Without uttering a word, Julie gazed at him, her face devoid of any emotions, displaying no hint of surprise. Maximilian's complexion was as white as paper as he interrogated, "You, how did you?!"

Julie, pretending to be a shy young lady, responded with a slight bow, "Sir, do I know you?"

Filled with fear of losing her, Maximilian tightly grasped her arms, certain of her familiar scent. Yet, how and why was she there, alive?

"Brother!" exclaimed the crown prince, who was just entering the garden, and continued, "This is Anelize Va Montecchio, my bride, and this is Maximillian, Commander Maximilian, my elder brother."

"Have I lost my mind?" Max pondered, unsure of the reality before him.

In that instant, as Julie recollected the name Commander Maximilian, the very person responsible for the deaths of all her men five years ago, the individual she desired dead above all else, she wondered, was it truly Aiden, the same individual?

Aware of the delicate spot she was at, Julie feigned timidity, as she bowed and departed, leaving Maximilian empty-handed.

****

Nightfall soon arrived, revealing the irony of life through a sky full of stars.

It was the night of the ball, with the palace lights visible from a distance.

The entrance to the ball exuded a triumphant air, with the palace surrounded by lakes adorned with flickering candles and flower arches. Elegantly attired guests made their entrance, and Anelise von Montecchio, accompanied by her father Duke Sergey, was announced.

Promptly, they introduced themselves to the royal family, evoking a silly smile from the prince who seemed captivated by the girl's beauty and simplicity in her light pink gown.

Shortly after, Maximiliano made his entrance, eliciting a wave of whispers among the guests. There was not a single person who did not turn to catch a glimpse of him.

"This is Maximiliano."

"I've never seen him at any social gathering."

"They say he doesn't like people."

"They say he only despises pirates, and this is a celebration of peace," people commented.

Maximilian stood before the king and prince, bowing his head.

"Greetings, Your Royal Highness."

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

An inexplicable tension hung in the air, and all eyes were fixed on that spot. Anelise took a deep breath and concealed herself behind Sergey.

***

Then, a stunning young woman entered the room, tall and slender, with flowing dark blonde locks and olive green eyes. It was none other than the maritime captain, Liliam Vasconc, widely recognized for sharing Maximilian's hatred towards pirates.

With resolute and confident strides, she navigated through the crowd towards Maximiliano.

On her way, she caught sight of Anelize and halted, covering her mouth with her hands.

"Miss, as the rumors have it, you are exquisitely beautiful", she exclaimed with widened eyes. Then, turning towards Maximiliano, she continued,

"Commander Maximiliano, it is an absolute honor to have you gracing us with your presence here tonight…….. at your own celebration……. Finally."

Lilliam was bewildered as the commander had never before attended his own parties.

"Your party?" Julie inquired.

Approaching Anelize, Maximiliano met her gaze, attempting to intimidate her.

"Yes, tonight we commemorate the demise of those loathed savages, the pirates," he declared, raising a glass in a toast.

However, to Maximiliano's astonishment, as he scrutinized the girl's face for any signs, she calmly replied,

"Oh! You gentlemen must be so brave. I, on the other hand, feel a tinge of jealousy... My life, compared to yours, has been quite modest and uncomplicated," Anelize said, blushing.

A feeling of unease washed over Maximiliano, and he nervously extended his hand, inviting Julie to a dance. But, the crown prince quickly intervened, Julie happily taking his hand, leaving Maximiliano behind, abandoned before everyone.

As Julie danced with the crown prince, she glanced towards a quieter corner of the ballroom.

There stood Lilian, the marine captain, accompanied by two elderly individuals who resembled her parents. They embraced her, filled with excitement, and the girl appeared to be sharing some good news, judging by her smile.

Julie couldn't help but imagine how marvelous it would have been if her sister had led a life akin to that of this girl – filled with dancing and revelry. Where was Mei now? Was she married? Did she wear beautiful dresses? Did she still remember Julie? Or was her small body resting at the bottom of the sea, forgotten and all alone…? Julie closed her eyes, exhaling deeply, trying to dispel these haunting thoughts.

****

After a few hours, Julie grew bored, taking hold of a drink and departing from the crowded hall.

After drink, she impulsively hurled the glass away, unable to fathom how anyone could tolerate such tediousness.

She strolled towards the outskirts of the dance, near a small bridge, admiring the shimmering lights reflected on the lake's surface, leaning against the bridge's handrail.

Suddenly, she sensed someone approaching from behind. Before she could react, in a matter of seconds, she was forcefully pushed into the river.

She heard the splash and felt the chilling water engulf her face. From there, she glimpsed Maximiliano calmly observing as she drowns in the water, succumbing to its depths.