Pursuit

Concerned about Ysabel's state of being, Prince Hinrik tried to run after her. But his father's sudden appearance at the grand hall stopped him from doing so.

The whispered conversations highlighting Ysabel's escape from the party died upon the king's arrival.

Everyone paid their respects, bowing considerably as the King of Bezmun greeted each of them, walking past.

The elder monarch approached his son, clapping him on the shoulders. He had declined the announcers' jobs by bidding them not to call out his name.

Prince Hinrik acknowledged his father's presence and bowed, hiding his worry about Ysabel and where she had gone off.

"Father," Hinrik greeted, forcing his lips to part into a smile. The king noticed the dance floor to be relatively empty and frowned at it slightly.

He turned to face the audience.

"The night is young, and in my day, when I was your age, I didn't waste a moment dancing and partying to my heart's content."

The king chuckled, ushering for a server to come closer. He took a wine glass and raised it for a toast.

"Don't mind this old man but let the festivities commence!"

At his command, lively music was played, and the young nobles returned to their happy charade, forgetting the recent runaway dancing partner of Prince Hinrik.

With everyone's attention averted, the king turned to his son, clapping him on the shoulders as he pulled him to the side.

"Why do you look so forlorn, Hinrik? Did your heart get broken?"

Hinrik put a hand to his heart, humoring his father's teasing.

"Indeed, father. My young heart yearned for this lady, but she suddenly left for reasons I have no idea yet."

The king nodded, sipping from the drink in his hand.

"Is it Princess Sienna?"

Hinrik could hardly keep anything from his father. He smiled sheepishly.

"Patience, my son. I think the princess has a lot of things on her mind. I have heard about the rumors, and soon she'd be carrying the same weight you are carrying now."

At this, the king sighed, looking at his son more carefully.

"Do you not fancy other ladies?"

Hinrik glanced at the other monarchs, duchesses, and noble ladies in the grand hall. But none of them could save Bezmun, and none of them could hold a light to Ysabel.

"I wish I did, father," Hinrik replied. But he wasn't really genuine about that remark.

"I see. But you understand that she would be leading her kingdom, and you would also lead Bezmun. I don't know what kind of compromise would happen. Are you sure about pursuing her?"

Prince Hinrik pursed his lips. He kept his opinion to himself.

"I've never been more sure in my life, father."

'I'll do anything for Bezmun and my people.'

After some time had passed, the king clapped Hinrik by the shoulders for the second time. He breathed out a sigh, leaving his unfinished drink at the nearest table.

"I shall rest for the night. This old man is getting weaker by the second. You make sure to enjoy the rest of the evening, Hinrik. Although I have nothing against your decision about the princess, I suggest you keep your heart and mind open. Any alliance with the other kingdoms would do us good."

Hinrik hummed his response, suddenly feeling a little thirsty. But he avoided getting intoxicated by the liquor and volunteered to accompany his aging father toward the double door instead.

"Let me at least take you to your room,"

The king chuckled.

"Come on then. I shall not delay your chance to find the future queen of Bezmun."

Hinrik kept quiet after that, his insides twisting. Just as they were nearing the double doors of the grand hall, they happened to pass by a familiar face.

"Good evening, your majesty, your highness."

Reis, Ysabel's companion, immediately got to her feet and greeted the king and the prince. In exchange, the two monarchs tilted their heads to acknowledge her show of respect.

"And who is this lovely lady?" the king addressed Reis. Her cheeks reddened, forcing the latter to look away.

"I'm Reis, a palace maid from the kingdom of Eyeris and Princess Sienna's companion."

"Ah. Reis, what a great name for such a nice girl. Send my regards to the princess. I hope to see her in the morning or at least before you leave."

"T-thank you," Reis kept her head lowered, too embarrassed to look at the king and even the prince. She had received compliments, and she wasn't used to it.

The only other person who often said nice words to her was Ysabel.

"I'll deliver the message…." Reis gasped, suddenly realizing that she should have searched for Ysabel instead of worrying whether the noble lady was alright.

Giving the king and the prince a polite bow, Reis excused herself.

"Forgive me, your graces. I need to find the princess," she lifted her skirt and went on her way. Hinrik stared at her leaving form.

The king didn't fail to notice how his son seemed to have the same thoughts as the palace maid. This made the elder monarch laugh heartily.

"Go," the king ushered. "Go and find her, son."

The young prince glanced at his father and shook his head.

"She might want a little space from me. I've been a little bit of a bother to her since we met in Eyeris."

The king raised one brow, squinting at the prince's response.

"I don't quite understand. But still, it would be best if you accompanied her palace maid in search of the princess. The former wouldn't know the surroundings and could get lost."

After briefly contemplating the matter in his mind, the prince pursed his lips and inclined his head.

"If you insist, father. I shall take my leave then."

The king didn't say anything more and let his son go. He watched him hurrying after the palace maid, breathing out a sigh.

He placed his hands behind him. The party was in full swing behind him, yet his son was pursuing someone who might not reciprocate his feelings.

"I wish you know what you are getting into, Hinrik."