The tension in the grand hall soared to new heights as a booming voice shattered the silence.
“STOPPPP!”
Heads turned sharply toward the entrance, the crowd gasping collectively. Murmurs rippled through the gathering as they watched a man stride in with a defiant swagger, his movements sharp and purposeful. The bandages on his nose were fresh, a testament to a recent injury, but it did nothing to dull the fury etched into his expression. His presence exuded defiance, every step laced with anger and frustration.
From his place at the side of the room, Lucian’s lips tightened, his voice barely audible as he murmured to himself, “Victor… of course. Villain versus protagonist how could I forget this was bound to happen?” He sighed inwardly, bracing himself for the inevitable clash.
Victor’s voice rang out with unrestrained venom. “This engagement cannot happen not now, not ever. Stop this farce immediately!”
Gasps echoed through the room, the assembled guests exchanging alarmed glances. Some leaned toward their companions, whispering furiously.
“What is he doing here, disrupting a royal event?”
“How bold and foolish. He’s walking into his own doom.”
“But isn’t this… rather romantic? Standing up for love against the odds?”
“Romantic? He’s throwing himself into the lion’s den. Prince Arthur won’t take this lightly.”
Arthur, who had been standing before Avey with his hand extended, turned slowly, his movements deliberate and composed. His sharp gaze locked onto Victor, his expression unreadable yet tinged with a dangerous edge. The tension was palpable as Arthur began to walk forward, each step echoing ominously in the hushed hall.
“You’re Victor, aren’t you?” Arthur’s voice was calm but cold, each word dripping with authority. “Explain yourself. Why do you dare disrupt this moment of mine?” His gaze darkened, a flicker of irritation flashing through his otherwise composed demeanor.
Victor didn’t flinch. Instead, he took a step closer, his defiance unwavering. “You’re forcing her into this sham of a marriage. Stop this act, right now.”
Arthur’s guards moved swiftly, stepping closer to shield the prince, their sharp eyes scanning Victor for any threat.
“Hold.” Arthur raised a hand, his tone steady yet commanding. The guards halted immediately, though their stance remained tense, ready to act at a moment’s notice. Arthur continued toward Victor, his piercing gaze fixed on the intruder.
Victor sneered, his chest puffing up as he spat, “I won’t let this happen. If Avey is forced into this, I’ll stop it myself. I love her, and I won’t stand by while she’s pushed into something against her will. I don’t care if you’re a prince or a king. Even if God himself stood in my way, I’d fight for her.”
Gasps rippled through the room again, louder this time. The audacity of Victor’s declaration sent shockwaves through the gathered nobles.
“Unbelievable! Does he not value his life?”
“This is madness challenging the prince in his own domain.”
“Still… it’s quite the display of passion. I didn’t know Victor had this side to him.”
“Passion? Or recklessness? It’s a death wish if you ask me.”
“But look at Prince Arthur. He hasn’t lost his composure. Such restraint for someone of his stature.”
“Indeed, his calmness is impressive. A true king in the making.”
Arthur stopped a few feet away from Victor, his expression hardening. He clenched his outstretched hand into a fist, his patience clearly thinning.
“Who are you to question me?” Arthur’s voice was measured, but the underlying anger was unmistakable. “Do you see yourself as some kind of hero? What gives you the right to decide what’s right or wrong here? Avey has not rejected me, and until she does, you have no standing in this matter.”
Victor’s jaw tightened, and he stepped closer, undeterred. “I don’t need anyone’s permission to stand up for what’s right! I’ll fight for Avey, no matter the cost. I’m not afraid of you.”
Arthur’s voice dropped, low and dangerous. “You’ll regret this foolishness.”
Arthur inhaled deeply, reigning in his fury. His pride and status as a royal demanded composure, but the temptation to retaliate was almost overwhelming. He couldn’t afford to let this turn into a public spectacle. Bloodshed here would stain his reputation, something he couldn’t risk in front of the assembled nobles and influencers.
“I’ll give you one chance,” Arthur said, his voice heavy with authority. “Kneel now and apologize. This is my final warning. Do it, and I’ll let you leave on your own two feet.”
Victor smirked, his confidence unshaken. “Apologize? To you? Never. You might have a crown, but you’ll never have my respect.”
The guests held their breath, the tension suffocating as the confrontation escalated.
“Victor is pushing too far,” someone whispered.
“But look at him he’s not backing down. It’s reckless but admirable.”
“Arthur should just end this quickly. This display is beneath him.”
