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Gilded walls and golden lights, lavish dishes in each sight. Nobles donned in extravagant dresses and attires had their eyes on the ballroom floor as they bowed.

"I delightfully welcome you all as I had wanted to announce a very important event," Jin said and gestured someone to bring forward something that was covered in a veil. "The long awaited marriage ceremony with the Princess of Kingdom of Leovalon will take place the day after tomorrow. It is a momentous event that will mark the union between the Kingdom of Wisterean and the Kingdom of Leovalon."

The veil was taken off to show a pearl tiara that prompted gasps and whispers from the nobles. My heart was pounding when Jin took it and stood before me to place it on top of my head as I kneeled.

The crowd erupted in cheers as I stood up and they announced, "Princess Bada, you are now to be wedded to King Seokjin."

I smiled at the crowd, thinking, "It's finally happening."

Jin extended a hand to me with the most charming smile I had seen on him. "Will you do me the honor of starting the ball with a dance, my Queen?"

I took his hand and he led me to the dance floor as everyone watched us in respectful silence. His other hand wrapped around my waist, sending a light jolt down my spine, and mine settled on his shoulder. Our chests brushed against each other and I set my gaze on the collar of his blazer which faltered slightly when his adam's apple bobbed up and down.

When was the last time we were this close?

The musicians started playing a mellow piece and I followed Jin's dance steps with no time to focus on my accelerating heartbeat. We glided gracefully to the music, our eyes off each other. His grip on my hand was gentle but firm.

When he spun me around and pulled me back to himself, I, lost in thought, stumbled a little, so unlike myself. My chest bumped against his and his hold on me tightened to keep me steady. With a slight gasp, I looked up at him and was immediately entranced. His eyes were holding mine with care and tenderness as though asking if I was alright. He was more charming than usual maybe because of the glowing lights.

My easing heartbeat grew madder and louder than the music as we continued dancing. I was getting hotter despite the cold weather.

Through it all, I managed to finish the dance without a hiccup and bowed to Jin as he did. After that, the floor was filled with nobles coupled together for the dance while Jin and I sat on the thrones, watching them in silence.

I had nothing to talk to him about. Still, my mind was racing with what sort of topic to bring up to break the unpleasant silence. Also, there was a stubborn feeling at the pit of my stomach that urged me to close my mouth, not wanting to engage in a conversation with him.

"Are you uncomfortable?"

I flinched and cleared my throat. "Not at all, Your Majesty."

"Then why does your complexion look dull. It was fine before we danced."

I sighed. "Perhaps I need some air."

I stood up and headed to the balcony to run away from further questions. The cold wind stroked my skin, cooling my hot cheeks, and the moon shone brightly in the night sky and glowed beautifully as it swam in the waves of the sea in the distance.

Warmth suddenly embraced me and I turned around as Jin said, "It's a cold evening."

He leaned against the balcony and gazed up at the moon. "I needed some air as well."

"I see." I hummed and pulled the blazer around me tighter, relishing the warmth. "I'm growing tired, I'll have to excuse myself from the ball."

"Alright." He turned to me. "As I thought, pearl suits you perfectly."

My fingers unconsciously brushed my pink pearl ring. I chuckled. "Because I'm Bada?"

He grinned merrily at me.

I nodded him goodbye and walked away, heading back to my chambers. On my way, nobles greeted me and I excused myself politely. I ordered the maids who accompanied me to prepare a light meal for me and headed inside by myself.

"Why not attack them right now?!" A voice echoed in the empty hall, making me flinch.

"Shush! Keep it down, you imbecile!"

I treaded as quietly as I could, approaching the men with my hand against my mouth.

"It's an order that we attack and overtake Leovalon from tomorrow since all their attention will be on the wedding preparation."

My heart dropped.

I took a peek at the men and my eyes widened when I saw Jin's rebellion group. Was he planning to attack Leovalon? Why? Why would he do this after all these years?

Fueled by fear and adrenaline, I rushed out of there and called for Sir Eric to deliver the message as soon as possible. He was shocked and could not believe me but I urged him to leave immediately and sent him off along with a few other knights.

I sat on my bed, thinking and thinking, worries after worries as the night grew colder.

How could he...?

Was everything a lie?

In the end, a bloodthirsty murderer would still taint his hands no matter what happened. He would not stop at one kingdom.

Just after telling everyone that we would get married in just two days, he was still preparing for war.

Minutes, hours... I did not know how much time had passed but I was restless. My whole body shuddered and cold shivers took over me.

Tomorrow, while my kingdom was in chaos, their princess would be unable to do anything. Maybe thrown in the dungeon or most possibly, killed off. In the end, I could not do anything...

But this bottled up anger and betrayal, I had to throw it and shatter it somewhere.

If my life meant nothing now, at least I could do what I wanted to do.

Grabbing the nearest sharp thing to me, I marched to the King's chambers and kicked the door open despite the guards' protests. The disgusting man looked up at me from his desk, wide eyed and startled. If he was sleeping, it would have been easier for me to stab him.

For now, I had to hide the knife in my gown sleeve.

"Your Majesty, the Queen consort suddenly barged in without notice-"

"It's alright. Leave," Jin said and walked up to me as I panted and glared at him.

The doors closed and we were left alone. I gripped the knife, waiting for the moment to plunge it into his neck. If I could not do anything, I could at least kill him and take him down with myself.

All of the times we spent together flashed before my eyes and I bit my lips. I could not hesitate now.

"Why aren't you sleeping yet? What happened?"

I hated his worried look. I hated his soft sweet voice. How much longer was he trying to act like he cared for me? My grip on the knife tightened.

"Why are you doing this?" I gritted my teeth. My insides were burning. "Wisterean is not enough and now you're trying to take over my kingdom?!"

He froze. "What?"

I wanted to swing the knife at him but my hand was not moving. My heart squeezed and my eyes prickled and stung. "You...! I trusted you! How could you do this?! After all these years, you haven't changed! Leovalon has the most resources in the world and so you want it all to yourself?!"

"Bada... what are you talking about?" He moved closer and his hand touched my cheek. "When did I-"

I slapped his hand off myself. "Don't you dare! Slaughtering people must be what you can do best."

His face contorted in pain. "Please... I don't know what I did wrong."

Seeing his expression, my chest squeezed and I hesitated again. The broken look and the desperation in his words were all too genuine that it hurt it was all a lie.

"You and your rebellion group... You're planning to attack my kingdom and seize it, aren't you?" My voice quivered and tears fell from my eyes. "How could you do this to me? I was stupid..."

"What?! Attacking Leovalon?!" He grabbed my arms, suddenly terror-struck. "Who? My rebellion group?!"

I brought the knife against his neck, crying. "Stop acting, Jin. Please stop already."

His expression fell. "Bada... please believe me... I'm not trying to do anything like that. If what you're saying is true, we have to stop them before-"

Metals clang and walls shook outside before the guards screamed.

"Rebellion!"

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Oh well...

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