Whispers filled the hall as the crowd grew restless.

Kita flashed her eyes to where she knew Wooyoung was standing and didn't like the scared look on his face.

Her parents bowed their heads in return. "Welcome to Twilight, King San. To what do we owe this visit?"

"I heard there was a party today, for someone's birthday, and I thought I would show a kindness by coming to wish her a happy birthday. 21 today, right?" His eyes shifted to hers and she felt like she was frozen in place.

"Thank you, Your Highness. That is very thoughtful of you." The queen said, trying to stay civil.

"I didn't mean to interrupt the celebration though. Perhaps we can pick things up again with a dance, Princess?" He said smoothly, holding out his hand.

Kita knew it be rude to refuse, so she took a few shaky steps forward to take his hand. He used his free one to signal the music to start. When his back was turned, she glanced back at her family. They nodded once, but she didn't like how concerned they looked.

Her eyes found Wooyoung again and he looked pale. She tried to send him a questioning look when she felt a finger on her chin, directing her to look back at the man in front of her. "That's better." He said quietly as he started to move her around the floor.

His gaze was very intimidating, but Kita couldn't look away. She found herself thinking again at how handsome he was, the title of king definitely suited him. And he was so graceful in his movements.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Princess. I've heard a lot about you. Rumors of your gift travel to many places across Terra."

Kita suppressed a shiver. He must have sensed the change in her because his eyes flashed hungrily. "Are you scared, Princess?"

"No." She said, holding her head a little higher.

He chuckled, a dark sound coming from the back of his throat.

When the first song ended, Kita started to pull away, but he placed his hand on her lower back and pulled her closer. "I didn't say I was done yet."

She clenched her jaw but let him continue to spin her around the room. This time she focused on anything accept his face, but kept her head facing forward.

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"Yeosang." Seonghwa said over his shoulder, not taking his eyes off his sister.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Find me all the information you have on him."

"At once, Sir." Yeosang quickly exited through a side door behind the thrones.

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King San kept her to himself for the next song as well, never taking is eyes off her. When that one came to an end, Seonghwa marched over to them and smiled politely. "Do you mind if I borrow my sister for a moment?"

"Not at all." San took her hand and kissed it, and unreadable expression on his face as his eyes narrowed.

Kita bowed her head and let Seonghwa lead her away. They walked over to one of the butlers, grabbing a drink and going to stand off to the side.

"Are you ok?" He asked, keeping his face neutral and smiling at some guests who passed by.

"Yes. That guy gives me the creeps though." She took a long sip of the champagne.

"Me too. Yeosang is looking into him now." Kita could hear the worried tone in his voice.

Volkin was a land they didn't hear about often. It was on the opposite side of Terra and had a bloody history. Their monarchy was always known for being ruthless and power hungry. Their control over fire made them a formidable enemy too. There had been no news from that land in over a century though, so for a king to suddenly appear here was a bit concerning.

After a few minutes, Seonghwa smiled a little bit at something over her shoulder. Kita turned to see Wooyoung making his way over to them. He seemed off though. He was ducking behind other guests and kept looking over his shoulder.

When he got a little closer, he pointed to a pair of doors that led into a greenroom and ducked inside.

The siblings waited a few moments, then casually walked through the doors.

Wooyoung was standing off to the side, wringing his hands.

"What's wrong?" Kita said, hurrying over to him. She grabbed his hands, hoping to calm him.

Instead of looking at her, he turned to her brother. "You can't trust him."

"Who?"

"King San. He is a bad man. I've performed at his palace. He... He..." Wooyoung shook his head furiously, his body shuddering.

Kita squeezed his hands tighter.

"It's no coincidence that he showed up today, is it?" Seonghwa said softly, more to himself, but Wooyoung still answered.

"I don't think it is."

Both the men looked at Kita.

---

"Father, I must speak with you." Seonghwa said softly after leaving his sister with Wooyoung in the greenhouse.

"It can wait."

"No, Father, I don't think it can." Seonghwa hardened his tone.

The King turned to look at him, "Yes, it can." He jerked his head to the side so quickly, Seonghwa almost thought he had imagined it. But in the direction his father indicated was the other King. Seonghwa got the message and sighed.

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San knew the King and his son were watching him. He made a point to engage with the people around him, smiling and laughing at their jokes. But his eyes kept moving to the door he had seen the princess vanish through just moments after the performer.

He lifted his head a little and smirked.

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Wooyoung and Kita sat in the corner of the greenhouse. She was leaning into him while he had one arm wrapped around her shoulder. "You don't think they'd actually go through with it, do you?" she asked quietly.

"They won't if they have a choice. King San is a very powerful man though..."

She felt him shudder beneath her.

They both had many things that they wanted to say, but their social status was making the wall between them grow higher.

So, they elected to just try and enjoy each other's company for the last few minutes they knew they'd get together.

It was over all too soon.

Yeosang poked his head through the door and walked over to them slowly. He gave them a soft smile, understanding how hard it was for them.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Princess, but Wooyoung is needed for the final performance of the night."

Kita nodded and walked back into the main room with Yeosang, Wooyoung following behind shortly after.

She took her place with her family again, standing closer to Seonghwa than normal.

The crowd stopped when Wooyoung cleared his throat and stepped forward. He was becoming quite well-known for his angelic voice, and Kita felt a soft smile tugging at her lips as he started to sing.

It was a beautiful ballad, filled with adventure and love. He was so good at filling each phrase with the right amount of emotion.

When the song finished, he bowed low several times, then said, "Happy Birthday, Princess Lakita!"

The crowd echoed his phrase, and everyone clapped, for both him and their princess.

All except one person. His hands clapped only three times as he eyed the princess's every move.