The royal ball was in full swing as music filled the hall. Prince Sebastian bowed before Princess Arabella. "My lady, might I steal you for a dance?" Though her heart was pledged to Cedric, Arabella accepted with a gracious smile.
As they danced, Sebastian's charm and wit drew flattering laughter from Arabella. Nearby, Cedric frowned into his goblet, made sullen by jealousy.
Elsewhere, Seraphina encountered the dashing Prince Rafael, who paid her compliments aplenty. "A fair rose among the thorns," he said. Seraphina smiled, blinded to Rafael's true intentions.
From the shadows, Damian glowered at the merriment, his thirst for vengeance unquenched. Spying Seraphina alone, he swept in. "My lady, I have dire news — Prince Rafael means you harm! Come, I will protect you." Seraphina fled with Damian, little knowing the trap closing round her.
When Arabella rejoined Cedric, she found him broody. "Why so glum, my prince? You have nothing to fear from Sebastian." Cedric knew it was past time to cast off doubt, and claim Arabella's true affection alone.
The Royal Ball was in full swing at Castle Evangeline. Prince Cedric stood brooding as he watched Arabella dancing happily with Prince Sebastian. Seeing them laugh together stirred feelings of jealousy within him.
Across the ballroom, Seraphina had just been introduced to the handsome Prince Rafael. "A beauty such as yourself deserves only the finest of compliments," Rafael said smoothly. Flattered, Seraphina failed to notice the insincerity behind his smile.
From amid the shadows, Damian watched the celebrations with disdain. His thirst for revenge had yet to be quenched. Spying Seraphina alone with Rafael, he saw an opportunity. "My lady, be warned - that man means you harm! Come, lets away from here where it's safe." Seraphina, alarmed, swiftly departed with Damian without question.
As her dance with Sebastian ended, Arabella made her way back to Cedric. "You seem troubled, my prince. Have no fear - my heart remains true to you alone." Cedric knew he could no longer let doubt cloud his mind. It was time to claim Arabella's love with absolute certainty. But darker schemes were unfolding that even their affection could not foresee...