The next day evening, everything is ready. The hall, the feast, the gifts... Everything needed for Cyril's birthday banquet.
Eline was standing by Cyril's side, helping him change his clothes. They finished changing and began walking to the banquet hall.
"Are you nervous, brother?" she asked curiously.
"A bit. I have to be strong and confident and show everyone that I am worthy of the title of duke," stated Cyril.
"But I think father is right and you are ready."
"Thanks for cheering me up, Eline," he said smiling.
"Anytime. Now let's hurry!" she exclaimed excitedly, pulling him along.
As he reached the entrance of the hall, everyone stopped and turned their heads to face him.
"Happy birthday, my son," said the duke as soon as he saw him.
"Thank you, Father," replied Cyril.
"Let's celebrate the day. You're going to enter the Palace tomorrow anyway... So let's enjoy this moment when you're still at home, okay?" The Duke whispered to Cyril.
"Yes, Father," Cyril said smiling.
"Now, let's eat!" announced the Duke.
Everyone started moving towards the tables where food was placed. In addition to the usual foods, a lot of foods with different tastes were placed on the plates.
Some people started talking to each other while eating and some just stayed silent. There was too much noise in the huge hall.
"Here comes a new guest!" said one of the maids.
All heads turned in her direction and a group of people entered the hall. There comes the princess of the Empire and her followers.
Princess Amandine is wearing a light-colored dress that matches Cyril's outfit well. Her hair has been braided into pigtails, which makes her appear even more beautiful and elegant.
Her face is also elegant. She wears a golden tiara and golden earrings. Next to her walks two men, her bodyguards.
Everyone is smiling and their eyes seem full of admiration for Princess Amandine.
She walks closer to the center of the table and stops in front of him. She greets everyone warmly but she keeps looking towards Cyril who seems to stare back at her intensely with a big smile plastered across his face.
They hadn't seen each other for like 2 or 3 months since Cyril's training had started. It seems like they missed each other.
Duke Ruben quickly runs to the princess and welcomes her.
"Thank you for attending this banquet "
Cyril also joined his father to welcome the princess. After exchanging formal greetings, Cyril and Princess sat next to each other.
All the guests began to fill up the table, and a huge number of servants served everybody a plate of food. After everyone starts eating, they start to talk about different topics.
"I heard that you're going to get married?" asked the Duke to Princess Amandine as soon as he came near to her.
Princess Amandine nodded her head shyly in response.
"Who's your future husband?" Cyril asked excitedly. His heart is beating fast in anticipation and excitement.
The entire banquet went silent as everyone's eyes were now focused on the princess and Cyril's father.
When Princess Amandine heard the question, she blushed a little. Then she answers shyly:
"I haven't chosen one yet..."
The room burst into a loud cheer. Even though the guests knew that Cyril and Princess Amandine had a thing for each other, most of them thought that they were simply friends and nothing else.
Most people started gossiping about how they would look good together. Others also thought that they had been together already.
Even though most women wanted to be in love with an amazing man like Cyril, many of them still admired the princess.
They thought that she was the prettiest person in the world and that she deserved to be loved forever, not by just one man.
Cyril couldn't hold it anymore; he started laughing it off. He felt very comfortable, happy, and relieved after knowing that Amandine hadn't chosen her husband.
Princess Amandine is a lot older than Cyril. He always wondered why she didn't choose anyone. Why hasn't she chosen anyone to be her partner? He thought that he might be one of the best candidates if he was the same age as hers.
And now he finally realized the truth. It was because he wasn't old enough to be chosen until today. Amandine's affection toward Cyril is obvious.
After the feast, the Orchestra started playing a soft tune. Some couples started dancing. The Duchesses Lady Britt started dancing elegantly with her husband and some were watching them closely from the sidelines. Only a few couples were dancing together.
Then Cyril gently approached the princess to ask for a dance.
"Could you dance with me, please," demanded Cyril, holding his hand out for Princess Amadine.
Her cheeks reddened, but then she smiled softly and took his hand. Cyril held her hands tightly, leading her gracefully around the dance floor.
His eyes never left her sweet features as they moved slowly together. He suddenly became lost in her deep brown eyes and the way she looked at him. The smile on her face was genuine and happy, making her look younger. He could sense that she really liked him. It felt nice when she smiled at him like this.
He doesn't know how long they stood there dancing around in the middle of the room when they eventually started to slow down. They continued looking at each other lovingly in silence.
Eventually, she leaned closer and rested her forehead on his shoulder. She whispered something and kissed him gently on the cheek before pulling away from him. The music ended, and a hush fell over the room. This moment feels like eternality to him.
To be continued...