Anna descended the grand staircase leading down to the lobby. Her knees shook and her fists curled tightly in her gown from how nervous she was. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over her, reflecting the brilliance of her gown and making her look like she stepped out of a fairytale.

Her gown was a deep emerald silk, encrusted with precious gems and hand woven orchid embroidery. She was surprised to find such elegant fashion in this post-apocalyptic world, and even more surprised to see that the gown was the most beautiful thing she’d ever worn.

The fabric was soft and cool, light too, even though it was heavy with jewels. It hugged her body, showing off her curves and slim waist. Her long hair flowed down her body in perfect waves, and her crown rested firmly on her head, the weight of it not something easily ignored.

She looked and felt like a princess. A million dollar princess.

At the foot of the stairs were Azul and Kai. The moment she set her eyes on them, she forgot how to breath and her step faltered.

Azul looked like he’d stepped out of Greek myth. His height and build made his outfit stand out like he was hand crafted by the gods. His white hair, usually loose, was braided and gleamed with tiny sapphires that matched his eyes perfectly. Dressed in all black with trim silver embroidery, he easily caught attention and held it. His signature fur coat was missing, traded for a simpler one trimmed with light gray fur. The dark coat hugged his massive shoulders, making him look both majestic and deadly at the same time.

Oh my god he’s so fucking hot! He’s like a mountain...a very attractive mountain.

Kai was a different kind of breathtaking.

Anna had never seen him in normal clothes before. So seeing him in a dark blue silk shirt that hung from his slender shoulders and gave his lean body a willowy yet elegant appearance, dark pants, and boots? She nearly looses her mind from how good he looks. His hair was dry. Dry! And when he turned to her, his ponytail swung lightly, revealing the seductive slope of his neck and his sharp jawline. He looked like a fairytale prince who was also the villain.

Anna swallowed hard. It was the first time she’d seen him all out together and she understood why it was a rare sight.

If he looked like this everyday, I would never get any work done. Fuck me he’s so delicious! What am I even thinking...behave yourself, Anna!

But come onnnnn! They’re both so handsome! Oh my goodness what did the eat to be this beautiful?!

Azul was the first to step forward. His eyes widened a fraction as he held his hand out for her. "You look beautiful, your highness."

Anna placed her hand in his, the sheer size difference between them making her shiver. Her hand sat snugly in his with enough room left for two.

Big boy...he’s so big...

Anna cheeks heated up. "T-thanks...I mean you’re beautiful too. I mean handsome! Both of you are um...very handsome."

Kai out a low whistle as he bowed. "You’re gonna steal all the attention, cutie." He took her free hand and kissed it.

Anna swooned, biting her lip hard to stop her from squealing out loud. She felt like the female lead in a fancy drama, surrounded by dashing men at her every beck and call.

However, she quickly noticed the oppressive feeling that descended in the air.

She turned, following the feeling, and her eyes fell on the source.

Her smile dropped and the color drained from her cheeks. Standing at the balcony far above the lobby was Leon. Even from the distance the intensity of his eyes wasn’t lost on her.

Anna gripped Azul’s hand tighter, her body subconsciously moving towards him.

Azul took notice of this. He tugged her hand and made her face him. "We should leave now, your highness."

"I...of course. Wouldn’t want to be late to Thalia’s big day!" She laughed nervously.

With Kai at her left, and Azul at her right, she walked out of the lobby. The entire time Leon continued to stare at her, his eyes emotionless.

Only when she was outside was Anna able to breathe freely. That damned lion. What the fuck does he want from me now?

No. I should ignore him. Today, I’m going to party. And get drunk, again and again. Fuck him. And fuck Orchid.

Having her mind made up, she put on a serene smile. Nothing would ruin her day. Especially now she had two incredibly gorgeous men at her side.

***

"She didn’t say anything about asking me?" Leon questioned, his angry gaze leveled on Ray.

"I’ve told you already, she didn’t say anything."

"Are you sure? Did you listen closely? There’s no way she won’t ask me first."

Leon’s mind was in a disarray. He paced the floors of the hallway, each step frantic and urgent, matching the pace of his thoughts. Minutes ago he’d watched the Princess leave for her party with Azul and Kai, and she didn’t even speak a word to him!

When did that start?

In the past, Leon had always been the one accompanying her on things like this. Parties and diplomatic meetings and things in between. The choice was an easy one, he was the General. Respected and feared.

Now she chooses Azul and Kai? Kai that has no ounce of social etiquette in him? And Azul that has lived all his life isolated in the freezing North?

Leon couldn’t understand why she’d do something so stupid.

Meanwhile Ray watched Leon lose his mind, and all he wanted to do was return to his room and pull the blinds shut.

He knew working with Leon, even pretending to do so, would take a heavy toll on his mind. But this wasn’t at all what he expected.

Leon was going mad. Period.

Ray heard it, in the erratic beats of the Generals heart. It wasn’t a pattern of fear or anger, it was an emotion completely different and scary.

Obsession.

Ray couldn’t wrap his mind around it. Why was the General obsessed with Anna? All he’s wanted to do is kill her and be free. What is going on?

Ray had a bad feeling about everything.

True, he was shocked too when Anna revealed she’d be going to the party with Azul and Kai. But who would blame her? After what happened at the cliff, even Ray wanted to avoid Leon completely.

However the way Leon was reacting? Ray didn’t like it one bit.

"Maybe she has her reasons," he offered.

Leon glared at him and growled "those reasons are what you’re supposed to find out and tell me. Surely she’s said something to someone!" 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Ray bit the inner of his cheek.

