"His highness, crown prince Kazein, looked especially radiant today during the procession."
"Oh, my! Were you able to see him, lady Evaluna?"
"By mere chance, my dear."
"Oh! A little birdie told me his highness will be without a partner tonight."
"Good heavens! Whatever happened to Lady Florette?"
"Shhh…keep your voices low, ladies. Have you been living under a rock, viscountess Swain? The two are now history."
"Oh dear! I thought that was merely a malicious rumor intended to wound the woman's reputation."
"I didn't take it at face value at first, but after hearing of his highness' solo entrance-"
"Attention!" bellowed the guard accompanied by the fanfares' blare.
"Enter his highness, crown prince Kazein and his esteemed guest!" shouted the announcer.
The crowd grew somber as Nathan escorted me across the hall. They were staring in bewilderment while covertly whispering to one another from behind their fans. Meanwhile, the noblemen gawked in shock with their chins nearly touching their chests. Thankfully, I am wearing a mask, but still-Everyone is so well-dressed. Madam Dupree was right to insist on the adornments after all. I almost made an irreparable mistake.
"You have been rather scarce as of late, princess. If I did not know any better, I'd say you've been doing everything to avoid crossing paths with me ever since that night." Nathan mumbled loudly enough for me to hear.
"I'm not sure I understand what your highness is implying." I replied nervously as I averted those charming eyes of his that seem to hold the intent of swallowing me whole if I so much as stared at them for too long.
"Oh? Then please allow me to explain…" he playfully cleared his throat.
"Hiding from me, feigning sleep, bypassing our morning meal, and the list goes on. You wouldn't be regretting your decision now, would you, Princess?"
Before I could answer him, we'd already arrived in front of the monarchs, where we gracefully bowed our heads in reverence to offer our greetings. We then proceeded to the center of the ballroom as we assumed our dancing stances. Luckily, I had been an avid dancer since I was a child, so I took it as my mission to learn every waltz across the continent whilst aspiring to invent my own. Alkaraz' dance steps have always been my favorite for how simple and light they were. Paired with the right partner, it could make one feel as though one's effortlessly hovering off the floor.
"Impressive!" he exclaimed with a bright smile.
The entire room gasped in shock as they continued to chatter boisterously. It's as if they had just witnessed something so grand that even the angels in heaven came down to take a peek. Meanwhile, lady Florette and her mother were standing in a corner, seething in anger.
"What are you doing, your highness?"
Why is he suddenly changing the pattern of his steps?
"Merely drawing your attention back to me. Eyes only on me, love."
His face was only inches away from mine, which flustered me. I must say, the musicians are exceptionally skilled in choosing a melody that matches my momentum so perfectly. This dance is called 'The Swan's Sway'. A popular choreography invented by yours truly. Which involves a series of twirling, jumping and spinning midair then landing swiftly without making a single sound with one's feet. All the while, the partner follows you around, awaiting your signal to complete the finishing move, which could either be a lift or a dip. It all depends on the couple's level of intimacy. I doubt Nathan is familiar with this step since-Huh? W-what's he doing?
"You leave me speechless, princess."
The loud claps of the audience echoed in the air as they shouted joyfully, 'Encore!' 'Encore!'
"Are you planning on holding me up like this the entire night, your highness?"
"If that's what it takes to keep those hungry wolves at bay, then yes." He murmured while side glaring in the other direction where a group of noblemen were stealing glances at me.
"Please put me down, your highness."
The grin on his face instantly disappeared as he gently lowered me to the floor. I didn't realize that I'd stopped breathing until my feet stabilized. I let out a heavy sigh of relief while looking up to meet his gaze to inquire about what was next.
"I shall return briefly, princess." He said as he landed a peck on the back of my left hand.
Watching Nathan striding away from me truly takes me back to that day in Chilsela, which nearly filled me with grief. He won't leave me alone for the entire night, will he? As I neared the buffet of delicious spreads, I pondered if I've developed some sort of anxiety over the years. Or perhaps I've grown that attached to him during the short while that we've reunited. While my head was in the clouds, a group of young noblewomen approached the table.
++++++
She has been out of sorts ever since the crown prince's entrance with the strange guest. I suppose it's only natural, but was it necessary to put on such a ridiculous show? Now everyone is curious about that vixen, which is causing Florette's presence to be overshadowed. Perhaps I should take her somewhere private to calm her nerves. Nothing good will come of her making a scene here tonight.
"Flo-rette?"
Where did she go? Good heavens! She's heading towards the prince's guest. I must get to her before she…
"Hello, dear sister! It has been quite a while since we saw each other last."
Where did this fool suddenly come from?
"This isn't the time nor place to entertain your buffoonery, Dietrich. Move aside!" I grumbled as I pushed him out of the way.
"What was that, dear sister?" he slurred while staggering with a glassful of wine in his grasp.
Don't tell me he's already drunk. That idiot!
The sudden loud gasp of the guests prompted me to turn my gaze in Florette's direction as I ignored Dietrich and immediately rushed to her. A clamorous commotion came about as I veered around the crowd to get a better view of the events. The moment I saw her back, I knew my greatest fear had just come true. My daughter was having an emotional breakdown in full display, while the nobles merely stood by and did nothing to help her. I've never felt so betrayed in my entire life. How dare they snicker at my precious child?
"Florette Kartier! That is quite enough!" roared a familiar voice in the distance.
Everyone's gaze shifted towards the stairs as the man of the hour gallantly strode down. Women, young and old were gawking and blushing as they parted the crowd for him. This act further enraged Florette, who grabbed a glass of wine from the nearby table and flung it towards the woman's gown.
"What do you think you're doing?" he scorned as he firmly gripped her wrist.
"Your highness, who is she?"
"Who is this woman to claim that you belong to her?! Who is she?" she yelled angrily; her quavered voice echoed in the room.
A clamor suddenly arose as he released Florette's hand and turned around to face the woman. He held her face in his hands and drew a warm smile, which confused the spectators.
"Did you see that? His highness just smiled."
"My goodness, I've never seen him smile before."
"Could there be something between the two?"
"Lady Florette must be…"
Florette was staring at them in dismay, as the streams of tears continued to roll down her rosy cheeks. Her friends were attempting to convince her to leave, but she remained steadfast on seeing things through with the prince and the woman who dared to insult her in front of so many people.
"Did you really say that princess?"
"Goodness! Did you hear what he just called her?"
"Is she a princess?"
"Everyone here heard it!" yelled Florette.
Oh dear, I should step in before she embarrasses herself any further. It's one thing to ruin someone's gown, but if that girl really turns out to be a princess, then our problems will surely escalate.
"Forgive me, your highness. It seems I spoke out of turns. The woman just came up to me and inquired about my relationship with her fiancé in front of everyone. I could not resist the urge to tease."
"Who is that woman? She sounds quite lighthearted."
"Which kingdom do you reckon she hailed from?"
They were marveling at her all the while ignoring Florette, who was crouched on the floor, crying. As her mother, this broke my heart into a million pieces.
"Move aside everyone." I scorned menacingly.
The moment I made my presence known; the crowd lowered their gazes while clearing their throats as they made way for me to pass through. I gently grabbed my daughter's arm and hastily exited the scene. Thankfully, this commotion took place quite a few distances from his majesties. I don't believe they saw anything. Although I'm certain this will reach their ears before the end of the festivities.
+++++
"Enter, prince Jonathin Herbert Wells of Ipera!" bellowed the announcer.