Celeste noticed the other maids bowing behind the candidates. Confused, she quickly bowed as well. From where she stood, she couldn't even see the royal king's face.
Malum was not in the mood for formalities. He rose from his throne and stepped down. Everyone in the hall froze in confusion before quickly standing and bowing in respect. Only Queen Ravenna remained seated, her brows tightening as she watched her son.
Ophelia and Alina tensed when they saw Malum walking toward their side.
Alina's heart fluttered with confidence. Of course he's coming for me, she thought.
"Celeste, I think the king is coming to my direction," Ophelia whispered excitedly.
But Malum stopped between Ophelia and Alina, then stepped past both of them. His eyes were fixed on the small figure bowing behind Ophelia.
Celeste.
She looked fragile, nervous… scared.
Before anyone could understand what was happening, Malum moved directly in front of her and gently lifted her chin with his finger.
Celeste's eyes flew wide when she saw the face staring back at her.
"Ma…Malum?" she stammered.
What is he doing here? No, wait. Realization hit her like lightning.
Malum is the royal king… the feared son of the devil everyone whispered about.
She quickly dropped her head back down.
"Your royal highness," she whispered, her voice shaking.
The entire hall turned toward them in shock. Even Ophelia stared, stunned, as Celeste, called the king by his name. How did she know him?
"Look up," Malum commanded coldly.
Celeste forced her head up, cheeks burning red, unable to meet his eyes.
Malum smiled softly. She looked too adorable.
"Wha…what are you doing, your royal highness?" she stuttered.
"What am I doing?" He leaned slightly closer. "Of course, I'm talking to my future queen."
The hall exploded in gasps.
Queen Ravenna shot to her feet, fury blazing across her face.
Celeste went completely speechless.
From discovering Malum was the royal king…
To calling him by his name in front of everyone…
To hearing him call her his future queen.
This had to be a nightmare.
"That's impossible!" Ophelia screamed, pointing at Celeste. "Your highness, she's only a slave! You chose me as your future queen!"
"And who are you?" Malum asked, without sparing her a glance.
"Your highness, look at me!" Ophelia shouted, already trembling with rage. "I'm the fairy princess! I'm your future queen!!"
"Guards," Malum said, voice like ice. "Take this mad fairy out of here."