At one point, he’d considered telling Leon that he could read minds. Right now, Ray was grateful he never did.

"I don’t know what the Princess is thinking," he lied through his teeth. "And I cannot ask her, we both know she will not tell me anything private. I have listened as I told you I would, and this is what I found out. If you don’t believe me, when she comes back you can ask her why she left you behind."

Leon’s mane flared, increasing in volume. "Left me behind?! She did not leave me behind! Even if she asked me I wouldn’t have accepted."

"Then I fail to see why it bothers you so much."

"Because—" Leon started to say then cut himself off. "Forget it." He snapped.

Ray took a step back. Leon was getting agitated, and an agitated Leon was a dangerous Leon.

Ray listened in, searching for his thoughts.

"I have other things to do. Do your damn job, Ray." Leon hissed before storming off.

Rays face turned pale as he watched Leon leave. "I need to warn her..." he muttered to himself.

The things he’d heard...fear chilled his blood and wrapped around his body.

He needed to tell Anna immediately. Before it was too late.

Ray believed an angry Leon was dangerous. But angry and with everything he was thinking about? Ray didn’t want to wait to find out.

****

It’s my first party! Oh my gosh I’m so worried! What if I spill something?! But I’m so excited! Ahhhhhh!

Anna’s face lit up with a bright smile the moment the car arrived at the venue.

It was a mansion, not as big as the palace of course but still impressive on its own.

The large lawn was well kept and full of life. A dozen and more cars scattered around, guests seen exiting them and laughing amongst themselves. The night air wrapped around Anna, but she barely felt it over the hum of excitement coursing through her veins.

She’d never been a fan of parties, or attended any in her past life. Thalias party looked like the kind an ultra famous actress would throw, exclusively by invitation, drinks that cost years of rent, and millions of dollars in decorations.

The royal car pulled up in front of the mansions front door. Whispers began to rise, and everyone knew the Princess had arrived.

The moment Anna stepped out of the car, the voices got even louder.

"It’s the Princess!"

Bright camera flashes flooded Anna from every angle. She was more shocked to learn that cameras still existed in this world than the fact that she was almost going blind. But she quickly adjusted to it, and before long she smiled and waved, the action as natural as breathing.

Kai and Azul remained at her sides, all the attention focused on her, barely reacting to the cameras.

"This is so crazy! I feel like a celebrity!" Anna whispered under her breath, vibrating with excitement.

"Alright listen to me. Thalia is a very suspicious woman, if you act like your stupid self she will know you’re not me." AI Orchid appeared in front of Anna and said.

"I’m not you, am I?" Anna said with a curated smile, blowing a kiss at the cameras.

"Urgh! Just shut up and listen. Do everything I tell you, alright!? First of, wipe that smile off your face. I don’t smile like that. And send the cameras away, I hate having my pictures taken."

"Two more minutes."

"Anna!"

"Okay fine! Sheesh!" Anna turned to Kai and whispered something to him. Within seconds, just one cold look from him, all the flashes died down, followed by the whispers. People still looked, of course they would, but they didn’t dare come near.

Anna turned to her husbands. Her smiles dimmed as she noticed Azul’s tensed features. "You look worried," she said to him.

"I’m not used to parties," he replied.

She glanced up at the front door, and the guards stationed there, then around them at the other guests still watching, before turning back to him. "Do you want to leave?"

He seemed like he was contemplating it. "No. You need me by your side tonight, and it’s my duty."

"You can go home, Azul." Kai spoke. "I can protect the Princess."

"I’m not going anywhere."

"Don’t be stubborn. It’s all over your face that you don’t want to be here."

"Watch it,"

"I could say same to you—"

"Okay, both of you stop." Anna stepped up between them. "Azul, I mean it. If you want to leave you can."

"I’m not leaving." He said firmly.

Anna turned to Kai. "Well?"

The shark beastman scoffed. "I’m just looking out for him, cutie."

"He doesn’t—"

"Your highness! You came!"

Anna whirled around, coming face to face with Thalia. The snake beastwoman looked gorgeous in a black dress with a flowing train, and eye catching diamonds all over her neck and arms. "Heyyy, happy birthday Thalia. You look exquisite."

"I do not speak like that!" AI Orchid yelled , horrified.

Anna ignored her as she pulled Thalia into a hug.

Thalia, shocked, didn’t know how to return the gesture. She pulled back and smiled. "Where’s the General?"

"He’s not here," Anna replied sweetly.

Thalias eyes narrowed. "Ah, I see." She turned to Azul and Kai, greeting them warmly. Anna noticed how her gaze lingered on Azul. A twinge of jealousy rose inside Anna.

"Ahem! I brought you some gifts," Anna cleared her throat loudly and gestured to the car where some servants stood in a straight line with boxes of gifts. "Happy birthday once again."

Thalia slowly tore her eyes away from Azul. "You shouldn’t have, your highness."

"I don’t give stupid gifts like that! Oh my goodness you’re going to ruin everything!" AI Orchid screeched.

Anna blissfully ignored her.

Suddenly, Thalia’s eyes lit up. "Aha! I almost forgot, your highness. I invited Lord Villis, he’s excited to see you again."

AI Orchid went rigid. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Anna didn’t it was possible for a hologram to look scared and shocked and nauseated at the same time.

"Fuck..." AI Orchid whispered.

"Villis huh?" Kai said with a dark chuckle. He turned to Anna and flashed her a sharp grin. "Shall we, cutie? It’s rude to keep your guests waiting. Especially a guest as important as Lord Villis."