“Since when does being alone warrant such dismissal? What sort of flexibility is that?”
Challen’s steps toward the ballroom halted as if ensnared by an invisible snare.
Parnes gestured to the guards.
“Standing there like a fool, what are you doing?”
“Y-Yes?”
Parnes gently grasped Kasalyn’s hand, delicately as if holding fragile glass, and lightly placed it on his arm.
Turning to the soldiers, he declared, “She is the lady I will escort tonight. Is further explanation necessary?”
The grand hall was filled with the sweet melodies of a chamber orchestra, creating a soft ambience. Guests gathered in small groups, engrossed in social banter.
Young ladies, barely into their twenties and newly introduced to the marriage market, mingled among seasoned noblewomen scanning for suitable suitors and gentlemen keen on currying favor with the royal court.
Royalty and nobility from across the Western Continent had converged in one place.
“His Majesty Emperor Parnes and Lady Kasalyn Robervon have arrived!”
The announcement of Parnes’ name followed by a woman’s caused a stir among the guests, who were caught off-guard and turned their attention to the entrance.
Especially the young ladies, who had been eagerly awaiting the Emperor’s arrival, were in disbelief.
Kasalyn was walking into the ballroom, escorted by none other than Parnes himself.
The guests watched in surprise and confusion.
Despite reaching marriageable age, the Emperor, known for his aversion to female companionship, appeared with a woman by his side, raising many eyebrows.
Meanwhile, Challen, still rooted at the entrance, incredulously followed the backs of Kasalyn and Parnes as they entered together.
He couldn’t comprehend why the Emperor would personally escort a mere maid.
But what troubled him more was the closeness between them, their hands barely leaving a gap, unnerving him further.
Inside, Parnes led Kasalyn gracefully to the center of the hall and bowed perfectly as a gentleman, then asked with utmost politeness.
“May I have the honor of dancing with you tonight?”
Amidst the hall full of beautiful ladies vying for the Emperor’s attention, Parnes chose to dance first with Kasalyn.
The attendees were certain this was the social highlight of the year.
“The Emperor himself asked her for a dance!”
“It’s unbelievable.”
Suspicious and curious eyes converged on Kasalyn. Hesitantly, she placed her trembling hand on his, signaling her consent.
Challen noticed a peculiar emotion on Kasalyn’s face – a mix of nervousness and subtle delight, cautiously accepting Parnes’ hand. He was shocked, never having seen such an expression from her.
‘Why that face? She never showed me that.’
Swallowing his humiliation and resentment, Challen could only watch as Kasalyn turned her back on him and moved towards the center with Parnes.
Kasalyn, now led by Parnes to the dance floor, doubted if she was even standing properly.
Dancers stepped aside, making way for them, as a flurry of mixed emotions – curiosity, envy, jealousy, and admiration – bombarded her, palpably felt on her skin.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Parnes sought a mere formal permission before gently pressing closer to Kasalyn, ready to dance.
Regrettably, the court orchestra stopped the lively dance music they were playing and began a more classical, romantic piece.
‘How do I dance again?’
Kasalyn’s mind, previously clouded with thoughts about Challen, suddenly cleared, as if a blank sheet.
Was it because of Parnes’ intoxicating fragrance wafting from so close?
Kasalyn, accustomed to social parties since childhood, momentarily faltered in surprise. Parnes gently patted her back as if soothing a startled child.
“It’s okay. Just lean on me.”
As he said this, the oppressive gazes and noisy chatter around them seemed to magically disappear.
Kasalyn followed his light movements.
There was no conversation between them.
Only their interlocked hands felt unbearably hot, as if burned by fire.
When scheming men desperately battle for her favor in the male harem
This one’s also on my reread list! The rivalry, scheming between the men in the imperial harem are just as intense and thrilling as in classic palace drama novels, where concubines fight to the death. Give it a read, girls! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Synopsis:
“I am not worthy of her… but I still want to be by her side, even if only as a loyal dog…”
Those were the painful whispers of Yue Guanyi – the proud Crown Prince of the Great Qi, who was torn between deep love and a guilty conscience. Despite holding the supreme power of the Imperial Guard, he still could not forget the dark past when he was sold into a brothel.
Fate played a cruel twist when Qiu Shuzhi – a young female official who had just passed the imperial examinations with top honors – stepped into his life. She did not know that she was the one who had saved him from a tragic fate many years ago. And now, her heart was the target of pursuit for both Yue Guanyi and the powerful Empress Dowager Qin Qing.
While Yue Guanyi only dared to silently care for and protect the one he loved from afar, the Empress Dowager Qin Qing openly expressed his feelings and did not hesitate to take advantage of his power to approach Qiu Shuzhi. The covert struggle between the two most powerful forces in the imperial court began…
Trigger warning: All men in this novel are yandere style.
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