Chapter 22: Tea Party
Naelia’s heart pounded wildly in her chest.
She could hear it — like the steady thump of war drums in her ears.
Her lips pressed into a thin, determined line as she clutched Azel’s hand tighter, dragging him through the ornate castle halls with surprising strength for someone of her stature.
Her mother’s words echoed in her head like a sacred battle mantra.
"If you want to catch his attention today, Naelia, you must dress cutely. Boys your age are still simple-minded — just give them something to look at."
It had taken almost an hour for her maids to dig through the countless rows of dresses in her enormous wardrobe.
They debated lace trims, pastel colors, ribbons — things Naelia hadn’t given much thought to before.
But when she finally settled on the pale blue dress with the bow around the waist, she remembered how Azel’s silver eyes lingered on her when they met earlier.
The moment replayed in her mind like a sweet poison, heating her cheeks until they glowed crimson.
She tightened her grip on his hand without even realizing it.
She had to hold herself together.
She was the First Princess of the Starbloom Empire.