014

Sarang stood silently beside Lucian, his gaze fixed on Nathaniel and the princess as they waltzed across the ballroom floor. The fluidity of their movements, the way they seemed perfectly synchronized, struck a chord deep within him. His fist clenched at his side, his face solemn as he watched them, his thoughts distant.

“They look good together, don’t they?” King Julius remarked, breaking Sarang from his reverie.

King Julius, an alpha in his early forties, had an air of charisma and authority that suited his attractive features. His green eyes–so much like his siblings–twinkled as he cradled a child in his arms, a boy bearing some resemblance to him.

“I don’t know. What do you think, Sarang?” Lucian asked, shifting attention towards Sarang.

Sarang slowly unclenched his hand, head bowed as he whispered, “They… look good together, Your Majesty.”

It was the bitter truth. The princess and Nathaniel were a perfect pair–born from the same cloth and country. In comparison, Sarang was no one.

King Julius stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Lysandra has never shown any interest in any man. This might be a sign, Lucian.”

“A sign?”

“To unite our families.” Julius said smoothly. “It has been a long interest of mine to have you as my in-law until you married my third cousin. We can discuss their engagement another day.”

Sarang’s heart sank. The prospect of this gathering suddenly became all too clear: finding Nathaniel a suitable partner, now that Lucian deemed him old enough to settle down. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t realised this until now. He desired to scream the truth—to declare that Nathan’s heart was already taken. But he remained silent, bound by the invisible chains of servitude. What could he, a powerless foreigner with no wealth or status, possibly offer to Lucian?

Sarang lowered his head, fighting the tears back.

“I politely decline.” Lucian stated.

Sarang looked up in surprise.

“Why?” Julius asked, his brow furrowing. “Do you not find our Lysandra a perfect match?”

“Lysandra is a remarkable woman–beautiful, bright, and modest. Any family would be honoured to welcome her into their household including mine. But what right do I have to choose Nathaniel’s partner?” Lucian stared at Julius. “I chose my wife, my father chose my mother, and my son will choose his partner. Unless I see a valid reason to intervene, he has my blessing.”

Julius sighed, resigned graciously. “You’re ever the idealist, Lucian. What if I commanded it?”

“We shall see.” Lucian huffed and sipped his wine.

The weight of Lucian’s words silenced Julius, who shifted uncomfortably. Hugging the child closer, he concealed his thoughts with a proud grin. “I’m sure Nathaniel will be interested in my sister. She’s a sweet girl, full of life and heart. If Lysandra is truly interested, he should brace himself, she’s very persistent.”

Lucian’s eyes flicked toward Sarang, lingering just long enough to unsettle him. “I wonder how persistent.”

Sarang flushed deeply, his discomfort rising to a breaking point. Bowing stiffly, he stepped back, before he stormed off.

The music came to an end and Nathaniel released the princess from his grasp with a respectful bow.

“That’s enough dancing for one night, Princess.” Nathaniel said, his tone polite but distant.

The princess caressed his hands with a sheepish look. “Will I ever see you again?”

“Only fate knows.”

Determination flickering in her gaze “Let me rephrase… can I see you again? If you’re not leaving Linfield soon.”

Nathaniel’s glance shifted past her to catch sight of Sarang slipping hurriedly through the door.

“Excuse me.” Nathaniel said abruptly, leaving the princess mid-conversation as he rushed toward the exit, ignoring the murmurs and the disappointed glances of potential suitors attempting to capture his attention once more.

Outside, Sarang sat on a cold bench facing the fountain, his face slightly flushed, and his arms wrapped firmly around himself as he shivered in the night air. He should have worn a coat, but returning inside meant watching Nathaniel and the princess dance together, the perfect match for the guests to admire.

He hated galas in Linfield. It reminded him of everything he wasn’t–what he could never be, no matter how hard he worked.

A tear slipped down his cheek before he wiped it away with a trembling hand. He forced a shaky smile. It was Nathan’s birthday; he couldn’t let himself ruin the night with his silly tears.

Nathan approached quietly, taking the spot beside him. He tilted his head toward the night sky. “There are no stars tonight,” he said softly.

Sarang looked up. The night was bleak, with only a faint moon to cast its glow. “Yes.” Sarang replied, his voice still thick from earlier.

Nathan turned to him. “Why are you crying? Did someone upset you?”

“I’m not crying, something entered my eye.”

Nathan chuckled, “Should I blow on it? It will feel better.”

