A soft reply floated back, filled with hope. "Maybe there wasn't, after all. The king's actions speak louder than any doubts."
The murmurs continued. It was a harmony of whispered voices expressing both surprise and admiration.
Elara marveled at the range of emotions in the room. It was a testament to the power of the king's good will.
A wave of relief washed over Elara, lifting the weight from her shoulders.
'Whew, at least the negative attention had shifted away from us.'
And it allowed her a brief rest from the watchful eyes and the weight of expectations.
Lady Victoria's voice dripped with disdain as she scoffed, "Don't get too excited, Elara. After this, the King will not even remember your name."
Aurora joined in, her tone condescending, "Indeed, dear sister. It was a fleeting moment, a mere courtesy. Don't delude yourself into thinking it meant anything to him."
Elara's jaw tightened, her resolve strengthening. With a calm yet assertive demeanor, she met their gazes head-on.
"I appreciate your concern. But the King's acknowledgment was a sign of respect," she replied.
"Whether it meant something deeper or not, it is not for you to decide."
With Elara's resolve firmly in place, she redirected her focus back to the figure of King Caspian.
As she turned her gaze towards the King, she found herself captivated by his presence once again.
His regal stature and commanding aura demanded attention. And it drew the eyes of all who stood before him.
As Elara's gaze lingered on him, a silly grin tugged at the corners of her lips.
She couldn't help but tease herself internally.
She whispered in a lighthearted tone, 'Oh, Elara, could it be? Do you have a little crush on the King?'
Just then, a sudden chill cut through the air. Lord Malachi, with his dark aura and piercing eyes, drew near.
His presence was suffocating.
In a possessive whisper that sent shivers down her spine, Lord Malachi leaned in close.
"Remember, Lady Elara, you are mine," he hissed. An evil smile curled his lips.
His words reminded Elara of what she needed to do.
She immediately shook her head and regained her determination.
'I am not here to be captivated by anyone. I must search for the way out now.'
—--------------------------
CASPIAN'S POV:
At the far end of the hall, the herald stood. He was dressed in elegant clothes adorned with detailed symbols of honor and lineage.
His voice, resonant and authoritative, boomed through the expanse of the chamber.
He lifted his voice to announce the first couple.
"Ladies and gentlemen, behold! The noble House of Gallantmere and the esteemed House of Fairhaven!"
His words reverberated through the hall. And the expectant gazes of the attendees turned towards the entrance.
"Look at them! They're positively glowing!" whispered one guest. Her eyes were filled with admiration.
"A perfect match, they are," agreed another. She nodded approvingly.
inte
The air filled with applause and cheers. The guests recognized the deep significance of this union.
The herald continued his role with unwavering confidence. He announced the next couple, his voice reaching every corner of the hall.
"Presenting the venerable House of Ravencliff and the House of Silverbrook. It is a union that binds ancient bloodlines and heralds a new era of prosperity and harmony!"
Once again, the room stirred with a swirl of movement. All eyes turned toward the newly arrived couple.
"They don't love each other," murmured Sir William. His voice was barely audible.
"It's all a charade, a means to an end."
The murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
Lord Robert chimed in, "A marriage for political gain, no doubt. Feelings play no part in this arrangement."
Caspian's gaze wandered again across the luxurious Grand Hall. It was filled with noble guests dressed in their finest attire.
He wanted to focus on the event. But his eyes were locked on Lady Elara.
A sense of longing swelled within him. And it made him draw in a deep breath.
But it was quickly dampened when he saw Lord Malachi eyeing him. He quickly averted his gaze.
He sighed as he watched the other guests instead.
Caspian discovered that Lord Malachi was among those who would be married. So Caspian promptly sought guidance from the council.
They advised him to proceed with the union.
They said it would prove the government's compassion toward repentant sinners.
Caspian agreed.
He was aware that Lord Malachi had been deprived of his powers. Marrying someone would pose no threat.
But, Caspian confessed under his breath. "I was unaware at the time that Lady Elara and Lady Sparkle were one and the same."
His broad shoulders sagged slightly, burdened by the weight of unanswered questions.
'Why was she marrying? Was it a union forged by love or merely a strategic alliance?'
'And why Lord Malachi?'
The questions nibbled at Caspian's mind. And it stirred a restlessness within him.
Just then the herald's voice rose above the murmur of his mind.
"Behold!" the herald exclaimed. His voice carried across the room.
"The union of Elara Blackthorn and Lord Malachi!"
A wave of astonishment rippled through the crowd. It was visible in their widened eyes and dropped jaws.
Whispers of surprise and speculation filled the air. They appeared like a chorus of fluttering birds.
Whispers floated through the grand hall. It was a chorus of voices similar to fluttering birds.
"I believe it's love," a young maiden giggled. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement.
"A forbidden romance, just like in the tales."
"Nah, she must have done something to be cast out of the Blackthorn," an elderly man countered.
His voice was filled with suspicion. "She was always too headstrong for her own good."
"But what if it's more than that?" a wise old woman mused. Her wrinkled brow furrowed.
"Lord Malachi, challenging the King himself? It would be the first time we've seen such audacity."
A hushed silence followed her words.