Emilia and Alistair had arrived at The Whispering Phoenix. Lady Seraphine greeted them along with other guests, and then requested for the couple to perform a famous royal dance that many of the attendees had never seen before. Emilia was already prepared for this plea, so she happily accepted it.
As they took to the dance floor, Emilia and Alistair were immediately reminded of their recent practice session with Countess Evelyn. The woman's voice and instructions seemed to echo in their ears, almost as if she was watching over them. The dance was sensual and graceful, meant to captivate the audience and maintain their facade.
"This will be your first appearance in Velaris as a married couple, and there will be eyes on you both, especially from those who might not believe in your… union. Then, we must create an aura of unwavering affection. Every word, every touch, must seem sincere."
The opening remarks from Countess Evelyn strongly indicate the significance of gaining public trust and shaping the perceptions of those in attendance to align with the couple's intentions for the event.
The dance begins with Alistair gently taking Emilia's hand, pulling her close, and placing his other hand firmly on her lower back. Emilia's hand rests delicately on the man's shoulder, creating an intimacy that immediately suggests a deep connection.
"My lord, try to lean down and whisper something charming into your wife's ear, prompting her to giggle softly." Countess Evelyn instructs them to start with some light banter, when they slowly move along with the soft music.
Their gazes lock often, with Alistair's eyes lingering on Emilia's face as if captivated by her presence. "Everyone in this room can see how stunning you are, but none of them know you the way I do."
Emilia giggles softly, just like the Countess taught her, "Are you trying to make me blush? Because it's working."
Countess Evelyn's eyes narrow thoughtfully while she assesses the couple. "Good. Now, my lord, hold her closer and guide your wife in a slow twirl, pulling her back smoothly into your chest."
The Countess focuses still on Alistair, then she emphasizes, "Smile like she's said something that delights you, my lord. Let your wife feel your warmth." The woman commented, "Also make small gestures like brushing her cheek to convey affection subtly."
During the dance, Countess Evelyn kept instructing Emilia to giggle at moments, as if Alistair had whispered something sweet. The man is to smile fondly, occasionally glancing around the room with a proud, possessive look, showing that he cherishes his wife above all else. A small kiss on Emilia's forehead is added to ensure it.
"It's not just your beauty, Emilia. It's the way you carry yourself, your strength. You're not like other women." Alistair brought his lips close to the girl's ear, whispering the thing that draws him to her.
The Countess nods approvingly. "My lady, how would you respond if you were truly smitten with your husband's compliments?"
Emilia gazes up at Alistair with soft, adoring eyes, saying in a voice loud enough for people around to hear, "I feel the safest when I'm in your arms. Do you know that?"
This time, Countess Evelyn's tone is more serious, "My lady, let your hand linger on your husband's chest, like you're feeling his heartbeat. This will make everyone believe you're completely captivated by him."
Anticipating Countess Evelyn's response, Alistair tries to take the initiative first. "Do you recall our last dance in the gardens?" Without missing a beat, the man grins mischievously and says in a low voice, "How I told you I couldn't wait to have you all to myself?"
Emilia blushing slightly, she leans into his chest and answers. "I remember. I could barely focus on the steps because all I could think about was what you said next."
Countess Evelyn claps her hands, satisfied. "Perfect. Don't forget to giggle softly, my lady. You're supposed to be the besotted wife, after all."
Hearing the Countess' voice, Emilia adds a bit of humor into her words, while their bodies are still moving rhythmically. "You're making everyone jealous with the way you look at me." She smiled at Alistair beautifully.
As the three of them expected, this dance would not only create a powerful illusion of Crown Prince and Crown Princess' intimacy but also spark gossip about their renewed closeness. After this, they'll be seen as a strong, united couple, making it difficult for the suspicious lady in town to question their bond. It also allows Emilia to observe the guests while playing her part in this delicate game of deception.
When the dance nears its end, Countess Evelyn puts one final twist, aiming to deepen the emotional connection. "One more thing, I want to see a hint of possessiveness. Show me that you're not just acting, but that you care deeply for each other."
The Countess shifts to Alistair and lets the man listen to her words intently, "My lord, what if you saw your wife speaking to another man, a man you suspect might have feelings for her? How would you feel? Now, let's incorporate that into the dance."
Alistair starts to imagine the scenario, as if it happens before his eyes. Unconsciously, his body reacts instantly, even before his mind could think of what to say. In a more protective tone, Alistair hugged Emilia tighter and murmured.
"I can't stand the thought of anyone else looking at you the way I do. If anyone tries to come between us, they'll regret it."
Emilia is aware that Alistair's sudden declaration was most likely prompted by pressure from the Countess. Yet, as he immersed himself in his role, Emilia found herself blurring the lines between their performance and reality.
Each touch and whisper from Alistair left a lasting impression on her, blending with the drama they are portraying and creating. It wasn't just the onlookers at the party who believed in their act as a passionate Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Even Emilia found herself getting caught up in the emotional complexity of her growing feelings for Alistair, despite the deception involved.
With no reaction from her, Alistair begins to signal with his gentle touches for Emilia to reciprocate, which makes the girl immediately return to her role. "Don't worry, my love. No one else could ever compare to you."
