, let alone people who intrigued him as much as Amily did.
Reluctantly, he returned to the ballroom, where Olivia immediately intercepted him.
"Where have you been?" she asked in a hushed but sharp tone, her smile plastered on for the benefit of the guests.
"Looking for your sister," Lucian replied bluntly.
Olivia's smile faltered, and her eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"Because she's interesting," Lucian said, his tone dry. "Something I can't say about most people here."
Olivia's expression darkened. "She's always been a troublemaker. I wouldn't waste your time, Your Majesty."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, his golden eyes glinting just slightly. "Good thing it's my time to waste, then, isn't it?"
Olivia stiffened but said nothing, her face carefully neutral.
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