As the Emperor was standing there with Soobin by his side, people flocked around praising the alpha but he was nothing but unintrested in their talks. A displeased expression on his face as the Emperor speaks up.

"There's no hurry everyone, it's not as if Grand Duke Soobin will be returned to the battlefield anytime soon."

The other nobles agree with him, the Emperor is all smiley while talking about soobin.

Every noble you can imagine...have gathered here today. Cliques form far more naturally when there are more people gathered in one area.

The ones dominating the center of the Banquet hall, merely sipping their drinks without a word, are nobles who support the Empress and Duke Hwang. The ones who are facing toward Soobin with excitement are the nationalists that support the emperor.

But the person who's the most happy at this banquet today is ...

"Soobin! I'm so proud of you!" Juwon says to the Duke.

"You know, I'd believe him if he said the Grand Duke was his son" "it seems that his majesty has already made up his mind" "indeed, Duke Soobin would be the most suitable as he is a dominant alpha" "hush, be quite" "the prince is over there" whispers around the hall can be heard.

Hmph, i can hear you all you know Yeonjun thinks to himself.

"I heard he humiliated Jiwon last night"

Aha, no wonder no one was pestering me today.

"Where are you going your highness?" Kai asks as he sees Yeonjun.

"I'm just going to step out and get some fresh air" Yeonjun answers kai feeling a bit worked up about all the whispers going on in the hall.

"I shall accompany you, your highness"

"No it's fine. I'm just stepping out yo the balcony for a short while that's all."

"Cover my absence if anyone comes looking alright? I can see there are a lot of unhappy people today." He says looking back at Kai before he walks out.

He doesn't know that he caught attention of someone unknowingly (soobin)

Yepnjun sighs leaning of the edge of the balcony.

There's only one thing the people wearing fake smiles over their true feelings wish to find out from this banquet today The Prince or The Grand Duke which one is close to becoming the Crown Prince?

Which one is the better one to serve?

They're all wondering whether their choice has been right and who will bring them more profit. So what the hell was he thinking at a time like this?

Yeonjun blushes slightly at the memory.

Why didn't he let go?

"Yeonjun, I'm back" he had whispered to Yeonjun.

Who greets another like that?

"Your highness?" Yeonjun flinches at the voice startled.

"There you are" Yeonjun turns back to see Jiwon(not the emperor check ch 3or 4).

"Lord Jiwon?" Yeonjun asks.

"Its Jiwon, your higness. Please call me by my first name."

"What brings you here?"

"I noticed you leaving the banquet and wanted to check if you're doing alright.." Jiwon answers nervously.

"Well..i can't say i was having fun, but that's about it."

"Oh my! This is due to my carelessness, your highness." Yeonjun looks at him disgusted.

"Your carelessness?"

"Are you not comfortable due to what happened yesterday? I will have a word with lord Dohyun so that never happens again." Yeonjun can see how Jiwon is trying to act passionately about this. But it makes him feel more frustrated.

"I'm not sure where this misunderstanding is coming from, but this is not a matter you should be apologizing for." Yeonjun says sighing.

"No its all my fault!" Jiwon insists making Yeonjun grow further frustrate a frown appears on his face.

"That never would've happened had i not left you on your own. If i had been a little more attractive and stayed by your side" "you never would've had to dealt with that insolent man!"

"Jiwon..." "yes your highness!"

"Who has ordered you to...follow me around?" Yeonjun asks smirking slightly.

"Pardon?"

"No, No one has ordered me! My only wish is to serve you with loyalty-"

"Loyality?" Jiwon stares at Yeonjun as he speaks.

"What for?"

"I have nothing to my name expect for the fact that i an a direct descendant of the imperial family, so why would the heir of Kim's house, one of the ten most renowned noble families in the Empire, wish to show me loyalty? I suggest you introduce yourself to the empress if you wish to get on the good side of The Hwangs family."

"Do not utter such words your highness?" This loyalty comes entirely from my heart! I have..only ever wished to serve you!" Yeonjun starts feeling nauseous suddenly.

Please..

It is not his words that are making me feel uncomfortable

"You're a man who deserves such loyalty in every way.." the way Jiwon stares at him is ver creepy.

But his eyes

I've seen the hungry eyes of a predator.. doubtless times within the Imperial Palace. but this is different these eyes wish to skin me..

"I, I decide whom i wish to be served by. I.."

And devour every last drop of secrets within me..

"Pfft, you never change your highness." Jiwon says laughing creepily.

Its the instinctive gaze of a dominant alpha..

"You keep pushing people away, but that's not what you truly want i can see it all from the ten years I've watched you" Jiwon says taking a step closer to Yeonjun.

"...what?"

"Hence, you must give me a chance as well!" Juwon says before he grabs Yeonjun wrist who looks confused.

"Ji-jiwon..!"

"You must give me a chance..to the only one who thought about you...!" There's a crazy look on jiwons face as he speaks.

"Huh?" Jiwon feels someone grab his shoulders from the back.

"A chance, lord jiwon?" "I wouldn't consider that as seeking a chance."

S..

"All you're doing is showing disrespect" Soobin says before grabbing Jiwon's hand and twisting it, Jiwon shrieks out of pain.

Soobin!

Heyy y'all 😭😭 do you like this book as far?? Well its good if you do 😔💗 dont forget to comment and vote babygurls 🫶.

btw i'm so dumb i used to write straight on wattpad, then i started using google docs and felt like a 🤡 because it autocorrects everything and is quite good. so that was it of me being a litrealy dumb bish.