Chapter 155: Experienced
Immediately after those words left her lips, the piano and violin shifted into a slow rhythm before gently fading into silence. Rose watched as Zethan took her hands and placed a soft kiss atop them. His expression had returned to its usual calm, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
Her cheeks flushed, and she couldn’t believe she’d actually said those words—words that weren’t true. She hadn’t experienced any of it herself; instead, countless hours in the library had introduced her to books that shocked and expanded her understanding of many things. And yet, she had voiced them aloud.
Finally, she rested her hands on his elbow as they began to walk toward the king and queen’s seat. Once again, the perfect clap filled the hall—soft yet loud, melodic and practiced—as they made their way. Zethan seated himself beside her.
The violin resumed, playing a slow, graceful tune as other guests arrived for the ball. Kings and nobles came forward to congratulate Zethan. Some danced to the music, others drank while talking. The chatter, for some reason, felt rich and organized. Among them was a man accompanied by a breathtaking lady with long, dark hair. Rose noticed a small smile on the man’s lips as he walked toward them. Respectfully, he spoke quietly to Zethan.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on your wedding. I must say, your wife is exquisitely beautiful—a rare kind, indeed."
Zethan nodded in agreement before the man added, "We all came here to congratulate you as well. We hope to see many little princes and princesses in the future." The lady by his side—undoubtedly his daughter—stood beside him and nodded as well with a respectful smile.
Rose raised her hands gracefully and giggled softly, just as she had been taught—to show pleasure at the compliment, even if she didn’t truly feel it.
The man then introduced. "This is my daughter, Kira."
Kira bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, my Queen, congratulations. Very beautiful to finally see the king tie the knot," she spoke sweetly, yet Zethan barely spared her a glance. Rose noticed the way the lady carried herself. She wouldn’t be surprised if the man was planning for her to marry Zethan as a second wife—these people would not hesitate to do that if it meant gaining more power and partners.
Rose returned the greeting quietly. "Your daughter is indeed very beautiful. I must say, she would turn the heads of many fellows in this kingdom."
The old man chuckled, clearly pleased by her words, then asked, "May I ask, which kingdom do you come from, Princess? Which kingdom claims you?"