“Still, he’s showing incredible restraint. A true ruler in the making.”
Arthur’s hand flexed, the urge to strike clear in his expression. But before he could act, Victor’s voice boomed again, cutting through the tension like a blade.
“I love her, and she loves me! This engagement is nothing but a sham.” Victor’s voice rang out, bold and unapologetic. He stood at the center of the grand hall, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath, his gaze daring anyone to challenge him.
Lucian sighed from the back of the room, his expression one of mild exasperation. “That damned idiot,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. “What a day…”
Antonio Starline, who had already made his way toward the front, clenched his jaw. “Avey loves you? That’s a lie!” he began, his voice sharp with indignation. But before he could say more, Arthur raised a hand, silencing him with an authoritative gesture.
Antonio’s eyes narrowed in irritation, his lips pressing into a thin line. He glanced at the guests, their eyes now trained on him, waiting to see how the head of the Starline family would respond. Reluctantly, Antonio took a step back, though his frown deepened as he cast a warning glare at Victor. The audacity of this man to involve himself in Starline family matters was almost too much to bear. His fingers twitched with the urge to put Victor in his place, but he restrained himself, deciding to let Arthur handle the situation. For now.
Arthur, standing tall and composed, took a single step closer to Victor, his expression impassive but his eyes glinting with cold calculation. “I see you have no shame,” Arthur began, his voice steady but laced with disdain. “You come here, uninvited, to disrupt a royal engagement. And yet, you have the audacity to spout nonsense about love? Let’s make one thing clear: Avey does not share those feelings. Your claims are baseless, and frankly, pathetic.”
Victor’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides, but Arthur pressed on, his tone hardening with every word.
“and even Who are you, Victor?” Arthur’s voice cut through the room like a blade, each syllable deliberate. “You are nothing. Just a lowly dog wagging its tail at the prospect of an opportunity. Do you think your mere presence here entitles you to challenge someone like me?”
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and whispers spread like wildfire.
“Did he just call him a dog?”
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“Arthur’s right. Who does Victor think he is?”
“Imagine someone like Victor claiming he’s in love with Avey. It’s absurd.”
“But wasn’t he just standing up for her? Isn’t that romantic?”
“Romantic? It’s desperation. He’s probably hoping to marry up and secure a fortune.”
Arthur smirked faintly, the corners of his lips curling as he listened to the shifting murmurs of the guests. The court of public opinion was a fickle beast, and he was a master at steering it.
“Let’s be honest,” Arthur continued, his voice taking on a condescending edge. “You’re a rat, scavenging for scraps at the table of those far above you. And Avey? She is one of the heiresses of the Starline family, one of the most powerful families in the country. What gives you the delusional idea that someone like her would even glance at you, let alone love you?”
Arthur’s gaze swept across the room, addressing not just Victor but the entire audience. “Men like you are nothing but parasites. You seek to climb the social ladder by preying on women of status, hoping their wealth and influence will carry you to a life you could never earn yourself. Am I wrong?”
The crowd stirred, murmurs breaking out again.
“He’s right, isn’t he?”
“Victor’s always been ambitious, but this? It’s shameless.”
“I thought he was being heroic, but maybe he’s just a gold-digger.”
“Arthur’s handling this well. Very composed for someone of his rank.”
Victor’s face darkened, his breathing heavy as Arthur’s words struck deeper and deeper. The guests’ whispers felt like daggers, each one cutting into his pride.
Arthur took another calculated step forward, towering over Victor now. “You disgust me,” he said, his voice low but venomous. “Men like you are the reason families like mine must always remain vigilant. Always guarding against those who think wealth and power can be stolen with a mere act of audacity.”
Victor’s fists trembled at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as he struggled to contain his rage. Rat? Dog? How dare he? Arthur’s words echoed in his mind, fueling the fire burning within him.
The guests’ whispers grew louder, a cacophony of judgment and speculation.
“I knew Victor was ambitious, but this? It’s disgraceful.”
“Prince Arthur is handling this with such poise. Truly king material.”
“Victor should just leave before he embarrasses himself further.”
“Do you think he really loves Avey? Or is he just using her?”
Arthur allowed himself a moment of triumph, his smirk growing. It was almost too easy to sway the crowd’s opinion, to turn Victor into a pariah in front of everyone.
Victor finally spoke, his voice low and trembling with suppressed fury. “How dare you…” he muttered, barely audible at first. Then, louder, “HOW DARE YOU!”
—-
