As Arissa recognized Evie striding toward her, a wave of anxiety washed over her. She quickly excused herself, intending to slip away to the restroom. Just then, Evie's voice echoed through the crowd.
"Arissa! Nice to see you again! I didn't know you'd come!" Evie called, a smug smile plastered on her face.
Arissa hesitated but knew she couldn't ignore Evie without appearing rude. She turned back, returning to her seat, where Evie plopped down beside her, her golden eyes glinting with mischief.
"If you guys didn't know, this is my lovely step-sister, Arissa," Evie announced, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Arissa forced a smile, playing along to avoid further family drama. "Mhm, I'm sure you picked a great one, Michael," she replied, trying to keep the atmosphere light.
The conversation shifted to hobbies and their feelings about the day. Arissa smiled through it all, knowing Evie's ulterior motives were never far from the surface.
As the wedding commenced, the four of them settled into their seats before the grand wedding stage. The men took the front rows while the women sat behind, as was customary. Just as the announcements began, Evie leaned in with a wicked grin.
"Wait until Dad hears about this," she whispered, her voice low and conspiratorial.
"Go ahead, be a b!tch like you always are," Arissa shot back, her tone just as quiet.
"You'll regret what you said—"
Before Evie could finish, the announcer's booming voice cut through the air. "WELCOME HIS MAJESTY AND FUTURE QUEEN KAITLYN!" His magical projection reverberated throughout the hall as King Isaac and his bride made their entrance.
The future queen was breathtaking, her beauty eliciting gasps and cheers from the crowd. As they walked down the aisle, Arissa felt an unsettling sensation—someone was watching her. She turned her gaze and met the icy blue eyes of King Isaac, a chill running down her spine. Their eyes locked for a moment before he turned away to continue the ceremony.
When the crown was placed on Kaitlyn's head, officially naming her Queen Consort, the hall erupted in celebration. Nobles began to partner up for ballroom dancing, but Arissa remained seated, overwhelmed by the throngs of eager suitors asking for her hand. Panic set in as more and more approached her.
Just then, she spotted Karson across the room. Relief flooded through her as she squeezed through the crowd, rushing to him. "Please dance with me this instant!" she implored, pulling him into the dance.
"Is everything alright? You seem pale," Karson asked, concern etched on his face as they began to move together.
"Yes! Thank you for agreeing. I was getting swarmed and panicked! Sorry," she replied, catching her breath.
"Let's stop dancing; I don't feel well," she admitted, her heart still racing.
"Alright, I have some matters to attend to. I'll find you when I'm free," he said, stepping away to mingle with other nobles.
Arissa sank into a nearby chair, grateful for a moment of respite. Suddenly, she noticed the King approaching her. Panic gripped her as she stood, instinctively performing a curtsey.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady despite her racing heart.
"What is your name and age, child?" he inquired, his gaze piercing.
Arissa swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his attention. "My name is Arissa Greenwich, and I am 14 years old, turning 15 this summer," she replied, her voice trembling slightly.
The King paused, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "Fourteen…" he murmured, lost in thought.
"Pardon?" Arissa asked, confused.
"Who is your mother?" he pressed.
"Rosie Greenwich, Your Majesty," she answered, sensing the tension in the air.
"Oh, my mistake, my lady. See you later," the King said, dismissing her with a nod.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," she managed to say, curtseying once more as he disappeared into the crowd.
"What was that about?" Arissa wondered, her mind racing. "Today is too much, I swear," she muttered to herself, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions.