Kai looked around the corridor, his eyes narrowing as he sensed someone approaching. Slowly, he turned his wheelchair to see Mono walking towards him, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.

“Kai?” Mono’s voice echoed softly in the empty corridor. “What are you doing here alone?”

Kai offered a calm smile as the projection displayed the words. “Just taking a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet,” he replied, his tone of words light.

Mono raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Really? Alone in this grand palace while everyone else is busy preparing for the banquet?”

Kai chuckled softly, rubbing his neck. “Sometimes, a little solitude is necessary to clear the mind. But I assure you, I’m perfectly fine,” the projection displayed.

As Mono drew closer, she glanced around, her eyes searching for any signs of trouble. “Are you sure you don’t need any help?”

Kai’s smile widened. “Actually, Mono, there is something you can do for me.”

Mono looked at him curiously. “Oh? What is it?”

Kai smirked, and the words in the projection changed, explaining a thoughtful plan. As she read the plan, Mono’s eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded. Kai’s smile returned, this time with a hint of gratitude.

“Thank you, Mono. This means a lot.”

Mono smiled back, her expression warm. “Of course! But you really gave it a thought, huh. So, I too will make sure that it works!”

Kai just nodded to her, and Mono’s eyes softened. She sighs, shaking her head with a smile. “You’re always so enigmatic, Kai. I never quite know what you’re up to.”

Kai gave a small soft smile. “It’s part of my charm,” he said through the projection. Just then, a breeze blew through the corridor, catching Kai’s wig and making the hair at the front dance in the air. In that moment, for just a few seconds, Mono caught a glimpse of Kai's deep black eyes, making her feel frozen in time.

“...His eyes are so beautiful,” Mono thought to herself. Even after the hair settled, she couldn’t shake the memory of those eyes.

Just then, Ray returned with the glass of water, his expression curious as he noticed Mono standing with Kai. “Mono, what are you doing here?”

Mono’s thoughts were interrupted as she turned to Ray, her smile warm. “Just casually talking with Kai. Anyways, I’ll see you two at the banquet.” With that, she walked away.

Ray handed the glass of water to Kai, giving him a pointed look. “What was that abou-!?”

Before Ray could finish his question, Kai snatched the glass from him and drank it all in one go. Ray looked at him in surprise. “Hey, take it slow, Kai… And, why is your face red?”

Kai shook his head, his voice coming through Ray’s comms. “Let’s go rest for now.”

Ray wondered what had happened but did as Kai asked. Taking control of Kai’s wheelchair, he started walking towards his room. Meanwhile, as Mono walked away, the image of Kai’s eyes didn’t leave her mind. But at the same time, a question arose in her mind. “Why did he seemed to be flushed?”

Back with the duo:

As Ray wheeled Kai through the grand corridors of the palace, Kai found himself slightly blushing, lost in thought. He recalled the moment from earlier when the wind blew through the corridor. At that instant, while Mono was captivated by his eyes, Kai had noticed something fateful too.

The skirt Mono was wearing had blown up in the breeze, and in that brief moment, everything was visible to him. The memory played over in his mind, and despite his usual composure, he couldn’t shake off the image.

Back in the present, Kai’s face felt warm, and he was grateful Ray couldn’t see his expression. As they moved forward, Kai’s thoughts drifted to that fleeting moment of vulnerability and beauty. "Black would suit her better," he thought to himself, a small smile forming on his lips.

Ray, oblivious to Kai’s internal struggle, continued to push the wheelchair, occasionally glancing down with concern. “Is everything okay, Kai?”

Kai snapped out of his reverie, shaking his head. “Yeah, Ray. Just... lost in thought.”

Ray nodded, accepting the explanation, as he continued to walk to his room.

Hours passed as the palace buzzed with preparations for the grand banquet. Servants scurried through the halls, setting up decorations, arranging flowers, and preparing an array of sumptuous dishes. The entire palace was aglow with anticipation.

As the evening set in, the palace transformed into a spectacle of light and elegance. Chandeliers sparkled above, casting a warm glow over the marble floors and intricate tapestries. The grand hall was filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses as guests began to arrive, dressed in their finest attire.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

Ray stood by one of the large windows, looking out at the moonlit gardens, his thoughts a mix of relief and lingering curiosity. He adjusted his ceremonial attire, feeling slightly nervous.

Kai, now in his wheelchair, joined him by the window. His usual composed demeanor was back, though the image still lingering on his mind from earlier. “Ready for tonight, Ray?” Kai asked through the comms, his voice calm.

Ray nodded, glancing at Kai. “As ready as I’ll ever be. You?”

Kai put on a small smile, as he thought to himself. “I’ve been to more banquets than I can count. It’s just another night for me- At least that's what I wanted to say but,”

Kai's voice came through the comms again, "It's my first ever one, so a little nervous."

Ray smiled, patting Kai on his shoulder, though his mind was still preoccupied with the events of the day. “By the way, Kai, you seemed a bit... distracted back in the corridor. Everything alright?”

Kai waved his hand dismissively. “Just caught off guard by a stray thought. Nothing to worry about.”

"Hey!"

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Mono, who approached them with a warm smile. She was dressed elegantly, her attire complementing the grandeur of the evening. As she approached, Kai just kept staring at her, caught by her beauty but quickly got back.

“Good evening, gentlemen. Ready for the festivities?”

Ray nodded, along with Kai. The three talked a while, before Mono slowly took Ray to the main hall, as Kai went up to join the rest of the nobles. But just before they parted, Mono looked back at Kai, who too looked over her. She smiled at him, making an 'OK' sign with her hand. To this, Kai nodded slightly, as he entered the grand hall.

Mono too continued to take Ray to Maximus and Celestina, along with whom stood Nino by the side. Ray looked between them, his eyes falling over Nino who still looked away from him. Ray felt sad, but he couldn’t ruin the environment on tonight's banquet.

As he walked forward, the sounds of the celebration grew louder. The grand hall was filled with nobles and dignitaries, all gathered to celebrate Ray’s bravery and the successful rescue of Nino.

Ray was greeted by Maximus and Celestina, their expressions filled with gratitude. “Ray, thank you once again for saving Nino,” Maximus said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Celestina smiled warmly. “You’ve done us all proud, Ray.”

Ray nodded, feeling a mix of pride and humility. “It was my duty and my honor.”

As the banquet continued, Ray was awarded for his actions, celebrated by the nobles presented. Kai, along with Hiro and Sakura, with Elysia came up to Ray to celebrate for him. But for Ray, he couldn’t help but glance around, searching for Nino who left shortly after he was awarded. Noticing his behavior, Kai too looked around as he spotted Nino, standing alone by the terrace, looking out at the night sky. He looked back in front of him, his eyes meeting Mono's, to which he nodded to her slightly.

Understanding the signal, Mono came to Ray, asking if he wasn't afraid when he raided the kidnappers hideout all alone. But at that moment, as Ray proceeded to answer, Kai quietly wheeled himself away, going to the terrace.

As the banquet buzzed with activity, Kai maneuvered his wheelchair through the grand hall, heading towards the terrace where Nino stood alone, gazing out at the night sky. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated her delicate features, casting a serene light over the scene.

Kai approached her quietly, stopping his wheelchair a short distance away. Hearing the sound of the wheels, Nino turned back, as Kai bowed to her slightly. “Good evening, Princess Niatina von Lunaris,” projection levitated in front of him, as the words formed in it.

Nino too greeted, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Good evening, Kai. Enjoying the banquet?”

Kai nodded, a casual smile on his face. “It’s quite the celebration. Everyone’s talking about Ray’s bravery.” The words changed in the projection.

Nino’s smile faltered slightly, and she turned back to the view. “Yes, he was very brave.”

Kai studied her for a moment, then decided to delve deeper. The projection floated towards Nino, as the words came up in it. “You know, Ray was really concerned about you. He did everything he could to make sure you were safe.”

Reading the words, Nino remained quiet, her eyes had a glow, fixed on the stars. But Kai continued to pressed on gently. “Why haven’t you talked to him since then?”

Nino’s grip on the terrace railing tightened, and she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s none of your business, Kai.”

Kai smirked, turning to gaze at the view himself, as the words changed again. “You’re right, it’s not. But you know, Ray… he’s not as great as everyone thinks. Always rushing into danger without thinking, acting like a hero. It’s pretty reckless, don’t you think?”

Nino’s eyes widened in shock, but Kai continued, his tone of words almost mocking. “He puts everyone in danger with his foolhardy actions. It’s a wonder he hasn’t gotten more people hurt. Maybe he’s not cut out to be the crown prince after all, just like the other noble says. Now I get why he was called the 'Fake Prince'.”

Nino’s shock turned to anger as Kai’s words hit a nerve. She took a step towards him, her eyes blazing. As Kai turned to look over, in a flash of movement, Nino’s hand shot out and slapped Kai hard across the face. The sound echoed through the terrace, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. Kai held his cheek, slowly turning back as he looked up at Nino.

Nino’s eyes were wide with a mix of anger and regret, tears streaming down her face.

“You don’t know anything about Ray,” she repeated, her voice cracking. “He worked so hard... Just to be recognized...” She rubbed her tears away, speaking slowly. “I have watched him... working hard... training... Everyone just cared if he was of royal blood; they didn't notice the effort he put in. But you turned out to be like the rest as well... Bad mouthing him behind his back!”

She turned back, about to walk away. “... You asked why I didn't thank him right.” She turned back to him, her voice cracking, “I-It was... because I was sc-scared...” More tears started to stream down her cheeks, as she continued.

Nino’s voice trembled as she finally confessed, “I love him. I’ve always loved him. But seeing him hurt, knowing it was my fault… it’s too much. I couldn’t bear it if something happened to him... because of me.”

There was a moment of silence, then suddenly, Kai began to clap, the sound echoing through the terrace. Nino looked at him, confusion etched on her face. “What are you doing, Kai?” she asked, her voice wavering.

Kai smirked, wheeling himself slowly towards the entrance to the terrace. He stopped, opened the door, and revealed Ray standing there. Ray’s face was flushed, a few tears glistening on his cheeks as he gazed at Nino.

Nino was left stunned, her heart pounding as she locked eyes with Ray. Kai wheeled out slowly, nudging Ray on his left hand as he passed. Through the comms, Kai’s voice came through, calm and encouraging. “Don’t let the slap I got be wasted,” he said.

Ray didn’t respond, but seemed to understand, his eyes never leaving Nino’s. Kai continued wheeling himself away, passing by Mono, Hiro, Sakura, and the royal couple. They all looked at him in surprise, but Kai didn’t give a care, his focus on his mission complete.

As Kai disappeared from view, Ray took a deep breath and stepped onto the terrace. Nino’s eyes filled with fresh tears as she whispered, “Ray…”

-To be Continued