Engagement

The palace was buzzing with activity since the early hours of the morning. Servants were rushing here and there, completing decorations and ensuring that everything was perfect for the engagement ceremony of Crown Prince Henry Alexandrine and Lady Celesia. The grand hall was adorned with luxurious curtains, sparkling lights, and a massive amount of flowers, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Celesia woke up to the sound of a gentle knock on her door. "Lady Celesia, it's time to get ready," a maid called softly. Celesia slowly opened her eyes, her mind still lingering in the remnants of dreams. She sat up, stretched, and took a deep breath. Today was the awaited day.

"Come in," she replied in a steady voice despite the fluttering in her stomach. The maid entered, followed by several other maids carrying a selection of clothes, jewelry, and accessories. They first brought her breakfast, and soon the maids began preparing Celesia, carefully combing her hair and adding the final touches. Celesia looked at herself in the mirror; the beautiful blue dress, described as the "Gown of the Galaxy," shimmered with crystal stones like stars in the night. When the maids finished, Celesia looked like a true princess, ready to take on her new role.

"You look absolutely stunning, my lady," one of the maids admired.

"Thank you all," Celesia smiled, trying to conceal her nervousness.

Meanwhile, Henry was in his dressing room, putting on his formal suit. Henry felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation. It wasn't an ordinary day; it was a day that would determine the future of the entire empire.

"Are you ready, Henry?" Empress Catherine asked as she entered the room.

"Yes, Mother, I am ready," Henry replied, trying to sound confident.

"You look magnificent in this white suit," Catherine said, placing her hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you for the compliment," Henry smiled.

The emperor suddenly entered, expressing his admiration. "You both look wonderful. Now, let's head to the palace; everyone is waiting."

In the grand hall, guests began to arrive, nobles and dignitaries from all over the empire. Everyone was dressed in their finest, eager to see the couple.

"The royal family is entering," 

Henry entered the hall, looking handsome in his formal suit, exuding a regal aura. Behind him walked the emperor with his wife, greeting the guests. Moments later, Celesia entered with her father. Everyone was amazed by her appearance, and murmurs began to spread.

"Is she really the Beast of Shinya?"

"She looks different from the rumors."

"After all, she is Duke Ryojer's first princess."

Celesia continued walking steadily, unaffected by the people's comments. "That's all people are good for, empty gossip."

Celesia stood beside Henry on the platform in front of the judge, with the archduke and the emperor by their sides.

The engagement ceremony and the marriage contract proceedings began, ending with the exchange of rings.

"From now on, I declare before you all that Celesia Ryojer is the Crown Princess of the Shinya Empire," the emperor announced loudly, causing everyone to cheer with joy. The party resumed, with Celesia conversing with various noble ladies who admired her dress, while Henry engaged in conversations with different nobles, as did everyone else.

"Ah... I'm tired," Celesia thought to herself as she tried to keep up with the guests' conversations.

The conversations with the guests continued long into the night, and the palace was beautifully illuminated.

"Excuse me, ladies, but I need to step outside for some fresh air," Celesia said politely, exhaustion evident on her face.

"Oh, of course, Your Highness, you look tired," one of the girls replied.

Celesia expressed her gratitude and headed towards the garden, sitting by the fountain to quietly observe the moon. She looked around to see many guards surrounding the area, and with a quick glance backward, she noticed a maid watching her from a distance.

"Well, it seems they've taken precautions in case something happens," Celesia thought deeply.

"It's unfortunate that I still pose a threat," a sad look crossed Celesia's face as she glanced at her hands, remembering how they were covered in her mother's blood on that fateful day.

"Isn't it unfortunate?" a strange voice echoed in Celesia's mind.

"What?" she thought, her body beginning to tremble. "This voice again!!"

"Despite everything you've done for them, they still see you as a monster. So, what do you say we get rid of them?" the voice suggested.

