In the grand Grand Ballroom of Arvenia Palace, it felt as if a constellation had exploded—light, sparkle, and music enveloped the room. The Austrian crystal chandeliers shimmered above, like stars that had descended to dance in the celebration. The orchestra, quietly composing its symphony, was as precise as the steps of the guests, who seemed born for this night.
The Duchess in an emerald green gown. The Ambassador from Varellia. A prince with a perfect pompadour.
They all seemed like characters in a grand theater—complete with costumes, perfect posture. But at the end of the room, behind velvet curtains gently brushed by the night's breeze, stood a princess who appeared to be detached from the performance.
She was Princess Selene of Arvenia.
The reluctant royal. The invisible star.
She came from the noble Arvenian family, known for their strong leadership and deep knowledge of the ancient traditions of the kingdom.
Selene possessed a unique kind of beauty—her long hair that sparkled under the sun, and her gray eyes full of mystery, serving as a mirror to her deep thoughts. Her nose was high, prominent, and regal, her brows seemed perfect, and her lips, thin and pink, were alluring. Her skin was as white as porcelain, captivating to behold. Her face was like a masterpiece sculpted by a great artist, with a beauty that was not just external, but radiated from her whole being, filled with mystery and charm.
Despite being a princess, she had a strong presence, graceful yet dignified. Intelligent, independent in thought, and full of principles. But beneath her strong exterior, there was a heart full of goodness, although at times, she hesitated about decisions that would shape her future and happiness.
She stood on the veranda, holding a crystal goblet, gazing at the garden bathed in moonlight. She wore a gown that seemed fit only for fairies in legends, a champagne silk with golden embroidery. But despite the beauty of the scene and her attire, her eyes were filled with a longing to close them and vanish in that moment. To escape.
A whole night of pretense? she whispered to herself.
She tried to smile as she spun the glass in her palm.
She rested her elbow on the marble balustrade and watched the fountain below. On the smooth water's surface, the moon shimmered, as if speaking to the roses, but not to her.
Why does the palace feel like a prison?
This wasn't a question seeking an answer. It was a sigh from deep within the golden yet imprisoned cage of royal life.
How many years had passed? She couldn't remember anymore. All she knew was that for twenty-two years of her life, she had been like this—smiling in front of cameras, signing agreements she never chose. Charity princess by day, political puppet by night.
Royal by birth. Hostage by tradition.
"Your Highness, shall we return inside?"
The voice of the royal guard broke the silence. His voice was cold and emotionless.
Right on cue.
Selene closed her eyes and slowly shook her head.
"Tell Queen Mother I just need some air," she replied firmly, continuing to twirl the glass in her hand. "And if she can't breathe when I'm not there..." She paused, releasing a sigh. "...tell her she can breathe for both of us."
The guard silently left, offering no further reaction. But she knew the eyes of the crowd were following her as she walked away.
The cold air and scent of jasmine immediately greeted her, like a gentle invitation from the darkness. With each sound of her heels hitting the marble, something seemed to slip away from her. With every step, she felt the weight, the pain.
When she reached the edge of the grass, she took off her stilettos and held them in her hand. Lighter. More real. Just like her.
She walked along her old favorite path. Back then, she feared frogs and mud. Now, she feared not recognizing herself in the mirror.
Selene, behave.
Selene, smile.
Selene, don't embarrass the crown.
It felt like a broken record, playing the same tune, returning to the same track. A princess of a modern kingdom, unable to take even a single step away.
But what if I want to shame the crown? Just once? What if I want to live… not to pretend?
As she walked farther, the music from the ballroom slowly faded. The light from the lamps no longer reached the grassy part of the garden where she stood.
Silent.
Cold.
Dangerous?
She didn't know yet, but in the dark part of the garden, a pair of eyes had been watching her for some time.
Quiet. Steady. Hidden in the shadows.
In the midst of silence… she heard a sound. A rustle. Fast.
Sudden. Like something creeping behind the night.
Selene stopped, still holding the heel in her hand, ready to use it as a weapon if needed. Her heart raced, not from fear, but from the sharp sense of alertness. It was as if a cold breeze had brushed the back of her neck, traveling down her spine—like a warning.
"Who's there?" she asked, her voice strong but trembling slightly.
No answer.
She looked around. The leaves of the olive tree were rustling, the grasses swaying in the wind. But something felt different. It was as if someone was watching her. As if something was breathing in the dark.
Okay, calm down, Selene. It's probably just an animal. Or a gardener...
She heard a thud. Another sound, closer and heavier, no longer the wind or a small creature.
Her heart raced again. Fast, hard—like an alarm urging her to hide or run.
She raised the heel like a knife and quickly turned around. "I swear, if you're anyone—"
And there, from the darkness at the edge of the olive tree, a shadow moved. Fast, silent, like it was used to hiding.
Under the moonlight, she caught a glimpse of a pair of eyes. Observing, quiet, fearless. Watching her from the dark.
And in an instant, a voice exploded in her mind.
