With the chirping of birds in the morning, and sunlight slipping through the window, weaving itself between the strands of the blue-haired lady, she slowly opened her eyes and ran her hand through her hair.
The calm was broken by a knock on the door from one of the maids.
"Your Grace, may I come in?"
A maid with long black hair tied with a black ribbon entered. Her skin was slightly tanned, and she wore the standard maid uniform: a black dress reaching below the knees with a white apron. She bowed respectfully.
"It is time to prepare to head to the Imperial Palace, Your Grace."
Elena sat on the edge of the bed, gazing briefly at the clear sky, and said in a slightly sleepy voice,
"Alright, Mary… I'll get ready now."
Mary looked at her with eyes full of kindness, then turned to leave the room. In a soft voice, almost inaudible, she murmured,
"I hope you will soon be freed from the chains of the past, and that I may see your gentle smile once again, Your Grace."
Elena stood up to change her clothes and prepare to head to the palace…
At the Imperial Palace…
The owner of golden hair stood in the palace garden, his hair fluttering with the breeze, surrounded by flowers of all kinds, staring absently at the sky.
"…Ka—Kael… Your Highness, Prince Kael."
The prince was startled by the voice behind him; he hadn't sensed anyone approaching due to his deep thoughts. He turned to her, a gentle smile appearing on his face.
"My apologies, Elena. I was lost in thought."
Elena shook her head, signaling there was no need to apologize, then looked at him with slight confusion.
"Your Highness, here is your schedule for today."
He glanced at the stack of papers in her hand, sighed softly, took them, then looked back at her with a serious expression.
"Elena, I heard that you haven't found a partner yet for His Majesty's birthday banquet next week. As it happens, I also do not have a partner. And as you can see, my schedule is extremely busy, leaving me no time to find one. What do you say to accompanying me to the banquet?"
Silence fell for a few moments, and tension appeared on Kael's face, afraid she might refuse.
Then Elena broke the silence. She took a deep breath, turned to him, calmness settling over her features.
"Your Highness, if you wish to accompany me, why not ask directly?"
Embarrassment crossed Kael's face—she had seen through him. He truly wanted her as his partner. Regaining his composure, he took a deep breath and looked at her confidently.
"Elena, may I ask why you think I'm doing this just so you'll be my partner?"
"Your Highness, first: if you merely announced you were looking for a partner, noble ladies would flock to you like arrows. Second: since when do you care so much about your duties as a prince?"
Kael sighed, defeat written all over his face.
"Haa… alright, alright. I surrender. I want to accompany you, Elena. Will you accept this prince's request to be my partner at the banquet?"
Elena bowed slightly.
"Of course, Your Highness. It would be a great honor to be the partner of the First Prince."
Kael smiled brightly, vitality returning to him.
A Week Passed in the Blink of an Eye…
And soon, the long-awaited day arrived.
At the Duchy of Valderin…
With birds singing joyfully under the rising sun, the blue-haired lady opened her eyes, brushing stray strands from her face as she admired the sunrise.
The peace was broken as the maids entered the room, their eyes blazing with excitement to prepare the duchess for the day's banquet. Mary stood at the front as they all bowed.
"Good morning, Your Grace. Please be ready—we'll make you the star of tonight's banquet."
Elena placed a hand on her head and sighed lightly.
"Haa… fine, but don't overdo it. I don't wish to stand out."
Mary glared at her with a scolding tone.
"Ah, Your Grace! You must stand out tonight. This is your first banquet in five years—and you are the partner of His Highness Prince Kael."
Elena turned her gaze outside. She knew there was no breaking Mary's stubbornness once she decided something.
Hours passed like years…
A servant entered Elena's dressing room.
"Your Grace, His Highness Prince Kael has arrived."
Elena nodded, signaling him to leave, then stood to meet her partner.
When Elena stepped outside the mansion, the imperial carriage awaited her. Before it stood the prince, his golden hair gleaming under the moonlight, fluttering in the gentle night breeze. He wore golden silk trousers embroidered with gold threads, a white buttoned shirt, a golden tie adorned with a blue gemstone, and a golden mantle draped over his shoulder, secured by gold and silver chains, ending with white fur.
When he saw her, he froze, stunned by her beauty.
She wore a short-sleeved white gown adorned with blue jewels, like a snowstorm filled with ice crystals. Her short hair cascaded over her shoulders, decorated with countless gems.
Elena approached him, stopping before the prince mesmerized by her beauty.