Sarang’s lips twitched. “Thanks for offering, but you shouldn’t be here.”

“Where should I be?”

“In your party. With the guests. With the princess.”

Nathan frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“I saw you dance. You were beautiful together. Perfect. The crowd was mesmerised… I was mesmerised.” Sarang breathed in a whisper.

“Sarang, the only one person I want to dance with in this world is you.”

“But you can’t.” Sarang replied. “Because we’re different. You’re a noble and I am nobody.”

“This isn’t like you. What is wrong?”

Sarang took a deep breath, his fingers digging into his arms. “Nathan, are we… good for each other?”

“You are more than enough for me.” Nathan said firmly, reaching for his hand.

“That isn’t true.”

“It is my truth.”

“But not the truth.” Sarang countered, his voice trembling.

Nathan’s brows knitted together “Then what is the truth?”

“I am not good for you, Nathan. I will never be enough.” Sarang sighed shakily as his shoulders sagged. “It didn’t matter before, back in Wynthorpe, when it was just the two of us. We barely interacted with the ton growing up, but now… now we’re adults. You are getting integrated into your society as you should, and soon, you’ll understand what I see.”

“I don’t care!” Nathan interjected, his amber eyes blazing. “I would give up even my name, my status, everything—just to be with you because… I love you.” He caressed Sarang’s knuckles with tenderness.

Sarang’s heart ache as tears fell down his cheeks. He cupped Nathan’s face with his other hand. “I love you, but I’m afraid. Afraid of holding you back. Our truth is we love each other but the truth is you’re a noble and I’m a slave. A foreigner with no name, no family, and no money. I will never be accepted.”

Sarang raised his hand. “The princess and I might look the same—same skin, same hair, even the same second gender—but we’re not. She was born lucky; I have to struggle to be lucky.”

“Are you saying this is the end?” Nathan’s voice cracked.

“I, I…” Sarang rose abruptly. “We’ve been gone for too long.”

Nathan grabbed his wrist, standing and pulling him into a fierce embrace.

“Nathan, you have to let me–”

Nathan head rested on Sarang’s shoulder. “I don’t want this to end. If my society cannot accept you, then I have no place in it. I won’t give up on us, and I won’t allow you either. There was one more gift from Bellport. I was going to give it to you when things were perfect, but the hour is right.”

Nathan released him and went down on one knee. He pulled a small box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a ring. Sarang stepped back and froze.

“The first time I saw you, I thought you were the most beautiful doll I’ve ever seen, a doll that could smile and talk and play. As we got older, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. You are right; our status, colour, race, and beliefs differ, but you became more than just my playmate, you are my dearest friend, my lover, and hopefully, my husband. Sarang, will you marry me and make me, Nathaniel Blackwell, the happiest man in Eldoria?”

Sarang’s gaze lingered on the ring, his heart hammering in his chest. His ears rang with the frantic beating of his heart, as if it might explode.

He loved Nathan. He wanted this. Yet… something was missing within. Why he wasn’t as excited as he should be? They had been lovers for years and still, the hesitation gnawed at him. Lucian’s strange expression flashed through his mind. What was wrong with him? Why now?

“Marry me, Sarang.” Nathan urged, feeling more nervous at Sarang’s silence.

“Yes.” Sarang replied. He raised Nathan on his feet and pressed his lips against the alpha who locked his arms on his waist. Nathan’s tongue lapped with his, kissing him fervently with passion. They gasped for air until their breaths calmly slowed.

Nathan slid the finger onto Sarang’s left finger. The engagement ring held a four-carat diamond as the centre piece, surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds set in a silver filigree. He kissed the ring then pressed a soft pecked to Sarang’s lips.

“Should I scream with joy?” Nathan teased with a mischievous grin.

Sarang chuckled. “Shh… Not tonight. What happens now?”

Nathan cuddled Sarang. “I’ll discuss with father. First to take off this collar,” He brushed the collar’s lock. “And then for his blessing.”

Sarang stiffened, biting his lower lip. “Oh… what if he refuses?”

“He won’t. He adores you. No more negative thoughts.” Nathan smouldered Sarang’s cheeks.

The sound of fireworks erupted in the sky, painting the sky with vibrant colours. Nathan released Sarang’s cheeks from his smoulder and embraced him.

“Happy birthday, Nathan.” Sarang whispered, his voice tender.

“I love you.” Nathan murmured and nuzzled his hair.

“I love you too.”

Sarang wrapped his arms tighter around him, burying his face in Nathan’s shoulder.