The silence in the garden became heavier. It was like the air was filled with something, a presence you couldn't see, but could feel on your skin.
And in an instant, a voice exploded in her mind. Selene… the world you know will change tonight…
The silence in the garden grew even heavier. The air felt thick, with a presence you couldn't see but felt deeply within your skin.
Selene froze in place, still holding the heel in one hand like a weapon. As the darkness ahead of her seemed to shift slowly, a man began to emerge from the shadows of the olive trees. His every step was silent and deliberate, like a shadow walking in the night.
As the soft moonlight passed through the garden, Selene felt each of his steps as if a hundred years had passed. The air was cold, but there was a strange warmth that entered her body as his form slowly became clear in her vision.
At first, he was just a shadow. He walked without sound, his every movement as quiet as a cloud drifting across the sky. But as the depth of the night bore witness to each step, she saw him—a man.
It wasn't fear that made her heart race, but a powerful feeling of attraction. He was tall, poised, and it seemed the darkness itself had chosen to conceal his full figure—but not the presence that you couldn't ignore. His gray eyes were dim but sharp, and when they met hers, Selene felt the silence whisper a question—one she had no answer to.
Who is he? And what is he doing here?
Selene asked herself in her mind.
Their eyes met. It was as if the world stopped between them.
He silently approached. No hesitation. No fear. It was as if every step he took was an invitation to a secret that only he held.
She studied him. From what she could tell, the man was in his early thirties. At the peak of youth, yet his movements suggested a skilled warrior. He wore a black tactical suit—no insignia, no name. But the confidence, the posture, the fierce presence—this man was no ordinary man.
Half of his face was covered in shadow, but the moonlight was enough to see his sharp jawline, clenched lips, and eyes that seemed to be searching for a reason... or a warning.
Selene didn't move. The heel was still in her hand, but it felt like she had forgotten she was holding it. The man in front of her didn't speak, but the silence between them was louder than any shout.
He stepped closer, one step, then two. Now his face was clearer.
"You shouldn't be here," his voice was cold. Low. Calm. But there was an undertone of threat in every word.
Selene blinked. "And you?" she asked firmly, trying to steady her voice even though her heart was pounding. "Who are you?"
The man didn't answer. Instead, he just looked at her, staring without blinking, as if reading her soul.
"I'm Kael," he finally answered, his voice low but clear. "I'm the one assigned to you."
Selene blinked. "Excuse me?"
"To make it clear, I'm your new bodyguard," the man replied directly, emotionless.
He didn't look at her. Instead, his gaze swept around, as if familiar with every shadow, breeze, and rustle of leaves. It was like he had eyes in every corner of the dark garden, and even the smallest movement from Selene didn't escape his sharp gaze.
"Okay. First of all..." Selene took a step back, crossing her arms, still holding the heel in her left hand. "Isn't it a bit rude to just pop out of nowhere in the dark? You look like the villain in an espionage movie," she said sarcastically, her voice mixing irritation and amusement.
She raised an eyebrow, trying to maintain control, but there was a hint of frustration in every word.
She watched Kael, waiting for a response to any reaction. But behind her outward confidence, countless questions were rolling around in her mind.
Kael remained silent. He didn't waste any words. Instead, he moved, slowly circling Selene. Not to intimidate her, but to scan the surroundings. Every movement was disciplined, each step carefully considered.
As Selene watched Kael move, she couldn't help but follow his every motion. She quickly assessed each movement, but despite her efforts to stay calm, there was an inexplicable unease growing in her chest. Kael had a presence—one that made her skin tingle and her heart beat just a little faster.
There's something about him...
Selene raised an eyebrow.
Oh great. A silent type. My favorite.
"Look," he said, taking control of the conversation again. "I don't need a new babysitter. I have my own security team. So, thanks for the offer, but—"
"This isn't an offer," Kael cut her off, and finally, his cold gaze locked onto Selene, straight, unwavering. "It's an order."
That's when Selene truly saw the intensity.
The kind of stare that seemed capable of reading her entire being.
The kind of stare that doesn't fight, but doesn't back down either.
Selene tried to hold his gaze, but there was something electric between them. A warm wave passed between them, even though all she could hear was the wind's gust and the soft splashing of the fountain.
"I wasn't just assigned to you—I'm the only reason you're still breathing." Kael continued. "From now on, I'm your personal escort. Not just inside the palace. Everywhere you go."
"Well, that's not creepy at all," Selene replied, her sarcasm forced. "Is there a manual for this, or is the ninja entrance included in the package?"
Kael didn't flinch. Instead, he silently raised his hand and pressed the comm device in his ear.
"Princess located," he said, cold and calm. "No threat detected. Proceeding with close escort."
Selene blinked, trying to process.
"Wait. Hold on. Close escort? As in... you'll always be there? Like, 24/7? A literal 'walking shadow'?"
Oh, hell no, she whispered to herself.
"This is serious."
Kael turned to her again, his expression still like granite—solid and emotionless.
"Follow the protocol, Princess. We've received intel saying there's a new threat to the royal family. You're the primary target."