Chapter 224 Court drama again
A wave of discomfort spread through the gathered court members. The acknowledgment of Julian as part of the royal family, blood-related no less, was a bold and challenging move.
Everyone knew the past between the queen and the Easvil family. Julian's very existence had been treated as a subject of both pride and taboo inside the palace.
All eyes turned towards the queen, expecting her to react, but her expression remained unchanged.
"Do you know me?" the princess asked, her red hair shimmering as she leaned forward slightly.
Julian's lips curved into a charming smile. "Of course," he responded. "How could I not know the beauty and grace of the second eldest princess of the kingdom?"
She laughed, the sound light and melodic. "Flatterer," she teased. "You certainly have a way with words, Julian."
Julian winked at her. "What can I say? I find myself utterly captivated by your presence, Your Highness."
The court watched in fascinated silence as the exchange unfolded before them. Julian was openly flirting with a princess, and in front of the king and queen, no less.
The king's laughter boomed across the room, cutting through the tension. "Bold as always, Julian!" he exclaimed, clearly entertained by his audacity.
But then, his laughter softened slightly as he added, "But remember, that's your aunt you're flirting with."
Julian chuckled with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "A man should be bold, should he not, Your Majesty?" he asked.
The king's laughter followed quickly. "True," he agreed as a broad grin spread across his face.
The court watched the exchange with a mixture of intrigue and unease as whispered surrounded them.
And for a brief moment, the queen's calm composure finally faltered just slightly. A flicker of annoyance flashed across her face as she watched the exchange.
The princess then gestured gracefully towards the woman sitting beside her. She had white hair, highly resembling that of the king's.
The princess spoke again. "She is your youngest aunt."
Julian smiled and bowed slightly. "It's an honor, Your Highness," he said, turning his attention fully to the woman with white hair.
The youngest aunt studied him for a moment, her sharp gaze observing him with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
While Julian had captivated the other princess with his bold words, it was clear that she was more reserved, perhaps even cautious in her judgment of him.
She gave a slight nod, her sharp gaze softening. "It's good to meet you, Julian," she said.
The king's voice rang out, breaking the momentary silence that had settled over the room. "Enough with the introductions," he said, his gaze now focused on Julian.
He paused for a moment, then his voice grew more serious. "Julian, I want you to accompany us to the Apollo Kingdom."
Julian nodded in acknowledgment. "Of course, Your Majesty," he said. "I would be honored to accompany you to the Apollo Kingdom."
The king's expression softened, pleased with Julian's response. "Good," he said with a laugh.
"You have made quite an impression already, but rest for now. You have just arrived, and we will have plenty of time for introductions later."
Julian gave another respectful bow. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said.
The court was soon dismissed, and Julian, accompanied by the princess with red hair, began to walk through the vast halls of the royal palace.
As Julian walked, he couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur. The walls were adorned with paintings of past kings and queens, each one holding a piece of the kingdom's rich history.
"The palace is quite interesting, is it not?" The princess asked with a warm smile in her face.
Julian nodded as his eyes scanned the tapestries and paintings that adorned the walls. "It sure is, Your Highness," he replied, his tone respectful.
Her brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of something more serious passing over her expression. "I said to refer to me as your aunt," she said, her voice now carrying a sharper note.
Julian smiled, his lips curling slightly as he met her gaze. "But would that word hold the same weight that it is supposed to hold, Your Highness?" he asked.
The atmosphere between them shifted immediately. The princess's eyes narrowed as the air between them thickened with a subtle challenge.
"What do you see me as then, Julian?" The princess asked, her tone sharp as she met his gaze.
Julian stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Without a word, he gently took her hands in his.
The princess seemed taken aback for a brief moment, but before she could pull away, Julian placed a soft kiss on her hands.
"All I see, Your Highness, is a beauty that has moved my heart," he said.
His eyes never left hers as he spoke, his voice low and sincere, laced with an undeniable charm.
The princess froze for a moment, caught off guard by the intimacy of his gesture and his words. Her usually composed demeanor faltered and she felt her cheeks flush at Julian's touch.
She quickly composed herself and giggled, "You certainly know how to charm ladies, but it will not work on me, my dear nephew."
Julian's smile never wavered as, in one smooth motion, he took her hands and gently pulled her closer. The princess gasped, caught off guard as he placed her hands on his waist.
"Wha… what are you doing?" she stammered, her eyes widening in surprise.
Julian reached up with one hand and gently played with a strand of her hair. His touch was light and gentle as he spoke.
"You sure do resemble my mother in many ways," he said, his gaze lingering on her face. "You have the same hair, the same pretty eyes, the same allure... and confidence."
The princess's breath caught at his words, her pulse quickening. She wasn't sure whether to be flattered or frustrated by his boldness. Her heart raced, but she refused to let him see the effect he had on her.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om