>> Walking on the long hallway lit by candelabras hanging on the walls, I agitatedly thought of what will happen next, even if they said they will secure me.

“Master, over here.” Alecto then stopped and stands over the door. “You should wait here for the summon.”

Opening the door, she asked me to come inside. “Please don’t make unnecessary noise and wait for us to call you.” Giving me the reminder, Alecto and the others left as they close the door.

“They said they will secure me, now they’re leaving?” I mumbled. A loveseat sofa places on the middle, and coffee table made out of wood. Candelabras lit all over the place as well.

A massive window covered in cream velvet fabric located at the right side of the room. I sit on the sofa and wait patiently for the next thing will happen.

In a sudden, a knock heard on the door. Hesitating to answer, I reluctantly stand up and goes to the door. I feel nervous for something, or might be someone who knows who I am.

“...Uhm, Alecto? Aeshma?” I called out. The person from the other side didn’t respond. I fear this will be the last time. With cautiousness, I open the door and take a peek from the outside.

It’s the familiar face I’ve seen; standing in front of the door is the woman who I’ve seen from the time I got here. “Hi.” With a gleeful greeting, she smiles at me.

“Y-your Highness...?” I stuttered out of surprise. It’s none other the Queen herself, Astarte, who came here.

Wearing a maroon Tudor dress, glimmering with gemstones as a design, she’s stunning and made me awe. On her head is a tiara, and her blonde hairstyle in bumped-up cross with curls suits on her angelic face.

Her collarbone shows allure, as well as the emerald pendant in double-styled necklace hanged on her neck.

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“I want to see you before anything else.” She utters to me. “Uhm...” I hesitated to ask why, but she shows eagerness to come inside. “Come in.” I answered and opens the door.

She quickly comes inside right after, as I close the door. Turning around, she glances at me. “You look handsome on your clothes.”

A sudden compliment heard out from her. I felt a little bashful from what she said; I never thought this will fit me at all. And from her compliment, I want to talk about her looks as well.

“... Uhm, I don’t know how should I say this... but thanks. And you, you look wonderful.”

My voice bashfully let those statement flew out. Astarte then shows a bashful smile at me as she walks forward. “I want this night for us to be memorable.”

“Huh?” I asked. “You’re my husband-to-be, and the future King of this Kingdom.”

Her soft voice lingers over my ears, as well as the flowery fragrance wafting under my nostrils. “Tonight, I will be announcing our engagement.”

Those words petrified me. She’s been sure I’m the person she wants to be with. I never did agree to her proposal. Neither, the acceptance of position for the throne.

I never thought in my life that I will be engage to someone. “So, my King—-"

“Hold on.” I hastily replied. “What is it...?” she asked. Our eyes meet right that moment. Through her gaze, my heart becomes fluffy. My feelings swirl out, as if I’m beckoning by her beauty.

“I... I never said that I’m fine to be your husband. And the position of being the King to your people.”

Her mellow guise somewhat turns grim, but it become mellow once more. “I know. I know that... but right now, my heart only feels this happiness when I look at you.”

“Huh...?” I utter in wonder. Astarte then goes to the loveseat sofa and beckons me to sit beside her. Though, I feel reluctant to do so, I did her command and sit.

She then turns to me and grab both my hands. “I’ve been introduced to different nobles to hand for marriage, but never had been I’ve felt this sensation when the time I first saw you.”

Her eyes directly gaze at mine, as it sparkles like an emerald. “Ever since, I always have the dream. On a meadow, where you stand and ask me to be your Queen.”

So, like me... she possesses that dream as well. Just like I had before, but she’s there. “Before you come here, I’ve been thinking about what kind of person you are. What makes me feel this funny feeling. You make my heart race.”

“I...” I utter, but no words followed. She smiles at me and cups my face. “I know you’re still uncertain, and I understand that. Just... just don’t let yourself restrain from what you truly feel.”

Those words soothed through me. Though, it’s still vague, but I feel the sincerity of her feelings towards mine.

Yet, how would I reciprocate to that if I don’t truly understand what love is all about? And this engagement thing, were everything’s so sudden?

Both of us doesn’t have any knowledge to that kind of feeling at all. She’s showing certainty to this meetup.

“And for that, I want you to know that I really, really love you.”

No. This isn’t right; there’s no way she would fall in love with me in a sudden. This is just an infatuation. An admiration from my looks and how we see each other in our premonition before.

“Though, you can’t reply to my feelings... I just want you to know that.”

Leaning forward, Astarte reaches my cheek and pecks it. Leaving a phantom, soft-like sensation to me, I petrified from what she had done.

She then stands up and walk towards the door, but took a last glance at me. A flicker of flame from the candelabra affects her shadowy figure, without me knowing that I catch up to her.

In the empty room, where our shadows become one. I just realized that I’m kissing her soft and rosy lips.