"Oh..." Alexandra faltered, unsure of what to say next. She didn't want to pry into Silverstein's personal life, yet she couldn't help but wonder why he was sharing such details with her. Not that she minded—company was something she cherished, and she found comfort in his presence, even in this unusual situation.
"I noticed you didn't use my title," Silverstein remarked, his golden eyes glinting with amusement as he studied her small form on the bench. She looked adorable, he thought. Her hair, piled into a loose, messy bun, framed her face in a way that made him want to reach out and gently brush her cheek. He blinked, shaking off the thought, feeling a sudden awkwardness he hadn't expected.
Alexandra blinked back at him, not realizing her mistake until he pointed it out. Failing to use a royal's title was considered a serious offense—treasonous, even. In a panic, she jumped to her feet and bowed deeply. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness! Please forgive my oversight!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly.
Silverstein, startled by her sudden reaction, blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter. "You should sit down," he chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "I don't care much for titles, anyway. Honestly, I don't even like them. You can just call me by my name." He motioned for her to take her seat again.
Alexandra hesitated, then sat, though still visibly uneasy. "I would never dare to call you by your name, Your Highness. That would be treason." She said this so earnestly that it made Silverstein laugh even harder.
"You... you're like a little mouse!" he said, his laughter dying into soft chuckles. "Do you know how adorable you are right now?" He sighed, leaning back with a bemused smile. "You should get some rest. Tomorrow will be a big day for you."
Alexandra stood once more, bowing respectfully. "Goodnight, Your Highness," she said softly before retreating toward the door.
As she left, Silverstein smirked, watching her go. "It seems I've already found a wife," he muttered to himself with a quiet chuckle. He reached for another cigarette from his robe pocket but paused, remembering Alexandra's words from earlier: *"Smoking isn't good. It kills humans."* He sighed, tucking the cigarette away. Perhaps some habits were worth reconsidering. Tomorrow was indeed going to be an important day.
---
**The next morning**
The Castle of Caestria was alive with bustling activity. Maids and servants scurried about, making the final preparations for the grand carnival. It was a celebration like no other, held in the sprawling fields of the Midlands, where the kingdom's finest would gather.
The King and Queen were already seated on ornate thrones in the central area of the carnival grounds, overseeing the arrangements. Around them, workers set up countless tents for those who wished to stay overnight, as the festivities would stretch long into the night. A large crimson canopy stood at the heart of the field, beneath which royal thrones were placed for the family, alongside high-backed armchairs for the Dukes, Duchesses, and their children. Lanterns and torches were carefully placed on tall poles, casting a warm, golden glow over the grounds. The scent of roasted meats, spiced wines, and sugary pastries filled the air as chefs busied themselves preparing an endless array of delicacies.
As evening approached, everything was ready. The carnival would soon begin.
---
Alexandra sat in her room, her fingers fidgeting nervously in her lap. The anxiety from the past few days had lessened slightly, but the knot in her stomach remained. She had already prepared her sword and Daghla with her mother's help. Her long hair was tied neatly in a ponytail, and she had opted to skip any makeup, preferring to face the day as simply herself.
"Don't be nervous, sweetie," Brione, her mother, whispered softly beside her, pressing a gentle kiss to her daughter's forehead. "Everything is going to be alright. You'll see."
Alexandra smiled, hugging her mother tightly. "Thank you, Mama." She paused for a moment, then added, "I spoke to the prince last night."
Brione's eyes widened slightly with curiosity. "Did you, now? And what was he like?"
Alexandra's lips quirked into a small smile. "He's... different. Kind. I thought he would be more intimidating, but he's quite easy to talk to."
Brione smiled, stroking a stray lock of her daughter's hair. "I'm glad. That bodes well for today."
Before Alexandra could say more, a knock came at the door. The butler, Clinton, stepped inside with two maids in tow, bowing respectfully. "It is time to depart, My Ladies," he said.
As Alexandra rose from the bed, she reached for the box containing her sword, but one of the maids quickly stepped forward to assist her. "Thank you," she said softly, grateful for their help.
With everything gathered, Alexandra and her mother made their way down to the grand hall, where the other noble daughters and their mothers had already gathered. There was a quiet energy in the air, a mixture of excitement and nerves. Each daughter clung to her mother, finding strength in their presence for what was to come.
The four Duchesses, along with their daughters, entered separate royal carriages, which would take them to the carnival grounds. Upon arrival, the air was already filled with music and the joyful laughter of villagers dancing outside the canopy. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of life, the carnival in full swing as they disembarked from the carriages.
Under the crimson canopy, the royals were already seated. King Dominic, Queen Selina, and Prince Silverstein sat regally on their thrones. The Dukes had taken their places as well. After the obligatory bows and curtsies, Alexandra's eyes flickered to Silverstein, but he wasn't looking at her—his attention was focused on greeting the arriving nobles. He looked striking in his royal purple robe, his hair swept back neatly, though a few rebellious strands fell across his forehead. His eyes, always so captivating, seemed to glimmer with some hidden mischief.
She couldn't tear her gaze away. As she and her mother moved to their seats, their eyes met for the briefest moment, and a small, knowing smile played at Silverstein's lips before he turned his attention back to his duties.
Once seated, Alexandra let her eyes wander, scanning the canopy for familiar faces. She soon spotted her best friend Cleo waving from across the way, and Alexandra returned her smile warmly. Nearby, Austin McCartney, Kiara's brother, sat with his father, but her eyes didn't linger on him.
The King stood and began his opening address, his voice carrying across the grounds. Alexandra listened, though her mind was already racing ahead to the next part of the day—the bride selection.
As the King concluded, the host stepped forward to explain the rules for the bride-picking ceremony. The real festivities had begun, and the air buzzed with anticipation.