As the night went longer, spending with William was not as bad as what Francheska had in mind. It was pleasant, she just hated the way he talked, he sounded like a paparazzi she met on the streets. Anyway, it's probably the influence of his parents on him, they were chatty and full of vigor– a total opposite of her family.

After the dancing both of them stepped out of the dance floor and went to a vacant table, they chatted and learned about each other’s family. Francheska tried to open the conversation about the lady he mentioned but rather not, in her opinion it was pretty obvious that it was none other than the female lead Josephine, the total opposite of her. Although the noble life is complex, Francheska in her previous life knows how stories like these are easy to follow.

Back when they were dancing, Francheska confirmed that the sight of the female lead was nowhere– but why? It's the crown prince's day… she was obsessed with him too, but moreover, the Galkiens are not present either. Just like what the count previously said there is something strange today– them too.

“Say, lord William, your family is pretty shameless to suggest a relationship between our families.”

Choking on his glass, the boy cleared his throat. He raised a finger to point a few things out to her but it was clear as day what his family was planning for both of them.

“I cannot deny that my lady, my family does want you to be part of our family that is why I was eager for an apology, I do not want everything to fail.” William lowered his hand to his collar to loosen the tightness.

Francheska could only release a breath that she never knew she had been keeping. She already knew how strong the ‘world’ was holding them hostage in this story, even with the society itself, rumors are everyone’s cup of tea in the households. It seems William and his family have fallen to the curiosity of these rumors, they are nosy after all– just like any business-minded person, they only want the potential business partner to trust.

‘Wait… this is a perfect opportunity!’

Leaning one forearm on the table, “My lord, that is not a bad idea, I am willing to be your potential partner!”

William’s face lit up for a moment but then confusion took place, “are you sure? My lady, you’re not saying this just to take revenge on me are you?”

“My lord, I already forgave you! Besides me and you– together we would be the perfect monstrous couple that is loyal to the empire– I’m sure everyone would rejoice in our union.” Francheska confidently says.

“You don't bother having a loveless marriage?”

“I don’t my lord, we could just stir the whole high society of our ‘coincidental encounters’ at every tea party, banquet, and occasion. After the marriage that is our decision if it would still be loveless.” with a hand under her chin, the lady shared her plans with him which took a laugh out of him. After all, she learned from the best– or the worst… anyway it is a useful plan.

“All right my lady, hearing your words might change my view of you from someone who loses a piece of mind to a genius lady.”

“Well, good thing that I am not the only genius in the empire to realize that.” Francheska smugly said.

"What about His Highness the crown prince, what are you going to do?" Francheska rolled her eyes at the thought of the said name.

"Who cares, he's the crown prince he can just go pick whoever he likes, not that he matters to me– it's only a rumor my lord."

William could only make a shushing noise of what she just blurted out.

"My lady, you do not speak much but it is enough to get us both killed, let's end the discussion of his highness."

Crossing her arm the anger on her face was visible. The two of them stood up and were about to head back to their families until…

"Lady Francheska, I finally found you." A familiar voice spoke behind them.

'Speak of the devil.'

The two of them could only bow before his highness, and smile warmly to the birthday boy– the crown prince.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Up close he was dressed extravagantly with the theme, his dark purple hair was styled on a slick back that revealed his pretty face.

"This is a surprising pair, I never knew Lady Francheska and lord William were familiar with each other."

"Your Highness we just met today–"

"--and both of you were laughing widely and causing such a scene to my day!" The crown prince gave such a scornful tone that led them to flinch.

"We humbly apologize–"

"No no, I apologize, I didn't mean to scare my guests– it's a fun night of course it is only natural for everyone to be laughing."

'No shit your highness.'

"May I politely ask… where are the two of you headed?"

Both of them share a confusing look. Why would his highness be interested in their whereabouts?

"To our families your highness, it's already deep into the night we do not want to keep each other company for too long," William answered back.

"Oh, that is great to hear but I suggest that Lady Francheska stay a little longer. I don't want you to miss the biggest event." The crown prince said his final words then turned to walk away from them and return to entertaining his guests, which they could only bow in return.

Walking silently on their way, Francheska could not help but mumble, "I honestly do not want any more hours staying here.” Unfortunately, it was loud enough that William made a response.

"You should listen to his highness, after this night the crown prince is going to be in high society. Knowing what your tomorrow will be is better than nothing, my lady."

Hearing that only made Francheska silently reflect on her own. What he said was definitely what every normal person in this ‘world’ would do. To be daring enough to refuse their words would be suicidal.