"Your Highness, is there something wrong with my dress? You've been staring for quite some time."
Her voice snapped him out of it. His cheeks flushed slightly as he bowed, kissed her hand, and smiled warmly.
"I was simply captivated by your beauty… my blue flower. Shall we go now, my partner?"
At the Banquet Hall…
Upon their arrival, a servant announced loudly:
"His Highness the First Prince, Kael Aurelstial, and Her Grace the Duchess, Elena Valderin."
The hall overflowed with luxury—gold-covered walls and dazzling lights reflecting off massive crystal chandeliers.
The crowd murmured loudly; the duchess hadn't attended social events in years, and now she appeared alongside the First Prince. Silence fell as they entered, and everyone bowed.
"All hail His Highness the Prince."
Kael gestured for them to rise.
Soon after—
"His Majesty the Emperor Leonhart Aurelstial and Her Majesty the Empress Marcelina Aurelstial enter."
Everyone bowed once more.
"All hail the sun and glory of the great empire."
Leonhart smiled, raised his hand for them to straighten, and lifted a glass of wine.
"I thank everyone who has come to celebrate my birthday. And now… let the banquet begin."
As the music began, Kael confidently stepped toward Elena, bowed, kissed her hand, his face tinged red.
"My beautiful lady, would you grant me the honor of this dance?"
Elena nodded, bowed slightly, and placed her hand in his. A small smile appeared on her usually cold face, like a flame lighting a raging snowstorm.
"I accept, Your Highness."
Every step they took drew all eyes.
Elena's inner thoughts:
"Alright… this is enough. I won't let him cross the line. I don't know what he hides, and I don't want to be hurt again—especially by him."
As the dance began, Kael used the power of the sun to create small golden orbs floating around them, making their dance look like a magical, living painting. All other couples stopped dancing, mesmerized.
Elena leaned closer and whispered reproachfully,
"Didn't you overdo it a little, Your Highness?"
Kael smiled proudly and whispered teasingly,
"Shouldn't I celebrate, dancing with the Lady of Ice who freezes every man who dances with her?"
After the dance ended, the hall erupted in applause. Noble after noble bombarded them with questions about their relationship, convinced they were a couple.
Kael tried to fend them off, denying any relationship, embarrassment clear on his face. Elena ignored them entirely, calm as ever.
Kael looked at her pleadingly.
"Elena… help me… I can't deal with them alone…"
She glanced at him indifferently and turned away.
"You caused this, Your Highness. I see no reason to help you."
Kael said in fake sadness,
"You're cruel, Elen—"
Before he could finish, she left the hall.
"I'm going to get some air. Farewell, Your Highness."
She waved and left him behind. Kael smiled helplessly, wishing the hall would freeze—just like the heart of his blue flower.
In the Imperial Garden…
Elena sat by a fountain, gazing at the full moon, loneliness and regret filling her eyes. A sad smile touched her lips as she whispered,
"The moon was full that day too… when I lost the one I loved most."
A mocking voice sounded behind her,
"It seems my little sister lives her life without regret, even after killing our father."
She turned with a bloodthirsty glare, veins bulging, ice crystals forming like arrows around her.
A man with long blue hair, black eyes, and pale skin stood there.
"What brings you here, you bastard?"
"So you're not happy to see your elder brother, Ellie?"
Her rage exploded. Snow began to fall as her power surged.
"Don't you dare call yourself my brother after what you and that woman did! You don't deserve the name Valderin. I didn't kill Father—you and that bitch did!"
A sly smile spread across his face as he raised his hands mockingly.
"What do you mean, sister? I am Cedric Valderin… Or is it because I can't use ice magic that you don't consider me family?"
"Bastard—!"
Before she could attack, vines wrapped tightly around her legs.
A man with short green hair like leaves, tanned skin, and brown eyes stepped forward.
"Duchess, please calm yourself. You've already caused a snowstorm across the palace."
She glared at him furiously.
"And what is it to you?"
She raised her hand to attack, but a warm hand stopped her. Kael held her hand, smiling reassuringly. Her ice disappeared.
Cedric laughed arrogantly.
"It seems my sister has allies. But Your Highness… you'll be the one hurt when you learn her past. Farewell, sister. I'll visit again… with her."
Cedric vanished like ice melting under the sun.
Elena's vision blurred, her body grew heavy, and the last thing she heard was Kael shouting,
"Elena! Elena!"