The tedious exchange of pleasantries and expressing gratitude for the birthday blessings and gifts had Rosalia sighing inwardly with exhaustion, yet her calm face didn't betray any emotion.
Even after years of experience, dealing and conversing with nobles still remained an exhausting endeavor for her.
The nobles adorned themselves in attire as resplendent as the setting itself. Figures draped with jewels and ornaments, catching the light with every movement, the air was alive with the murmur of polite conversation and the soft rustle of fine fabrics, and the melodious strains of the orchestra resonated enchantingly in the hall.
Yet, amidst the symphonic beauty, the eyes of the nobles keenly darted like hawks, ever vigilant for morsels of gossip and intrigue to sate their insatiable appetite for social intrigue.
Concealed behind delicate fans, obscuring half the painted visages of noblewomen, polite laughter concealed whispered exchanges and knowing glances, each guest eager to uncover the latest tidbits of scandal and courtly drama.
No matter how many times Rosalia attended such fancy banquets, she could never get used to this jewel studded gilded cage.
Having exchanged pleasantries with the most influential nobles, Rosalia now stood beside Luverian as he engaged in a hushed conversation with his two personal knights, Laura and Kyle.
Sipping her fruit juice, Rosalia glanced at the huge golden clock, longing for the banquet to conclude, yet time seemed to crawl at a sloth pace.
Her wandering gaze fell upon her father, Duke La Rogue, who stood tall, exuding his customary aura of arrogant dominance. Despite the nobles around casting glances in his direction, eager to engage him in flattering conversation, none dared to approach him directly.
Her father dearest, standing tall and powerful as ever, as expected, didn't deem it necessary to come over and wish her a simple 'happy birthday', despite their week-long separation due to her stay in the Royal Palace for the preparation of the birthday banquet.
Thousand year old glaciers would melt, but never the Duke who happened to be her father.
From the corner of her eye, Rosalia caught the sight of the Empress, confidently approaching her father with a regal gait, her presence commanding attention.
The Emperor, after giving her his blessings, had already retired to his palace due to his recurring health issues. Rosalia was touched by his kindness that despite rarely making an appearance in banquets, he was present today to bless her.
The Emperor, Esvador Lorainne Von Evigheden, bore the wear of his mid 60s with a frailty exacerbated by his declining health. In contrast, the current Empress, his third and only living wife, was a 24-year-old, second child of the Verdant County.
Rosalia swirled her wine, her gaze discreetly fixed on her father and the Empress, and she couldn't help but be struck once again by the captivating presence of the Empress, finding herself in awe of her grace and charisma.
Theresa Von Evigheden, the current Empress, had entered into marriage with the Emperor at the tender age of 20, and assumed a significant portion of the responsibilities typically shouldered by the Emperor, given his ailing health.
Despite the outward show of respect from the nobles, they didn't restrain themselves from indulging in cruel gossips, labeling her with derogatory names and accusing her of marrying solely for wealth and power, to someone old enough to be her grandfather.
Yet, to Rosalia, the Empress remained a figure deserving of respect, a woman of dignity and grace amidst the venomous whispers of the court.
With her voluminous wavy moss green hair cascading around her, complemented by bold red lipstick and red eye shadows that accentuated her confident black eyes, the Empress exuded an aura of undeniable charisma. Always adorned in regally dark, voluminous dresses, she commanded attention and respect wherever she went, and wielded power generously.
Now, she stood beside Duke La Rogue, conversing with confidence and power without a sign of intimidation against the man who was 13 years her elder.
Even for Rosalia, whose only time together with her father was dinning together back in the Capital estate, she felt like walking on eggshells around her imposing father. Her dining etiquette she perfected ages ago always nearly failing her as she struggled to hold herself confidently around her father.
Despite rare interaction of brief greeting with the Empress, Rosalia held great respect for her, as even though her stern father didn't openly show it, Rosalia, as his daughter, could see that he genuinely respected the Empress.
Rosalia looked down at the fruit juice on her hand, and a flashback of strong red wine flooded her mind, nearly causing her to wince outwardly.
As she swirled the glass in an attempt to forget about the wine she would never make the mistake of touching again, the double doors to the banquet hall swung open, and the herald announced the arrival of a distinguished guest.
"His Imperial Highness, Carussius Leucos Von Evigheden!"
Rosalia brought her glass to her lips. She was sure no one would be entering the banquet hall now and this late, and more so an Imperial memb—
'Wait...who?'
Rosalia set her glass down with deliberate care, slowly turning her gaze towards the double doors from where the unexpected guest had entered. Despite her practiced poise, her eyes widened ever so slightly, betraying a hint of surprise.
With confident strides and his regal red velvet cape billowing behind him with each step, a young man entered the hall, emanating an undeniable aura of royalty. As he stepped into the hall, the bustling chatter of the banquet fell silent, and even the orchestra's melody softened to a mere whisper. Every eye in the room seemed to be fixed on him, and a palpable tension and astonishment filled the air as the boy made his unexpected entrance.
Even the Empress and Duke La Rouge ceased their conversation, their expressions betraying their surprise at the unexpected arrival.
The Crown Prince and his knights observed the newcomer with a keen silence, their eyes assessing him with a mix of curiosity and vigilance.
The striking prince with black hair and crimson eyes wore a confident smile as he strode purposefully towards Rosalia, who stood beside Luverian. His regal attire of black had intricate silver embroidery while his stark red cape matching his eyes fluttered gracefully with each step. A ruby-studded black tassel adorned one ear, and a black choker with tiny embellished rubies peeked from beneath his collar.
His stride came to a graceful halt before Rosalia, and a dazzling smile spread across his face as his eyes narrowed charmingly. With elegant poise, he extended his hand to kiss hers, and Rosalia accepted the gesture with practiced normalcy, even as warning signs flashed through her mind.
Rosalia keenly felt the weight of all eyes upon them, the intensity of their gazes burning into her skin. From the corner of her periphery, she sensed Luverian silently assessing the unfolding situation with calm eyes.
With a respectful kiss on the back of her hand, Carussius spoke with a lovely smile, loud and clear, "May the blessings of Stellaris shine upon you, my Rose Lady. Happiest of birthdays, Lia."
Gasps echoed simultaneously from the lips of the assembled nobles at the prince's words. And not only the onlookers; even Rosalia herself gasped internally, utterly stupefied by the unexpected turn of events, and more so by the prince's words.
Why the hell was the second prince, known as the Royal Rat, whom she had only met once before, here? Why was he calling her by a nickname in front of everyone? And why the hell was he acting like he was close with her!?
As Rosalia froze, her slightly shaking coral eyes met the crimson ones nearly hidden by black fringes. Her breath stilled as an amused smile tugged at the lips hovering near the skin of her hand and the crimson eyes glowed with mischief.