"Stop it, what are you trying to do?" Celesia said in panic and anger.

"Hahaha... As if I'd tell you," the voice replied mockingly.

Celesia felt a spark run through her body, and an immense surge of energy flowed through her veins. She dropped to her knees, clutching her heart. "This pain... just like that day," she said fearfully.

"It's even more painful than before," she gasped, blood trickling from her mouth. Water droplets began to rise slowly from the fountain. The maid noticed and hurried to inform the archduke. Henry, who was heading to the garden after noticing Celesia's absence from the party, saw her kneeling with water swirling around her.

"Could it be that she's lost control?" he thought in astonishment and rushed toward her, grabbing her hands, surprising her with his presence.

"Henry, please step back. I don't want you to get hurt," Celesia said, worried and panting.

"I can't leave you alone in this state. You're my wife, and it's my duty to protect you," Henry said firmly.

"But..." Celesia hesitated.

"Just trust me," Henry tried to reassure her.

He closed his eyes, and a bright white aura appeared around him. He began to gradually absorb the energy. Celesia's pain slowly subsided, and the water droplets returned to the fountain.

"What is this annoying aura? It's making me lose control," the voice grumbled.

"Amazing! I don't feel the pain anymore," Celesia marveled.

Henry, now feeling the strain, thought, "This energy is really immense. I don't think I can stand much longer. I have to keep going a bit longer." He pushed himself, feeling the pain of absorbing such energy. "How did she endure all this pain alone?" His face showed signs of exhaustion, his heartbeat quickened, and he coughed up blood, collapsing. Celesia, shocked, began to scream.

"Someone! The Crown Prince has collapsed; I need help here!"

At that moment, both Leo and the emperor arrived after hearing the maid's words. Henry was taken to a private room, and the doctor was summoned to examine him.

"Fortunately, he's not in severe danger. His vital functions surged due to absorbing a large amount of energy," the doctor explained to the emperor and empress, offering reassuring words. "He will wake up soon, thank goodness he's safe."

"Thank goodness," the empress sighed in relief, and the emperor took her to rest in her room.

Meanwhile, Celesia stayed in her room, feeling guilty, while Leo and his wife felt ashamed despite their preparations.

The party ended, and the guests returned to their homes. A new day came, bringing joy to everyone as the prince awoke.

"Thank goodness you're safe, my boy," Empress Catherine hugged Henry, tears streaming down her face.

"Are you feeling better, Your Highness?" Leo asked, concerned.

"Don't worry, Archduke, I'm fine," Henry said with a cheerful face. "But where is Celesia?" he asked.

"She has locked herself in her room since the incident," replied the duchess.

"Can you call her? I want to talk to her," Henry said seriously.

"Of course, I'll go get her," the duchess left the room to inform Celesia. Upon hearing the news, Celesia hurried to Henry's room. She entered to find Henry sitting on the bed, waiting for her.

"Good morning, Celesia," Henry greeted her with a smile.

"Good morning, Henry. Thank goodness you're alright," Celesia said emotionally, sitting on the chair next to him. "Why did you put yourself in danger? Why do you want to help me no matter the situation?" Celesia asked, tears streaming down her face.

"Didn't I tell you? I'm your husband, and I'll do anything to protect you," Henry replied firmly.

"But..." Celesia hesitated.

"I don't want to leave you to suffer all that pain alone. May I have the ring?"

"Of course, here," Celesia handed him the ring.

Henry took the ring, infused part of his energy into the stone, and put it back on her finger. "Never take this ring off; it will help you when I'm not around. I want to see you smile always," Henry said, wiping away her tears.

"Thank you... thank you for your boundless kindness," she said softly.

"It's my duty," he replied with a smile.

Celesia felt warmth fill her heart. She had found in Henry a support she never expected. All she had been through in her life, all the pain and suffering, seemed to fade in his presence. She deeply appreciated his kindness and care, which had a profound impact on her emotional state.