Sinthia and The Demon Duke of DeSidea: 25

“Welcome to the Ophelian Kingdom, Your Imperial Majesty.” Cedrick greeted the emperor as he walked up to him. “Ah, and still you insist on being so stiff! Cedrick! It’s been a while! Just call me Alex like in the old days.” They shook hands, and Cedrick produced a friendly smile. Many years ago, he had studied with Alex—who had just been one of the many princes of the Nova Empire then— when they were young. He had found him to be very boisterous, but his charisma was undeniable and most definitely not something to be underestimated. That was why, despite many people thinking that he would be nothing more than a joker, Cedrick had firmly believed that he would be great one day and fostered a friendship.

And he had been correct. Shortly after he had returned to his own kingdom, Cedrick had heard that Alex was chosen as the Crown Prince. 

The king turned to look at the young man that stood behind the king. Following his eyes, the emperor looked back at his son. “This is my son, Vicktor.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.” Vicktor replied politely.

“The honor is mine, Crown Prince Vicktor.”

“And who are your wonderful children?” Alex turned his attention to the other five figures. The first figure to step forth was the only prince. “Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty and Your Imperial Highness. My name is Michael Oliver Weiss of Ophelia.” Michael stepped forth and gave a curt bow.

“Good to meet you, Prince Michael.” The emperor replied

“A pleasure to meet you, Prince Michael.” The Crown prince said.

Next came Emilia. “Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty and Your Imperial Highness. My name is Emilia Charlotte Leia of Ophelia.” She gave a curtsy and then a sweet smile. The emperor and crown prince acknowledged the greeting.

The second-oldest daughter came next. “Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty and Your Imperial Highness. My name is Amelia Claire Marietta of Ophelia.” She gave a curtsy, but kept her eyes down after glancing at both of them. They acknowledged her greeting

And then the third-oldest. “Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty and Your Imperial Highness. My name is Cecilia Rosemary Dunver of Ophelia.” Cecilia gave a very pretty bow and looked at the Crown Prince with a cute smile and fluttering lashes. Her greeting was acknowledged. 

And then finally, it was the fourth princess’ turn. She gave an elegant bow, and straightened, her presence shocking the emperor a bit. He had heard and knew from experience that the fourth princess was competent as she had been chosen as the crown princess, but was a bit socially awkward. However, right now it didn’t seem like it at all. She had on a light, pleasant smile, and a very mature and experienced air about her. “Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty and Your Imperial Highness. My name is Sinthia Anne Marie of Ophelia. It’s an honor to meet you.” She gave the emperor a confident smile first, then the crown prince.

The crown prince did not smile back, however. He merely stared at her, his eyes wide. They had met before. Literally a day ago. Sinthia moved her head very slightly, indicating that he should act normal. The crown prince gathered himself and acknowledged her greeting, his golden hair sparkling like Diamond in the afternoon sun.

The second that Sinthia caught a glimpse of the Emperor and Crown Prince exiting their carriage, she understood. An intense moment of panic has washed over her, but she had managed to calm herself as they came up the palace steps and talked to her father.

She recalled the stranger yesterday in the market. Vick. How he had insisted on covering his hair. How it seemed to refract in the sunlight when she had accidentally seen a lock of it. How he had been almost panicked when she had inquired if his name was short for Victor. How he had stood out so much in the bustling street. It was the charisma of a Crown Prince. Sinthia had run it though her head several times and tried to find out if the actions she took in the market towards him could be counted as disrespectful to a member of the Imperial family.

And almost all of them did.

It had felt like a countdown to an execution as the emperor and his son walked down the line as her siblings introduced themselves. And when her turn had come, Sinthia has decided to show no weakness and be as big as she could be. She had introduced herself and smiled at the emperor, who looked shocked, then turned to price, who almost looked pale.

Play along, Vick. She had communicated with her eyes, and she was glad that he did.

Now they headed back into the palace, her father and the emperor conversing like old friends. Cecilia had immediately made her way to the crown prince’s side and began to attempt conversation, so Sinthia had decided that she would find another time to speak to him about the unfortunate secret they both shared.

//this is so terrible. I accidentally left part 25 Out I’m so sorry loves//