"I don't deserve you." The count's words pierced upon her heart like an unexpected rejection. She felt every vein on her vibrate in mixed emotions as the male's words echoed upon her mind. Even with her gleaming sunset orbs, she saw how pained the count gazed at her. "I'm sorry I barged inside, please dress up. You'll catch a cold." She grabbed onto his sleeves and tugged them gently, halting his movements, midway. "What is it?" Asty clutched the blanket on her chest and lowered her head. "Please don't say that again." Chaol stared at her with an unverified expression of confusion and guilt. "What?" "Please don't say that you don't deserve me. I am just a mere commonplace woman who was lucky enough to be gifted by this blood that you sought. It isn't anything unique." "I'm not referring to that—" "And moreover, a woman like me shouldn't be praised highly by someone as magnificent and powerful as you." she co

As they were busy helping to prepare the meals in the kitchen, Asty's troubled mind was put to ease. It was a new day and therefore it is time for her to forget what happened yesterday. It was time for her to forget the embarrassment and humiliation that the countess had caused her. She shared a few terrible words about her appearance and style. Lana told her that she didn't need to listen to her, to which she agreed. She would never stoop down to her level and amuse her. "We're missing something." Lana whispered to her as he mixed the food she was cooking. "I'll go get it from the pantry. What is it?""No, I'll get it myself." Lana chuckled at her."No, it's fine. I can get it." "Are you sure?""It's just a favor I'm doing for you, Lana." she smiled at her. "Then would you please take two lemons, a pouch of raisins, and a stick of butter, please?""Coming right up!" S

"Ooh... What a wonderful dress you have there, Asthenosthene."Asty shifted her ice across the corner of the room only to see the countess looking at her with contempt on her face. She gave her a sly smile and continued walking forward."Black, how daring indeed. I don't remember the count buying you this expensive clothing."The young woman lowered her head and looked away. "This is a gift from the king, remember when I told you that he invited me to the ball?""Oh yes, the other day?"Asty slowly nodded."That's quite considerate of him. From the looks of these, I'd say they cost a good amount of fortune."The countess leaned over to the box and slowly traced her fingers across the soft, shimmering fabric. Her brows started to furrow knowing that her dress was much more extravagant and exquisite than hers. With the fake smile on her face, she looked at her. "Would you mind if I borrow these?" she asked her. "I think black would suit

Asthenosthene was provided her own carriage when coming to the event. So as Chaol and the Countess Cressa who were both in separated transports.Due to how cramped their first carriage was, the King has sent each individual coming to the ball with a carriage.Asty could feel her chest thumping faster and faster."You okay?" Othello asked her with concern in his raspy voice.Asty nodded at him and smiled. "I'm okay.""Mhmm." Othello smiled back and looked outside. "I've never seen the Palace this bright before. It's changed so much since I've left this place.""How did it look like before?""Gloomy as hell. Much gloomier than that crappy castle Chaol owns." he jested.Asty chuckled. "Really? That's odd." she took a closer look at his brother, who too- seems to be nervous like her, if not, much more. "Are you, okay, brother?"

 The music fills the air with a harmonious melody, touching to the ears of men. With their deep breaths, they gazed at the people in front of them as they placed their trust in each other's bodies. The skillful men swayed, turned, and glided their women into the air, as their hearts continue to beat as one.Their bright regalias resembled like teacups from before, but there was one pair in particular that stood out from the rest.The Nobles were fazed as His Majesty, Vaughn Garland, danced with someone truly mesmerizing to watch. A girl with rosy cheeks, pale skin with bright persimmon-colored hair tucked carefully behind her with ribbons. She wore a beautiful, pitch-black regalia which stood out from everyone else in the room.She was such a radiant and ravishing young woman.Asthenosthene gazed at the King's eyes when he slipped his hands to her waist, she felt his palms gently following the curve of her shape and he held her as if she was