~Chapter 17~
I carefully scanned my surroundings and locked eyes with Tilla and the other princesses from the Ruby Palace. As soon as they saw me, they opened their fans and began whispering to each other. I quickly turned my head, pretending not to notice.
In the distance, my father was clinking champagne glasses and conversing with the Emperor. He was likely doing everything in his power to push Joanna forward as a prospective daughter-in-law. Watching him nod repeatedly with such deference made me uncomfortable. Would groveling like that really get him anywhere?
As I made my way to the center of the banquet hall, Joanna approached, as if she had been waiting for me.
She was wearing a pale green dress. The restrained silhouette and tastefully placed gemstones gave it an elegant, refined appearance.
…It bore a strange resemblance to the dress of mine that had been scorched by her cigar.
It was also the complete opposite of the red dress I wore now. Joanna and I were like a loud flamingo and a graceful swan.
Joanna exchanged brief introductions with Marquis Fernandez, who was standing beside me. Then, without hesitation, she yanked the jacket off my shoulders and handed it back to him.
“Thank you for your concern toward Princess Josephine, Marquis. But you can’t keep such an honorable jacket—decorated with medals—off forever, can you?”
The Marquis took the jacket from her with a flustered expression.
As my bare shoulders were exposed to the air, I instinctively shrank back. I felt as if I had been stripped naked.
Joanna tugged my arm lightly toward her and whispered into my ear.
“Why did you come in here wearing a man’s jacket? Were you planning to start a scandal with a noble from this empire?”
“……”
“You’re currently a pledged figure of the Tristum imperial family. It’s improper, morally speaking, to associate with any man outside the royal family.”
Joanna lectured me in a cold tone. I didn’t bother to respond. Having a spat with my sister in the middle of a banquet, where so many ears were listening, would only draw unnecessary attention.
Though judging by the glances we were already getting, we probably didn’t need more.
The Minister of Finance, who had been standing nearby, noticed the Marquis and came over to shake his hand. Joanna took that opportunity to pull me by the wrist toward her intended destination.
Prince Javier, the third imperial prince, was within sight. He was chatting and clinking glasses with princesses from other vassal states. Their expressions were filled with confidence and hope—some were even blushing shyly.
With his hair neatly tied and dressed in full formal attire, Prince Javier looked more dignified than usual. But his mischievous expression and flippant gestures were still evident.
I gently held Joanna’s wrist.
“Joanna, do you truly want this marriage?”
“…Why are you asking me that?”
“As your sister, I want you to be happy. I mean that.”
I didn’t say anything specific about Prince Javier. She had probably gathered plenty of information about him through various sources already.
“I want my people to be happy. I mean that.”
Joanna answered without hesitation.
“……”
I couldn’t speak easily after that. Joanna was stepping forward as crown princess to marry into the empire for the sake of the Iote citizens, who were suffering under the burden of tributes.
But for me, my sister came first.
I couldn’t think on a grand national scale while witnessing my own blood being offered up in sacrifice. That, too, might be one of the reasons why I, despite being the eldest, wasn’t chosen as crown princess.
“Tell me, what marriage could be better than one with the imperial family? These political unions are transactions. If you’re royalty, you prioritize national interest over personal happiness. No need to love your spouse—just produce an heir.”
Joanna responded coldly.
But she didn’t say she wanted to marry Prince Javier. I could only assume. Perhaps she didn’t want it either. Likely, she was just another chess piece of our father’s—more competent and useful than I was, but no less expendable.
“Hey there. Are you the princess from Iote?”
I flinched at the sudden voice.
It was Prince Javier. He leisurely pulled himself away from the crowd of women and began walking toward me, whistling as he kept his eyes fixed on mine.
As he got closer, my whole body stiffened. The other princesses he had been talking to now focused their attention on me as well.
We weren’t even that close yet—I didn’t expect him to recognize me first.
“Well, well. You clean up nicely. I almost didn’t recognize you. Why hide such a lovely figure all this time? Trying to impress me tonight?”
He openly eyed my body as he mocked me. I wanted to jab my fingers into his eyes, but clenched my teeth and endured.
“…Your Highness. If it pleases you, may I introduce the crown princess of Iote?”
I forced a smile with all the strength I could muster. My cheeks twitched from the effort.
Prince Javier nodded, pleased, and then scanned Joanna from head to toe. He looked at her like he was waiting for her to speak.
“Your Highness, I am Joanna, Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Iote. I offer you my heartfelt congratulations on your twenty-fourth birthday.”
Joanna curtsied gracefully. Her every movement radiated effortless nobility.
“Ah, nice to meet you. I’m Javier. Oh, you and your sister have the same eye color.”
He murmured, glancing between us. He seemed to have assumed I was the younger sibling.
“Actually, I’m the younger one, Your Highness. Josephine was born eleven months before me.”
“Oh, really? I got confused because she looks younger.”
They exchanged some light, summery small talk. But even as he spoke with Joanna, Prince Javier kept glancing at me. It was obvious he wasn’t paying full attention to what Joanna was saying.
“Your Highness, the dancing is about to begin. Which lucky lady will share your first dance?”
Joanna asked, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
“Oh, let’s give your older sister the first chance.”
“…Excuse me?”
“She’s older, right? Then she should go first in the dance too. Don’t you think?”
He looked at me as he said it. What a ridiculous line of reasoning. My brow furrowed slightly without meaning to. Was he drunk?
Suddenly, he stepped forward and wrapped an arm around my waist. The court musicians began playing a dance tune, as if on cue.
His touch made my skin crawl. It felt like a cold snake was coiling tightly around me.
My scalp prickled. Something was definitely wrong.
I had become Prince Javier’s first dance partner—completely against my will.
He took my hand and pulled me close. His body heat pressed against mine, making my stomach turn. I recoiled, trying to push him away, but he just laughed and pulled me tighter. The medals on his uniform crushed against my chest.
“You’re a virgin, aren’t you?”
I was speechless at his vulgar question.
“I asked around. None of my brothers have slept with you. Ha, lucky me. I do take special care of virgins. Should I think of you as a gift kept pure just for me?”
“…No. No, Your Highness. That’s not it.”
I shook my head desperately. I felt like a mouse caught in a trap. If I could escape him, I’d gladly sell my soul to the devil.
“Oh, come on. Don’t be shy. After the banquet, meet me in the moonflower garden. I’ll give you exactly the night you’re dreaming of.”
Smack. He pressed his lips against my temple.
A colder, more repulsive shiver ran through my body than ever before.
“Who knows? If I like your body, maybe I’ll make your sister my consort.”
I nearly retched from his filthy words. If this kept up, I might vomit right on his face. Still, I held it in. I had to.
While we danced, I followed his lead like a limp paper doll, my face pale as death.
The moment the song ended, I broke away and fled from him.
“Well then, shall I have the next dance with your sister?”
He swaggered over to Joanna.
I grabbed a champagne glass from a passing attendant and took a sip. My dry lips were slightly soothed.
Taking the glass with me, I retreated to a corner of the banquet hall to catch my breath. I could feel eyes digging into me, but my mind was blank.
That’s when someone familiar came up and spoke to me.
