5 Debutante

The night wind blew against the window blinds. A room with a single candle burning, Adeline looked at a piece of paper with great care. A knight was in front of Adeline with a flat face.

Adeline saw the knight and told him to leave. It's because the wind was so strong. The candle in Adeline room went out, making the entire room so dark and lit only by moonlight.

Tomorrow is the day I've been waiting for. Debutante is where I met him. Can I meet him? Does he still remember that incident?

The Crown Prince will definitely come to the debutante. The first time I saw him. He only saw me and didn't greet me. Maybe the situation in the debutante will be the same as before. If so, my plan will work.

"I can do it."

.....

The servants prepare Adeline for the debutante. Her mother noticed that her daughter appearance was perfect. A long white dress with a rose gold stripe pattern. White hair, flawless skin. Make Adeline look like a snow white.

She looked at the horse carriage window. The palace feel so empty because the banquet started at night. There weren't any nobles. Only people who were busy preparing the banquet. Adeline was waiting in a magnificent room. She was tired of waiting. Her Mother, who was sitting next to her. Tidied up her daughter appearance to keep it beautiful.

"You don't need to worry, I'm still perfect."

Someone knocked on the door, her mother let the person in. A man has a characteristic blonde hair with red eyes. Wearing the same type and color as Adeline, in white with rose gold stripes.

He give a bow to us. Why's he here? He shouldn't be here. He's wearing the same clothes as me? I was furious and asked my Mother.

"Did you do it, Mother?"

"You will dance with him for your debutante. All of this has been approved by the Emperor. You don't need to worry. I will go, Adeline. Don't spoil everything. I shall leave, Your Highness."

Mother warn me and left us. What is this? All of this made me laugh. Ha? Is this the Crown Prince Cedric De Estefan?

"Nice to meet you, daughter of Duke Lawrence. We must hurry to the hall. Everyone have been waiting."

Adeline come with Cedric into the hall. They were silent. While Adeline thought about what her mother had done. If she was with Cedric during the debutante. Everyone would think that Adeline was Cedric's fiancé.

"Is my fiancé good at dance?"

He said it on purpose.

"I'm so good on dancing."

The door leading to the hall opened. A guard announced our presence by shouting our names very loudly. All eyes are on us. Of course, they pay attention to the person next to me.

"Crown Prince Cedric De Estefan, and Adeline Von Lawrence of the Duke Lawrence family."

I slowly down the stairs, with the Crown Prince leading me with his hand. Everyone seemed stunned by our appearance. We are like the center of attention, our clothes that add some impression of elegance. Debutante begins with dancing to someone who made this banquet.

"Oops...I'm sorry."

"It's all right, Miss Lawrence."

All useless. I've stepped on his feet many times. he still wanted to dance?

"My fiancé are a good dancer." 

Music has ended, they give a bow each other. Adeline suddenly surrounded by a group of nobles, they praise her for beauty and dancing with the Crown Prince. Adeline could only respond to them by saying yes. She didn't want to speak much which made the rumors more widespread.

Damn! because my Mother. Everyone thought I was the Crown Prince's fiancé. Keep calm Adeline. This engagement was not certain in their eyes.

"What's wrong Miss Lawrence?"

"Me...."

A trumpet sound interrupted Adeline conversation. At the same time, the Emperor entered the room and was about to make an announcement. Adeline's heart was beating very fast. When the Emperor say the announcement.

"Miss Adeline Von Lawrence, congratulations on your debutante. Today is a very suitable day to tell you all."

The Emperor glared at Adeline and smiled bitterly.

"Miss Adeline Von Lawrence is a candidate for the future fiancé of the Crown Prince. We congratulate Miss Adeline."

Everyone cheer and congratulate. They already thought that Adeline would become Cedric fiancé. They prayed that they both could become a couple who could protect thier Empire. On the other hand, Adeline face turned very pale and she bit her lip.

What is this? Why did the Emperor announce the engagement so quickly? Is this my parent plan? So this is the reason the Crown Prince is accompanying me today?! I have to more calm now, the Emperor only said me as a candidate. Then, I still have a gap.

"Congratulations on your engagement."

"....The Emperor is still concluding as a candidate. So, I'm not going become a Crown Prince fiancé."

After Adeline spoke with several nobles. She left them and headed for the balcony. A fireworks display has been launched for her debut. She just stared at fireworks and clenched her fists.

This opportunity made the situation even more different than before. Everything turned out like this. Why my parents doing this to their own daughter? Damn! I had to change my plans earlier.

"Are you happy?"

"Crown Prince....?"

I was surprised when someone whispered behind my ear. What is the Crown Prince doing here? Is he following me from behind? When did he get here?

"I've heard everything from Mrs. Lawrence. That's why I'm telling the Emperor to announce it now."

"You? What did you say before?"

"Am I wrong?"

Without thinking about the status I have. I slapped him so hard. He didn't move, he suddenly smiled at me.

"Miss Adeline, why don't you agree to this engagement? You should feel proud to be engaged to an heir to the throne or...you have someone else?"

Did he say that on purpose? What is wrong with his head now? Is he out of his mind? Although time repeats itself. His stupid smile was still the same.

"I don't want and will never want to engaged with you."

"You can't reject it, because all of this has been approved by our family members."

She touched my hand and placed it on his face. It felt like I wanted to stab him with a sword. I cannot stand it anymore. But, I threw away my anger and took a deep breath.

"Of course she can refuse it."

...This voice? the owner of this voice? I've heard of it. Dark black hair and red eyes. His tall body and wore his favorite black clothes. I finally can meet him.

"Second Prince Erwin De Estefan?"

Cedric let go of his grip and looked at Erwin. They stare at each other coldly. Cedric broke the ice by asking Erwin.

"What do you mean?"

"Of course she may refuse this engagements. Everyone can argue for the good of themselves and another."

End Chapter 5.