Francheska was so deep in her thoughts that she did not realize that William already left her alone, she could only go back to her family and heed his highness's suggestion.

It did not take a while for her to locate her family, Francheska did not even bother saying to them that the crown prince wanted her to stay longer– for she too just wanted to go home and hopefully not ever meet the crown prince again– which is quite impossible she sees him everywhere– mingling with the guests.

Francheska too wants to talk to others but in this ‘world,’ it's difficult to strike up a simple conversation. She has been here for fourteen years with an adult mind and yet what she experienced was not enough for her to blend into the ‘world’, she still has a difficult time socializing with the same age as hers. Truth to be told, who would want to interact with a girl like her who had alarming rumors spreading around her ever since the incident– being the total weirdo, genius, and future crown princess of the empire, such absurd titles from a young age would intimidate both adults and kids.

Seeing no other familiar faces in the crowd one person came to mind– Josephine the female lead. Her heart tells her to befriend her again and apologize, but that very day when they first met all of her emotions came to her that her mind could only tell the most obvious logical answer of how dare she act friendly to someone like her– she who is the cause of her death– this ‘world’ that adores so much that it is her life is to be sacrificed. Just like back then on the train station– the ‘stalker’ who acted for such a foolish reason.

All she could do for now was stand next to the duke and duchess, and have her best behavior till the time hits midnight.

“Your grace, I’m delighted to meet you again on my occasion. A familiar face always lifts my spirits.” The crown prince greeted them, eyeing Francheska standing silently.

Hearing the annoying familiar voice, Francheska could only drown their conversation– where her sister Marinette went on their way just so she could have the conversation with the crown prince.

Francheska was already not interested in this arrogant boy trying to smoothly talk to the duke and duchess.

“My lady Francheska,” her name was uttered by the crown prince, ignoring her sister Marinette who tried blocking Francheska's existence with her frame but the crown prince was much more perceptive. Making a gesture similar to what lord William said a while ago, “May I honor you for a dance?”

Holding a sigh, who would be foolish enough to decline? Her parents are beside her, especially on His Highness’ day. So she accepted the dance by holding the crown prince's hand and started walking onto the dance floor.

“Delighted that you stick to my suggestion my lady.” his Highness said amidst the crowd, while doing the tradition before starting dancing.

“It’s a beautiful occasion, your highness not a single person would want to leave such a happy place.” Francheska lied through her teeth, she was one of those people who wanted out of this place.

The sudden change in the music score reminded the lady of her dance teacher. The sequence she was taught was perfect for this– The crown prince then firmly grasped her hand as he linked their hands together in an intimate matter.

This was it, the correct position of the sequence, and the crown prince appeared to know it too. Looking at His Highness’ purple eyes, all there was in those eyes was confidence and a challenge if Francheska had the skill to keep up with the routine.

The corner of Francheska’s lips curled into a smirk, puffing her stature; it was enough for his highness to understand that the lady accepted his challenge ready for a battle.

The music played out longer than usual so that the people took a step back out of the floor to save their image and daren’t shame themselves further from an unknown song.

It was only the two of them, watchful eyes focused on them as if they were two dancing figurines inside the music toy box, and everyone could not help but adore their synergy. They lasted so long that before they knew it when they paused for a moment to lose their aching ankles, the band just played the music on repeat.

“My lady, let's take a rest.” The crown prince offered, which Francheska could only nod in approval– her heels were killing her feet.

The crown prince then held her hand gently and guided them together to somewhere they could relax for a bit.

“Ah wonderful, everyone please round of applause to such an astonishingly breathtaking performance by my son the crown prince, and of the lady Hartpinjer.” The emperor’s voice boomed the hall with enjoyment and the crowd agreed with their applause.

“Truly reminded me of when I was young and my very first dance with the empress." The emperor was walking to their backs to put a hand on their shoulders.

"Under my name, I officially proclaim Lady Francheska del von Hartpinjer will be the crown princess– betrothed to my son the crown prince."

The hall was filled with gasps and cheering, clapping in approval of the emperor's announcement.

Looking at the crowd's enthusiasm, Francheska felt joy. That she was back in those 'days' when people recognized the hard work she had made for herself, that despite months of practicing the dances and having someone who could indulge it with her in perfection made Francheska's heart swell with pride– that it wasn't wasted.

‘Oh shit,’ Francheska could only think, as the dreading realization settled in.

She has been declared to be the 'crown princess' to be betrothed– not a rumor anymore but the real thing!