Emilia, playing into the jealousy angle, smirks up at Alistair, saying in a playful but reassuring tone. Alistair spun Emilia out and pulled her back into his arms, making the girl's back against his chest. They sway for a few moments, allowing the man to dip Emilia gently, Alistair's lips brushing her temple before pulling her upright.
Countess Evelyn gives a satisfied nod, pleased with the tension and affection that has formed between them during the dance. When the music comes to an end, the Countess suggests to seal the moment with a final gesture. Emilia and Alistair exchange glances, share warm smiles, and gently touch to close out the performance.
"My lord, lean in like you're about to kiss your wife, but stop just short. Let the others see how much you want, but don't give it away too easily. Leave them wanting more."
In their position, gazing at each other lovingly, Alistair tilts Emilia's chin and whispers, "I'll save the rest for later tonight. But you'd better be ready."
Emilia's face flushes as she leans into him, replying softly, "I'll be waiting."
The guests all smile broadly, indicating their satisfaction with the couple's performance. Not only did they portray a believable romance, but they also managed to convince others of their love, reducing any doubts or suspicions that may have been present.
***
"I think I almost fell for them," said Lady Seraphine after she withdrew from the bustling event on the ground floor, then made her way up to the office where Isabella and the mysterious figure were waiting for her.
Her eyes turned to Isabella, who appeared visibly shocked sitting in front of her. "Are you positive they're just pretending?" Lady Seraphine making sure. "Because their acting seems so sincere."
This time, Isabella didn't have much to say. Her eyes were filled with doubt, and her head was busy trying to find any clues that would confirm the couple's relationship was a sham.
Lady Seraphine could read the hesitation in the girl's expression, then she pushed the small glass bottle towards Isabella on the table. "Are you sure you don't need this?"
Isabella stared at the bottle for a moment, but didn't react until her hoarse voice was heard. "Why did you call me here?"
Noticing Isabella's reluctance to take the bottle, which contained a potion to prevent pregnancy for Emilia, The woman spoke with a more serious tone this time. "I want to remind you not to ruin our plan to dethrone the Queen."
Isabella's eyes widened and her throat felt dry, the girl's voice trembling. "Isn't our target supposed to be the Crown Prince and Crown Princess?"
Lady Seraphine let out a sigh and nodded her head. "Yes, they are our initial targets. However, our real target is the Queen."
"Are you suggesting that I commit treason against the Queen?" Isabella's hands began to shake, unable to imagine committing such a heinous crime. Even discussing or planning something negative about the royal family was already a great act of betrayal.
Lady Seraphine shakes her head, "Not yet. Actually, you may not need to do anything because the ones who will betray the Queen are the couple themselves."
Isabella is confused, it seems like there is information that she is not informed of. "Please explain further, Lady."
A broad smile appears on Lady Seraphine's face and the woman folds her hands in front of her chest. "There is news from the Palace that the Queen made a promise at court today, if the relationship between the Crown Prince and Crown Princess does not improve after their 'honeymoon' trip, she will voluntarily step down from her position."
Lady Seraphine leaned in to reassure Isabella once again, her voice louder and clearer. "Now, the final decision rests with you. Do you have faith that the couple will return to the capital as victors or failures? After all, you are the one who sees them almost every day."
Isabella also leaned forward, her voice filled with curiosity while her eyes stared directly at Lady Seraphine. "What would happen if the Queen was dethroned?"
Lady Seraphine's answer was resolute. "It means the Queen will be banished from the palace. If that were to happen, it would be difficult for her to ever return."
Lady Seraphine straightened her posture and continued, imagining the scenario if it were to come true. "After that, another of the king's concubines will be chosen to be the next Queen, and it will be difficult for Crown Prince Alistair to maintain his position."
Isabella, who was still looking a bit disheveled, suddenly spoke in a soft voice. "For the Queen to make such a promise in front of so many people, she must really trust this couple."
Lady Seraphine agreed with Isabella's argument, just like understanding why the Queen had done such a thing. "Before being a queen, she was first a mother. What kind of mother would willingly see her child belittled and looked down upon by others?"
The woman then sank back into her chair and explained. "Given that the Crown Prince has held his title and position since birth, it would be a surprise for him to suddenly learn that he will not rule this kingdom and cannot reside in the capital city."
Lady Seraphine took a deep sigh and said one last thing. "But that is what a mother would do, sacrifice herself to secure her child's future."
Nearby, the child they were talking about, overhears the conversation clearly from outside the room. Emilia glances at Alistair, but his face remains calm without showing any emotion. The weight on their shoulders has just increased, the stakes are not only about their relationship but also the Queen's title.
"What do we do now?" Emilia asked, confused about how to deal with this situation.
Alistair turns and begins walking down the brightly lit hallway, flanked by closed doors on either side. "Go home," he replies simply.
They didn't even have a chance to say goodbye to anyone there, because Alistair headed straight to the main door and entered the carriage. During the journey, not a single sound was heard between the couple, indicating that both of them were lost in their own thoughts. In reality, Alistair held more responsibility and control than Emilia, so he was the one who had to decide which direction Emilia should follow.
***