Chapter 5

They began their first dance as husband and wife, the gazes of the nobles shifting between them. However, Lily tried to ignore them and focused on the music and the steps of the dance. Alexander's hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him. She could feel his breath on her neck, and she shivered. His hand tightened around her waist, and she could feel herself beginning to panic.

"Alexander, please," she said, trying to pull away from him. "You are hurting me," she whispered.

She watched him stare at her, but she couldn't feel his gaze on her; it felt like he was staring at something or someone behind her. Curious, she turned to look over her shoulder, but before she could spot what he was looking at, he yanked on her wrist again, causing her to snap her head back to him.

He pulled back slightly, the anger in his eyes fading, his face softening, and he smiled at her. "I am so sorry," he said, his voice full of remorse. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I just... I got carried away."

Lily was caught off guard by his sudden mood change and felt a wave of confusion wash over her. Perhaps he was still nervous; after all, this was also his first ball as a married man. Maybe he was just trying to impress his people. She decided to give him the benefit of the doubt but was still wary of him.

Lily nodded, her heart still pounding in her chest. "It's alright," she said, forcing a smile, hoping to reassure him. "Just please be more gentle next time."

Instead of getting the anticipated response, Prince Alexander remained silent. He gracefully twirled her to the beat of the music, and an unfamiliar feeling inside her, like her heart was aching, puzzled her. She pushed that feeling aside; today was a special day for two reasons. As Prince Alexander gracefully twirled her again, Lily gathered the courage to share the second reason for celebration.

"Today is not just the day of our wedding," she began, her voice faltering slightly. "It's also my birthday."

There was a momentary pause, and Lily looked at Prince Alexander, hoping to see a spark of recognition or perhaps shared joy in the celebration of their union and her birthday. Instead, his face remained impassive, and Lily's stomach sank. Had he not heard her, or did he not care?

She was about to repeat herself when he finally spoke, keeping his response simple. "Happy birthday."

But that wasn't the response she had hoped for. She couldn't quite make out the tone behind his words. Was it indifference, disinterest, or perhaps annoyance at the interruption to their wedding night? She felt a panic of dread forming in her stomach, and the subtle ache in her heart intensified. She wondered if the Prince's mind was preoccupied with something or someone else. She knew it was irrational to feel so insecure, but she couldn't help it.

Soon enough, the song came to an end, the crowds erupted in cheers, couples took their final bows, and the prince led Lily away from the dance floor back to their designated seat beside the king, who was seated on a throne set up in the garden. Lily noticed two extra seats on each side of the throne, assuming they were for the newlyweds. But before they could reach it, a voice called out from behind them.

"Your Highness, may I have a moment of your time?"

The Prince turned around, and Lily followed suit, seeing a servant standing before them, a slight look of panic on his face.

"Of course, what is it?" the Prince asked, his voice calm and measured.

"There has been an urgent message from the neighboring kingdom of Belgravia, Your Highness," the servant replied, handing him a letter sealed with wax. "It is marked as a matter of utmost urgency."

The Prince took the letter, breaking the seal and scanning the contents. His face grew grave, and he looked at Lily.

"I must attend to this matter," he said.

Lily tried to hide her disappointment, but she could feel it seeping through. "It's alright," she tried to say, but he had walked past her, following the servant out of the garden before those words left her lips. Lily remained standing, her eyes following Prince Alexander's departure. The night, once filled with the promise of celebration, now felt colder and more uncertain.

She offered the king a respectful bow and settled into the seat beside him, observing the nobles engaged in conversations and laughter around her.

She felt a sudden wave of isolation, realizing she was still a stranger in this world of royalty. She looked around, feeling small in such a large space.

"You look lost," the king, noticing her unease, offered a comforting smile. "I trust you are enjoying the celebration?"

Lily nodded, though she wasn't entirely sure that was true. "Yes, Your Majesty," she said, trying to put on a brave face. "It's all very lovely."

But the king seemed to see right through her. "Welcome to the royal life, my dear. It comes with its challenges and surprises," he said.

Lily managed a polite smile, her thoughts drifting between the celebrations, Prince Alexander's distant demeanor, and the strange feeling that had washed over her during the dance. Something about the king's gaze unnerved her.

Then the king spoke again, his voice breaking into her thoughts. "Is there something else on your mind?" he asked, his gaze fixed on her. "Something that is troubling you? You see, I promised your father that you would be taken care of, and I wish to honor that promise."

Lily felt a rush of gratitude. For a king, he spoke in a more calm, collected tone than she had expected. When she first spotted him seated on the throne, he had a stern face. He was a tall man, with broad shoulders, his eyes were piercing blue just like hers, with his crown resting on his head. When he looked down at Lily, she felt like a small child in his presence.

She grew hesitant for a moment, debating whether to confide in the king. Gathering up courage to speak, she said, "It's just... I am worried about Prince Alexander. He seemed distant tonight, and I am not sure if it's something I did," she looked down at her hands, feeling foolish for sharing her concerns. "I am sorry; it's silly of me to worry about such things."

But the king shook his head, reaching out to place his hand on her shoulder. "It's not silly at all," he said. "Especially given the circumstances. He's a new husband and perhaps feeling some pressure to live up to the expectations placed on him." King Frederick chose his words carefully.